8/19/12

Just how do I engage "warp drive"?


In some ways, science fiction has become fact.  Doubt that?  Look at your cell phone and then think of "Star Trek's" communicator (circa 1967).  Think this is just an oddball coincidence, then again.  How about ION propulsion; they have it ready to go right NOW!  So, while warp drive may not be here today, but tomorrow...who knows???  Something the speed of change is greater than we think.  Here is one such example....


Acts, Chapter 21
 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.  19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry.  20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.

It must have been exciting to hear the words of Acts 21:20; to know that fellow Jews believed in Jesus!!!  We never really know what is possible; whether it is how fast we can go or how God will see to sharing the Gospel.  I had a big surprise this week, for out of the blue one day the number of hits on this blog went up over 400 extra.  I still don't know why, but does it matter... they are people out there seeking to know more about God.  I only hope that God will use my efforts to help others!!!  I just wish I knew how to put this blog into warp drive and be able to say something like verse 20.  Never a "Scotty" around when you need one!!!  Anyone out there want to help?












Aug. 19 Job 13-16


Aug. 19
Job 13-16

Job 13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.
Job 13:2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.
Job 13:3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.
Job 13:4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.
Job 13:5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.
Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.
Job 13:7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him?
Job 13:8 Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?
Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?
Job 13:10 He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.
Job 13:11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?
Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
Job 13:13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.
Job 13:14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?
Job 13:15 Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.
Job 13:16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him.
Job 13:17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.
Job 13:18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.
Job 13:19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.
Job 13:20 "Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:
Job 13:21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.
Job 13:22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.
Job 13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.
Job 13:24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?
Job 13:25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?
Job 13:26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:
Job 13:27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet,
Job 13:28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.
Job 14:1 "Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.
Job 14:2 He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.
Job 14:3 Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you?
Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.
Job 14:5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he can't pass;
Job 14:6 Look away from him, that he may rest, until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day.
Job 14:7 "For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease.
Job 14:8 Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground,
Job 14:9 yet through the scent of water it will bud, and put forth boughs like a plant.
Job 14:10 But man dies, and is laid low. Yes, man gives up the spirit, and where is he?
Job 14:11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up,
Job 14:12 so man lies down and doesn't rise. Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake, nor be roused out of their sleep.
Job 14:13 "Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!
Job 14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, until my release should come.
Job 14:15 You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.
Job 14:16 But now you number my steps. Don't you watch over my sin?
Job 14:17 My disobedience is sealed up in a bag. You fasten up my iniquity.
Job 14:18 "But the mountain falling comes to nothing. The rock is removed out of its place;
Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones. The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of man.
Job 14:20 You forever prevail against him, and he departs. You change his face, and send him away.
Job 14:21 His sons come to honor, and he doesn't know it. They are brought low, but he doesn't perceive it of them.
Job 14:22 But his flesh on him has pain, and his soul within him mourns."
Job 15:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,
Job 15:2 "Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind?
Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?
Job 15:4 Yes, you do away with fear, and hinder devotion before God.
Job 15:5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.
Job 15:6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you.
Job 15:7 "Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?
Job 15:8 Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
Job 15:9 What do you know, that we don't know? What do you understand, which is not in us?
Job 15:10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much elder than your father.
Job 15:11 Are the consolations of God too small for you, even the word that is gentle toward you?
Job 15:12 Why does your heart carry you away? Why do your eyes flash,
Job 15:13 That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?
Job 15:14 What is man, that he should be clean? What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Job 15:15 Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones. Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight;
Job 15:16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!
Job 15:17 "I will show you, listen to me; that which I have seen I will declare:
Job 15:18 (Which wise men have told by their fathers, and have not hidden it;
Job 15:19 to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them):
Job 15:20 the wicked man writhes in pain all his days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.
Job 15:21 A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.
Job 15:22 He doesn't believe that he shall return out of darkness. He is waited for by the sword.
Job 15:23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?' He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
Job 15:24 Distress and anguish make him afraid. They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty;
Job 15:26 he runs at him with a stiff neck, with the thick shields of his bucklers;
Job 15:27 because he has covered his face with his fatness, and gathered fat on his thighs.
Job 15:28 He has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps.
Job 15:29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.
Job 15:30 He shall not depart out of darkness. The flame shall dry up his branches. By the breath of God's mouth shall he go away.
Job 15:31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; for emptiness shall be his reward.
Job 15:32 It shall be accomplished before his time. His branch shall not be green.
Job 15:33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive tree.
Job 15:34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.
Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit."
Job 16:1 Then Job answered,
Job 16:2 "I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!
Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?
Job 16:4 I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,
Job 16:5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.
Job 16:6 "Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?
Job 16:7 But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.
Job 16:8 You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.
Job 16:9 He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.
Job 16:10 They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.
Job 16:11 God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.
Job 16:12 I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target.
Job 16:13 His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground.
Job 16:14 He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant.
Job 16:15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.
Job 16:16 My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.
Job 16:17 Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.
Job 16:18 "Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.
Job 16:19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.
Job 16:20 My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,
Job 16:21 that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor!
Job 16:22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way from whence I shall not return.

Aug. 19 Acts 28


Aug. 19
Acts 28

Act 28:1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
Act 28:2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
Act 28:3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Act 28:4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."
Act 28:5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed.
Act 28:6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Act 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.
Act 28:8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
Act 28:9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.
Act 28:10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
Act 28:11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."
Act 28:12 Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
Act 28:13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,
Act 28:14 where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.
Act 28:15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.
Act 28:16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Act 28:17 It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
Act 28:18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.
Act 28:19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
Act 28:20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
Act 28:21 They said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.
Act 28:22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."
Act 28:23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
Act 28:24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
Act 28:25 When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers,
Act 28:26 saying, 'Go to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.
Act 28:27 For this people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.'
Act 28:28 "Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen."
Act 28:29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
Act 28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,
Act 28:31 preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

"THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS" Chapter Three by Mark Copeland 

                    "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                             Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To see the error of placing confidence in fleshly accomplishments

2) To understand the need to strive toward perfection in our desire to
   know and serve Christ

3) To be reminded of our true citizenship in heaven

SUMMARY

In this chapter we find a warning against those who place great 
confidence in the flesh (1-3).  If anyone had reason to boast about 
fleshly accomplishments, it was Paul with his Jewish heritage (4-6). 
But all such things were considered rubbish in relation to the 
excellence of knowing Christ Jesus (7-8).  Therefore Paul had as his 
goal to be found in Christ, having that righteousness which is by faith
in Jesus, knowing Him and the power of His resurrection, and even
sharing in His sufferings, that he might by any means attain to the
resurrection from the dead (9-11).

Paul then describes his attitude of pressing on, and encourages all to
follow his example and that of others who walk likewise (12-17).  Such 
an exhortation is necessary in view of the reality that there are many 
people who are enemies of the cross of Christ, who have made their 
fleshly appetites the focus of their minds, and indeed their god 
(18-19).  Christians, however, should remember that their true 
citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for Jesus Christ 
who will transform our lowly bodies to be conformed to His glorious 
body (20-21).

OUTLINE

I. WARNINGS AGAINST JUDAISM (1-11)

   A. BEWARE OF THE JUDAIZERS (1-3)
      1. Rejoice in the Lord! (1)
      2. Beware of "dogs", evil workers, the false circumcision (2)
      3. For the true circumcision are those who...
         a. Worship God in the Spirit
         b. Rejoice in Christ
         c. Have no confidence in the flesh (3)
   
   B. PAUL'S EARLIER CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH (4-6)
      1. Paul had many grounds for boasting in the flesh (4)
      2. A list of things pertaining to the flesh in which he could 
         have boasted (5-6)

   C. PAUL'S DESIRE TO KNOW CHRIST (7-11)
      1. He counted all as loss for the surpassing value of knowing
         Christ (7-8)
      2. He supreme goal:
         a. To have that righteousness which comes through faith in
            Christ (9)
         b. To know Christ and the power of His resurrection (10a)
         c. To share in His sufferings, even in His death, that by any
            means he might attain to the resurrection from the dead
            (10b-11)

II. WARNINGS AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM (12-21)

   A. PAUL'S ATTITUDE OF PRESSING ON (12-14)
      1. He does not consider himself perfect, so he presses on (12)
      2. He forgets those things which are behind, and reaches forward
         to what lies ahead (13)
      3. His goal is the prize of the upward call of God in Christ
         Jesus (14)

   B. AN EXHORTATION FOR THEM TO HAVE THE SAME MIND (15-17)
      1. Let those who are mature have the same mind (15)
      2. To the degree you have already attained, so live (16)
      3. Follow the example set by Paul and others, who live this way
         (17)

   C. A WARNING AGAINST THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS (18-19)
      1. With tears, Paul warns them of those who do not walk properly
         (18)
      2. Such people set their minds on earthly things, making their
         belly their god (19)

   D. A REMINDER OF OUR TRUE CITIZENSHIP (20-21)
      1. Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for
         Jesus (20)
      2. Who when He comes will transform our lowly body to conform to
         His glorious body (21)
         
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Warnings against Judaism (1-11)
   - Warnings against antinomianism (12-21)

2) Who does Paul warn against? (2)
   - Dogs, evil workers, the "mutilation" (false circumcision); i.e.,
     Judaizers, those who would impose circumcision and the keeping of
     the Law of Moses on Gentile Christians (cf. Ac 15:1-6)

3) What characterizes those who are the true circumcision? (3)
   - They worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have
     no confidence in the flesh

4) What sort of things could Paul have boasted pertaining to the flesh?
   (4-6)
   - Circumcised the eighth day
   - Of the stock of Israel
   - Of the tribe of Benjamin
   - A Hebrew of the Hebrews
   - Concerning the Law, a Pharisee
   - Concerning zeal, persecuting the church
   - Concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless

5) How did Paul view these fleshly things? (7-8)
   - As loss, as rubbish, in contrast to the excellence of the 
     knowledge of Christ Jesus

6) What was Paul's earnest desire? (9-11)
   - To be found in Christ
   - To have the righteousness that comes through faith in Him
   - To know Him and the power of His resurrection
   - To know the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His
     death
   - To attain to the resurrection from the dead

7) Did Paul view himself as having already attained, or having been
   perfected? (12)
   - No

8) According to Paul, what was the "one thing" he did? (13-14)
   - Forgetting those things which are behind, reaching forward to
     those things ahead, he pressed toward the goal for the prize of 
     the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

9) What is the attitude, or mind, of those who are "mature"? (15)
   - The attitude Paul had, of pressing on

10) How should the Christian walk? (16)
   - To the degree or rule that they have attained

11) Whose example were the Philippians to follow? (17)
   - Paul's, and those whose "walk" was similar to his

12) What description is given of those who are "enemies of the cross of
    Christ"? (18-19)
   - Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, their glory is
     in their shame, and they set their minds on earthly things

13) Where is our citizenship? (20)
   - In heaven

14) What will Christ do when He comes again? (21)
   - Transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious
     body
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