The Spirit of God is the Spirit of love. He that does not love the image of God in his people, has no saving knowledge of God. For it is God's nature to be kind, and to give happiness. The law of God is love; and all would have been perfectly happy, had all obeyed it. The provision of the gospel, for the forgiveness of sin, and the salvation of sinners, consistently with God's glory and justice, shows that God is love. Mystery and darkness rest upon many things yet. God has so shown himself to be love, that we cannot come short of eternal happiness, unless through unbelief and impenitence, although strict justice would condemn us to hopeless misery, because we break our Creator's laws. None of our words or thoughts can do justice to the free, astonishing love of a holy God towards sinners, who could not profit or harm him, whom he might justly crush in a moment, and whose deserving of his vengeance was shown in the method by which they were saved, though he could by his almighty Word have created other worlds, with more perfect beings, if he had seen fit. Search we the whole universe for love in its most glorious displays? It is to be found in the person and the cross of Christ. Does love exist between God and sinners? Here was the origin, not that we loved God, but that he freely loved us. His love could not be designed to be fruitless upon us, and when its proper end and issue are gained and produced, it may be said to be perfected. So faith is perfected by its works. Thus it will appear that God dwells in us by his new-creating Spirit. A loving Christian is a perfect Christian; set him to any good duty, and he is perfect to it, he is expert at it. Love oils the wheels of his affections, and sets him on that which is helpful to his brethren. A man that goes about a business with ill will, always does it badly. That God dwells in us and we in him, were words too high for mortals to use, had not God put them before us. But how may it be known whether the testimony to this does proceed from the Holy Ghost? Those who are truly persuaded that they are the sons of God, cannot but call him Abba, Father. From love to him, they hate sin, and whatever disagrees with his will, and they have a sound and hearty desire to do his will. Such testimony is the testimony of the Holy Ghost.
Commentary on 1 John 4:14-21
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
A Message of Love - The Joy of Jesus
Convocation: Love is the power that we must focus our energies around today. There is a lack or absence of love in society. Business and economics are in such a disarray that love is being replaced by greed. People continue to suffer. War is killing young-people without a true reason. The Joy of Jesus wants to make clear the truth. Love is the power we need today. God is love. He gave us Jesus to die in the cross for the sins of the world. The power of God raised Him from the grave with all glory. Jesus will return to set all things right. This is our faith. That we will live forever in perfect peace and love. We have joy in this act of supreme love. In Jesus name. Give to The Joy of Jesus for a real blessing..
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak in the tongues of men and angels,
but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a tinkling symbol.
And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing.
And if I dole out all my goods, and
if I deliver my body that I may boast
but have not love, nothing I am profited.
Love is long suffering,
love is kind,
it is not jealous,
love does not boast,
it is not inflated.
It is not discourteous,
it is not selfish,
it is not irritable,
it does not enumerate the evil.
It does not rejoice over the wrong, but rejoices in the truth
It covers all things,
it has faith for all things,
it hopes in all things,
it endures in all things.
Love never falls in ruins;
but whether prophecies, they will be abolished; or
tongues, they will cease; or
knowledge, it will be superseded.
For we know in part and we prophecy in part.
But when the perfect comes, the imperfect will be superseded.
When I was an infant,
I spoke as an infant,
I reckoned as an infant;
when I became [an adult],
I abolished the things of the infant.
For now we see through a mirror in an enigma, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know as also I was fully known.
But now remains
faith, hope, love,
these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
Submitted by
The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak in the tongues of men and angels,
but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a tinkling symbol.
And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing.
And if I dole out all my goods, and
if I deliver my body that I may boast
but have not love, nothing I am profited.
Love is long suffering,
love is kind,
it is not jealous,
love does not boast,
it is not inflated.
It is not discourteous,
it is not selfish,
it is not irritable,
it does not enumerate the evil.
It does not rejoice over the wrong, but rejoices in the truth
It covers all things,
it has faith for all things,
it hopes in all things,
it endures in all things.
Love never falls in ruins;
but whether prophecies, they will be abolished; or
tongues, they will cease; or
knowledge, it will be superseded.
For we know in part and we prophecy in part.
But when the perfect comes, the imperfect will be superseded.
When I was an infant,
I spoke as an infant,
I reckoned as an infant;
when I became [an adult],
I abolished the things of the infant.
For now we see through a mirror in an enigma, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know as also I was fully known.
But now remains
faith, hope, love,
these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
Submitted by
The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee
Thursday, July 29, 2010
We Trust in God when Times are Hard
New International Version (©1984)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
New Living Translation (©2007)
"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
English Standard Version (©2001)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
International Standard Version (©2008)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
"Don't be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me.
King James Bible
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
American King James Version
Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
American Standard Version
Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
Bible in Basic English
Let not your heart be troubled: have faith in God and have faith in me.
Douay-Rheims Bible
LET not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.
Darby Bible Translation
Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe on God, believe also on me.
English Revised Version
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Webster's Bible Translation
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Weymouth New Testament
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God: trust in me also.
World English Bible
"Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
Young's Literal Translation
'Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, also in me believe;
Geneva Study Bible
Let {1} not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
(1) He believes in God who believes in Christ, and there is no other way to strengthen and encourage our minds during the greatest distresses.
People's New Testament
14:1 Jesus Comforts His Disciples
SUMMARY OF JOHN 14:
Belief as a Solace of Troubled Hearts. The House of Many Mansions. Christ the Way. Christ the Manifestation of the Father. Asking in Christ's Name. How to Find the Father. The Test of Love. The Benediction of Peace.
Let not your heart be troubled. Just before him was Gethsemane, the denial, the mock trial, the scouring and the cross; but with these in full view, such are the wonders of his love that he does not think of himself. He does not ask comfort, but he gives it. His heart is full of the sorrow of his disciples over his departure.
Believe also in me. They had believed in him, but they were so confused over the prospect of his death and departure, they stumbled. He bids them to believe in him as they believed in God; to trust him even if they did not comprehend; to walk by faith rather than by sight through the darkness of that hour. To understand these words, the confusion, sorrow and despair of his disciples over his death must not be forgotten.
Wesley's Notes
14:1 Let not your heart be troubled - At my departure. Believe - This is the sum of all his discourse, which is urged till they did believe, Joh 16:30. And then our Lord prays and departs.
Prayer: Dear God in heaven, we trust in Thee and The Lord Jesus Christ. We Thank God for all blessings in Christ Jesus. We praise God of His Grace and Love. We pray for all people in need. Glory to God and Christ Jesus the Son and The Holy Spirit.
A-men
Give to The Joy of Jesus, in His name we pray.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
New Living Translation (©2007)
"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
English Standard Version (©2001)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
International Standard Version (©2008)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
"Don't be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me.
King James Bible
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
American King James Version
Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
American Standard Version
Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
Bible in Basic English
Let not your heart be troubled: have faith in God and have faith in me.
Douay-Rheims Bible
LET not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.
Darby Bible Translation
Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe on God, believe also on me.
English Revised Version
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Webster's Bible Translation
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Weymouth New Testament
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God: trust in me also.
World English Bible
"Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
Young's Literal Translation
'Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, also in me believe;
Geneva Study Bible
Let {1} not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
(1) He believes in God who believes in Christ, and there is no other way to strengthen and encourage our minds during the greatest distresses.
People's New Testament
14:1 Jesus Comforts His Disciples
SUMMARY OF JOHN 14:
Belief as a Solace of Troubled Hearts. The House of Many Mansions. Christ the Way. Christ the Manifestation of the Father. Asking in Christ's Name. How to Find the Father. The Test of Love. The Benediction of Peace.
Let not your heart be troubled. Just before him was Gethsemane, the denial, the mock trial, the scouring and the cross; but with these in full view, such are the wonders of his love that he does not think of himself. He does not ask comfort, but he gives it. His heart is full of the sorrow of his disciples over his departure.
Believe also in me. They had believed in him, but they were so confused over the prospect of his death and departure, they stumbled. He bids them to believe in him as they believed in God; to trust him even if they did not comprehend; to walk by faith rather than by sight through the darkness of that hour. To understand these words, the confusion, sorrow and despair of his disciples over his death must not be forgotten.
Wesley's Notes
14:1 Let not your heart be troubled - At my departure. Believe - This is the sum of all his discourse, which is urged till they did believe, Joh 16:30. And then our Lord prays and departs.
Prayer: Dear God in heaven, we trust in Thee and The Lord Jesus Christ. We Thank God for all blessings in Christ Jesus. We praise God of His Grace and Love. We pray for all people in need. Glory to God and Christ Jesus the Son and The Holy Spirit.
A-men
Give to The Joy of Jesus, in His name we pray.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Blessed is The Lord & The Joy of Jesus Today
We Praise God in The Joy of Jesus. We pray for One-million members. We pray for all people around the world to share our joy and give. In The Name of Jesus we Pray...
Scripture for Life:
New International Version (©1984)
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
New Living Translation (©2007)
Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
English Standard Version (©2001)
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Thanks be to the Lord, who daily carries our burdens for us. God is our salvation. [Selah]
King James Bible
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
American King James Version
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
American Standard Version
Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. Selah
Bible in Basic English
Praise be to the Lord, who is our support day by day, even the God of our salvation. (Selah.)
Douay-Rheims Bible
Blessed be the Lord day by day: the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us.
Darby Bible Translation
Blessed be the Lord: day by day doth he load us with good, the ùGod who is our salvation. Selah.
English Revised Version
Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is our salvation. Selah
Webster's Bible Translation
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
World English Bible
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. Selah.
Young's Literal Translation
Blessed is the Lord, day by day He layeth on us. God Himself is our salvation. Selah.
Geneva Study Bible
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-21. God daily and fully supplies us. The issues or escapes from death are under His control, who is the God that saves us, and destroys His and our enemies.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
68:15-21 The ascension of Christ must here be meant, and thereto it is applied, Eph 4:8. He received as the purchase of his death, the gifts needful for the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of believers. These he continually bestows, even on rebellious men, that the Lord God might dwell among them, as their Friend and Father. He gave gifts to men. Having received power to give eternal life, the Lord Jesus bestows it on as many as were given him, Joh 17:2. Christ came to a rebellious world, not to condemn it, but that through him it might be saved. The glory of Zion's King is, that he is a Saviour and Benefactor to all his willing people, and a consuming fire to all that persist in rebellion against him. So many, so weighty are the gifts of God's bounty, that he may be truly said to load us with them. He will not put us off with present things for a portion, but will be the God of our salvation. The Lord Jesus has authority and power to rescue his people from the dominion of death, by taking away the sting of it from them when they die, and giving them complete victory over it when they rise again. The crown of the head, the chief pride and glory of the enemy, shall be smitten; Christ shall crush the head of the serpent.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.Psalm 65:5 By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. (NASB ©1995)
Scripture for Life:
New International Version (©1984)
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
New Living Translation (©2007)
Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
English Standard Version (©2001)
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Thanks be to the Lord, who daily carries our burdens for us. God is our salvation. [Selah]
King James Bible
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
American King James Version
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
American Standard Version
Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. Selah
Bible in Basic English
Praise be to the Lord, who is our support day by day, even the God of our salvation. (Selah.)
Douay-Rheims Bible
Blessed be the Lord day by day: the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us.
Darby Bible Translation
Blessed be the Lord: day by day doth he load us with good, the ùGod who is our salvation. Selah.
English Revised Version
Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is our salvation. Selah
Webster's Bible Translation
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
World English Bible
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. Selah.
Young's Literal Translation
Blessed is the Lord, day by day He layeth on us. God Himself is our salvation. Selah.
Geneva Study Bible
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-21. God daily and fully supplies us. The issues or escapes from death are under His control, who is the God that saves us, and destroys His and our enemies.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
68:15-21 The ascension of Christ must here be meant, and thereto it is applied, Eph 4:8. He received as the purchase of his death, the gifts needful for the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of believers. These he continually bestows, even on rebellious men, that the Lord God might dwell among them, as their Friend and Father. He gave gifts to men. Having received power to give eternal life, the Lord Jesus bestows it on as many as were given him, Joh 17:2. Christ came to a rebellious world, not to condemn it, but that through him it might be saved. The glory of Zion's King is, that he is a Saviour and Benefactor to all his willing people, and a consuming fire to all that persist in rebellion against him. So many, so weighty are the gifts of God's bounty, that he may be truly said to load us with them. He will not put us off with present things for a portion, but will be the God of our salvation. The Lord Jesus has authority and power to rescue his people from the dominion of death, by taking away the sting of it from them when they die, and giving them complete victory over it when they rise again. The crown of the head, the chief pride and glory of the enemy, shall be smitten; Christ shall crush the head of the serpent.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.Psalm 65:5 By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. (NASB ©1995)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Bible Study The Goodness of God in Christ Jesus
The goodness of God is evident in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the “good news” (Isaiah 40:9; 41:27; 52:7; 61:6; Luke 1:19; 2:10; Acts 8:12; 13:32; Hebrews 4:2, 6), and good it is! God is good to all men in His common grace, showering blessings on the wicked and the righteous alike (Matthew 5:43-45; Acts 14:16-17). But God is particularly good to those who believe in the gospel.
The gospel is predicated on the truth that man is a sinner, deserving God’s eternal wrath (see Romans 1:18-3:23. This is the bad news of our sinful condition and the eternal wrath of God which it deserves. But the “good news” is that God in His goodness has made possible one way by which men may escape judgment, have their sins forgiven, and spend eternity in the blessed presence of God. That way is through the coming of Jesus Christ to live a perfect life, to die on the cross of Calvary in the sinner’s place, and to rise from the dead and ascend into heaven.
Nowhere is the goodness of God more evident than in the person of our Lord. In His goodness, God provided a way for sinners to be forgiven and to be declared righteous. It is not by any good works which we do, but on the basis of the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Romans 3:19-26; Titus 3:4-7). If you have never trusted in His saving work, I have words of exhortation for you,
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalms 34:8).
With this offer of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, I must also issue a word of warning. The goodness of God is directed toward our repentance (Romans 2:4). If we reject the goodness of God in Christ, if we reject the gospel, then we bring upon ourselves the divine wrath of God:
22 For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him” (Ezra 8:22).
22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off (Romans 11:22).
(4) The goodness of God is a foundational truth that shapes our perspective toward God and His dealings with us in this life. The goodness of God is The Joy of Jesus and giving...
The gospel is predicated on the truth that man is a sinner, deserving God’s eternal wrath (see Romans 1:18-3:23. This is the bad news of our sinful condition and the eternal wrath of God which it deserves. But the “good news” is that God in His goodness has made possible one way by which men may escape judgment, have their sins forgiven, and spend eternity in the blessed presence of God. That way is through the coming of Jesus Christ to live a perfect life, to die on the cross of Calvary in the sinner’s place, and to rise from the dead and ascend into heaven.
Nowhere is the goodness of God more evident than in the person of our Lord. In His goodness, God provided a way for sinners to be forgiven and to be declared righteous. It is not by any good works which we do, but on the basis of the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Romans 3:19-26; Titus 3:4-7). If you have never trusted in His saving work, I have words of exhortation for you,
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalms 34:8).
With this offer of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, I must also issue a word of warning. The goodness of God is directed toward our repentance (Romans 2:4). If we reject the goodness of God in Christ, if we reject the gospel, then we bring upon ourselves the divine wrath of God:
22 For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him” (Ezra 8:22).
22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off (Romans 11:22).
(4) The goodness of God is a foundational truth that shapes our perspective toward God and His dealings with us in this life. The goodness of God is The Joy of Jesus and giving...
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Joy of Jesus and Heaven
The Joy of Jesus is praying for all people to know the fullness of God in Christ Jesus. We are living under difficult times. People are suffering. We need your support. Visit our sponsors. This helps our ministry help others without cost to you. We pray that our message of love will move you in The Name of Jesus to help. God Bless you. Our focus is above; Heaven with Jesus.
Maintaining a heavenly focus
By Steve Kimmel
Colossians 2:20a; 3:1-10, 12-14, 17
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, August 13
American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes famously complained, “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” That’s a cheap and glib criticism that usually overestimates the heavenly mindedness of ineffectual people and underestimates the heavenly mindedness of truly effectual people.
In our focal passage we see that Paul is urging us to maintain a heavenly focus. Paul is writing to the believers in the church in Colosse (a town in modern day Turkey) from prison in Rome, in about A.D. 60. He was writing, primarily, to refute what has come to be regarded as “The Colossian Heresy.” Paul never explicitly describes the false teaching, but we can infer the heresy’s principal characteristics from his letter.
• Ceremonialism. This is an over-investment in the value of rules and regulations, including circumcision (2:11, 16-17, 3:11).
• Asceticism. The denigration of comfort and pleasure and the elevation of discipline, discomfort and privation (2:21, 23).
• Angel worship. Don’t let this confuse or distract you (2:18).
• Diminishment of Christ. This is implied in Paul’s strong emphasis on the supremacy of Christ (1:15-20; 2:2-3, 9).
• Secret knowledge. The Gnostics believed that knowledge was the key to salvation. Paul stresses that we need only “know” Christ, in whom the fullness of God is revealed (2:2-3, 2:18).
• Reliance on human wisdom and tradition. False teachers emphasized that salvation was the result of the combination of faith in Christ, secret knowledge and adherence to man-made regulations. Paul would emphasize that Christ plus nothing equals salvation (2:4, 8).
How can you maintain a heavenly focus?
Look up. The criticism of Oliver Wendell Holmes, et al, notwithstanding, it’s important to emphasize that we must maintain a heavenly focus. So, this is the first thing in maintaining a heavenly focus. Recognize that it is not only legitimate and desirable, but also imperative. The command is clear, “Set your hearts on things above where Christ is …. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (3:1-2). In other words, look up.
C.S. Lewis said, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven” (The Joyful Christian, p.138). In other words, to be of earthly good, maintain a heavenly focus. Look up.
Answering the call to follow Jesus is no small thing. In fact, Paul describes it in terms of death. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (3:3). The startling reality is, we are welcomed into relationship with Christ through death. It is the only way.
Look back. This of course means that you must not only look up, you must look back. Look back at your old, sinful ways and determine to be rid of them. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. …Rid yourselves of these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. Do not lie to each other” (3:5, 8-9).
Paul doesn’t engage in any psychobabble. Instead, he simply says, “Stop doing these things.” Because of your upward look and your confidence in Christ, you have died to sin. Look back at your old way of life and exercise the discipline necessary to be rid of these old, destructive patterns.
Elia Zedeno was on the 73rd floor of Tower One on September 11, 2001. When the plane struck, she actually felt the building lurch, as though it might topple. You might think that her next instinct would be to flee. But it wasn’t. She said, “What I really wanted was for someone to scream back, ‘Everything is okay! Don’t worry.’” But fortunately, at least one colleague responded differently. The answer she got was another co-worker screaming, “Get out of the building!” The directness startled her into action, which saved her life.
Paul is equally direct and equally urgent. Get out of this old way of life! Stop doing these things. They are inconsistent with the upward look and your new position in Christ.
Look ahead. The look up and the look back are meaningful only insofar as they lead to a look ahead. If our loving look up teaches us anything, it is that it’s not enough simply to put off the old; we must also put on the new.
Paul tells us, “Clothe yourselves” (3:12). Then he lists the several Christian graces we are to conspicuously wear (3:12-13). What he is describing is a person who has been transformed. In the gospel of John, Jesus would describe it as being “born again.” It describes a change (the things you’ve put off and the things you’ve put on) so complete, so fundamental, that the only reasonable way to describe it is to use the imagery of death, and beginning again.
Paul lists numerous specifics with which we are to clothe ourselves, but he summarizes them by telling us, “Over all these virtues put on love” (3:14). Paul deals with the idea of “putting off” and “putting on” in Romans 13. There he describes the cohesive nature of this love by repeating the rule, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Rm. 13:9).
How can you go about getting these three looks in proper order in your life? Well, be guided by the adage that says, “Be smart comes before be strong.” Therefore:
Insert yourself into positive surroundings. Simply refuse to put yourself in situations that obscure your look back and wash out your bright look ahead. “Don’t go there” not only has a figurative meaning; it has a literal meaning, too.
Expose yourself to positive messages. Decide now to reduce your exposure to the corrosive effects of popular media – movies, television, music, Internet. And increase your exposure to those things that are uplifting and affirming.
Involve yourself with positive people. You can only take so much of whiny crybabies who constantly complain. Avoid them. On purpose. Determine to spend more time around happy people.
Copyright © 2010, The Christian Index, All rights reserved, Unless otherwise noted.
Give to The Joy of Jesus Today...
Maintaining a heavenly focus
By Steve Kimmel
Colossians 2:20a; 3:1-10, 12-14, 17
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, August 13
American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes famously complained, “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” That’s a cheap and glib criticism that usually overestimates the heavenly mindedness of ineffectual people and underestimates the heavenly mindedness of truly effectual people.
In our focal passage we see that Paul is urging us to maintain a heavenly focus. Paul is writing to the believers in the church in Colosse (a town in modern day Turkey) from prison in Rome, in about A.D. 60. He was writing, primarily, to refute what has come to be regarded as “The Colossian Heresy.” Paul never explicitly describes the false teaching, but we can infer the heresy’s principal characteristics from his letter.
• Ceremonialism. This is an over-investment in the value of rules and regulations, including circumcision (2:11, 16-17, 3:11).
• Asceticism. The denigration of comfort and pleasure and the elevation of discipline, discomfort and privation (2:21, 23).
• Angel worship. Don’t let this confuse or distract you (2:18).
• Diminishment of Christ. This is implied in Paul’s strong emphasis on the supremacy of Christ (1:15-20; 2:2-3, 9).
• Secret knowledge. The Gnostics believed that knowledge was the key to salvation. Paul stresses that we need only “know” Christ, in whom the fullness of God is revealed (2:2-3, 2:18).
• Reliance on human wisdom and tradition. False teachers emphasized that salvation was the result of the combination of faith in Christ, secret knowledge and adherence to man-made regulations. Paul would emphasize that Christ plus nothing equals salvation (2:4, 8).
How can you maintain a heavenly focus?
Look up. The criticism of Oliver Wendell Holmes, et al, notwithstanding, it’s important to emphasize that we must maintain a heavenly focus. So, this is the first thing in maintaining a heavenly focus. Recognize that it is not only legitimate and desirable, but also imperative. The command is clear, “Set your hearts on things above where Christ is …. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (3:1-2). In other words, look up.
C.S. Lewis said, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven” (The Joyful Christian, p.138). In other words, to be of earthly good, maintain a heavenly focus. Look up.
Answering the call to follow Jesus is no small thing. In fact, Paul describes it in terms of death. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (3:3). The startling reality is, we are welcomed into relationship with Christ through death. It is the only way.
Look back. This of course means that you must not only look up, you must look back. Look back at your old, sinful ways and determine to be rid of them. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. …Rid yourselves of these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. Do not lie to each other” (3:5, 8-9).
Paul doesn’t engage in any psychobabble. Instead, he simply says, “Stop doing these things.” Because of your upward look and your confidence in Christ, you have died to sin. Look back at your old way of life and exercise the discipline necessary to be rid of these old, destructive patterns.
Elia Zedeno was on the 73rd floor of Tower One on September 11, 2001. When the plane struck, she actually felt the building lurch, as though it might topple. You might think that her next instinct would be to flee. But it wasn’t. She said, “What I really wanted was for someone to scream back, ‘Everything is okay! Don’t worry.’” But fortunately, at least one colleague responded differently. The answer she got was another co-worker screaming, “Get out of the building!” The directness startled her into action, which saved her life.
Paul is equally direct and equally urgent. Get out of this old way of life! Stop doing these things. They are inconsistent with the upward look and your new position in Christ.
Look ahead. The look up and the look back are meaningful only insofar as they lead to a look ahead. If our loving look up teaches us anything, it is that it’s not enough simply to put off the old; we must also put on the new.
Paul tells us, “Clothe yourselves” (3:12). Then he lists the several Christian graces we are to conspicuously wear (3:12-13). What he is describing is a person who has been transformed. In the gospel of John, Jesus would describe it as being “born again.” It describes a change (the things you’ve put off and the things you’ve put on) so complete, so fundamental, that the only reasonable way to describe it is to use the imagery of death, and beginning again.
Paul lists numerous specifics with which we are to clothe ourselves, but he summarizes them by telling us, “Over all these virtues put on love” (3:14). Paul deals with the idea of “putting off” and “putting on” in Romans 13. There he describes the cohesive nature of this love by repeating the rule, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Rm. 13:9).
How can you go about getting these three looks in proper order in your life? Well, be guided by the adage that says, “Be smart comes before be strong.” Therefore:
Insert yourself into positive surroundings. Simply refuse to put yourself in situations that obscure your look back and wash out your bright look ahead. “Don’t go there” not only has a figurative meaning; it has a literal meaning, too.
Expose yourself to positive messages. Decide now to reduce your exposure to the corrosive effects of popular media – movies, television, music, Internet. And increase your exposure to those things that are uplifting and affirming.
Involve yourself with positive people. You can only take so much of whiny crybabies who constantly complain. Avoid them. On purpose. Determine to spend more time around happy people.
Copyright © 2010, The Christian Index, All rights reserved, Unless otherwise noted.
Give to The Joy of Jesus Today...
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sermon Praise God and Thank God Today
Psalm 100
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;[a]
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations
Sermon: Thank God and Praise God for The Joy of Jesus.
Today our hearts and souls are filled with the glory of God. Why is this the case given all of the misfortune in the world? God is still on His throne. Jesus is alive in the spirit. The Holy Spirit is burning in our hearts to do the perfect will of God.
Whe Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and shed His blood for our salvation, this is a time for complete joy. The joy of the Lord is our salvation.
We praise god and Thank god for spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We pray for all people. We know that Jesus will return with all power, honor and glory. God raise Jesus from the grave so that we may join Him in paradise. glory to God in The Highest. We ask in Jesus name that you will share and bless this ministry from your heart. A-men
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;[a]
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations
Sermon: Thank God and Praise God for The Joy of Jesus.
Today our hearts and souls are filled with the glory of God. Why is this the case given all of the misfortune in the world? God is still on His throne. Jesus is alive in the spirit. The Holy Spirit is burning in our hearts to do the perfect will of God.
Whe Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and shed His blood for our salvation, this is a time for complete joy. The joy of the Lord is our salvation.
We praise god and Thank god for spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We pray for all people. We know that Jesus will return with all power, honor and glory. God raise Jesus from the grave so that we may join Him in paradise. glory to God in The Highest. We ask in Jesus name that you will share and bless this ministry from your heart. A-men
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Prayer for Love
Dear God of Heaven and Earth,
We love Thee in Christ Jesus Your Son
and The Holy Spirit.
We pray for Love today.
Jesus died for our sins as an act of love.
God raised Jesus from the grave with all
Power, Honor and Glory.
We need love so much today.
There is violence,poverty, and sickness all over the world.
We believe that your love can make all things right.
Lord we continue to pray for The Joy of Jesus. We pray that you will continue to bless us with need members.
We thank God for all of the blessings in Christ Jesus. We praise God for all of oue faithful members and pray that they are always blessed with Your love.
We pray for love in the name of Jesus for all of our situations. Glory to god in The Highest and Love for all people. In Jesus name we pray.
We love Thee in Christ Jesus Your Son
and The Holy Spirit.
We pray for Love today.
Jesus died for our sins as an act of love.
God raised Jesus from the grave with all
Power, Honor and Glory.
We need love so much today.
There is violence,poverty, and sickness all over the world.
We believe that your love can make all things right.
Lord we continue to pray for The Joy of Jesus. We pray that you will continue to bless us with need members.
We thank God for all of the blessings in Christ Jesus. We praise God for all of oue faithful members and pray that they are always blessed with Your love.
We pray for love in the name of Jesus for all of our situations. Glory to god in The Highest and Love for all people. In Jesus name we pray.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Convocation 1 million Strong for The Joy of Jesus
The battle line for good and evil are becoming clearer each day for the people of faith. There are so many problems in the world that give us signs that mankind can not handle in a conventional sense. Our prayer is simply and clear. We pray for love.
The Joy of Jesus is growing each day to the glory of God. Our faith is in The Power of God in Christ Jesus. God is Love.
We believe the more we find love in our hearts the closer we are with God in The Joy of Jesus. All Jesus wanted to do was the will of god. This is all we ask in prayer.
We need your support. Do share our site with your contacts. Visit our sponsor, obtain our toolbar and pass it on to your contacts. We pray for 1 million people to join The Joy of Jesus today. We are asking that God bless you and everyone with everything they need in the Lord. In Jesus name we pray....
http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
The Joy of Jesus is growing each day to the glory of God. Our faith is in The Power of God in Christ Jesus. God is Love.
We believe the more we find love in our hearts the closer we are with God in The Joy of Jesus. All Jesus wanted to do was the will of god. This is all we ask in prayer.
We need your support. Do share our site with your contacts. Visit our sponsor, obtain our toolbar and pass it on to your contacts. We pray for 1 million people to join The Joy of Jesus today. We are asking that God bless you and everyone with everything they need in the Lord. In Jesus name we pray....
http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Prayer for People in Poverty
Dear God, our Father of The Lord Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit.
We pray for all people lost in poverty. We pray that their is food to eat and water to drink. We pray for warmth at night. We pray for their needs to be met.
Lord we thank You for all that You do. We praise Thee all in Christ Jesus. Lord open our hearts and give us love and peace in Your name. The Joy of Jesus needs Your Power to touch those who can give to make this world a better place until Your return to set all things right. Glory to God all in Christ Jesus we pray. A-men..
We pray for all people lost in poverty. We pray that their is food to eat and water to drink. We pray for warmth at night. We pray for their needs to be met.
Lord we thank You for all that You do. We praise Thee all in Christ Jesus. Lord open our hearts and give us love and peace in Your name. The Joy of Jesus needs Your Power to touch those who can give to make this world a better place until Your return to set all things right. Glory to God all in Christ Jesus we pray. A-men..
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Joy of Jesus is Calling
The challenges for civilization today are overwhelming. The Joy of Jesus is seeking to bring into sharp focus the need and source of love. We are looking for one-million people to join this movement with any obligation.
The Joy of Jesus has so many services for people to access. We offer centers in; education,health,jobs,peace,green technology,business, and parenting. There is also a Christian Education Center as well.
The Joy of Jesus On-line Church needs one-million people to place their best hopes in love. Join this group by visiting http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
The Joy of Jesus has so many services for people to access. We offer centers in; education,health,jobs,peace,green technology,business, and parenting. There is also a Christian Education Center as well.
The Joy of Jesus On-line Church needs one-million people to place their best hopes in love. Join this group by visiting http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
Bible Study Christian Comfort
No Condemnation
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The eighth chapter of the epistle to the Romans concludes the first section of that wonderful epistle. Its opening word "Therefore" ("There is" is in italics, because supplied by the translators) may be viewed in a twofold way. First, it connects with all that has been said from 3:21. An inference is now deduced from the whole of the preceding discussion, an inference which was, in fact, the grand conclusion toward which the apostle had been aiming throughout the entire argument. Because Christ has been set forth "a propitiation through faith in His blood" (3:25); because He was "delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification" (4:25); because by the obedience of the One the many (believers of all ages) are "made righteous," constituted so, legally, (5:19); because believers have "died (judicially) to sin" (6:2); because they have "died" to the condemning power of the law (7:4), there is "therefore now NO CONDEMNATION."
But not only is the "therefore" to be viewed as a conclusion drawn from the whole of the previous discussion, it is also to be considered as having a close relation to what immediately precedes. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle had described the painful and ceaseless conflict which is waged between the antagonistic natures in the one who has been born again, illustrating this by a reference to his own personal experiences as a Christian. Having portrayed with a master pen (himself sitting for the picture) the spiritual struggles of the child of God, the apostle now proceeds to direct attention to the Divine consolation for a condition so distressing and humiliating. The transition from the despondent tone of the seventh chapter to the triumphant language of the eighth appears startling and abrupt, yet is quite logical and natural. If it is true that to the saints of God belongs the conflict of sin and death, under whose effect they mourn, equally true is it that their deliverance from the curse and the corresponding condemnation is a victory in which they rejoice. A very striking contrast is thus pointed. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle treats the power of sin, which operates in believers as long as they are in the world; in the opening verses of chapter eight, he speaks of the guilt of sin from which they are completely delivered the moment they are united to the Saviour by faith. Hence in 7:24 the apostle asks "Who shall deliver me" from the power of sin, but in 8:2 he says, "hath made me free," i.e. hath delivered me, from the guilt of sin.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." It is not here a question of our heart condemning us (as in 1 John 3:21), nor of us finding nothing within which is worthy of condemnation; instead, it is the far more blessed fact that God condemns not the one who has trusted in Christ to the saving of his soul. We need to distinguish sharply between subjective and objective truth; between that which is judicial and that which is experimental; otherwise, we shall fail to draw form such Scriptures as the one now before us the comfort and peace they are designed to convey. There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. "In Christ" is the believer’s position before God, not his condition in the flesh. "In Adam" I was condemned (Rom. 5:12); but "in Christ" is to be forever freed from all condemnation.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The qualifying "now" implies there was a time when Christians, before they believed, were under condemnation. This was before they died with Christ, died judicially (Gal. 2:20) to the penalty of God’s righteous law. This "now," then, distinguishes between two states or conditions. By nature we were "under the (sentence of) law," but now believers are "under grace" (Rom. 6:14). By nature we were "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:2), but now we are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:6). Under the first covenant we were "in Adam" (1 Cor. 15:22), but now we are "in Christ" (Rom. 8:1). As believers in Christ we have everlasting life, and because of this we "shall not come into condemnation."
Condemnation is a word of tremendous import, and the better we understand it the more shall we appreciate the wondrous grace that has delivered us from its power. In the halls of a human court this is a term which falls with fearful knell upon the ear of the convicted criminal and fills the spectators with sadness and horror. But in the court of Divine Justice it is vested with a meaning and content infinitely more solemn and awe-inspiring. To that Court every member of Adam’s fallen race is cited. "Conceived in sin, shapen in iniquity" each one enters this world under arrest – an indicted criminal, a rebel manacled. How, then, is it possible for such a one to escape the execution of the dread sentence? There was only one way, and that was by the removal from us of that which called forth the sentence, namely sin. Let guilt be removed and there can be "no condemnation."
Has guilt been removed, removed, we mean, from the sinner who believes? Let the Scriptures answer: "As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgressions from us" (Ps. 103:12). "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions" (Isa. 43:25). "Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back" (Isa. 38:17). "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more" (Heb. 10:17).
But how could guilt be removed? Only by it being transferred. Divine holiness could not ignore it; but Divine grace could and did transfer it. The sins of believers were transferred to Christ: "The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isa 53:6). "For he hath made him to be sin for us" (2 Cor. 5:21).
"There is therefore no condemnation." The "no" is emphatic. It signifies there is no condemnation whatsoever. No condemnation from the law, or on account of inward corruption, or because Satan can substantiate a charge against me; there is none from any source or for any cause at all. "No condemnation" means that none at all is possible; that none ever will be. There is no condemnation because there is no accusation (see 8:33), and there can be no accusation because there is no imputation of sin (see 4:8).
"There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." When treating of the conflict between the two natures in the believer the apostle had, in the previous chapter, spoken of himself in his own person, in order to show that the highest attainments in grace do no exempt from the internal warfare which he there describes. But here in 8:1 the apostle changes the number. He does not say, There is no condemnation to me, but "to them which are in Christ Jesus." This was most gracious of the Holy Spirit. Had the apostle spoken here in the singular number, we should have reasoned that such a blessed exemption was well suited to this honored servant of God who enjoyed such wondrous privileges; but could not apply to us. The Spirit of God, therefore, moved the apostle to employ the plural number here, to show that "no condemnation" is true of all in Christ Jesus.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." To be in Christ Jesus is to be perfectly identified with Him in the judicial reckoning and dealings of God: and it is also to be one with Him as vitally united by faith. Immunity from condemnation does not depend in any-wise upon our "walk," but solely on our being "in Christ." "The believer is in Christ as Noah was enclosed within the ark, with the heavens darkening above him, and the waters heaving beneath him, yet not a drop of the flood penetrating his vessel, not a blast of the storm disturbing the serenity of his spirit. The believer is in Christ as Jacob was in the garment of the elder brother when Isaac kissed and blessed him. He is in Christ as the poor homicide was within the city of refuge when pursued by the avenger of blood, but who could not overtake and slay him" (Dr. Winslow, 1857). And because he is "in Christ" there is, therefore, no condemnation for him. Hallelujah!
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The eighth chapter of the epistle to the Romans concludes the first section of that wonderful epistle. Its opening word "Therefore" ("There is" is in italics, because supplied by the translators) may be viewed in a twofold way. First, it connects with all that has been said from 3:21. An inference is now deduced from the whole of the preceding discussion, an inference which was, in fact, the grand conclusion toward which the apostle had been aiming throughout the entire argument. Because Christ has been set forth "a propitiation through faith in His blood" (3:25); because He was "delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification" (4:25); because by the obedience of the One the many (believers of all ages) are "made righteous," constituted so, legally, (5:19); because believers have "died (judicially) to sin" (6:2); because they have "died" to the condemning power of the law (7:4), there is "therefore now NO CONDEMNATION."
But not only is the "therefore" to be viewed as a conclusion drawn from the whole of the previous discussion, it is also to be considered as having a close relation to what immediately precedes. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle had described the painful and ceaseless conflict which is waged between the antagonistic natures in the one who has been born again, illustrating this by a reference to his own personal experiences as a Christian. Having portrayed with a master pen (himself sitting for the picture) the spiritual struggles of the child of God, the apostle now proceeds to direct attention to the Divine consolation for a condition so distressing and humiliating. The transition from the despondent tone of the seventh chapter to the triumphant language of the eighth appears startling and abrupt, yet is quite logical and natural. If it is true that to the saints of God belongs the conflict of sin and death, under whose effect they mourn, equally true is it that their deliverance from the curse and the corresponding condemnation is a victory in which they rejoice. A very striking contrast is thus pointed. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle treats the power of sin, which operates in believers as long as they are in the world; in the opening verses of chapter eight, he speaks of the guilt of sin from which they are completely delivered the moment they are united to the Saviour by faith. Hence in 7:24 the apostle asks "Who shall deliver me" from the power of sin, but in 8:2 he says, "hath made me free," i.e. hath delivered me, from the guilt of sin.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." It is not here a question of our heart condemning us (as in 1 John 3:21), nor of us finding nothing within which is worthy of condemnation; instead, it is the far more blessed fact that God condemns not the one who has trusted in Christ to the saving of his soul. We need to distinguish sharply between subjective and objective truth; between that which is judicial and that which is experimental; otherwise, we shall fail to draw form such Scriptures as the one now before us the comfort and peace they are designed to convey. There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. "In Christ" is the believer’s position before God, not his condition in the flesh. "In Adam" I was condemned (Rom. 5:12); but "in Christ" is to be forever freed from all condemnation.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The qualifying "now" implies there was a time when Christians, before they believed, were under condemnation. This was before they died with Christ, died judicially (Gal. 2:20) to the penalty of God’s righteous law. This "now," then, distinguishes between two states or conditions. By nature we were "under the (sentence of) law," but now believers are "under grace" (Rom. 6:14). By nature we were "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:2), but now we are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:6). Under the first covenant we were "in Adam" (1 Cor. 15:22), but now we are "in Christ" (Rom. 8:1). As believers in Christ we have everlasting life, and because of this we "shall not come into condemnation."
Condemnation is a word of tremendous import, and the better we understand it the more shall we appreciate the wondrous grace that has delivered us from its power. In the halls of a human court this is a term which falls with fearful knell upon the ear of the convicted criminal and fills the spectators with sadness and horror. But in the court of Divine Justice it is vested with a meaning and content infinitely more solemn and awe-inspiring. To that Court every member of Adam’s fallen race is cited. "Conceived in sin, shapen in iniquity" each one enters this world under arrest – an indicted criminal, a rebel manacled. How, then, is it possible for such a one to escape the execution of the dread sentence? There was only one way, and that was by the removal from us of that which called forth the sentence, namely sin. Let guilt be removed and there can be "no condemnation."
Has guilt been removed, removed, we mean, from the sinner who believes? Let the Scriptures answer: "As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgressions from us" (Ps. 103:12). "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions" (Isa. 43:25). "Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back" (Isa. 38:17). "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more" (Heb. 10:17).
But how could guilt be removed? Only by it being transferred. Divine holiness could not ignore it; but Divine grace could and did transfer it. The sins of believers were transferred to Christ: "The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isa 53:6). "For he hath made him to be sin for us" (2 Cor. 5:21).
"There is therefore no condemnation." The "no" is emphatic. It signifies there is no condemnation whatsoever. No condemnation from the law, or on account of inward corruption, or because Satan can substantiate a charge against me; there is none from any source or for any cause at all. "No condemnation" means that none at all is possible; that none ever will be. There is no condemnation because there is no accusation (see 8:33), and there can be no accusation because there is no imputation of sin (see 4:8).
"There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." When treating of the conflict between the two natures in the believer the apostle had, in the previous chapter, spoken of himself in his own person, in order to show that the highest attainments in grace do no exempt from the internal warfare which he there describes. But here in 8:1 the apostle changes the number. He does not say, There is no condemnation to me, but "to them which are in Christ Jesus." This was most gracious of the Holy Spirit. Had the apostle spoken here in the singular number, we should have reasoned that such a blessed exemption was well suited to this honored servant of God who enjoyed such wondrous privileges; but could not apply to us. The Spirit of God, therefore, moved the apostle to employ the plural number here, to show that "no condemnation" is true of all in Christ Jesus.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." To be in Christ Jesus is to be perfectly identified with Him in the judicial reckoning and dealings of God: and it is also to be one with Him as vitally united by faith. Immunity from condemnation does not depend in any-wise upon our "walk," but solely on our being "in Christ." "The believer is in Christ as Noah was enclosed within the ark, with the heavens darkening above him, and the waters heaving beneath him, yet not a drop of the flood penetrating his vessel, not a blast of the storm disturbing the serenity of his spirit. The believer is in Christ as Jacob was in the garment of the elder brother when Isaac kissed and blessed him. He is in Christ as the poor homicide was within the city of refuge when pursued by the avenger of blood, but who could not overtake and slay him" (Dr. Winslow, 1857). And because he is "in Christ" there is, therefore, no condemnation for him. Hallelujah!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Fullness of God
Have you ever wondered how everything started? Have you ever gazed out into space and thought about the vastness of outer space? when young people study science, they quickly realize just how much there is to know and also how little we do know. God is all knowing.
All wisdom and knowledge is found in Jesus Christ. People are beginning to look at religion as just another problem. Yet, God and Jesus are not necessarily religions per-se. God is a spirit. We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
God is the power we need to move the elements in the universe to His perfect will. God gave us Jesus to place our faith in His love. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. God raised Jesus from the grave so that we may live forever in perfect peace and love forever. We thank God and Praise for everything that He has done for us for The Joy of Jesus. We must recognize the fullness of God in all that we do in life.
All wisdom and knowledge is found in Jesus Christ. People are beginning to look at religion as just another problem. Yet, God and Jesus are not necessarily religions per-se. God is a spirit. We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
God is the power we need to move the elements in the universe to His perfect will. God gave us Jesus to place our faith in His love. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. God raised Jesus from the grave so that we may live forever in perfect peace and love forever. We thank God and Praise for everything that He has done for us for The Joy of Jesus. We must recognize the fullness of God in all that we do in life.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Joy of Jesus is Concerned about You
Jesus is Leading The Way for Us.....
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 14:22-33. This story is also told in Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21, however, the account of Peter walking on the water is not included in these references.
Jesus Walks on Water - Story Summary:
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Several hours later in the night, the disciples encounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Points of Interest from the Story:
• Jesus sends the disciples away so he can get alone on the mountainside and pray. Even in his busy schedule, spending time with God is a priority for Jesus.
• The disciples, even though they have spent much time with Jesus, don't recognize him in the storm. Sometimes we don't recognize the Lord when he comes to us in the middle of our "storms."
• Peter doesn't begin to sink until he starts looking around at the wind and the waves. Taking our eyes off Jesus, and focusing on the difficult circumstances will cause us to get under our problems. But when we cry out to Jesus, he catches us by the hand and raises us above the seemingly impossible surroundings.
• Peter starts out with good intentions, but his faith falters. This does not, however, end up in failure. Peter, even in his fear, cries out to the Lord, the only one who can help him.
• When Jesus gets in the boat, the storm ceases. When we have Jesus "in our boat" the storms of life will be calmed and we can worship Him.
Question for Reflection:
Though we may not walk across water, we will go through difficult, faith-testing circumstances. Are you sinking into despair or are you looking to Jesus and his miraculous power for help?
Overcoming Difficulties
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 14:22-33. This story is also told in Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21, however, the account of Peter walking on the water is not included in these references.
Jesus Walks on Water - Story Summary:
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Several hours later in the night, the disciples encounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Points of Interest from the Story:
• Jesus sends the disciples away so he can get alone on the mountainside and pray. Even in his busy schedule, spending time with God is a priority for Jesus.
• The disciples, even though they have spent much time with Jesus, don't recognize him in the storm. Sometimes we don't recognize the Lord when he comes to us in the middle of our "storms."
• Peter doesn't begin to sink until he starts looking around at the wind and the waves. Taking our eyes off Jesus, and focusing on the difficult circumstances will cause us to get under our problems. But when we cry out to Jesus, he catches us by the hand and raises us above the seemingly impossible surroundings.
• Peter starts out with good intentions, but his faith falters. This does not, however, end up in failure. Peter, even in his fear, cries out to the Lord, the only one who can help him.
• When Jesus gets in the boat, the storm ceases. When we have Jesus "in our boat" the storms of life will be calmed and we can worship Him.
Question for Reflection:
Though we may not walk across water, we will go through difficult, faith-testing circumstances. Are you sinking into despair or are you looking to Jesus and his miraculous power for help?
Overcoming Difficulties
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Why we need The Peace of God Today
Scripture: Philippians 4:7 >>
New International Version (©1984)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Message: Have you ever desired something in your life that you were uncertain about and everything appeared to be blurred to the point you could not understand it? These are common feeling regarding our present situation and generally all concerns regarding the future. There is a means of thinking that will indeed point us in the path of righteousness today.
Our word today informs us that peace is a vital component to our well being for all practical matters. God's Peace is what we need more-so than ever. Sure we can appreciate the artificial peace that our governments can establish with waring factions,yet the peace of God is everlasting. How does one obtain such peace?
Jesus gave His life on the cross so that we who believe and have faith in Him shall never die.
Why do we need peace?
the powers of this world are not working for the greater good of society. There is simply too much greed. There are too many people suffering while a few are overly rewarded for things that have no intrinsic meaning as to the questions of life. Jesus will return just as The Power of God raised Jesus from the grave of life. We too may share in this wonderful Joy. We praise God for all peace in Christ Jesus today and forever. This is our Prayer in Jesus name. A-men.
Jesus is the prince of peace. He came into the world to save it from sin.
New International Version (©1984)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Message: Have you ever desired something in your life that you were uncertain about and everything appeared to be blurred to the point you could not understand it? These are common feeling regarding our present situation and generally all concerns regarding the future. There is a means of thinking that will indeed point us in the path of righteousness today.
Our word today informs us that peace is a vital component to our well being for all practical matters. God's Peace is what we need more-so than ever. Sure we can appreciate the artificial peace that our governments can establish with waring factions,yet the peace of God is everlasting. How does one obtain such peace?
Jesus gave His life on the cross so that we who believe and have faith in Him shall never die.
Why do we need peace?
the powers of this world are not working for the greater good of society. There is simply too much greed. There are too many people suffering while a few are overly rewarded for things that have no intrinsic meaning as to the questions of life. Jesus will return just as The Power of God raised Jesus from the grave of life. We too may share in this wonderful Joy. We praise God for all peace in Christ Jesus today and forever. This is our Prayer in Jesus name. A-men.
Jesus is the prince of peace. He came into the world to save it from sin.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Power of God in Christ Jesus
Prayer: We pray for the full power of God in Christ Jesus. Our faith is fully in The Lord of our Salvation. People are in such need. We pray for their souls in Jesus name. We thank God for all spiritual blessings in Christ jesus.
Glory to God in the highest. We pray for the jobless. We pray for peace. Our hope is all in the lord. We pray for healing for all in need.
The Power of God is all found in Christ Jesus. The blood that was shed on the cross has the power of salvation for all who believe. Glory to Glory to God. Praise Father , Son and holy Ghost in Jesus name. We ask that everyone can give, donate and support The Joy of Jesus in His name we pray. A-men...
Glory to God in the highest. We pray for the jobless. We pray for peace. Our hope is all in the lord. We pray for healing for all in need.
The Power of God is all found in Christ Jesus. The blood that was shed on the cross has the power of salvation for all who believe. Glory to Glory to God. Praise Father , Son and holy Ghost in Jesus name. We ask that everyone can give, donate and support The Joy of Jesus in His name we pray. A-men...
Friday, July 16, 2010
God Answers Prayers from The Joy of Jesus
Convocation: We praise god each day for all that He has done in Christ Jesus. The Gulf has been capped so far. We praise God for all of His Glory found in the faith we have in Jesus.
The Joy of Jesus realizes all of the work that was done on the cross. Jesus grace His life for the sins of the world. God and His Glory raised Jesus from the grave. Jesus will return to set all things right in the universe. We are to be always prayerful with the hope that God is love and Jesus will give us eternal life.
Praise God with us. Show your love through an offering. Bless our sponsors and all who support our work of love. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Bless all of our members. We pray for jobs for all families. We pray for a better world in the name of Jesus. Blessed is the name of the Lord of our salvation. In Jesus name we pray.
The Joy of Jesus realizes all of the work that was done on the cross. Jesus grace His life for the sins of the world. God and His Glory raised Jesus from the grave. Jesus will return to set all things right in the universe. We are to be always prayerful with the hope that God is love and Jesus will give us eternal life.
Praise God with us. Show your love through an offering. Bless our sponsors and all who support our work of love. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Bless all of our members. We pray for jobs for all families. We pray for a better world in the name of Jesus. Blessed is the name of the Lord of our salvation. In Jesus name we pray.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Prayer Time at The Joy of Jesus for Jobs
Praise God in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit'
We are in complete humility to The Power of God for all inequities we have done. We thank God for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus
Lord we pray for Jobs for all people. There are so many people out of work. Children are suffering. Our government are failing to do what is necessary to help the people. There are so many people with so much money that they only want more without doing the things to help the people.
We praise You God for hearing our prayer Jobs for all people. Lord, bless us right now in the name of Jesus. We cry out to Thee O'Lord of our salvation.
We bless your Holy name and all that You did on the cross to save us. Glory to God in the highest.
A-men
We are in complete humility to The Power of God for all inequities we have done. We thank God for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus
Lord we pray for Jobs for all people. There are so many people out of work. Children are suffering. Our government are failing to do what is necessary to help the people. There are so many people with so much money that they only want more without doing the things to help the people.
We praise You God for hearing our prayer Jobs for all people. Lord, bless us right now in the name of Jesus. We cry out to Thee O'Lord of our salvation.
We bless your Holy name and all that You did on the cross to save us. Glory to God in the highest.
A-men
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Bible Study for The Joy of Jesus Today
There is much to be learned from the life of Jesus. In each act that is written of Him is a lesson in life for you and I. We pray for for well being. We hope that you will support this ministry through giving, visiting our sponsors or sharing our message to our contacts. Gob bless you in all that you do. We pray that the Holy Spirit will touch your heart to do all that you can to lift up The Joy of Jesus today
.Luke 14
1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
Luke 14:7-14
Listen to this passage
View commentary related to this passage
7And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them.
8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
12Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
King James Version (KJV)
View commentary related to this passage
Luke 14
1-3 One time when Jesus went for a Sabbath meal with one of the top leaders of the Pharisees, all the guests had their eyes on him, watching his every move. Right before him there was a man hugely swollen in his joints. So Jesus asked the religion scholars and Pharisees present, "Is it permitted to heal on the Sabbath? Yes or no?"
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Luke 14:7-14
View commentary related to this passage
Invite the Misfits
7-9He went on to tell a story to the guests around the table. Noticing how each had tried to elbow into the place of honor, he said, "When someone invites you to dinner, don't take the place of honor. Somebody more important than you might have been invited by the host. Then he'll come and call out in front of everybody, 'You're in the wrong place. The place of honor belongs to this man.' Red-faced, you'll have to make your way to the very last table, the only place left.
10-11"When you're invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, 'Friend, come up to the front.' That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I'm saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face. But if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."
12-14Then he turned to the host. "The next time you put on a dinner, don't just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You'll be—and experience—a blessing. They won't be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God's people."
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Jump to : King James Version | The Message | Amplified Bible | Young's Literal Translation | Reina-Valera 1960
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Luke 14:1
View commentary related to this passage
Luke 14
1IT OCCURRED one Sabbath, when [Jesus] went for a meal at the house of one of the ruling Pharisees, that they were [engaged in] watching Him [closely].
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Luke 14:7-14
View commentary related to this passage
7Now He told a parable to those who were invited, [when] He noticed how they were selecting the places of honor, saying to them,
8When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not recline on the chief seat [in the place of honor], lest a more distinguished person than you has been invited by him,(A)
9And he who invited both of you will come to you and say, Let this man have the place [you have taken]. Then, with humiliation and a guilty sense of impropriety, you will begin to take the lowest place.
10But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when your host comes in, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher! Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit [at table] with you.
11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (ranked below others who are honored or rewarded), and he who humbles himself (keeps a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly) will be exalted (elevated in rank).
12Jesus also said to the man who had invited Him, When you give a dinner or a supper, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps they also invite you in return, and so you are paid back.
13But when you give a banquet or a reception, invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind.
14Then you will be blessed (happy, fortunate, and [a]to be envied), because they have no way of repaying you, and you will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just (upright).
Footnotes:
1. Luke 14:14 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon.
Cross references:
1. Luke 14:8 : Prov 25:6, 7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Jump to : King James Version | The Message | Amplified Bible | Young's Literal Translation | Reina-Valera 1960
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
Luke 14:1
View commentary related to this passage
Luke 14
1And it came to pass, on his going into the house of a certain one of the chiefs of the Pharisees, on a sabbath, to eat bread, that they were watching him,
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
Public Domain
Luke 14:7-14
View commentary related to this passage
7And he spake a simile unto those called, marking how they were choosing out the first couches, saying unto them,
8`When thou mayest be called by any one to marriage-feasts, thou mayest not recline on the first couch, lest a more honourable than thou may have been called by him,
9and he who did call thee and him having come shall say to thee, Give to this one place, and then thou mayest begin with shame to occupy the last place.
10`But, when thou mayest be called, having gone on, recline in the last place, that when he who called thee may come, he may say to thee, Friend, come up higher; then thou shalt have glory before those reclining with thee;
11because every one who is exalting himself shall be humbled, and he who is humbling himself shall be exalted.'
12And he said also to him who did call him, `When thou mayest make a dinner or a supper, be not calling thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kindred, nor rich neighbours, lest they may also call thee again, and a recompense may come to thee;
13but when thou mayest make a feast, be calling poor, maimed, lame, blind,
14and happy thou shalt be, because they have not to recompense thee, for it shall be recompensed to thee in the rising again of the righteous.'
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
.Luke 14
1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
Luke 14:7-14
Listen to this passage
View commentary related to this passage
7And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them.
8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
12Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
King James Version (KJV)
View commentary related to this passage
Luke 14
1-3 One time when Jesus went for a Sabbath meal with one of the top leaders of the Pharisees, all the guests had their eyes on him, watching his every move. Right before him there was a man hugely swollen in his joints. So Jesus asked the religion scholars and Pharisees present, "Is it permitted to heal on the Sabbath? Yes or no?"
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Luke 14:7-14
View commentary related to this passage
Invite the Misfits
7-9He went on to tell a story to the guests around the table. Noticing how each had tried to elbow into the place of honor, he said, "When someone invites you to dinner, don't take the place of honor. Somebody more important than you might have been invited by the host. Then he'll come and call out in front of everybody, 'You're in the wrong place. The place of honor belongs to this man.' Red-faced, you'll have to make your way to the very last table, the only place left.
10-11"When you're invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, 'Friend, come up to the front.' That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I'm saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face. But if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."
12-14Then he turned to the host. "The next time you put on a dinner, don't just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You'll be—and experience—a blessing. They won't be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God's people."
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Jump to : King James Version | The Message | Amplified Bible | Young's Literal Translation | Reina-Valera 1960
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Luke 14:1
View commentary related to this passage
Luke 14
1IT OCCURRED one Sabbath, when [Jesus] went for a meal at the house of one of the ruling Pharisees, that they were [engaged in] watching Him [closely].
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Luke 14:7-14
View commentary related to this passage
7Now He told a parable to those who were invited, [when] He noticed how they were selecting the places of honor, saying to them,
8When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not recline on the chief seat [in the place of honor], lest a more distinguished person than you has been invited by him,(A)
9And he who invited both of you will come to you and say, Let this man have the place [you have taken]. Then, with humiliation and a guilty sense of impropriety, you will begin to take the lowest place.
10But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when your host comes in, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher! Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit [at table] with you.
11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (ranked below others who are honored or rewarded), and he who humbles himself (keeps a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly) will be exalted (elevated in rank).
12Jesus also said to the man who had invited Him, When you give a dinner or a supper, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps they also invite you in return, and so you are paid back.
13But when you give a banquet or a reception, invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind.
14Then you will be blessed (happy, fortunate, and [a]to be envied), because they have no way of repaying you, and you will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just (upright).
Footnotes:
1. Luke 14:14 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon.
Cross references:
1. Luke 14:8 : Prov 25:6, 7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Jump to : King James Version | The Message | Amplified Bible | Young's Literal Translation | Reina-Valera 1960
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
Luke 14:1
View commentary related to this passage
Luke 14
1And it came to pass, on his going into the house of a certain one of the chiefs of the Pharisees, on a sabbath, to eat bread, that they were watching him,
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
Public Domain
Luke 14:7-14
View commentary related to this passage
7And he spake a simile unto those called, marking how they were choosing out the first couches, saying unto them,
8`When thou mayest be called by any one to marriage-feasts, thou mayest not recline on the first couch, lest a more honourable than thou may have been called by him,
9and he who did call thee and him having come shall say to thee, Give to this one place, and then thou mayest begin with shame to occupy the last place.
10`But, when thou mayest be called, having gone on, recline in the last place, that when he who called thee may come, he may say to thee, Friend, come up higher; then thou shalt have glory before those reclining with thee;
11because every one who is exalting himself shall be humbled, and he who is humbling himself shall be exalted.'
12And he said also to him who did call him, `When thou mayest make a dinner or a supper, be not calling thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kindred, nor rich neighbours, lest they may also call thee again, and a recompense may come to thee;
13but when thou mayest make a feast, be calling poor, maimed, lame, blind,
14and happy thou shalt be, because they have not to recompense thee, for it shall be recompensed to thee in the rising again of the righteous.'
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
All We need is a little Faith: Prayer
Praise God for whom all blessings flow,
Praise God for evermore,
Praise God and ye Heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
We pray in the name of Jesus to increase our faith.
We pray that all things are set right for the perfect
will of God. People are suffering. Faith is the answer.
We place all of our faith in the Lord of salvation.
Jesus is our hope and Joy. Bless us right now in the name of Jesus.
Lord we thank Thee and Bless Your Holy name.
A-men....
Praise God for evermore,
Praise God and ye Heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
We pray in the name of Jesus to increase our faith.
We pray that all things are set right for the perfect
will of God. People are suffering. Faith is the answer.
We place all of our faith in the Lord of salvation.
Jesus is our hope and Joy. Bless us right now in the name of Jesus.
Lord we thank Thee and Bless Your Holy name.
A-men....
Monday, July 12, 2010
A Good Reason to Have Faith in God
John 14
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
Jesus the Way to the Father
5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
8Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
Jesus the Way to the Father
5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
8Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Reason for True Hope in The Joy of Jesus...
Sermon: The Reason for True Hope
We Praise God today in Christ and The Holy Spirit of God. We humble ourselves of all sin and forgive all in the blood of Jesus Christ. We thank God for all and each spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.
Our faith is in the birth, life and cross of Christ Jesus who died at Calvary and raised by the power of God. Jesus will return and our faith is in the ideal of being ready for His return. This is our faith and prayer. We praise God in The Joy of Jesus to salivation for all who believe. God Bless you always in Christ Jesus. A-men This is the reason for true hope....
"And what shall be the sign of Thy coming?" (v. 3). What did the disciples have in mind when they asked this question? Surely there cannot be the slightest difficulty for us now to discover the true answer. So far as the inspired records go, up to this point the Lord had said nothing whatever to His disciples about His going to the Father’s house to prepare a place for His people, and of His coming again to receive them "unto Himself." No hint whatever had been given of His future descent into the air for the purpose of removing His saints from this earth. Therefore this aspect of the Lord’s "coming" could not have been in the mind of the disciples at that time. It should be obvious to every honest heart and impartial mind that when they asked, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming ?" they had before them what He had just said to the nation of Israel, namely, "You shall not see Me henceforth, till you shall say, Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:9); which was His coming back to the earth,. One other thing enables us to fix the meaning of this question of the disciples, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming?" No "signs" are now given to or for those whose calling is a heavenly one. How could there be, when of them it is written, "we walk by faith, not by sight"? (2 Cor. 5:7). God’s people today are not to be looking for "signs," but listening for a sound, namely, the "shout" of the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16)!
"And of the end of the age?" To what "age" did the disciples refer? Surely there can be only one answer: that associated with Christ’s "coming" to the earth itself. It should be carefully borne in mind that this question was asked by the disciples, as Jews, before the Cross, before the Christian dispensation began. It is of the greatest importance that this fact should be kept before us, for a mistake on that point necessarily involves an erroneous interpretation of what follows. If we remember that at this time the apostles had no thought of (or, at any rate, no real belief in) Christ’s death and resurrection, it should help us to see that the Christian "age" could not have been in their minds. They were Jews, in spirit, hopes, expectations—the very first verse of Matthew 24 (following right after Matthew 23:38) more than hints at that. It is failure at this very point which has led so many to imagine that Matthew 24 teaches that "the Church" will pass through the great Tribulation.
It is to be carefully observed that in His answer the Lord referred the disciples to Daniel: "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place" (v. 15). It is interesting to note that the expressions "the end" or "time of the end" occur in Daniel just thirteen times, and that they are found nowhere else in the Old Testament. These expressions refer to the unfulfilled 70th "week" of Daniel 9:24-27, which brings to a close Israel’s national servitude under Gentile domination. The new "Age" will be introduced by the second advent of the Messiah to this earth and the consequent placing of Israel at the head of the nations. References to that "Age" are found in Hebrews 2:5, 6:5. Thus the disciples rightly connected the "end of the age" with the "Coming" of Christ; for His return to this earth and the ending of the "Age," i.e., the "Times of the Gentiles" synchronize. What is so important to note is that in Matthew 23:39 Christ did not connect His "coming" with the destruction of Jerusalem and the overthrow of the Temple, but with the glorious epoch of Israel’s national conversion.
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (vv. 4, 5). The Lord was here addressing His disciples as the representatives of the godly Jewish remnant of the future. Matthew does not record Christ’s answer to their first question, that being given in Luke. There is nothing at all in Matthew 24 parallel with Luke 21:20. Nor is there anything in it which falls, directly, within the scope of the Christian dispensation. The whole of this parenthetical dispensation is ignored, coming in as it does between the 69th and 70th "weeks" of Daniel 9. Verses 4-14 of Matthew 24 treat of the first half of the 70th "week"; verses 15-30 of its second half. Though verses 4-7 describe conditions which have obtained, more or less, all through the centuries of this Christian era, yet will they appear in a much more intensified form during the Tribulation period.
Fuller and further details concerning the time covered by Christ’s prophetic discourse in Matthew 24 are furnished in the Revelation, the major portion of that book treating of the same period. At the close of this present dispensation Christendom is spewed out (Rev. 3), the saints are raptured (Rev. 4:1), and then the united company of the redeemed are seen in Heaven worshipping God (Rev. 4:4-11). Following this, the Lamb as the "Lion" of the "tribe of Judah" takes "the book" (Rev. 5), and Israel at once appears on the scene. As soon as the "seals" of that book are broken we find that which corresponds exactly with what we have in Matthew 24. Marvelous, minute, and many are the parallels between the two chapters. At a few of them only shall we now glance.
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:4, 5). This was the first part of the Lord’s reply to the questions asked by His disciples. "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer" (Rev. 6:1, 2). These words picture the Anti-christ deceiving men, posing as the true Christ—of. Revelation 19:11.
"And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not troubled: for all must come to pass, but the end (i.e. of the 70th "week") is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6, 7). "And when He had opened the second seal I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword" (Rev. 6:3,4). Thus the contents of the second seal correspond exactly with the second part of Christ’s prophecy.
"And there shall be famines" (Matthew 24:7). "And when he had opened the third seat, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse (the color of famine, see Lamentations 4:8; 5:10); and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst, of the four living creatures say, A measure of wheat for a penny (a day’s wage, see Matthew 20:2) and three measures of barley for a penny" (Rev. 6:5, 6).
"And pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7). "And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with Him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth" (Rev. 6:7,8).
"All these are the beginnings of sorrows" or "birth-pangs" (Matthew 24:8). These "birth-pangs" are the travail which shall yet precede the birth of a regenerated Israel. If the reader desires to trace out the remaining correspondences between the two chapters let him compare Matthew 24:8-28 with Revelation 6:9-11; and then Matthew 24:29,30 with Revelation 6:12-17.
Passing on now to verse 15: "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, whoso readeth let him understand." This is the point which marks the division between the two halves of the 70th "week"; compare Daniel 9:27. These words were addressed by Christ to His apostles, but the "ye" need occasion no difficulty. The Lord was speaking to them as Jews, as the representatives of those who shall be on earth.
Give to The Joy of Jesus. You can simply visit any of our sponsor at no cost or give as much as one dollar to help with your blessing.
We Praise God today in Christ and The Holy Spirit of God. We humble ourselves of all sin and forgive all in the blood of Jesus Christ. We thank God for all and each spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.
Our faith is in the birth, life and cross of Christ Jesus who died at Calvary and raised by the power of God. Jesus will return and our faith is in the ideal of being ready for His return. This is our faith and prayer. We praise God in The Joy of Jesus to salivation for all who believe. God Bless you always in Christ Jesus. A-men This is the reason for true hope....
"And what shall be the sign of Thy coming?" (v. 3). What did the disciples have in mind when they asked this question? Surely there cannot be the slightest difficulty for us now to discover the true answer. So far as the inspired records go, up to this point the Lord had said nothing whatever to His disciples about His going to the Father’s house to prepare a place for His people, and of His coming again to receive them "unto Himself." No hint whatever had been given of His future descent into the air for the purpose of removing His saints from this earth. Therefore this aspect of the Lord’s "coming" could not have been in the mind of the disciples at that time. It should be obvious to every honest heart and impartial mind that when they asked, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming ?" they had before them what He had just said to the nation of Israel, namely, "You shall not see Me henceforth, till you shall say, Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:9); which was His coming back to the earth,. One other thing enables us to fix the meaning of this question of the disciples, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming?" No "signs" are now given to or for those whose calling is a heavenly one. How could there be, when of them it is written, "we walk by faith, not by sight"? (2 Cor. 5:7). God’s people today are not to be looking for "signs," but listening for a sound, namely, the "shout" of the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16)!
"And of the end of the age?" To what "age" did the disciples refer? Surely there can be only one answer: that associated with Christ’s "coming" to the earth itself. It should be carefully borne in mind that this question was asked by the disciples, as Jews, before the Cross, before the Christian dispensation began. It is of the greatest importance that this fact should be kept before us, for a mistake on that point necessarily involves an erroneous interpretation of what follows. If we remember that at this time the apostles had no thought of (or, at any rate, no real belief in) Christ’s death and resurrection, it should help us to see that the Christian "age" could not have been in their minds. They were Jews, in spirit, hopes, expectations—the very first verse of Matthew 24 (following right after Matthew 23:38) more than hints at that. It is failure at this very point which has led so many to imagine that Matthew 24 teaches that "the Church" will pass through the great Tribulation.
It is to be carefully observed that in His answer the Lord referred the disciples to Daniel: "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place" (v. 15). It is interesting to note that the expressions "the end" or "time of the end" occur in Daniel just thirteen times, and that they are found nowhere else in the Old Testament. These expressions refer to the unfulfilled 70th "week" of Daniel 9:24-27, which brings to a close Israel’s national servitude under Gentile domination. The new "Age" will be introduced by the second advent of the Messiah to this earth and the consequent placing of Israel at the head of the nations. References to that "Age" are found in Hebrews 2:5, 6:5. Thus the disciples rightly connected the "end of the age" with the "Coming" of Christ; for His return to this earth and the ending of the "Age," i.e., the "Times of the Gentiles" synchronize. What is so important to note is that in Matthew 23:39 Christ did not connect His "coming" with the destruction of Jerusalem and the overthrow of the Temple, but with the glorious epoch of Israel’s national conversion.
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (vv. 4, 5). The Lord was here addressing His disciples as the representatives of the godly Jewish remnant of the future. Matthew does not record Christ’s answer to their first question, that being given in Luke. There is nothing at all in Matthew 24 parallel with Luke 21:20. Nor is there anything in it which falls, directly, within the scope of the Christian dispensation. The whole of this parenthetical dispensation is ignored, coming in as it does between the 69th and 70th "weeks" of Daniel 9. Verses 4-14 of Matthew 24 treat of the first half of the 70th "week"; verses 15-30 of its second half. Though verses 4-7 describe conditions which have obtained, more or less, all through the centuries of this Christian era, yet will they appear in a much more intensified form during the Tribulation period.
Fuller and further details concerning the time covered by Christ’s prophetic discourse in Matthew 24 are furnished in the Revelation, the major portion of that book treating of the same period. At the close of this present dispensation Christendom is spewed out (Rev. 3), the saints are raptured (Rev. 4:1), and then the united company of the redeemed are seen in Heaven worshipping God (Rev. 4:4-11). Following this, the Lamb as the "Lion" of the "tribe of Judah" takes "the book" (Rev. 5), and Israel at once appears on the scene. As soon as the "seals" of that book are broken we find that which corresponds exactly with what we have in Matthew 24. Marvelous, minute, and many are the parallels between the two chapters. At a few of them only shall we now glance.
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:4, 5). This was the first part of the Lord’s reply to the questions asked by His disciples. "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer" (Rev. 6:1, 2). These words picture the Anti-christ deceiving men, posing as the true Christ—of. Revelation 19:11.
"And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not troubled: for all must come to pass, but the end (i.e. of the 70th "week") is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6, 7). "And when He had opened the second seal I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword" (Rev. 6:3,4). Thus the contents of the second seal correspond exactly with the second part of Christ’s prophecy.
"And there shall be famines" (Matthew 24:7). "And when he had opened the third seat, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse (the color of famine, see Lamentations 4:8; 5:10); and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst, of the four living creatures say, A measure of wheat for a penny (a day’s wage, see Matthew 20:2) and three measures of barley for a penny" (Rev. 6:5, 6).
"And pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7). "And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with Him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth" (Rev. 6:7,8).
"All these are the beginnings of sorrows" or "birth-pangs" (Matthew 24:8). These "birth-pangs" are the travail which shall yet precede the birth of a regenerated Israel. If the reader desires to trace out the remaining correspondences between the two chapters let him compare Matthew 24:8-28 with Revelation 6:9-11; and then Matthew 24:29,30 with Revelation 6:12-17.
Passing on now to verse 15: "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, whoso readeth let him understand." This is the point which marks the division between the two halves of the 70th "week"; compare Daniel 9:27. These words were addressed by Christ to His apostles, but the "ye" need occasion no difficulty. The Lord was speaking to them as Jews, as the representatives of those who shall be on earth.
Give to The Joy of Jesus. You can simply visit any of our sponsor at no cost or give as much as one dollar to help with your blessing.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Jesus is Lord from The Joy of Jesus
Jesus is The Answer, for He is Lord...
Jesus Christ claimed to be the Son of God; a Savior for all people who choose to believe in Him. The fact that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah is not unique in history. Many people have claimed to be sent by God throughout history. Acts 5:36 references a man named Theudas who claimed to be: "somebody" that people followed. Others include, Mohammed. The life and coming of Jesus was predicted hundreds of years before He was born in the book of Isaiah. He fulfilled this prophecy and many others written before His birth to the Virgin Mary. Jesus had many unique qualities that the others who claimed to be the messiah could not match; Jesus Christ overcame death on the cross and was resurrected to be with His Father in heaven. Further examples of why Jesus is Lord include, His ability to overcome temptation living a sinless and perfect life along with His abilities to perform documented miracles in the name of God.
As one of the most popular Bible verses, John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
As Colossians 1:15 says, "He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." Jesus provides eternal hope, through God's grace, for everyone who believes He is Lord.
God loves the world and all He has created. However, people have chosen to separate from God through our sins. Jesus provides the bridge for us to receive God's grace of forgiveness for our sins and fulfill the hope of eternal life. This was the purpose of Jesus Christ and why Jesus is Lord. God sent Jesus to earth over 2000 years ago to set the example of how God desires everyone to live while on earth. He completed His purpose by willingly being crucified so God could be glorified through His resurrection. He lived His life while here on earth in perfect obedience to God regardless of the pain and suffering it entailed which included beatings, humiliation, doubt, ridicule, and finally ultimate execution with His limbs pierced and pinned to a cross.
Jesus led a life that was completely obedient to God; something we cannot do regardless how hard we try through our will power or by the level of wisdom we possess. Everyone has sinned except Christ; He was perfect in love. This is only something God can be. Jesus performed over 23 documented and witnessed miracles over nature, overcoming death and powers of healing that have never been matched or done in the history of the world. Jesus had powers that only God could possess. He had the ability to predict the future as indicated in the book of Mark, verse 14:72 and the book of Matthew, verse 16:18. Jesus honored God throughout every event in His life. He was humble and gentle mirroring God's Spirit. This is further proof why Jesus is Lord. There is no other faith in the world that can provide the evidence that Jesus is the Lord. Jesus still lives in heaven at the right hand of God. We cannot see Him, but must rely on the documented facts and His message of salvation for all who believe in Him. When choose to place our faith in Jesus Christ and trust God, He has promised to secure a place in heaven for each of us.
Jesus Christ claimed to be the Son of God; a Savior for all people who choose to believe in Him. The fact that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah is not unique in history. Many people have claimed to be sent by God throughout history. Acts 5:36 references a man named Theudas who claimed to be: "somebody" that people followed. Others include, Mohammed. The life and coming of Jesus was predicted hundreds of years before He was born in the book of Isaiah. He fulfilled this prophecy and many others written before His birth to the Virgin Mary. Jesus had many unique qualities that the others who claimed to be the messiah could not match; Jesus Christ overcame death on the cross and was resurrected to be with His Father in heaven. Further examples of why Jesus is Lord include, His ability to overcome temptation living a sinless and perfect life along with His abilities to perform documented miracles in the name of God.
As one of the most popular Bible verses, John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
As Colossians 1:15 says, "He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." Jesus provides eternal hope, through God's grace, for everyone who believes He is Lord.
God loves the world and all He has created. However, people have chosen to separate from God through our sins. Jesus provides the bridge for us to receive God's grace of forgiveness for our sins and fulfill the hope of eternal life. This was the purpose of Jesus Christ and why Jesus is Lord. God sent Jesus to earth over 2000 years ago to set the example of how God desires everyone to live while on earth. He completed His purpose by willingly being crucified so God could be glorified through His resurrection. He lived His life while here on earth in perfect obedience to God regardless of the pain and suffering it entailed which included beatings, humiliation, doubt, ridicule, and finally ultimate execution with His limbs pierced and pinned to a cross.
Jesus led a life that was completely obedient to God; something we cannot do regardless how hard we try through our will power or by the level of wisdom we possess. Everyone has sinned except Christ; He was perfect in love. This is only something God can be. Jesus performed over 23 documented and witnessed miracles over nature, overcoming death and powers of healing that have never been matched or done in the history of the world. Jesus had powers that only God could possess. He had the ability to predict the future as indicated in the book of Mark, verse 14:72 and the book of Matthew, verse 16:18. Jesus honored God throughout every event in His life. He was humble and gentle mirroring God's Spirit. This is further proof why Jesus is Lord. There is no other faith in the world that can provide the evidence that Jesus is the Lord. Jesus still lives in heaven at the right hand of God. We cannot see Him, but must rely on the documented facts and His message of salvation for all who believe in Him. When choose to place our faith in Jesus Christ and trust God, He has promised to secure a place in heaven for each of us.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Joy of Jesus is Transformational
Christ was transfigured before them.
The word “transfigured" means to change, transfigure, transform.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Christians are changed-renewed from within from glory to glory. Our transformation is a “gradual” experience, and will be completed when Christ appears at the Rapture.
Christians are being inwardly changed day by day. At the Rapture, Christians will be “outwardly changed”—as was Christ on the mount—in the twinkling of an eye.
1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
I Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Elijah
Some confusion here. The three apostles believe Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) but why then do the scribers (keepers of the law) say that Elijah must come first? John the Baptist himself said, “I am not Elijah”. (the resurrected Old Testament prophet) This was enough for the unspiritual Jews who were merely looking for signs to reject Jesus as the Messiah, but to the spiritually discerned, John had already come. John the Baptist came in the Spirit and power of Elijah.
The angel speaking to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist.
Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
The word “transfigured" means to change, transfigure, transform.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Christians are changed-renewed from within from glory to glory. Our transformation is a “gradual” experience, and will be completed when Christ appears at the Rapture.
Christians are being inwardly changed day by day. At the Rapture, Christians will be “outwardly changed”—as was Christ on the mount—in the twinkling of an eye.
1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
I Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Elijah
Some confusion here. The three apostles believe Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) but why then do the scribers (keepers of the law) say that Elijah must come first? John the Baptist himself said, “I am not Elijah”. (the resurrected Old Testament prophet) This was enough for the unspiritual Jews who were merely looking for signs to reject Jesus as the Messiah, but to the spiritually discerned, John had already come. John the Baptist came in the Spirit and power of Elijah.
The angel speaking to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist.
Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Glorious is Thy Name The Joy of Jesus
Glorious is Thy Name, O Lord!
Heav’n and earth with one accord
Tell Thy greatness, part revealed,
But the larger part concealed.
How shall we poor singers dare
Seek Thy face in praise and prayer?
Fearful is Thy Name, O Lord!
Dread Thy voice and sharp Thy sword;
Thunders roll around Thy path;
None can stand before Thy wrath!
How shall trembling sinners dare
Lift their voice in praise and prayer?
Yet with all Thy wondrous might
Far beyond our mortal sight,
Perfect wisdom, boundless powers,
Thou, O glorious God! art ours.
So, though filled with awe, we dare
Name Thy Name in praise and prayer.
Since, to save a world undone,
Thou didst give Thine only Son,
All Thy greatness, Lord Most High,
Brings Thee to our hearts more nigh.
Thus in faith and hope we dare
Claim Thy love in praise and prayer.
Heav’n and earth with one accord
Tell Thy greatness, part revealed,
But the larger part concealed.
How shall we poor singers dare
Seek Thy face in praise and prayer?
Fearful is Thy Name, O Lord!
Dread Thy voice and sharp Thy sword;
Thunders roll around Thy path;
None can stand before Thy wrath!
How shall trembling sinners dare
Lift their voice in praise and prayer?
Yet with all Thy wondrous might
Far beyond our mortal sight,
Perfect wisdom, boundless powers,
Thou, O glorious God! art ours.
So, though filled with awe, we dare
Name Thy Name in praise and prayer.
Since, to save a world undone,
Thou didst give Thine only Son,
All Thy greatness, Lord Most High,
Brings Thee to our hearts more nigh.
Thus in faith and hope we dare
Claim Thy love in praise and prayer.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Bible Study Today
The Joy of Jesus is in constant prayer for you. We ask in The Name of Jesus that you give to help support our mission. You may visit any of our sponsors at no cost to you. Do share our message of love with all of your contacts. God bless you in all that you in the name of Jesus. We pray that your love, joy and peace be increased.
Lesson: Love, Joy and Peace
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ~ John 13:35
Fruis of the Holy Spirit man holding apple In Lesson 1 of your Fruits of the Holy Spirit Bible Study, we discussed the purposes for developing spiritual fruit. We learned that these Fruits are outward signs of an inward change in your life. Although they do not appear over night, they are proof that you are God's work in progress.
But, Galatians 5 is not the only place in the Word that we see references to these signs that God's holy hand is at work.
We are going to engage in what I like to call a Bible Scripture Study - Scouring the scriptures for all that God has to say on a subject. It's time to discover what else God's Word tells you about each of the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
A Closer Look At Each of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
But the Holy Spirit
produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
Love,
Joy,
Peace,
Patience,
Kindness,
Goodness,
Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and
Self-control.
There is no law against these things!
- Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Christian Love
Christian Love Fruits of the Holy Spirit rocks in heartBy this shall all men know
that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
-John 13:35
The Greek word used in Galatians 5, and again here in John 13, is Agape.
This is the kind of love that God loves us with - It is self-sacrificing. It is unconditional.
And, let's face it, it is impossible for any human to achieve on their own. It can only be developed as a Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
But, Jesus says that developing this kind of love in your heart is the only way the world will be able to identify you as His. In Matthew, Jesus explains that Agapao (the verb form of Agape) is the actual basis of Christianity.
Side Note:
I could write an entire study on the importance of the fact that Jesus uses the verb form here - And how that shows us that love is an action word. In fact, agapao is so vital to so many areas of your daily life, I ended up spending a full 2 hours teaching on it in our Fruits of the Holy Spirit online Bible class! Bible study online Christian smiley
Jesus tells us that everything God calls us to boils down to this:
You must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
A second is equally important:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
The entire law and all the demands of the prophets
are based on these two commandments.
-Matthew 22: 36-40 (NLT)
There is no wonder why Paul lists love first in his description of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Christian Joy
Christian Joy Fruits of the Spirit happy man on beachThere are two kinds of joy. The fleeting joy that the world gives. And the lasting joy that God's Spirit provides.
The joy that we find in this world is allusive. It is like chasing a mirage.
People spend years thinking that when they finally get that promotion, or when they eventually get out of debt - They will be happy.
And, yet, when they finally reach the place where they thought they would find happiness, they only experience more longing.
Why? They foolishly thought that they were the source of their own joy.
But, your Heavenly Father doesn't want His child sitting around "grieved and depressed." That's why God's Word says that He's given you the very joy of the Lord to be your strength and stronghold (Nehemiah 8:10 -AMP).
So, while the world is searching for happiness, the Holy Spirit is sprouting seeds of joy and gladness inside of you. And this Fruit of the Holy Spirit is God's gift, to be your strength in times of turmoil.
Christian Peace
Christian Peace Fruits of the Holy Spirit Father and child's handsThere are two kinds of peace that we have as Christians. We have peace with God, and we have the peace of God. Let me explain the difference.
You will learn in a future lesson about the Holy Spirit in the Old testament that, before Jesus, we were not allowed to be in the presence of God. But, through Jesus' sacrifice, our peace with God was purchased.
THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified
(acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God)
through faith,
let us [grasp the fact that we] have
[the peace of reconciliation to hold and to [enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
-Romans 5:1 (AMP)
In addition to Jesus' death buying you peace with God, it also serves as a cleansing sacrifice to allow you into the presence of the Lord.
With the Holy Spirit now living inside of you, you are able to experience the peace of God. This is the kind of peace that the Fruit of the Holy Spirit manifests.
We are told in Philippians how to receive this peace for ourselves.
Don’t worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
In our Spirit Controlled Life Bible Class, I called this scripture your "Peace Treaty." You are promised a peace that exceeds your understanding. That means, it is a peace that does not make sense to us mentally. In times when we should be pulling out our hair and biting our nails, we feel an overwhelming peace in our spirits.
I think that, more and more, bearing this Fruit of the Holy Spirit is something that Christians struggle with. I find so many Believers who are struggling with fear, doubt, stress and anxiety. But, you don't have to live like that. God's Holy Spirit can set you free from the bondage of your thoughts and give you a peace that passes all understanding.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit Bible Scripture Study
Lesson 2
Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think that it is significant that Jesus uses the action verb Agapao to describe the kind of love that the Holy Spirit wants to develop inside of you?
2. Why do you think God tells you that His joy is what acts as your strength during trying times? Can you think of a time when His joy kept you strong?
3. Why do you think so many Christians today struggle with receiving and maintaining God's peace? Do you feel that you have a problem maintaining your
Lesson: Love, Joy and Peace
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ~ John 13:35
Fruis of the Holy Spirit man holding apple In Lesson 1 of your Fruits of the Holy Spirit Bible Study, we discussed the purposes for developing spiritual fruit. We learned that these Fruits are outward signs of an inward change in your life. Although they do not appear over night, they are proof that you are God's work in progress.
But, Galatians 5 is not the only place in the Word that we see references to these signs that God's holy hand is at work.
We are going to engage in what I like to call a Bible Scripture Study - Scouring the scriptures for all that God has to say on a subject. It's time to discover what else God's Word tells you about each of the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
A Closer Look At Each of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
But the Holy Spirit
produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
Love,
Joy,
Peace,
Patience,
Kindness,
Goodness,
Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and
Self-control.
There is no law against these things!
- Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Christian Love
Christian Love Fruits of the Holy Spirit rocks in heartBy this shall all men know
that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
-John 13:35
The Greek word used in Galatians 5, and again here in John 13, is Agape.
This is the kind of love that God loves us with - It is self-sacrificing. It is unconditional.
And, let's face it, it is impossible for any human to achieve on their own. It can only be developed as a Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
But, Jesus says that developing this kind of love in your heart is the only way the world will be able to identify you as His. In Matthew, Jesus explains that Agapao (the verb form of Agape) is the actual basis of Christianity.
Side Note:
I could write an entire study on the importance of the fact that Jesus uses the verb form here - And how that shows us that love is an action word. In fact, agapao is so vital to so many areas of your daily life, I ended up spending a full 2 hours teaching on it in our Fruits of the Holy Spirit online Bible class! Bible study online Christian smiley
Jesus tells us that everything God calls us to boils down to this:
You must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
A second is equally important:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
The entire law and all the demands of the prophets
are based on these two commandments.
-Matthew 22: 36-40 (NLT)
There is no wonder why Paul lists love first in his description of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Christian Joy
Christian Joy Fruits of the Spirit happy man on beachThere are two kinds of joy. The fleeting joy that the world gives. And the lasting joy that God's Spirit provides.
The joy that we find in this world is allusive. It is like chasing a mirage.
People spend years thinking that when they finally get that promotion, or when they eventually get out of debt - They will be happy.
And, yet, when they finally reach the place where they thought they would find happiness, they only experience more longing.
Why? They foolishly thought that they were the source of their own joy.
But, your Heavenly Father doesn't want His child sitting around "grieved and depressed." That's why God's Word says that He's given you the very joy of the Lord to be your strength and stronghold (Nehemiah 8:10 -AMP).
So, while the world is searching for happiness, the Holy Spirit is sprouting seeds of joy and gladness inside of you. And this Fruit of the Holy Spirit is God's gift, to be your strength in times of turmoil.
Christian Peace
Christian Peace Fruits of the Holy Spirit Father and child's handsThere are two kinds of peace that we have as Christians. We have peace with God, and we have the peace of God. Let me explain the difference.
You will learn in a future lesson about the Holy Spirit in the Old testament that, before Jesus, we were not allowed to be in the presence of God. But, through Jesus' sacrifice, our peace with God was purchased.
THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified
(acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God)
through faith,
let us [grasp the fact that we] have
[the peace of reconciliation to hold and to [enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
-Romans 5:1 (AMP)
In addition to Jesus' death buying you peace with God, it also serves as a cleansing sacrifice to allow you into the presence of the Lord.
With the Holy Spirit now living inside of you, you are able to experience the peace of God. This is the kind of peace that the Fruit of the Holy Spirit manifests.
We are told in Philippians how to receive this peace for ourselves.
Don’t worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
In our Spirit Controlled Life Bible Class, I called this scripture your "Peace Treaty." You are promised a peace that exceeds your understanding. That means, it is a peace that does not make sense to us mentally. In times when we should be pulling out our hair and biting our nails, we feel an overwhelming peace in our spirits.
I think that, more and more, bearing this Fruit of the Holy Spirit is something that Christians struggle with. I find so many Believers who are struggling with fear, doubt, stress and anxiety. But, you don't have to live like that. God's Holy Spirit can set you free from the bondage of your thoughts and give you a peace that passes all understanding.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit Bible Scripture Study
Lesson 2
Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think that it is significant that Jesus uses the action verb Agapao to describe the kind of love that the Holy Spirit wants to develop inside of you?
2. Why do you think God tells you that His joy is what acts as your strength during trying times? Can you think of a time when His joy kept you strong?
3. Why do you think so many Christians today struggle with receiving and maintaining God's peace? Do you feel that you have a problem maintaining your
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Message/ We must Have Faith in Faith
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Message: We pray in the name of Jesus for all people to renew their relationship with The Lord. These are the days days that test the soul. Our economic systems as we know them have failed us world wide.
Jesus is so aware of our condition. We must continue to Praise God and Thank God in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There are people who are losing everything while others get rich and fat for being greedy.
There are children starving and sick without food nor health care. Businesses are beginning to fell the pain of the people and the environment.
People are losing the faith that they had. Hope seems to be gone or missing from the average vocabulary. Yet, what are the people of faith to do?
We need to increase our hope and faith in the Lord more-so today than yesterday. Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead for times like these when all appears to be lost. Jesus is coming back. Therefore, we must wait on His return to set all things right. Praise God for The Joy of Jesus and His return. God Bless you as we battle the storms of a lost world. Give to the Joy of Jesus Today.
Prayer: God, bless all the people who receive this message in the name of Jesus. We pray for all people to increase their faith. Glory to God in the highest. Goodwill and Peace on Earth in Jesus name we pray.
Message: We pray in the name of Jesus for all people to renew their relationship with The Lord. These are the days days that test the soul. Our economic systems as we know them have failed us world wide.
Jesus is so aware of our condition. We must continue to Praise God and Thank God in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There are people who are losing everything while others get rich and fat for being greedy.
There are children starving and sick without food nor health care. Businesses are beginning to fell the pain of the people and the environment.
People are losing the faith that they had. Hope seems to be gone or missing from the average vocabulary. Yet, what are the people of faith to do?
We need to increase our hope and faith in the Lord more-so today than yesterday. Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead for times like these when all appears to be lost. Jesus is coming back. Therefore, we must wait on His return to set all things right. Praise God for The Joy of Jesus and His return. God Bless you as we battle the storms of a lost world. Give to the Joy of Jesus Today.
Prayer: God, bless all the people who receive this message in the name of Jesus. We pray for all people to increase their faith. Glory to God in the highest. Goodwill and Peace on Earth in Jesus name we pray.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Pray for The Jobless
Convocation: It is our concern that people are still losing their jobs at alarming rates. This is a sign that the economy may take another dip for the worst. Our governments seem to be unprepared for the real challenges of families today. The only answer to these problems is faith in The Joy of Jesus.
Prayer: Dear God in Heaven, Father of The Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all of the workers of the world. Our hearts cry out for the JOBLESS. We need more jobs in the name of Jesus. We pray for all people and our environment. The world is in need of The Power of Jesus to help us in these times of tremendous need. In Jesus name we pray. A-men.
Do give to The Joy of Jesus by visiting our sponsors.
Prayer: Dear God in Heaven, Father of The Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all of the workers of the world. Our hearts cry out for the JOBLESS. We need more jobs in the name of Jesus. We pray for all people and our environment. The world is in need of The Power of Jesus to help us in these times of tremendous need. In Jesus name we pray. A-men.
Do give to The Joy of Jesus by visiting our sponsors.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Rock of all Time is The Joy of Jesus
ROCK OF AGES
“The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer.” Psalm 18:2
If you have access to a better photo of Thomas Hastings that we could put online, please click here.
[Toplady writing Rock of Ages]
Toplady writing Rock of Ages
Sir William Henry Wills, in a letter to Dean Lefroy, published in the [London] Times in June, 1898, says ‘Toplady was one day overtaken by a thunderstorm in Burrington Coombe, on the edge of my property, Blagdon, a rocky glen running up into the heart of the Mendip range, and there, taking shelter between two massive piers of our native limestone rock, he penned the hymn,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee..’
This hymn was sung at the funeral of William Gladstone in Westminster Abbey, London, England. Prince Albert of Britain asked it be sung to him as he lay dying. In Hymns That Have Helped, W. T. Stead stated:
…when the London went down in the Bay of Biscay, January 11, 1866, the last thing which the last man who left the ship heard as the boat pushed off from the doomed vessel was the voices of the passengers singing “Rock of Ages.”
In another story:
A missionary…complained of the slow progress made in India in converting the natives on account of explaining the teachings of Christianity so that the ignorant people could understand them. Some of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, for instance are destroyed by translation. He attempted to have [Rock of Ages] translated into the native dialect, so that the natives might appreciate its beauty. The work was entrusted to a young Hindu Bible student who had the reputation of being something of a poet. The next day he brought his translation for approval, and his rendering, as translated back into English, read like this:
Very old stone, split for my benefit,
Let me absent myself under one of your fragments.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
[Rock of Gibraltar, by Frederick R. Lee (1798-1879)]
Rock of Gibraltar, by Frederick R. Lee (1798-1879)
“The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer.” Psalm 18:2
If you have access to a better photo of Thomas Hastings that we could put online, please click here.
[Toplady writing Rock of Ages]
Toplady writing Rock of Ages
Sir William Henry Wills, in a letter to Dean Lefroy, published in the [London] Times in June, 1898, says ‘Toplady was one day overtaken by a thunderstorm in Burrington Coombe, on the edge of my property, Blagdon, a rocky glen running up into the heart of the Mendip range, and there, taking shelter between two massive piers of our native limestone rock, he penned the hymn,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee..’
This hymn was sung at the funeral of William Gladstone in Westminster Abbey, London, England. Prince Albert of Britain asked it be sung to him as he lay dying. In Hymns That Have Helped, W. T. Stead stated:
…when the London went down in the Bay of Biscay, January 11, 1866, the last thing which the last man who left the ship heard as the boat pushed off from the doomed vessel was the voices of the passengers singing “Rock of Ages.”
In another story:
A missionary…complained of the slow progress made in India in converting the natives on account of explaining the teachings of Christianity so that the ignorant people could understand them. Some of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, for instance are destroyed by translation. He attempted to have [Rock of Ages] translated into the native dialect, so that the natives might appreciate its beauty. The work was entrusted to a young Hindu Bible student who had the reputation of being something of a poet. The next day he brought his translation for approval, and his rendering, as translated back into English, read like this:
Very old stone, split for my benefit,
Let me absent myself under one of your fragments.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
[Rock of Gibraltar, by Frederick R. Lee (1798-1879)]
Rock of Gibraltar, by Frederick R. Lee (1798-1879)
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