THE GRACE OF GOD
Grace is a perfection of the Divine character which is exercised only toward the elect. Neither in the Old Testament nor in the New is the grace of God ever mentioned in connection with mankind generally, still less with the lower orders of His creatures. In this it is distinguished from mercy, for the mercy of God is "over all His works" (Ps. 145-9). Grace is the alone source from which flows the goodwill, love, and salvation of God unto His chosen people. This attribute of the Divine character was defined by Abraham Booth in his helpful book, The Reign of Grace thus, "It is the eternal and absolute free favour of God, manifested in the vouchsafement of spiritual and eternal blessings to the guilty and the unworthy."
Divine grace is the sovereign and saving favour of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who have no merit in them and for which no compensation is demanded from them. Nay, more; it is the favour of God shown to those who not only have no positive deserts of their own, but who are thoroughly ill-deserving and hell-deserving. It is completely unmerited and unsought, and is altogether unattracted by anything in or from or by the objects upon which it is bestowed. Grace can neither be bought, earned, nor won by the creature. If it could be, it would cease to be grace. When a thing is said to be of grace we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in nowise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, unasked and undesired.
The fullest exposition of the amazing grace of God is to be found in the Epistles of the apostle Paul. In his writings "grace" stands in direct opposition to works and worthiness, all works and worthiness, of whatever kind or degree. This is abundantly clear from Romans 11:6, "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. If it be of works, then is it no more grace, otherwise work is no more work." Grace and works will no more unite than an acid and an alkali. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9). The absolute favour of God can no more consist with human merit than oil and water will fuse into one: see also Romans 4:4,5
Showing posts with label giving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giving. Show all posts
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
What is Your Pray Today?
"Our Father which art in heaven"
Matthew 6:9
This opening clause is a suitable preface to all that follows. It presents to us the great Object to whom we pray, teaches us the covenant office that He sustains to us, and denotes the obligation imposed upon us, namely, that of maintaining toward Him a filial spirit, with all that that entails. All real prayer ought to begin with a devout contemplation and to express an acknowledgment of the name of God and of His blessed perfections. We should draw near unto the Throne of Grace with suitable apprehensions of God’s sovereign majesty and power, yet with a holy confidence in His fatherly goodness. In these opening words we are plainly instructed to preface our petitions by expressing the sense we have of the essential and relative glories of the One whom we address. The Psalms abound in examples of this. See Psalm 8:1 as a case in point.
"Our Father which art in heaven." Let us first endeavor to ascertain the general principle that is embodied in this introductory clause. It informs us in the simplest possible manner that the great God is most graciously ready to grant us an audience. By directing us to address Him as our Father, it definitely assures us of His love and power. This precious title is designed to raise our affections, to excite us to reverent attention, and to confirm our confidence in the efficacy of prayer. Three things are essential to acceptable and effectual prayer: fervency, reverence, and confidence. This opening clause is designed to stir up each of these essential elements within us. Fervency is the effect of our affections being called into exercise; reverence will be promoted by an apprehension of the fact that we are addressing the heavenly throne; confidence will be deepened by viewing the Object of prayer as our Father.
In coming to God in acts of worship, we must "believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6). What is more calculated to deepen our confidence and to draw forth the strongest love and earnest hopes of our hearts toward God, than Christ’s presenting Him to us in His most tender aspect and endearing relation? How we are here encouraged to use holy boldness and to pour out our souls before Him! We could not suitably invoke an impersonal First Cause; still less could we adore or supplicate a great abstraction. No, it is to a person, a Divine Person, One who has our best interests at heart, that we are invited to draw near, even to our Father. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1).
God is the Father of all men naturally, being their Creator. "Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us?" (Mal. 2:10). "But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our Potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand" (Isa. 64:8). The fact that such verses have been grossly perverted by some holding erroneous views on "the universal fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man," must not cause us to utterly repudiate them. It is our privilege to assure the most ungodly and abandoned that, if they will but throw down the weapons of their warfare and do as the prodigal did, there is a loving Father ready to welcome them. If He hears the cries of the ravens (Ps. 147:9), will He turn a deaf ear to the requests of a rational creature? Simon Magus, while still "in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity," was directed by an apostle to repent of his wickedness and to pray to God (Acts 8:22, 23).
But the depth and full import of this invocation can be entered into only by the believing Christian, for there is a higher relation between him and God than that which is merely of nature. First, God is his Father spiritually. Second, God is the Father of His elect because He is the Father of their Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3). Thus Christ expressly announced, "I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God" (John 20:17). Third, God is the Father of His elect by eternal decree: "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph. 1:5). Fourth, He is the Father of His elect by regeneration, wherein they are born again and become "partakers of the Divine nature" (2 Pet. 1:4). It is written, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6).
These words "Our Father" not only signify the office that God sustains to us by virtue of the everlasting covenant, but they also clearly imply our obligation. They teach us both how we ought to dispose ourselves toward God when we pray to Him, and the conduct that is becoming to us by virtue of this relationship. As His children we must "honor" Him (even more than our human parents; see Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3), be in subjection to Him, delight in Him, and strive in all things to please Him. Again, the phrase "Our Father" not only teaches us our personal interest in God Himself, who by grace is our Father, but it also instructs us of our interest in our fellow Christians, who in Christ are our brethren. It is not merely to "my Father" to whom I pray, but to "our Father." We must express our love to our brethren by praying for them; we are to be as much concerned about their needs as we are over our own. How much is included in these two words!
"Which art in heaven." What a blessed balance this gives to the previous phrase. If that tells us of God’s goodness and grace, this speaks of His greatness and majesty. If that teaches us of the nearness and dearness of His relationship to us, this announces His infinite elevation above us. If the words "Our Father" inspire confidence and love, then the words "which art in heaven" should fill us with humility and awe. These are the two things that should ever occupy our minds and engage our hearts: the first without the second tends toward unholy familiarity; the second without the first produces coldness and dread. By combining them together, we are preserved from both evils; and a suitable equipoise is wrought and maintained in the soul as we duly contemplate both the mercy and might of God, His unfathomable love and His immeasurable loftiness. Note how the same blessed balance was preserved by the Apostle Paul, when he employed the following words to describe God the Father: "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory" (Eph. 1:17).
The words "which art in heaven" are not used because He is confined there. We are reminded of the words of King Solomon: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" (1 Kings 8:27). God is infinite and omnipresent. There is a particular sense, though, in which the Father is "in heaven," for that is the place in which His majesty and glory are most eminently manifested. "Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool" (Isa. 66:1). The realization of this should fill us with the deepest reverence and awe. The words "which art in heaven" call attention to His providence, declaring the fact that He is directing all things from on high. These words proclaim His ability to undertake for us, for our Father is the Almighty. "But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Ps. 115:3). Yet though the Almighty, He is "our Father." "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" (Ps. 103:13). "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke 11:13). Finally, these blessed words remind us that we are journeying thither, for heaven is our home.
Matthew 6:9
This opening clause is a suitable preface to all that follows. It presents to us the great Object to whom we pray, teaches us the covenant office that He sustains to us, and denotes the obligation imposed upon us, namely, that of maintaining toward Him a filial spirit, with all that that entails. All real prayer ought to begin with a devout contemplation and to express an acknowledgment of the name of God and of His blessed perfections. We should draw near unto the Throne of Grace with suitable apprehensions of God’s sovereign majesty and power, yet with a holy confidence in His fatherly goodness. In these opening words we are plainly instructed to preface our petitions by expressing the sense we have of the essential and relative glories of the One whom we address. The Psalms abound in examples of this. See Psalm 8:1 as a case in point.
"Our Father which art in heaven." Let us first endeavor to ascertain the general principle that is embodied in this introductory clause. It informs us in the simplest possible manner that the great God is most graciously ready to grant us an audience. By directing us to address Him as our Father, it definitely assures us of His love and power. This precious title is designed to raise our affections, to excite us to reverent attention, and to confirm our confidence in the efficacy of prayer. Three things are essential to acceptable and effectual prayer: fervency, reverence, and confidence. This opening clause is designed to stir up each of these essential elements within us. Fervency is the effect of our affections being called into exercise; reverence will be promoted by an apprehension of the fact that we are addressing the heavenly throne; confidence will be deepened by viewing the Object of prayer as our Father.
In coming to God in acts of worship, we must "believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6). What is more calculated to deepen our confidence and to draw forth the strongest love and earnest hopes of our hearts toward God, than Christ’s presenting Him to us in His most tender aspect and endearing relation? How we are here encouraged to use holy boldness and to pour out our souls before Him! We could not suitably invoke an impersonal First Cause; still less could we adore or supplicate a great abstraction. No, it is to a person, a Divine Person, One who has our best interests at heart, that we are invited to draw near, even to our Father. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1).
God is the Father of all men naturally, being their Creator. "Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us?" (Mal. 2:10). "But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our Potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand" (Isa. 64:8). The fact that such verses have been grossly perverted by some holding erroneous views on "the universal fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man," must not cause us to utterly repudiate them. It is our privilege to assure the most ungodly and abandoned that, if they will but throw down the weapons of their warfare and do as the prodigal did, there is a loving Father ready to welcome them. If He hears the cries of the ravens (Ps. 147:9), will He turn a deaf ear to the requests of a rational creature? Simon Magus, while still "in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity," was directed by an apostle to repent of his wickedness and to pray to God (Acts 8:22, 23).
But the depth and full import of this invocation can be entered into only by the believing Christian, for there is a higher relation between him and God than that which is merely of nature. First, God is his Father spiritually. Second, God is the Father of His elect because He is the Father of their Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3). Thus Christ expressly announced, "I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God" (John 20:17). Third, God is the Father of His elect by eternal decree: "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph. 1:5). Fourth, He is the Father of His elect by regeneration, wherein they are born again and become "partakers of the Divine nature" (2 Pet. 1:4). It is written, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6).
These words "Our Father" not only signify the office that God sustains to us by virtue of the everlasting covenant, but they also clearly imply our obligation. They teach us both how we ought to dispose ourselves toward God when we pray to Him, and the conduct that is becoming to us by virtue of this relationship. As His children we must "honor" Him (even more than our human parents; see Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3), be in subjection to Him, delight in Him, and strive in all things to please Him. Again, the phrase "Our Father" not only teaches us our personal interest in God Himself, who by grace is our Father, but it also instructs us of our interest in our fellow Christians, who in Christ are our brethren. It is not merely to "my Father" to whom I pray, but to "our Father." We must express our love to our brethren by praying for them; we are to be as much concerned about their needs as we are over our own. How much is included in these two words!
"Which art in heaven." What a blessed balance this gives to the previous phrase. If that tells us of God’s goodness and grace, this speaks of His greatness and majesty. If that teaches us of the nearness and dearness of His relationship to us, this announces His infinite elevation above us. If the words "Our Father" inspire confidence and love, then the words "which art in heaven" should fill us with humility and awe. These are the two things that should ever occupy our minds and engage our hearts: the first without the second tends toward unholy familiarity; the second without the first produces coldness and dread. By combining them together, we are preserved from both evils; and a suitable equipoise is wrought and maintained in the soul as we duly contemplate both the mercy and might of God, His unfathomable love and His immeasurable loftiness. Note how the same blessed balance was preserved by the Apostle Paul, when he employed the following words to describe God the Father: "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory" (Eph. 1:17).
The words "which art in heaven" are not used because He is confined there. We are reminded of the words of King Solomon: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" (1 Kings 8:27). God is infinite and omnipresent. There is a particular sense, though, in which the Father is "in heaven," for that is the place in which His majesty and glory are most eminently manifested. "Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool" (Isa. 66:1). The realization of this should fill us with the deepest reverence and awe. The words "which art in heaven" call attention to His providence, declaring the fact that He is directing all things from on high. These words proclaim His ability to undertake for us, for our Father is the Almighty. "But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Ps. 115:3). Yet though the Almighty, He is "our Father." "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" (Ps. 103:13). "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke 11:13). Finally, these blessed words remind us that we are journeying thither, for heaven is our home.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Let Jesus Grow in You
Colossians 3
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers,[c] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers,[c] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
God is a Great Giver
The Father’s Costly Sacrifice.
This brings before us a side of the truth upon which I fear we rarely meditate. We delight to think of the wondrous love of Christ, whose love was stronger than death, and who deemed no suffering too great for His people. But what must it have meant to the heart of the Father when His Beloved left His Heavenly Home! God is love, and nothing is so sensitive as love. I do not believe that Deity is emotionless, the Stoic as represented by the Schoolmen of the middle ages. I believe the sending forth of the Son was something which the heart of the Father felt, that it was a real sacrifice on His part.
Weigh well then the solemn fact which premises the sure promise that follows: God "spared not His own Son"! Expressive, profound, melting words! Knowing full well, as He only could, all that redemption involved—the Law rigid and unbending, insisting upon perfect obedience and demanding death for its transgressors. Justice, stern and inexorable, requiring full satisfaction, refusing to "clear the guilty." Yet God did not withhold not the only suitable Sacrifice.
God "spared not His own Son," though knowing full well the humiliation and ignominy of Bethlehem’s manger, the ingratitude of men, the not having where to lay His head, the hatred and opposition of the ungodly, the enmity and bruising of Satan—yet He did not hesitate. God did not relax ought of the holy requirements of His throne, nor abate one whit of the awful curse. No, He "spared not His own Son." The utmost farthing was exacted; the last dregs in the cup of wrath must be drained. Even when His Beloved cried from the Garden, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me," God "spared" Him not. Even when vile hands had nailed Him to the tree, God cried "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My Fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd" (Zech. 13:7).
This brings before us a side of the truth upon which I fear we rarely meditate. We delight to think of the wondrous love of Christ, whose love was stronger than death, and who deemed no suffering too great for His people. But what must it have meant to the heart of the Father when His Beloved left His Heavenly Home! God is love, and nothing is so sensitive as love. I do not believe that Deity is emotionless, the Stoic as represented by the Schoolmen of the middle ages. I believe the sending forth of the Son was something which the heart of the Father felt, that it was a real sacrifice on His part.
Weigh well then the solemn fact which premises the sure promise that follows: God "spared not His own Son"! Expressive, profound, melting words! Knowing full well, as He only could, all that redemption involved—the Law rigid and unbending, insisting upon perfect obedience and demanding death for its transgressors. Justice, stern and inexorable, requiring full satisfaction, refusing to "clear the guilty." Yet God did not withhold not the only suitable Sacrifice.
God "spared not His own Son," though knowing full well the humiliation and ignominy of Bethlehem’s manger, the ingratitude of men, the not having where to lay His head, the hatred and opposition of the ungodly, the enmity and bruising of Satan—yet He did not hesitate. God did not relax ought of the holy requirements of His throne, nor abate one whit of the awful curse. No, He "spared not His own Son." The utmost farthing was exacted; the last dregs in the cup of wrath must be drained. Even when His Beloved cried from the Garden, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me," God "spared" Him not. Even when vile hands had nailed Him to the tree, God cried "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My Fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd" (Zech. 13:7).
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A God who Gives
"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"
Romans 8:32
The above verse supplies us with an instance of Divine logic. It contains a conclusion drawn from a premise; the premise is that God delivered up Christ for all His people, therefore everything else that is needed by them is sure to be given. There are many examples in Holy Writ of such Divine logic. "If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you?" (Matt. 6:3O). "If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Rom. 5:10). "If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matt. 7:11). So here in our text the reasoning is irresistible and goes straight to the understanding and heart.
Romans 8:32
The above verse supplies us with an instance of Divine logic. It contains a conclusion drawn from a premise; the premise is that God delivered up Christ for all His people, therefore everything else that is needed by them is sure to be given. There are many examples in Holy Writ of such Divine logic. "If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you?" (Matt. 6:3O). "If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Rom. 5:10). "If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matt. 7:11). So here in our text the reasoning is irresistible and goes straight to the understanding and heart.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Joy of Jesus is Showing Appreication
As we approach black Friday people will be in pure commercial holiday mode. Yet the spiritual needs are what is at hand after lifting the world out of a depression. People need to speed wisely and with a sense of the future for all this time. The Joy of Jesus is here to help.
People still need jobs and business opportunities. The Joy of Jesus offers assistance with both areas. We in addition, have the spirit of Joy to share as well. There is information on jobs, careers, education, health care, green technology and business development.
The Joy of Jesus Film Fest is more than a collection of movies to inspire you. We thank God for you and pray for the well being of the world today. Visit and give to The Joy of Jesus. Shop at our our E-Store that has all of your big named stores at great savings. Thank you for being you.
http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
People still need jobs and business opportunities. The Joy of Jesus offers assistance with both areas. We in addition, have the spirit of Joy to share as well. There is information on jobs, careers, education, health care, green technology and business development.
The Joy of Jesus Film Fest is more than a collection of movies to inspire you. We thank God for you and pray for the well being of the world today. Visit and give to The Joy of Jesus. Shop at our our E-Store that has all of your big named stores at great savings. Thank you for being you.
http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Goodness of God in The Joy of Jesus Today
Psalm 34 (English Standard Version)
Psalm 34
Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
[a] Of David, when he(A) changed his behavior before(B) Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.
1I will bless the LORD(C) at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2My soul(D) makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and(E) be glad.
3Oh,(F) magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4I(G) sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5Those who look to him are(H) radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6(I) This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and(J) saved him out of all his troubles.
7(K) The angel of the LORD(L) encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8Oh,(M) taste and see that(N) the LORD is good!
(O) Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10(P) The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who(Q) seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11(R) Come, O children, listen to me;
(S) I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12(T) What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may(U) see good?
13(V) Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from(W) speaking deceit.
14(X) Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and(Y) pursue it.
15(Z) The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
(AA) and his ears toward their cry.
16(AB) The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to(AC) cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17(AD) When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18The LORD is near to(AE) the brokenhearted
and saves(AF) the crushed in spirit.
19(AG) Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
(AH) but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20He keeps all his bones;
(AI) not one of them is broken.
21(AJ) Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22The LORD(AK) redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be(AL) condemned.
Footnotes:
a.Psalm 34:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
Cross references:
A.Psalm 34:1 : 1 Sam 21:13
B.Psalm 34:1 : 1 Sam 21:10, 11, 12, 14
C.Psalm 34:1 : Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18
D.Psalm 34:2 : Psalm 44:8; 1 Sam 2:1; Jer 9:24
E.Psalm 34:2 : Psalm 119:74
F.Psalm 34:3 : Psalm 35:27; 40:16; 69:30; 70:4; Luke 1:46
G.Psalm 34:4 : 2 Chr 15:2; Matt 7:7
H.Psalm 34:5 : Isa 60:5
Psalm 34
Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
[a] Of David, when he(A) changed his behavior before(B) Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.
1I will bless the LORD(C) at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2My soul(D) makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and(E) be glad.
3Oh,(F) magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4I(G) sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5Those who look to him are(H) radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6(I) This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and(J) saved him out of all his troubles.
7(K) The angel of the LORD(L) encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8Oh,(M) taste and see that(N) the LORD is good!
(O) Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10(P) The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who(Q) seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11(R) Come, O children, listen to me;
(S) I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12(T) What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may(U) see good?
13(V) Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from(W) speaking deceit.
14(X) Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and(Y) pursue it.
15(Z) The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
(AA) and his ears toward their cry.
16(AB) The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to(AC) cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17(AD) When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18The LORD is near to(AE) the brokenhearted
and saves(AF) the crushed in spirit.
19(AG) Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
(AH) but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20He keeps all his bones;
(AI) not one of them is broken.
21(AJ) Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22The LORD(AK) redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be(AL) condemned.
Footnotes:
a.Psalm 34:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
Cross references:
A.Psalm 34:1 : 1 Sam 21:13
B.Psalm 34:1 : 1 Sam 21:10, 11, 12, 14
C.Psalm 34:1 : Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18
D.Psalm 34:2 : Psalm 44:8; 1 Sam 2:1; Jer 9:24
E.Psalm 34:2 : Psalm 119:74
F.Psalm 34:3 : Psalm 35:27; 40:16; 69:30; 70:4; Luke 1:46
G.Psalm 34:4 : 2 Chr 15:2; Matt 7:7
H.Psalm 34:5 : Isa 60:5
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Bible Study: Walk in Love with The Joy of Jesus
Prayer: Dear God Father of The Lord Jesus Christ we Praise Your Holy Name. A-men...
Bible Study: Walk in Love
Bible study on love.
The phrase "walk in love" expresses our entire relationship with God and mankind (Matt. 22:37-40).
Paul says: "Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma" (Eph. 5:1-2).
Those who love God are followers (imitators) of God as His dear (beloved, dearly loved) children. The phrase as beloved children denotes that we are following God because of His love for us. And because God loved us, we love Him (1 Jn. 4:19). Therefore we imitate Him as dear children.
Now take a moment and think about God. Think about His goodness and mercy toward mankind. Think about His kindness, love, and grace. Think about His love to give Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. And think about Jesus' love for us to die on the cross. To imitate God is to be like God thus to love (Matt. 5:43f) - God is love (1 Jn. 4:16). Jesus left an example for us (1 Pet. 2:2) and Paul commands us to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Cor. 11:1) whereby we imitate God.
And note that we are to love as children. Think about the trusting love a young child has for his parents. John says that we are either children of God or children of the devil (1 Jn. 3:10). Those who are children of the devil are children of wrath (Eph. 2:3) but the children of God are children of light (Eph. 5:8) being the ones saved by grace through faith and created in Christ (Eph. 2:8-10).
Jesus is our example of walking in love. He emptied Himself to come to earth in the form of a servant and in the likeness of man was obedient even to the point of death on the cross (Phil. 2:5f). Love is giving one's self as a servant in obedience to God which is an offering and sacrifice to Him. We must be a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1) as we serve Him by faith (Heb. 11:4) in offering the sacrifice of praise to Him, giving thanks to His name, and sharing (Heb. 13:15-16). Therefore the church offers up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus (1 Pet. 2:5).
The result of a sacrificial walk in love is a sweet-smelling aroma to God. But note that what is sweet-smelling to God is not necessarily sweet-smelling to the world. As burning flesh of Old Testament sacrifices were horrible-smelling to men it was sweet-smelling to God when performed by faith. Therefore, we cannot rely on the judgments of men as to what is sweet-smelling and thus pleasing to God. We cannot allow ourselves to be deceived by those teaching human doctrines (Eph. 5:6-7; Col. 2) nor may we be partakers with them in evil deeds.
We have a grave responsibility to walk in love. A walk in love is not dictated by the doctrines and emotions of men but by God thus imitating Him.
Are you walking in love as a beloved child of God?
Note: Give and Share The Joy of Jesus today. Leave a comment to express your love and joy to the world...
Bible Study: Walk in Love
Bible study on love.
The phrase "walk in love" expresses our entire relationship with God and mankind (Matt. 22:37-40).
Paul says: "Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma" (Eph. 5:1-2).
Those who love God are followers (imitators) of God as His dear (beloved, dearly loved) children. The phrase as beloved children denotes that we are following God because of His love for us. And because God loved us, we love Him (1 Jn. 4:19). Therefore we imitate Him as dear children.
Now take a moment and think about God. Think about His goodness and mercy toward mankind. Think about His kindness, love, and grace. Think about His love to give Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. And think about Jesus' love for us to die on the cross. To imitate God is to be like God thus to love (Matt. 5:43f) - God is love (1 Jn. 4:16). Jesus left an example for us (1 Pet. 2:2) and Paul commands us to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Cor. 11:1) whereby we imitate God.
And note that we are to love as children. Think about the trusting love a young child has for his parents. John says that we are either children of God or children of the devil (1 Jn. 3:10). Those who are children of the devil are children of wrath (Eph. 2:3) but the children of God are children of light (Eph. 5:8) being the ones saved by grace through faith and created in Christ (Eph. 2:8-10).
Jesus is our example of walking in love. He emptied Himself to come to earth in the form of a servant and in the likeness of man was obedient even to the point of death on the cross (Phil. 2:5f). Love is giving one's self as a servant in obedience to God which is an offering and sacrifice to Him. We must be a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1) as we serve Him by faith (Heb. 11:4) in offering the sacrifice of praise to Him, giving thanks to His name, and sharing (Heb. 13:15-16). Therefore the church offers up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus (1 Pet. 2:5).
The result of a sacrificial walk in love is a sweet-smelling aroma to God. But note that what is sweet-smelling to God is not necessarily sweet-smelling to the world. As burning flesh of Old Testament sacrifices were horrible-smelling to men it was sweet-smelling to God when performed by faith. Therefore, we cannot rely on the judgments of men as to what is sweet-smelling and thus pleasing to God. We cannot allow ourselves to be deceived by those teaching human doctrines (Eph. 5:6-7; Col. 2) nor may we be partakers with them in evil deeds.
We have a grave responsibility to walk in love. A walk in love is not dictated by the doctrines and emotions of men but by God thus imitating Him.
Are you walking in love as a beloved child of God?
Note: Give and Share The Joy of Jesus today. Leave a comment to express your love and joy to the world...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sermon: Prepare for The Lord
Sermon: We pray in The Name of Jesus for The coming of The Lords return. Life as we know it is in a state of tremendous challenge. The poor and needy are increasing in number and pain. We are in deep need of a savior. Governments have been unable to address the needs of the people. Our system are stretched beyond the limits. War and violence have no end. There is a need for perfect peace. Who can withstand the rigors of the world? Where is the peace , hope and love that we need today?
The word of God continues to speck to us today. Make ready the way of The Lord. The Joy of Jesus is alive in our hearts and souls today. We praise God and thank God for all things in Christ Jesus. God is Good. God is Love.
Praise God for Christ Jesus, all sin died when He took and paid the sin debt of the world. god raised Jesus from the grave with power, honor and glory. We pray for a;; people, we forgive all people and pray for people in Jesus name. Glory to God in The Joy of Jesus as we prepare for The Way of The Lord.
Scripture: Luke 3
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "[a]
Footnotes:
1. Luke 3:6 Isaiah 40:3-5
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Isaiah 40:1-8
Listen to this passage
Isaiah 40
Comfort for God's People
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare
the way for the LORD [a] ;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God. [b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all mankind together will see it.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
6 A voice says, "Cry out."
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."
Footnotes:
1. Isaiah 40:3 Or A voice of one calling in the desert: / "Prepare the way for the LORD
2. Isaiah 40:3 Hebrew; Septuagint make straight the paths of our God
Give to The Joy of Jesus today...
The word of God continues to speck to us today. Make ready the way of The Lord. The Joy of Jesus is alive in our hearts and souls today. We praise God and thank God for all things in Christ Jesus. God is Good. God is Love.
Praise God for Christ Jesus, all sin died when He took and paid the sin debt of the world. god raised Jesus from the grave with power, honor and glory. We pray for a;; people, we forgive all people and pray for people in Jesus name. Glory to God in The Joy of Jesus as we prepare for The Way of The Lord.
Scripture: Luke 3
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "[a]
Footnotes:
1. Luke 3:6 Isaiah 40:3-5
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Isaiah 40:1-8
Listen to this passage
Isaiah 40
Comfort for God's People
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare
the way for the LORD [a] ;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God. [b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all mankind together will see it.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
6 A voice says, "Cry out."
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."
Footnotes:
1. Isaiah 40:3 Or A voice of one calling in the desert: / "Prepare the way for the LORD
2. Isaiah 40:3 Hebrew; Septuagint make straight the paths of our God
Give to The Joy of Jesus today...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Bible Study: The Rich Young Ruler
Commentary: Dr. James A. Lee;
We are facing some rather difficult choices today in terms of how to handle there social-economic times. Our only true resource is The Bible. We pray for you and ask in the name of Jesus that you accept our lessons with an open mind. We pray that you share our joy with your contacts as well. The Joy of Jesus does indeed Love you and God bless you for your visit.
Lesson: The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18-23)
Luke 18:18-23 (with the context of vss. 24-30 also)
[18] A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
[19] "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good -- except God alone. [20] You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
[21] "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
[24] Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! [25] Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
[26] Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
[27] Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
[28] Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
[29] "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [30] will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
Exposition
This passage is a troubling one. It was troubling for the disciples, for the wealthy young ruler, and for us. It seems too radical, too abrupt, too ... well, too immoderate to suit our tastes. But it's easy to miss the truth when it is delivered in moderation. The truth, however, can be unmistakable when delivered unvarnished, undiluted. And that kind of powerful truth-telling Jesus is known for.
Luke places this event in the midst of a series of incidents and parables designed to indicate the character of discipleship. All the Gospel-writers place it near the end of Jesus' public ministry, and Mark supplies a bit of the context: "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him" (Mark 10:17a).
Jesus is about to leave the town. It is the man's last chance to ask his question, to meet Jesus face-to-face. And so he runs up to him and falls on his knees before him. It is a picture of urgency and earnestness and humility.
Profile of the Rich Young Ruler (18:1
"A certain ruler asked him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' " (18:18)
The word translated "ruler" is Greek archon, "generally, one who has administrative authority, 'leader, official.' " It is used of various Jewish leaders, including those in charge of a synagogue and members of the Sanhedrin.[1]
Matthew's account (19:22) adds another detail and refers to the ruler as a "young man," Greek neaniskos, "a relatively young man, 'youth, young man' (from about the 24th to the 40th year)."[2] Luke 18:23 tells us "he was a man of great wealth." "Wealth" is Greek plousios, "pertaining to having an abundance of earthly possessions that exceeds normal experience, 'rich, wealthy.' "[3] The adjective "great" translates Greek sphodra, "a very high point on a scale of extent, 'very (much), extremely, greatly.' "[4]
And so we have an earnest young man, wealthy -- very wealthy, indeed -- and probably because of his wealth and earnestness about spiritual matters, a person entrusted with governance in the synagogue, a ruler, a respected person in the community.
And in his fine robes, immaculately groomed, he is kneeling in the dirt of the roadside at the edge of town, with a burning question on his heart.
Inheriting Eternal Life (18:18b)
"A certain ruler asked him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' " (18:18)
Most of the wealthy, religious people who asked Jesus public questions were trying to trick him into some imprudent statement -- "Should we pay taxes to Caesar?" (Luke 20:22). "Why do your disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath?" (Luke 6:2). "This lady was caught in the very act of adultery. Shouldn't we stone her as Moses directed?" (John 8:4). But this man's question was no trick. It was a sincere question to which he needed to know the answer -- how to inherit eternal life.
The word translated "inherit" is Greek kleronomeo, "acquire, obtain, come into possession of something, 'inherit.' "[5]
The question tells us several things about the young man:
1. He must be feeling inadequate in his spiritual preparation somehow or he probably wouldn't ask the question.
2. He sides with the Pharisees rather than the Sadducees (another religious party in First Century Judaism) because the Sadducees didn't believe in life after death, and this question clearly implies that he does.
3. He believes that eternal life is something that one earns or merits by what he does.
Ask the common man or woman in your community and you'll probably come up with a similar belief. You go to heaven if you do good. You go to hell if you do bad things. Well, only VERY bad things. Eternal life is a reward for what you do on earth. That's what people tell you.
The young man's question betrays both his superficial understanding of inheriting eternal life, and his superficial understanding of a person's ability to do good deeds that are pure, unmixed by ulterior motives. The Prophet Isaiah scathing words 750 years before -- "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) -- have somehow escaped the young man. :
Notice that in the brief scope of a few verses salvation is spoken of in various terms and figures: "eternal life" (18:18, 30), "treasure in heaven" (18:22), "entering the Kingdom of God" (18:24, 29), and "being saved" (18:26).
No One Is Good -- Except God Alone (18:19)
And so, in this sincere young man's superficial way, he addresses Jesus as "good teacher," a somewhat improper way to address a Rabbi. We don't see this expression elsewhere in Rabbinical literature until the Fourth Century. The word "good" in both verses 18 and 19 is Greek agathos, "pertaining to meeting a high standard of worth and merit, 'good.' "[6]
Jesus rebukes the young man concerning his careless address:
" 'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good -- except God alone.' " (18:19)
The young man can't understand anything else Jesus will tell him unless he grasps that our relative standards of goodness are much, much different than God's absolute goodness and God's standards of righteousness.
Some have felt that, by these words, Jesus is somehow denying his divinity. If Jesus had meant to do so he would have replied simply that he was a sinner. But Jesus' divinity isn't the issue. Jesus is calling the young man to reflect on his words. Jesus is trying to teach him. Perhaps Jesus is trying to prompt him to refelect on who Jesus is, too. As Jesus said to the woman at the well of Sychar, "If you knew ... who it is that asks you for a drink...." (John 4:10). But the man can't see, can't understand.
Comparisons to Jesus' Interview with Nicodemus
I can't help but recall another conversation Jesus has with an earnest Jewish ruler, Nicodemus, related for us in John's Gospel:
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.'
"In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' " (John 3:1-3)
I notice three points of comparison:
1. The ruler greets Jesus with gracious praise.
2. Jesus' response is not the expected gracious reply, but seemingly off-the-wall, jarring, and unanticipated.
3. Lack of spiritual understanding.
Jesus doesn't exchange pleasantries with these men. He comes right to the point, he teaches, but in a completely unexpected way. In both cases these rulers are hungry for spiritual guidance. But they need to abandon some dangerous presuppositions about their state before God before they are able to understand any further truth.
Keeping the Commandments (18:20-21)
After pointing out the young man's inadequate understanding of "goodness," Jesus proceeds to inquire more of this man's -- and his culture's -- measure of righteousness.
"You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'
'All these I have kept since I was a boy,' he said." (18:20-21)
The verb "kept" is Greek phulasso, "to continue to keep a law or commandment from being broken, 'observe, follow.' "[7] The commandments Jesus mentions all relate to the man's relationships with other people. Jesus will approach in another manner commandments that relate to God.
The young man's response is immediate: "All these I have kept since I was a boy" (18:21), and his answer should not surprise us. The rabbis held that the law could indeed be kept in its entirety. This might be true if you were defining the commandments as the Pharisees did, but we know from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-48) that Jesus' view of keeping these commandments goes far beyond the legalistic interpretations of his time. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus relates murder to its root in anger and adultery to its root in lust.
Sell Everything, Give to the Poor (18:22a)
The young man has kept all the commandments, but still senses a lack, an incompleteness, or else he wouldn't have come to Jesus in the first place. Now Jesus speaks to the young man's point of need:
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' " (18:22)
Jesus affirms the young man's sense of need. The word translated "lack" is Greek leipo, "to be deficient in something that ought to be present for whatever reason, 'lack.' "[8]
But Jesus' prescription is unpalatable -- to the young man and to us. "Sell everything" and give the proceeds to the poor. The word translated "give" is Greek diadidomi, "apportion among various parties, 'distribute, give.' "[9]
If the man does this, Jesus assures him, he will have treasure in heaven. "Treasure" is Greek thesauros, "that which is stored up, 'treasure.' "[10] It is an ironic exchange that Jesus proposes -- exchanging fabulous wealth here on earth for fabulous wealth in the Kingdom of God. Many in history have tried to buy their way into God's good graces -- many of the world's beautiful cathedrals, temples, and mosques are inscribed with the names of generous benefactors. But Jesus is not proposing buying anything or doing anything glorious. He isn't proposing a massive contribution to the Jesus Christ Evangelistic Association that will spread the Gospel in perpetuity.
Jesus proposes the man selling all his property and giving the proceeds to those who are least able to reciprocate -- the poor. St. James is right when he characterizes true religion: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27).
How Money Corrupts
The truth is that money itself has a way of polluting us, that is, tempting us to compromise our values in order to gain and retain it. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:10).
Recently, Jesus has taught his disciples about the importance of faithfulness with regard to money: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money" (Luke 16:13). Now his disciples have an object lesson to learn from -- an actual rich man, fabulously wealthy. Can he -- will he -- become a disciple?
Money, however, isn't the only thing that Jesus asks the young man to give up:
* Possessions, what money will buy, the accouterments of wealth. A new car, a nice house, a membership in the country club, and fashionable clothing.
* Status and influence that wealth affords. People make way for the wealthy, hoping that some of that wealth might rub off on them. At the very least, people kowtow to the wealthy to keep from becoming their enemies.
* Power. Wealth is power. It buys influence. It buys others who will now let the wealthy have their own way.
* Community leadership. The man isn't very likely to continue as a respected ruler without his wealth. If he gives up his wealth he will be misunderstood and resented by the other influential people in his community. No, he won't be a ruler for long.
* Family. The young man probably comes from a wealthy family. But if he disposes of a huge chunk of the family wealth, will his siblings understand and accept it? Will his wife and family? His father or mother if they are still living?
How often have you been tempted to do things that were wrong or unethical or self-serving because of the lure of money, even a little bit of money? Money must either be controlled or it will control us. It is a sad thing when our possessions begin to possess us!
Why Jesus' Words Upset Us
But Jesus' words don't just upset the rich young ruler. They also upset us. As a pastor I have heard many times the response to this passage: "That doesn't mean everyone should sell what they have, does it? If everyone did that it would result in chaos."
Obviously. But why are we even worried with the question? Do we, too, feel possessive of what we have? Do we fear that Jesus may require us to do something that would cost us too much? What are we afraid of? And why do we fear?
We fear because we sense that we are not fully surrendered, that's why. Jesus' words to the rich young ruler are quite consistent with what he has been saying to his disciples throughout his journeys:
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters -- yes, even his own life -- he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27).
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33)
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:44-46).
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it" (Luke 9:24).
"Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it" (Luke 17:33)
Then Come, Follow Me (18:22b)
The story of the rich young ruler exposes a raw nerve in us that causes a reaction. But disposing of wealth was not all that Jesus asked the man to do.
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' " (18:22)
He concludes with two commands. "Come" is Greek deuro, an adverb functioning as an interjection, "here, (come) here, come!"[11] The word "follow" is the characteristic word of discipleship, Greek akoloutheo, "' follow,' figuratively, to follow someone as a disciple, 'be a disciple, follow.' "[12]
However, I don't think that the following Jesus invites this man to do is just figurative. Jesus looked at this man and loved him (Mark 10:21). I think he is inviting the rich young man to join him on his journeys, to become one of the disciples who enjoy the immense and unspeakable privilege of spending time with Jesus and learning from him on a day-by-day basis. What a wonderful invitation!
But the invitation implicit to us is no less wonderful. We, too, are invited to come to Jesus, and then to follow him on a spiritual life journey. To enjoy his company, his presence. To be taught along the way by his Word and Spirit. To become part of his great extended family, the Body of Christ throughout the world. And to be filled with hope in the closing days of our journey as we know his promises and feel his comfort with us.
"Come, follow me," is the invitation Jesus extends to you and me.
He Became Very Sad (18:23)
But this radical call to discipleship is too much for the rich young ruler.
"When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth." (18:23)
The word translated "sad" is Greek perilupos, "very sad, deeply grieved."[13] Matthew and Mark note that the man went away sorrowful. Jesus remains standing where he is, on the verge of continuing his journey. But the earnest and rich young ruler, his face stricken with grief ("the man's face fell," it says in Mark 10:22), rises from his knees. He averts his eyes from Jesus, as I see it, turns slowly, and moves away from the band of disciples.
He cannot go with them. He cannot go with Jesus, as much as he would love to. Because he loves one thing more, and he cannot leave that to serve God.
In a very real sense he has broken the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). Nor can he obey the Shema which, as a devout Jew, he recites twice a day: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Jesus has pierced the man's naivete, and has proved to him, and those who were privy to this conversation, that you cannot serve God and Money! "Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Luke 16:13). It is true. And for the young man, sadly true.
There is more -- Jesus comments on the rarity, the impossibility of the rich or anyone being saved. We'll examine that next week.
But the challenge for disciples remains. My dear friend, is there anything, any hindrance, that you are unwilling to give up to follow Jesus? You may not be wealthy, but if there is something you possess, or that possesses you, laying it down is a vital part of following the Master. He must have your all. And he calls gently to you: "Come, follow me."
Prayer
Dear Father, Jesus' words have a way of piercing our hearts and defenses we have built up against you and doing things your way. Make us tender-hearted. Gently expose the reservations of our hearts, as you did for that wealthy young man those many centuries ago. But give us grace to be able to obey you, the Great Physician, who alone can heal our corrupt and deceitful hearts, and make us whole. Forgive us, O Lord, for clinging to the remnants of a life independent of you, and make us wholly yours. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Key Verse
"You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Luke 18:22)
Questions
All lessons now compiled as a 1,025-page book. Get your copy for easy reference.
1. What does the scripture tell us about this man? What do we know about him from his words, his manner, and his actions? (Feel free to include parallels from Matthew and Mark in your profile of the man.)
2. What do we learn about Jesus from this encounter? What does this account tell us about him?
3. Why does Jesus challenge the man's seemingly innocent form of address: "Good teacher"? What is Jesus' point? Why does Jesus interrupt answering the man's question to make a big thing about something so small?
4. Why does Jesus tell him to sell all his possessions? Is this something Jesus requires of everyone? If not, why single out this man?
5. How are we to generalize about "selling all our possessions"? What application does this have to us?
6. Why did Jesus designate the poor to be the recipients of the man's wealth, do you think?
7. Could the man have followed Jesus without divesting himself of what he held dear? Can you? Can anyone?
The Joy of Jesus prays that God will touch your heart and bless you with The Love and Joy of Jesus in your life...
We are facing some rather difficult choices today in terms of how to handle there social-economic times. Our only true resource is The Bible. We pray for you and ask in the name of Jesus that you accept our lessons with an open mind. We pray that you share our joy with your contacts as well. The Joy of Jesus does indeed Love you and God bless you for your visit.
Lesson: The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18-23)
Luke 18:18-23 (with the context of vss. 24-30 also)
[18] A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
[19] "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good -- except God alone. [20] You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
[21] "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
[24] Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! [25] Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
[26] Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
[27] Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
[28] Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
[29] "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [30] will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
Exposition
This passage is a troubling one. It was troubling for the disciples, for the wealthy young ruler, and for us. It seems too radical, too abrupt, too ... well, too immoderate to suit our tastes. But it's easy to miss the truth when it is delivered in moderation. The truth, however, can be unmistakable when delivered unvarnished, undiluted. And that kind of powerful truth-telling Jesus is known for.
Luke places this event in the midst of a series of incidents and parables designed to indicate the character of discipleship. All the Gospel-writers place it near the end of Jesus' public ministry, and Mark supplies a bit of the context: "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him" (Mark 10:17a).
Jesus is about to leave the town. It is the man's last chance to ask his question, to meet Jesus face-to-face. And so he runs up to him and falls on his knees before him. It is a picture of urgency and earnestness and humility.
Profile of the Rich Young Ruler (18:1
"A certain ruler asked him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' " (18:18)
The word translated "ruler" is Greek archon, "generally, one who has administrative authority, 'leader, official.' " It is used of various Jewish leaders, including those in charge of a synagogue and members of the Sanhedrin.[1]
Matthew's account (19:22) adds another detail and refers to the ruler as a "young man," Greek neaniskos, "a relatively young man, 'youth, young man' (from about the 24th to the 40th year)."[2] Luke 18:23 tells us "he was a man of great wealth." "Wealth" is Greek plousios, "pertaining to having an abundance of earthly possessions that exceeds normal experience, 'rich, wealthy.' "[3] The adjective "great" translates Greek sphodra, "a very high point on a scale of extent, 'very (much), extremely, greatly.' "[4]
And so we have an earnest young man, wealthy -- very wealthy, indeed -- and probably because of his wealth and earnestness about spiritual matters, a person entrusted with governance in the synagogue, a ruler, a respected person in the community.
And in his fine robes, immaculately groomed, he is kneeling in the dirt of the roadside at the edge of town, with a burning question on his heart.
Inheriting Eternal Life (18:18b)
"A certain ruler asked him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' " (18:18)
Most of the wealthy, religious people who asked Jesus public questions were trying to trick him into some imprudent statement -- "Should we pay taxes to Caesar?" (Luke 20:22). "Why do your disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath?" (Luke 6:2). "This lady was caught in the very act of adultery. Shouldn't we stone her as Moses directed?" (John 8:4). But this man's question was no trick. It was a sincere question to which he needed to know the answer -- how to inherit eternal life.
The word translated "inherit" is Greek kleronomeo, "acquire, obtain, come into possession of something, 'inherit.' "[5]
The question tells us several things about the young man:
1. He must be feeling inadequate in his spiritual preparation somehow or he probably wouldn't ask the question.
2. He sides with the Pharisees rather than the Sadducees (another religious party in First Century Judaism) because the Sadducees didn't believe in life after death, and this question clearly implies that he does.
3. He believes that eternal life is something that one earns or merits by what he does.
Ask the common man or woman in your community and you'll probably come up with a similar belief. You go to heaven if you do good. You go to hell if you do bad things. Well, only VERY bad things. Eternal life is a reward for what you do on earth. That's what people tell you.
The young man's question betrays both his superficial understanding of inheriting eternal life, and his superficial understanding of a person's ability to do good deeds that are pure, unmixed by ulterior motives. The Prophet Isaiah scathing words 750 years before -- "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) -- have somehow escaped the young man. :
Notice that in the brief scope of a few verses salvation is spoken of in various terms and figures: "eternal life" (18:18, 30), "treasure in heaven" (18:22), "entering the Kingdom of God" (18:24, 29), and "being saved" (18:26).
No One Is Good -- Except God Alone (18:19)
And so, in this sincere young man's superficial way, he addresses Jesus as "good teacher," a somewhat improper way to address a Rabbi. We don't see this expression elsewhere in Rabbinical literature until the Fourth Century. The word "good" in both verses 18 and 19 is Greek agathos, "pertaining to meeting a high standard of worth and merit, 'good.' "[6]
Jesus rebukes the young man concerning his careless address:
" 'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good -- except God alone.' " (18:19)
The young man can't understand anything else Jesus will tell him unless he grasps that our relative standards of goodness are much, much different than God's absolute goodness and God's standards of righteousness.
Some have felt that, by these words, Jesus is somehow denying his divinity. If Jesus had meant to do so he would have replied simply that he was a sinner. But Jesus' divinity isn't the issue. Jesus is calling the young man to reflect on his words. Jesus is trying to teach him. Perhaps Jesus is trying to prompt him to refelect on who Jesus is, too. As Jesus said to the woman at the well of Sychar, "If you knew ... who it is that asks you for a drink...." (John 4:10). But the man can't see, can't understand.
Comparisons to Jesus' Interview with Nicodemus
I can't help but recall another conversation Jesus has with an earnest Jewish ruler, Nicodemus, related for us in John's Gospel:
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.'
"In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' " (John 3:1-3)
I notice three points of comparison:
1. The ruler greets Jesus with gracious praise.
2. Jesus' response is not the expected gracious reply, but seemingly off-the-wall, jarring, and unanticipated.
3. Lack of spiritual understanding.
Jesus doesn't exchange pleasantries with these men. He comes right to the point, he teaches, but in a completely unexpected way. In both cases these rulers are hungry for spiritual guidance. But they need to abandon some dangerous presuppositions about their state before God before they are able to understand any further truth.
Keeping the Commandments (18:20-21)
After pointing out the young man's inadequate understanding of "goodness," Jesus proceeds to inquire more of this man's -- and his culture's -- measure of righteousness.
"You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'
'All these I have kept since I was a boy,' he said." (18:20-21)
The verb "kept" is Greek phulasso, "to continue to keep a law or commandment from being broken, 'observe, follow.' "[7] The commandments Jesus mentions all relate to the man's relationships with other people. Jesus will approach in another manner commandments that relate to God.
The young man's response is immediate: "All these I have kept since I was a boy" (18:21), and his answer should not surprise us. The rabbis held that the law could indeed be kept in its entirety. This might be true if you were defining the commandments as the Pharisees did, but we know from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-48) that Jesus' view of keeping these commandments goes far beyond the legalistic interpretations of his time. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus relates murder to its root in anger and adultery to its root in lust.
Sell Everything, Give to the Poor (18:22a)
The young man has kept all the commandments, but still senses a lack, an incompleteness, or else he wouldn't have come to Jesus in the first place. Now Jesus speaks to the young man's point of need:
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' " (18:22)
Jesus affirms the young man's sense of need. The word translated "lack" is Greek leipo, "to be deficient in something that ought to be present for whatever reason, 'lack.' "[8]
But Jesus' prescription is unpalatable -- to the young man and to us. "Sell everything" and give the proceeds to the poor. The word translated "give" is Greek diadidomi, "apportion among various parties, 'distribute, give.' "[9]
If the man does this, Jesus assures him, he will have treasure in heaven. "Treasure" is Greek thesauros, "that which is stored up, 'treasure.' "[10] It is an ironic exchange that Jesus proposes -- exchanging fabulous wealth here on earth for fabulous wealth in the Kingdom of God. Many in history have tried to buy their way into God's good graces -- many of the world's beautiful cathedrals, temples, and mosques are inscribed with the names of generous benefactors. But Jesus is not proposing buying anything or doing anything glorious. He isn't proposing a massive contribution to the Jesus Christ Evangelistic Association that will spread the Gospel in perpetuity.
Jesus proposes the man selling all his property and giving the proceeds to those who are least able to reciprocate -- the poor. St. James is right when he characterizes true religion: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27).
How Money Corrupts
The truth is that money itself has a way of polluting us, that is, tempting us to compromise our values in order to gain and retain it. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:10).
Recently, Jesus has taught his disciples about the importance of faithfulness with regard to money: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money" (Luke 16:13). Now his disciples have an object lesson to learn from -- an actual rich man, fabulously wealthy. Can he -- will he -- become a disciple?
Money, however, isn't the only thing that Jesus asks the young man to give up:
* Possessions, what money will buy, the accouterments of wealth. A new car, a nice house, a membership in the country club, and fashionable clothing.
* Status and influence that wealth affords. People make way for the wealthy, hoping that some of that wealth might rub off on them. At the very least, people kowtow to the wealthy to keep from becoming their enemies.
* Power. Wealth is power. It buys influence. It buys others who will now let the wealthy have their own way.
* Community leadership. The man isn't very likely to continue as a respected ruler without his wealth. If he gives up his wealth he will be misunderstood and resented by the other influential people in his community. No, he won't be a ruler for long.
* Family. The young man probably comes from a wealthy family. But if he disposes of a huge chunk of the family wealth, will his siblings understand and accept it? Will his wife and family? His father or mother if they are still living?
How often have you been tempted to do things that were wrong or unethical or self-serving because of the lure of money, even a little bit of money? Money must either be controlled or it will control us. It is a sad thing when our possessions begin to possess us!
Why Jesus' Words Upset Us
But Jesus' words don't just upset the rich young ruler. They also upset us. As a pastor I have heard many times the response to this passage: "That doesn't mean everyone should sell what they have, does it? If everyone did that it would result in chaos."
Obviously. But why are we even worried with the question? Do we, too, feel possessive of what we have? Do we fear that Jesus may require us to do something that would cost us too much? What are we afraid of? And why do we fear?
We fear because we sense that we are not fully surrendered, that's why. Jesus' words to the rich young ruler are quite consistent with what he has been saying to his disciples throughout his journeys:
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters -- yes, even his own life -- he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27).
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33)
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:44-46).
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it" (Luke 9:24).
"Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it" (Luke 17:33)
Then Come, Follow Me (18:22b)
The story of the rich young ruler exposes a raw nerve in us that causes a reaction. But disposing of wealth was not all that Jesus asked the man to do.
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' " (18:22)
He concludes with two commands. "Come" is Greek deuro, an adverb functioning as an interjection, "here, (come) here, come!"[11] The word "follow" is the characteristic word of discipleship, Greek akoloutheo, "' follow,' figuratively, to follow someone as a disciple, 'be a disciple, follow.' "[12]
However, I don't think that the following Jesus invites this man to do is just figurative. Jesus looked at this man and loved him (Mark 10:21). I think he is inviting the rich young man to join him on his journeys, to become one of the disciples who enjoy the immense and unspeakable privilege of spending time with Jesus and learning from him on a day-by-day basis. What a wonderful invitation!
But the invitation implicit to us is no less wonderful. We, too, are invited to come to Jesus, and then to follow him on a spiritual life journey. To enjoy his company, his presence. To be taught along the way by his Word and Spirit. To become part of his great extended family, the Body of Christ throughout the world. And to be filled with hope in the closing days of our journey as we know his promises and feel his comfort with us.
"Come, follow me," is the invitation Jesus extends to you and me.
He Became Very Sad (18:23)
But this radical call to discipleship is too much for the rich young ruler.
"When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth." (18:23)
The word translated "sad" is Greek perilupos, "very sad, deeply grieved."[13] Matthew and Mark note that the man went away sorrowful. Jesus remains standing where he is, on the verge of continuing his journey. But the earnest and rich young ruler, his face stricken with grief ("the man's face fell," it says in Mark 10:22), rises from his knees. He averts his eyes from Jesus, as I see it, turns slowly, and moves away from the band of disciples.
He cannot go with them. He cannot go with Jesus, as much as he would love to. Because he loves one thing more, and he cannot leave that to serve God.
In a very real sense he has broken the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). Nor can he obey the Shema which, as a devout Jew, he recites twice a day: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Jesus has pierced the man's naivete, and has proved to him, and those who were privy to this conversation, that you cannot serve God and Money! "Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Luke 16:13). It is true. And for the young man, sadly true.
There is more -- Jesus comments on the rarity, the impossibility of the rich or anyone being saved. We'll examine that next week.
But the challenge for disciples remains. My dear friend, is there anything, any hindrance, that you are unwilling to give up to follow Jesus? You may not be wealthy, but if there is something you possess, or that possesses you, laying it down is a vital part of following the Master. He must have your all. And he calls gently to you: "Come, follow me."
Prayer
Dear Father, Jesus' words have a way of piercing our hearts and defenses we have built up against you and doing things your way. Make us tender-hearted. Gently expose the reservations of our hearts, as you did for that wealthy young man those many centuries ago. But give us grace to be able to obey you, the Great Physician, who alone can heal our corrupt and deceitful hearts, and make us whole. Forgive us, O Lord, for clinging to the remnants of a life independent of you, and make us wholly yours. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Key Verse
"You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Luke 18:22)
Questions
All lessons now compiled as a 1,025-page book. Get your copy for easy reference.
1. What does the scripture tell us about this man? What do we know about him from his words, his manner, and his actions? (Feel free to include parallels from Matthew and Mark in your profile of the man.)
2. What do we learn about Jesus from this encounter? What does this account tell us about him?
3. Why does Jesus challenge the man's seemingly innocent form of address: "Good teacher"? What is Jesus' point? Why does Jesus interrupt answering the man's question to make a big thing about something so small?
4. Why does Jesus tell him to sell all his possessions? Is this something Jesus requires of everyone? If not, why single out this man?
5. How are we to generalize about "selling all our possessions"? What application does this have to us?
6. Why did Jesus designate the poor to be the recipients of the man's wealth, do you think?
7. Could the man have followed Jesus without divesting himself of what he held dear? Can you? Can anyone?
The Joy of Jesus prays that God will touch your heart and bless you with The Love and Joy of Jesus in your life...
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Jesus is Our Rock
Prayer: Almighty God,
We praise you all day,
Christ Jesus is son of all salvation,
and The Holy Spirit of God,
We praise the with all humility.
We thank Thee Lord for everything.
We Gory in Thy salvation. We
pray for all people with Holy hands lifted up to Thee.
Praise God in Jesus name A-men.
Sermon: Jesus is our rock today. We need His power of love to make it today and forever.
Jesus gave His life on the cross for our sins. God raised Jesus from the grave so that we may glory in His salvation. We thank God and praise God for all of His spiritual blessings in The Joy o Jesus. A-men.
Jesus is our Rock. Let us continue to pray
Song: Rock of Ages;
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.
2. Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
3. 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.
4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close 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.
Do Give To The Joy of Jesus
We praise you all day,
Christ Jesus is son of all salvation,
and The Holy Spirit of God,
We praise the with all humility.
We thank Thee Lord for everything.
We Gory in Thy salvation. We
pray for all people with Holy hands lifted up to Thee.
Praise God in Jesus name A-men.
Sermon: Jesus is our rock today. We need His power of love to make it today and forever.
Jesus gave His life on the cross for our sins. God raised Jesus from the grave so that we may glory in His salvation. We thank God and praise God for all of His spiritual blessings in The Joy o Jesus. A-men.
Jesus is our Rock. Let us continue to pray
Song: Rock of Ages;
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.
2. Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
3. 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.
4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close 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.
Do Give To The Joy of Jesus
Friday, August 6, 2010
Convocation Glorious is Thy Name
We praise and thank god today for all that He has done in the name of Jesus Christ. We continue to pray for Love, Peace and Hope all to the Joy of Jesus. Today we glorify the name of the Lord. We know that Jesus os the answer to all of our problems. It is by faith that we worship Him.
Lord hear our prayer for all people in need. We pray for Your love to guide us in the wright direction.
Praise God forevermore. We love the Lord. We Bless His Holy name. Today we give You O' God all the glory in Jesus name. A-men
Song:Blesssed Savior, we adore Thee
We Thy love and grace proclaim:
Thou art mighty, thou art holy,
Glorious is Thy matchless name!
Chrous:
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
2.
Great Redeemer, Lord and Master,
Light of all eternal days;
Let the saints of ev'ry nation
Sing Thy just and endless praise!
3. From the throne of heaven's glory
To the cross of sin and shame.
Thou didst come to die a ransom
Guilty sinners to reclaim!
Give to The Joy of Jesus. Visit our sponsors at no cost, this will indeed help our ministry in Jesus name.
Lord hear our prayer for all people in need. We pray for Your love to guide us in the wright direction.
Praise God forevermore. We love the Lord. We Bless His Holy name. Today we give You O' God all the glory in Jesus name. A-men
Song:Blesssed Savior, we adore Thee
We Thy love and grace proclaim:
Thou art mighty, thou art holy,
Glorious is Thy matchless name!
Chrous:
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious,
(Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
2.
Great Redeemer, Lord and Master,
Light of all eternal days;
Let the saints of ev'ry nation
Sing Thy just and endless praise!
3. From the throne of heaven's glory
To the cross of sin and shame.
Thou didst come to die a ransom
Guilty sinners to reclaim!
Give to The Joy of Jesus. Visit our sponsors at no cost, this will indeed help our ministry in Jesus name.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Christian Education: Giving of Oneself
Giving of Oneself (Philippians 2:1-11)
The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt captured my heart. Rick has been a quadriplegic since birth. One day he asked his father, Dick, to help him participate in a 5-kilometer benefit race for an injured friend. Dick, a self-proclaimed “porker,” tried to put him off, but Rick was insistent. Finally, Dick relented.
They barely finished. Dick was exhausted from pushing his son in a wheelchair the whole distance. Rick, on the other hand, was elated. “When we were racing,” he said, “I felt normal. For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel disabled.”
That comment spurred Dick to participate with his son in more races of ever-increasing distance. They have now competed in dozens of marathons, even the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii. Whenever I see footage of Dick swimming while pulling his son through the water in a raft, I get choked up, moved by the sacrificial love of a father who would do anything to help his son experience wholeness.
I suppose it touches me so deeply because that’s my story too. I have a God in Heaven who loves me so much he was willing to do anything to restore my brokenness, even allow his own Son to suffer on my behalf. And to the Son’s credit, he did so willingly.
Jesus refused to hide behind his divinity, swapping the splendor of Heaven for a suit of flesh. He walked among us, not as a wealthy, privileged aristocrat, but as a servant of all. He offered himself, even to the point of dying on a cross, so we might have the opportunity to be whole.
Our Motivation (Philippians 2:1, 2)
This passage reminds us why we are to emulate Christ. There are so many things we have received in him.
We have received encouragement. We don’t have to walk around defeated and afraid; through Christ we can walk with confidence. When hard times come, we have his love to comfort us. We are free from constantly trying to prove ourselves. We can simply rest in his presence.
We also have fellowship with the Spirit. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us (Romans 8:11), giving us the power to live a life beyond explanation.
Finally, we have been shown great tenderness and compassion. We were once abused by a wicked master, but Jesus came with tenderness, gently calling us to himself.
Our Method (Philippians 2:3, 4)
Paul offers a series of if-then statements to help us understand how these blessings should change us. If you have received encouragement from being united with Christ, then be like-minded. If you have experienced the love of God, then share that love. If you have fellowship with the Spirit, then let the Spirit lead you into service. If you have been given tenderness and compassion, then be tender toward others. The way to do all these things is not by living according to our own selfish ambitions, but by looking out for the needs of others.
Our Model (Philippians 2:5-11)
After Hurricane Andrew, I twice took a group of students to Florida to rebuild houses. The first year we arrived to find only a slab of concrete and ended up building an entire house.
So the next year, I got the students all pumped up about building. In my enthusiasm, I even bought a shiny new hammer. I was raring to build. Upon arrival, we gathered for orientation, waiting eagerly as the jobs were assigned. I felt confident we would have a significant role.
Sure enough, the leader said he had a special job for us. Evidently the year before someone had applied paint lacking mildewcide, so all the houses were now covered in mold. Our job was to scrub mold from these houses so they could be repainted.
After three days of mold abatement, my attitude had gone from bad to worse. My new hammer, collecting dust in the van, had been replaced by a scrub brush. I had no calluses to show for my work, only bleached white hands. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the site leader approaching me and I was about to tell him what I thought of this assignment. But he spoke first, asking me to lead devotions the next morning. Fortunately, I didn’t say what I wanted to say.
That night God directed me to this passage in Philippians, and I began to read about our example in Christ. It wasn’t long before I was convicted of my negative, self-serving attitude. God showed me that serving was not about doing what I wanted to do, but about doing what needed to be done. If Jesus could be obedient unto death, even death on a cross, then I could scrub mold for a week. It ended up being one of the greatest spiritual experiences of my life.
Our Mission (Philippians 2:12-18)
God calls each of us to work out this teaching in our own lives. Healthy tension exists between our efforts to obey, and the power of God working within us enabling us to obey. As he seeks to change us from the inside, we are called to live for him on the outside; serving others without complaining or arguing, generously holding out the word of life, and resting in the confidence that our heavenly Father will one day carry us across the finish line.
________
*All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.
HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Aug. 2: Matthew 20:20-28
Aug. 3: Acts 23:12-24
Aug. 4: Hebrews 13:12-18
Aug. 5: Romans 12:1, 2
Aug. 6: Philippians 2:14-18
Aug. 7: Philippians 2:19-30
Aug. 8: Philippian
The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt captured my heart. Rick has been a quadriplegic since birth. One day he asked his father, Dick, to help him participate in a 5-kilometer benefit race for an injured friend. Dick, a self-proclaimed “porker,” tried to put him off, but Rick was insistent. Finally, Dick relented.
They barely finished. Dick was exhausted from pushing his son in a wheelchair the whole distance. Rick, on the other hand, was elated. “When we were racing,” he said, “I felt normal. For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel disabled.”
That comment spurred Dick to participate with his son in more races of ever-increasing distance. They have now competed in dozens of marathons, even the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii. Whenever I see footage of Dick swimming while pulling his son through the water in a raft, I get choked up, moved by the sacrificial love of a father who would do anything to help his son experience wholeness.
I suppose it touches me so deeply because that’s my story too. I have a God in Heaven who loves me so much he was willing to do anything to restore my brokenness, even allow his own Son to suffer on my behalf. And to the Son’s credit, he did so willingly.
Jesus refused to hide behind his divinity, swapping the splendor of Heaven for a suit of flesh. He walked among us, not as a wealthy, privileged aristocrat, but as a servant of all. He offered himself, even to the point of dying on a cross, so we might have the opportunity to be whole.
Our Motivation (Philippians 2:1, 2)
This passage reminds us why we are to emulate Christ. There are so many things we have received in him.
We have received encouragement. We don’t have to walk around defeated and afraid; through Christ we can walk with confidence. When hard times come, we have his love to comfort us. We are free from constantly trying to prove ourselves. We can simply rest in his presence.
We also have fellowship with the Spirit. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us (Romans 8:11), giving us the power to live a life beyond explanation.
Finally, we have been shown great tenderness and compassion. We were once abused by a wicked master, but Jesus came with tenderness, gently calling us to himself.
Our Method (Philippians 2:3, 4)
Paul offers a series of if-then statements to help us understand how these blessings should change us. If you have received encouragement from being united with Christ, then be like-minded. If you have experienced the love of God, then share that love. If you have fellowship with the Spirit, then let the Spirit lead you into service. If you have been given tenderness and compassion, then be tender toward others. The way to do all these things is not by living according to our own selfish ambitions, but by looking out for the needs of others.
Our Model (Philippians 2:5-11)
After Hurricane Andrew, I twice took a group of students to Florida to rebuild houses. The first year we arrived to find only a slab of concrete and ended up building an entire house.
So the next year, I got the students all pumped up about building. In my enthusiasm, I even bought a shiny new hammer. I was raring to build. Upon arrival, we gathered for orientation, waiting eagerly as the jobs were assigned. I felt confident we would have a significant role.
Sure enough, the leader said he had a special job for us. Evidently the year before someone had applied paint lacking mildewcide, so all the houses were now covered in mold. Our job was to scrub mold from these houses so they could be repainted.
After three days of mold abatement, my attitude had gone from bad to worse. My new hammer, collecting dust in the van, had been replaced by a scrub brush. I had no calluses to show for my work, only bleached white hands. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the site leader approaching me and I was about to tell him what I thought of this assignment. But he spoke first, asking me to lead devotions the next morning. Fortunately, I didn’t say what I wanted to say.
That night God directed me to this passage in Philippians, and I began to read about our example in Christ. It wasn’t long before I was convicted of my negative, self-serving attitude. God showed me that serving was not about doing what I wanted to do, but about doing what needed to be done. If Jesus could be obedient unto death, even death on a cross, then I could scrub mold for a week. It ended up being one of the greatest spiritual experiences of my life.
Our Mission (Philippians 2:12-18)
God calls each of us to work out this teaching in our own lives. Healthy tension exists between our efforts to obey, and the power of God working within us enabling us to obey. As he seeks to change us from the inside, we are called to live for him on the outside; serving others without complaining or arguing, generously holding out the word of life, and resting in the confidence that our heavenly Father will one day carry us across the finish line.
________
*All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.
HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Aug. 2: Matthew 20:20-28
Aug. 3: Acts 23:12-24
Aug. 4: Hebrews 13:12-18
Aug. 5: Romans 12:1, 2
Aug. 6: Philippians 2:14-18
Aug. 7: Philippians 2:19-30
Aug. 8: Philippian
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.
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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..
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.
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...
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
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Scripture: Psalm 100 (New International Version) Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks. 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worsh... -
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,...