That which can not be put into words....

Life is about living!!!  We do hundreds of things daily; many without even thinking about them.  We drive, but do we think about the speed limit, we make a turn, but do we remember to put on the signal, we buy gas for our cars, but do we think about the taxes we pay?  I could go on like this for FAR TOO LONG, but I think you understand by now; life has a lot to it, far too much to concentrate on everything.  We have to pick and choose what to focus on; where our attention should be.  For over three years now, I having been doing this blog post.  That first year, when MAYBE 20 people a month (mostly close friends) accessed the blog, it was a fun thing to do.  Then I reached a point of 500 posts and finally a thousand and I had to set goals for myself. So, I picked 2000 and shortly thereafter 7000 posts.  Today, I reached the 2000 goal, with almost 17,000 hits so far (about 1300 a month) and most of them from outside of North America now.  Thank you, to everyone who has patiently read whatever I may write.  I have no agenda; its just me, the world around me, seen through the eyes of the Scriptures.  Funny thing, I don't feel any different, except that somehow I am surprisingly happy.  Humm, I wonder what Paul felt like when he penned these words...

Philippians, Chapter 1

 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:  2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  3 I thank my God whenever I remember you,  4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,  5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.  8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

  9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;  10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;  11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

  12 Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;  13 so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;  14 and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.  15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.  16 The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;  17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.

  18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.  19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose.  23 But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. 25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.

I stand in awe of great men like Paul, Peter and those who spread the good news of Christ to the known world!!!  They did what they could to share the news of the risen savior of the world, but even the best of them could only travel 10-15 thousand miles.  With today's technology, its easy to reach people from every continent and I know that people located in over 50 countries have accessed my Biblical musings.  Numbers really don't matter, but they are interesting and give insight into how things are doing.  I don't think I will every really know if what I am doing will every really change anyone, but it has changed me some.  That change is ongoing; and has turned into an ever-increasing desire to know the Scriptures and see them in the world around me.  If you out there feel the same... please let me know, as I would love to hear from you.  Somehow the picture seems to relate at this point, although I am not quite sure how.  Perhaps someone out there will tell me....

June 19 1 Samuel 31

June 19

1 Samuel 31

1Sa 31:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa.

1Sa 31:2 The Philistines followed hard on Saul and on his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.

1Sa 31:3 The battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.

1Sa 31:4 Then said Saul to his armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armor bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took his sword, and fell on it.

1Sa 31:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword, and died with him.

1Sa 31:6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, and all his men, that same day together.

1Sa 31:7 When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them.

1Sa 31:8 It happened on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.

1Sa 31:9 They cut off his head, and stripped off his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines all around, to carry the news to the house of their idols, and to the people.

1Sa 31:10 They put his armor in the house of the Ashtaroth; and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan.

1Sa 31:11 When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard concerning him that which the Philistines had done to Saul,

1Sa 31:12 all the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.

1Sa 31:13 They took their bones, and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

Jun. 19, 20 John 18

Jun. 19, 20

John 18

Joh 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.

Joh 18:2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

Joh 18:3 Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Joh 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went forth, and said to them, "Who are you looking for?"

Joh 18:5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

Joh 18:6 When therefore he said to them, "I am he," they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Joh 18:7 Again therefore he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

Joh 18:8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,"

Joh 18:9 that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, "Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none."

Joh 18:10 Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

Joh 18:11 Jesus therefore said to Peter, "Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?"

Joh 18:12 So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,

Joh 18:13 and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

Joh 18:14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people.

Joh 18:15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;

Joh 18:16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter.

Joh 18:17 Then the maid who kept the door said to Peter, "Are you also one of this man's disciples?" He said, "I am not."

Joh 18:18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.

Joh 18:19 The high priest therefore asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teaching.

Joh 18:20 Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.

Joh 18:21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said."

Joh 18:22 When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, "Do you answer the high priest like that?"

Joh 18:23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?"

Joh 18:24 Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.

Joh 18:25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, "You aren't also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, and said, "I am not."

Joh 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"

Joh 18:27 Peter therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed.

Joh 18:28 They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn't enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.

Joh 18:29 Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"

Joh 18:30 They answered him, "If this man weren't an evildoer, we wouldn't have delivered him up to you."

Joh 18:31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,"

Joh 18:32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die.

Joh 18:33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

Joh 18:34 Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"

Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

Joh 18:38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against him.

Joh 18:39 But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"

Joh 18:40 Then they all shouted again, saying, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

"THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS" Chapter Four by Mark Copeland

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                             Chapter Four


OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To understand how Abraham was justified in God's sight

2) To see that the "righteousness" God imputes to man is actually
   justification (i.e., forgiveness)

3) To comprehend the nature of justifying faith by considering the
   example of Abraham

SUMMARY

Now that he has declared that God's righteousness is to be found in a
system involving justification by faith and not by keeping the works of 
any law, Paul proceeds to provide evidence by referring to Abraham's 
example.  In considering the justification of Abraham, Paul quotes
Genesis 15:6 where it is stated that Abraham's faith was accounted to
him for righteousness (1-3).  Abraham trusted in God, not in his own
works, and through such faith experienced the righteousness
(forgiveness) expressed by David in Psalms 31:1,2 (4-8).

To demonstrate further that God's righteousness by faith is offered to 
both Jew and Gentile, Paul again appeals to the example of Abraham.  He 
reminds them that Abraham's faith was accounted for righteousness prior 
to receiving circumcision, which was in itself a seal of the
righteousness of the faith he had while uncircumcised.  Thus Abraham
serves as a father of all who believe, whether circumcised or not
(9-12).

Paul then reminds them that the promise that Abraham was to be "a 
father of many nations" was given in light of his faith, not through 
some law, so that the promise might be according to grace and sure to
those who have the same kind of faith as Abraham (13-17).

Finally, the nature of Abraham's obedient faith is illustrated (18-22), 
with the explanation it was preserved to reassure us that we who have 
the same kind faith in God who raised Jesus will find our faith
accounted for righteousness in the same way (23-25).

OUTLINE

I. JUSTIFICATION OF ABRAHAM AS AN EXAMPLE (1-8)

   A. HOW ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED (1-5)
      1. If by works, then he could boast (1-2)
      2. The Scriptures reveal it was by his faith in God (3)
         a. One who trusts in works, seeks God's debt, not His grace
            (4)
         b. But when one trusts in God to justify him, such faith is
            counted for righteousness (5)

   B. THE TESTIMONY OF DAVID (6-8)
      1. Even David spoke of God imputing righteousness apart from
         works (6)
      2. Blessed are those against whom God does not impute sins (7-8)

II. RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH AVAILABLE TO ALL BELIEVERS (9-25)

   A. BECAUSE ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED BEFORE CIRCUMCISION (9-12)
      1. His faith was counted for righteousness before he was
         circumcised (9-10)
      2. Circumcision was a seal of the righteousness he had while
         uncircumcised (11a)
      3. Thus he became the father of all who have the same kind of
         faith, both circumcised and uncircumcised (11b-12)

   B. BECAUSE THE PROMISE TO ABRAHAM WAS GRANTED THROUGH FAITH (13-25)
      1. The promise to be the heir of the world given in view of his
         faith (13)
      2. It was not given through law (14-15)
      3. But in light of faith, according to grace, to assure that all
         who are of the same faith as Abraham might be heirs of the
         promise (16-17)
      4. The kind of obedient faith illustrated by Abraham (18-22)
      5. Abraham's justification by faith assures that we who believe
         in Him who raised Jesus from the dead shall find justification
         (23-25)

WORDS TO PONDER

impute - "to reckon, take into account, or, metaphorically, to put down
          to a person's account"

righteousness - as used in this chapter, the idea seems to be akin that
                of "justification", where one is declared "not guilty"
                (see Romans 4:5-8)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - Justification Of Abraham As An Example (1-8)
   - Righteousness By Faith Available To All Believers (9-25)

2) How did Abraham attain righteousness? (3-5)
   - By believing in God to justify the ungodly (and not in his own
     works)

3) How does David describe the righteousness which is imputed to man?
   (6-8)
   - In the sense that man's sins are not counted against him 

4) How is Abraham the father of the uncircumcised who possess faith?
   (9-11)
   - By his being justified by faith prior to his circumcision

5) Based upon what was the promise made to Abraham? (13)
   - The righteousness of faith

6) How did Abraham demonstrate his faith? (19-21)
   - By fathering Isaac

7) For whose sake was the example of Abraham's faith written? (23-24)
   - Those who believe that God raised Jesus from the dead