7/18/22

The Power by Gary Rose

 


My wife and I live in a quiet 55+ community of approximately 125 mobile homes. The neighbors are great and everyone just “gets along”. But, the trees are just planted a little too close to the homes, which, over time, causes the cement of the carports to buckle and need to be replaced.

So, when I saw this picture today, I thought of the power of tree growth and what is possible from a single seed. Jesus spoke of many things, many of them quite simple, yet profound. Below, is the parable of the sower and also Paul’s comments on the true power behind the process. The Bible says...


Matthew 13 ( World English Bible )

1 On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside.

2 Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach.

3 He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow.

4 As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them.

5 Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth.

6 When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.

7 Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them.

8 Others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.

9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”


1 Corinthians 3 ( WEB )

1 Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ.

2 I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready,

3 for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren’t you fleshly, and don’t you walk in the ways of men?

4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you fleshly?

5 Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him?

6 I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.

7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

8 Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s farming, God’s building.

10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.

11 For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble;

13 each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is.

14 If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.



When seed is sown, no one knows what will become of it. The difference of soil may result in a wide difference in the yield of any crop. For human beings, the soil represents our receptivity to the truth of the God and our willingness to obey its teachings. Our attitudes will affect our spiritual future and ultimately our fate at the final judgment.


More than this, we need to understand the TRUE POWER behind what the seed will do comes from God and not ourselves. Some people will listen and others will not. Ultimately, God causes the spiritual growth of churches. Those who share the word with others are just messengers, nothing more. This is true for even the most talented, most committed and most hard working of us.


Today, remember this my fellow Christian: God alone causes growth; HE alone affects the heart of human beings. Consider this and be humble in all that you do for God!

Should We Guided by Law or Love? –Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2016/04/12/should-we-guided-by-law-or-love/#more-8771

Should We Guided by Law or Love?

Pope.Francis.Joy of love

 

“Pope stresses spirit over rules” read the front page headline of Saturday’s Kansas City Star.

The article reported Pope Francis’ news conference at the Vatican Friday unveiling his latest 260 page writing entitled “Amoris Letitia” or “The Joy of Love.” According to the article “Francis’ worldwide challenge (is) to minister to the consciences of people in all their fragile imperfections and not be cornered by rigorous doctrine.”

“I understand those who prefer a more rigorous pastoral care which leaves no more for confusion,” Francis wrote. “But I sincerely believe that Jesus wants a church attentive to the goodness which the Holy Spirit sows in the midst of human weakness.”

I’m not an expert on Catholic doctrine, but just a cursory reading of responses by those who are reveals a divide among liberals and conservatives in the Catholic church.

Some see this as a call , as reported by the Star, for a change that “opens the door to broader thinking around divorce, remarriage, love and sex.” Jim Caccamo, executive director of the Ignatian Spirituality Center in Kansas City applauded the direction that Francis is leading saying, “When people in irregular situations feel love, forgiveness and mercy, it causes them to act more comfortable and forgiving in life themselves.”

Apparently the Pope’s paper, while it pleased many progressives, did not proceed far enough in the direction they desire. They are hoping to expand the “Joy of Love” to accept homosexuals and those in homosexual marriages into the fellowship of the Catholic church. While the Pope’s pontifications stopped short of that, they are hopeful for a more merciful day.

ThePreachersWord is more concerned about God’s Word on matters of rules and relationships, morals and mercy, and the joy of love. Consider these four simple observations

(1) The Bible is our guide in all matters of morals and Christian living.

The apostle Peter affirms that we have been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). The Scripture, not the writings of mere men, is inspirited of God. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). No blog, paper, book or pronouncement of a religious leader can change God’s infallible, eternal guide for the human race.

(2) God is love.

The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, constantly affirms that God is the epitome of love. He loved mankind so much that He sent Jesus on a rescue mission to earth to redeem us from our sins. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

(3) God is also a God of law.

Love and law are not mutually exclusive with God. The Old Testament is filled with statements and examples of God’s love for His people, yet he revealed to them a law to follow. Jesus also calls us to “love one another,” but has given us a law to obey.

Jesus said, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk 6:46). And the Lord says, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15).

(4) The joy of love does not exempt us from the law of the Lord.

The Bible speaks often of the joy of the Christian life. “The joy of faith” (Phil 1:25) should fill our hearts and issue itself in fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Peace, patience, kindness and goodness are reflections of a spirit that is in tune with God.

However, love is even called “the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:10). Love for God leads us to honor Him, exalt His Word, and obey His laws for our lives (Deut 30:20).

Love does not negate God’s laws on marriage, divorce, sexuality, salvation or sanctification. No man has the right to amend, change or alter what God has revealed to us.

The true call for Christians in this secular age is to love God with all our being. Accept His word. Obey His rules. And share His message to saint and sinner alike in the spirit of love.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Who Was Joseph’s Father in Jesus’ Genealogy? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/who-was-josephs-father/

Who Was Joseph’s Father in Jesus’ Genealogy?

From Issue: R&R – October 2021

In his book The Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy, skeptic Dennis McKinsey confidently asserts that the “contradictory” genealogies found in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 open up “a Pandora’s box that apologists would just as soon remained closed forever.”1 One “contradiction” he cited revolves around the father of Joseph.2 Whereas Matthew 1:16 states that “Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ,” Luke 3:23 says, “Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli.” How is it that Joseph could be the son of both Jacob and Heli? Is this a contradiction that Christian apologists prefer to keep under lock and key as McKinsey suggests? Not at all.

Admittedly, on the surface, the two statements may appear contradictory. However, there actually is a very simple explanation for the differences in the two verses: Matthew gives the genealogy of Jesus through Joseph, while Luke presents the genealogy of Jesus through His mother, Mary. Thus, Jacob is Joseph’s father (in Matthew 1:16), while Heli is Mary’s (in Luke 3:23).

But how can this be? Luke does not say that Mary is the offspring of Heli; rather, “Joseph” is “the son of Heli.” What logical, biblically sound explanation leads to the rational conclusion that Luke 3 is the genealogy of Jesus through His mother, Mary? Consider the following seven points.

First, the two genealogies are totally different from the time of David to Jesus. It’s not merely that two different “grandfathers” of Jesus are listed—all the names given for the preceding 1,000 years before Christ are different (except in the case of Zerubbabel and Shealtiel, where there likely was intermarriage among the two families, or else they were different people who wore the same names). Joseph descended from David’s son, Solomon (Matthew 1:6-7), while Mary descended from David’s son, Nathan (Luke 3:31).

Second, Matthew and Luke were writing to different audiences: Matthew to the Jews and Luke to the Greeks. From the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel account, he focused on Jesus’ connection to Abraham and David, from whom the Old Testament repeatedly prophesied that the Messiah would come. Luke, on the other hand, writing to a broader audience, took the genealogy of Jesus all the way back to Adam (the father of all mankind) and to God (the Creator of all mankind).

Third, though writing to a wider audience, Luke follows the Jewish tradition of only mentioning males in a line of descent. David Roper noted: “Women might be mentioned incidentally (Mt. 1:3,5), but the lines of descent were through men…. [A]s a rule, Jews did not include women in genealogies.”3 What’s more, according to Adam Clarke, “whenever a family happened to end with a daughter, instead of naming her in the genealogy, they inserted her husband, as the son of him who was, in reality, but his father-in-law.”4 Thus, Luke gives a fleshly genealogy of the virgin-born Jesus (Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7) through His mother, Mary, though designated by her husband’s name.

Fourth, the terms “son” and “daughter” are used in Scripture in a wide variety of ways. “Son” may mean (among other things) son by actual birth, grandson (Genesis 29:5; cf. 24:24,29), descendant (Matthew 1:1), step son (Matthew 13:55; Luke 4:22), as well as son-in-law (1 Samuel 18:27; cf. 24:16).5 Likewise, in addition to the ordinary usage of the word, Bible writers used the term “daughter” to designate daughter-in-law (Ruth 2:2), female descendant (Luke 1:5; 13:16), the women of a particular place taken collectively (Luke 23:28), women in general (Proverbs 31:29), etc.6 In short, in different senses, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were all “of Heli.”

Fifth, Matthew tells of the coming and arrival of Jesus from Joseph’s perspective, while Luke writes from Mary’s point of view. Give serious attention to the following narratives of Matthew and Luke and consider how different their overall frame of references are:

  • From Matthew (1:18-2:1a):

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king….

  • From Luke (1:26-49,56; 2:7,17b-19):

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name….” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house….

And she [Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths….

[T]hey [the shepherds] made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Given the Gospel writers’ stark differences in perspectives of the accounts of the coming and arrival of Jesus—with Matthew’s clear focus on Joseph and Luke’s heavy attention on Mary—it was perfectly natural for Matthew to give the genealogy of Jesus through Joseph and Luke through Mary.

Sixth, the Greek article tou (“the”) is absent before Joseph’s name in Luke’s genealogy of Christ. Yet, as Frederic Godet correctly highlighted, the word occurs before every one of the other names in the genealogy (e.g., the Heli, the Matthat…the Adam, the God).7 Godet also noted: “In the genealogy of Matthew, the article ton8 is put in the same way before each proper name, which clearly proves that it was the ordinary form in vogue in this kind of document.”9 Thus,
“[t]his want of the article [in Luke’s genealogy—EL] puts the name Joseph outside the genealogical series properly so called, and assigns to it a peculiar position.”10 Perhaps such peculiarity is a heavy hint of this genealogy being through Jesus’ maternal grandfather (Heli), and not Joseph.

Finally, “If Luke were presenting Joseph’s genealogy,” Lenski logically argues, “it would according to his own statement be the genealogy only of the supposed father of Jesus, and of what value would such a genealogy be? No man could find a reference to the legal relation of Joseph to Jesus in hos enomizeto11 (“as was supposed”).12 Furthermore, Roper suggests, “The phrase ‘being, as supposed, the son of Joseph’ should probably be thought of as parenthetical, with the words son of Eli [or Heli—EL] referring to Jesus, not Joseph.”13 Thus, as A.T. Robertson concluded, “Jesus would…be Heli’s grandson, an allowable meaning of ‘son.’”14 In fact, not only should

[t]he parenthesis in our versions…be extended to include the name Joseph: “(as was supposed of Joseph).” To shorten it as is done in our versions makes the entire list up to “of God” (v. 38) dependent on “as was supposed,” for there is no way to restrict this clause except by including “of Joseph” in it as a part of the parenthesis.15

The New Testament Greek manuscripts lack parentheses in Luke 3:23, just as they lack parentheses and all other sorts of punctation throughout (which English Bible translators have added in attempts at greater clarity). Though “as was supposed” is undoubtedly a parenthetical expression, it makes better sense if such includes Joseph [“(as was supposed of Joseph)”]. Had this fuller expression been made parenthetical long ago, fewer individuals might have had difficulties seeing Mary’s ancestry in Luke’s genealogy of Christ.

In conclusion, it is perfectly logical to argue that Luke did not trace Jesus’ legal lineage from Joseph back to David and Abraham (as did Matthew). Rather, he traced the physical bloodline of His virgin mother (not his stepfather) back to David, Abraham, and Adam. Such a logically possible explanation exonerates Luke and Matthew of any error in their penning of Jesus’ genealogies.

Endnotes

1 Dennis McKinsey (1995), The Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy (Amherst, NY: Prometheus), p. 46.

2  Ibid., p. 80.

3 David Roper (2003), Truth for Today Commentary: The Life of Christ (Searcy, AR: Resource Publications), 1:43.

4 Adam Clarke (1996), Adam Clarke’s Commentary (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).

5 In fact, as Dave Miller explained, “[T]he Jews had no word to express this concept [of a son-in-law—EL] and so just used ‘son’” [Dave Miller (2003), “The Genealogies of Matthew and Luke,” https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?article=932].

6 See “Daughter” (1996), International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).

7 Frederic Godet (1881), A Commentary on The Gospel of St. Luke (New York: I.K. Funk), 1:128, www.google.com/books/edition/A_Commentary_on_the_Gospel_of_St_Luke/htQ2AAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1.

8 “The Definite Article ‘the’ has various endings (e.g., u and n—EL), which show the function of the word it describes in the sentence” (see “Grammar: The Definite Article,” in Shirley’s Greek Courses, http://www.drshirley.org/greek/grammar/g_def-art.pdf).

9 Godet, 1:128.

10 Ibid.,  emp. added.

11 R.C.H. Lenski (1961), The Interpretation of the St. Luke’s Gospel (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg), p. 219, emp. in orig.

12 Joel Green noted in his commentary on Luke that “[o]ther appearances of the verb [nomizo—EL] ‘to think’ or ‘to assume’ [translated ‘as was supposed’ in Luke 3:23—EL] in Luke-Acts show that Luke has in mind an assumption, wrongly made, that leads to persons acting as if it were true” [Joel Green (1997), The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel of Luke (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), p. 189, emp. added]. Though obviously assumed to be, Jesus was not Joseph’s biological son.

13 Roper, 1:43, emp. in orig.

14 A.T. Robertson (1950), A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ (New York: Harper & Row), p. 261, emp. added.

15 Lenski, p. 220, emp. added.


Published

Rejoice in God and cast your care on Him. by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/dontworr.html

Rejoice in God and cast your care on Him.

Around 1990 Rita and I were walking through the narrow streets of a village in Germany after dark when two teenage boys sauntered past singing, “Don’t worry. Be happy.”

This refrain from Bobby McFerrin’s song expresses two teachings of Christ. “Do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25) and “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad” (Matthew 5:12).

This does not mean that we have no troubles. As Bobby McFerrin sings: “In every life we have some trouble. When you worry you make it double.”

Christians rejoice in God and cast their cares on Him.

Don’t worry!

Worry is excessive concern.

“Do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25).

Christians need not worry because God has promised: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7).

A distinction must be made between healthy concern and worry. Emotional involvement in problems is not wrong. It can lead to constructive action. Paul spoke of his “deep concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28).

There is a big difference, however, between thinking about a problem and worrying about a problem. Worry involves a feeling of dread and anxiety that is negative, depressing, exhausting and paralyzing.

Materialism causes much worry. We worry when we are overly concerned about material and temporal things. Jesus explained: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. [Mammon is the god of money.] Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:24-26).

When we see how richly God provides for life on earth, we know that He will care for us as well. “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:32-34).1 Worry pulls tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine.

Trusting in the providence of God, we can take life as it comes. Jesus does not deny that we have troubles. He just tells us to deal with them one day at a time. Each day, God will give us what we need for that day. Jesus tells us to pray, “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3).

Paul also tells us to pray rather than worry: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Praying and thankfully counting our blessings puts our troubles into perspective.

I once saw an amusing wall plaque: “Why pray when you can worry?”

Worry is futile. If you can do something about a problem, ask God for help and get to work. If you can do nothing about a problem, turn it over to God in prayer.

Be happy!

God wants us to be happy. “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad” (Matthew 5:12). “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

In Christ we have the joy of salvation. After the Philippian jailer was baptized “he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household” (Acts 16:34). The Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing after he was baptized by Philip (Acts 8:39).

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1, 2). We rejoice “in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Romans 5:11).

The joy that dwells in the heart of a Christian does not preclude grief. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). “Jesus wept” even when He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead. But we are never defeated by grief.

Even in the darkest hour we can have inner happiness because we have hope. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our hope of eternal life.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9).

We can rejoice even in the midst of persecution: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11, 12).

“Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! for indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets” (Luke 6:22, 23).

Peter explains: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12, 13).

Jesus tells His followers: “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). We rejoice because Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven (John 14:1-3, 27, 28).

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1). “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
Don’t worry. Be happy. Rejoice in God and cast your care on Him.

Roy Davison

1 See also Luke 12:22-31.

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise. Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
http://www.oldpaths.com

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" Principles Of Prayer by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_03.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

Principles Of Prayer

INTRODUCTION
  1. One of the greatest blessings enjoyed by Christians in this life is the privilege of PRAYER, by which we can approach God
    1. Through prayer, the Christian can find FORGIVENESS for sins - 1Jn 1:9
    2. Through prayer, the Christian can find PEACE to replace anxiety - Php 4:6-7
    3. Through prayer, the Christian can receive STRENGTH from God through His Spirit - Ep 3:14-16
  2. For such reasons, Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers...
    1. "praying always with all prayer and supplication..." - Ep 6:18
    2. "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanks- giving" - Col 4:2
    3. "Pray without ceasing" - 1Th 5:17
  3. Yet Jesus knew that people would tend to become slack in their prayers - Lk 18:1
    1. It is out of a similar concern that prompts two lessons devoted specifically to "PRAYER"
    2. It is hoped that you will be encouraged to be more diligent in prayer as we examine:
      1. Basic PRINCIPLES of prayer taught in God's Word
      2. Suggestions concerning the PRACTICE of prayer in our daily lives

[In this lesson, then, PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER, beginning with...]

  1. CHARACTERISTICS OF ACCEPTABLE PRAYER
    1. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN FAITH"...
      1. "And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." - Mt 21:22
      2. We must have faith in God, and in His ability to answer - He 11:6
      3. Otherwise, prayer will not be answered - cf. Jm 1:5-8
      4. Is our faith weak? Then increase it with the help of God's Word - Ro 10:17
    2. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN THE SPIRIT OF HUMILITY"...
      1. Notice the example of the Pharisee and the publican - Lk 18:9-14
      2. Remember, "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" - Ps 34:18
      3. As quoted by James: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" - Jm 4:6
    3. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN HARMONY WITH GOD'S WILL"...
      1. God answers prayer that is offered "according to His will" - 1Jn 5:14
      2. Jesus provided the example for us in His prayers at Gethsemane - Lk 22:42
      3. Too often, prayers are unanswered because they are more con- cerned with OUR will, rather than GOD'S will! - cf. Jm 4:3
    4. IT MUST BE OFFERED "BY THOSE RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD"...
      1. "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil" - 1Pe 3:12
      2. The prayers of the righteous person are effective - Jm 5:16-18
      3. But those continuing in sin He will not hear! - Pr 28:9; Is 59:1-2
      4. To be righteous before God...
        1. Requires that we submit to the "righteousness of God" offered in Christ - cf. Ro 10:1-4
        2. I.e., respond to the gospel of Christ - Ro 1:16-17
    5. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING"...
      1. "giving thanks always for all things to God" - Ep 5:20
      2. "in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" - Php 4:6
      3. "...prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" - Col 4:2
      4. "pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks" - 1Th 5:17-18
      -- Do we think God will help us with our PRESENT BURDENS if we don't take the time to thank Him for PAST BLESSINGS?
    6. IT MUST BE OFFERED "WITH PERSISTENCE"...
      1. Jesus illustrated this aspect of prayer through two parables
        1. The parable of the persistent friend - Lk 11:5-10
        2. The parable of the persistent widow - Lk 18:1-8
      2. The virtue of persistence is demonstrated in the prayers of:
        1. Jesus at Gethsemane - Mt 26:44
        2. Paul, pertaining to his "thorn in the flesh" - 2Co 12:7-8
        3. The early church - Ac 2:42
    7. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN THE NAME OF JESUS"...
      1. "Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" - Ep 5:20
      2. This means much more than simply adding a little phrase "in Jesus' name" at the end of our prayers!
        1. We must realize that Jesus is the only way by which we can approach God - Jn 14:6
        2. We must view Him as our "high priest" who intercedes for us - He 7:24-25; Jn 14:13
      3. Appealing to God in the name of His Son can give us great confidence that God will give us what we need! - He 4:14-16

      [Such are the conditions that make prayer acceptable to God. But it might be helpful to also notice a few...]

  2. OBSTACLES TO PRAYER
    1. UNCONFESSED SIN...
      1. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear" - Ps 66:18
      2. The BASIS for prayer rests upon our being in fellowship with Him; such fellowship is broken if we do not confess our sins to Him!
    2. IMPROPER TREATMENT OF OTHERS...
      1. How we treat others has a bearing upon whether God will hear our prayers!
        1. E.g., how we treat the poor - Ps 41:1-3
        2. E.g., how one treats his friend - Mt 5:23-24
        3. E.g., how a husband treats his wife - 1Pe 3:7
      2. We must correct our relationships with others (if possible) before we can expect God to hear our prayers!
      3. Especially if we desire to receive forgiveness for our sins! - Mt 6:14-15; 18:21-23

      [Finally, it is important to bear in mind that God answers prayer in various ways...]

  3. ANSWERS TO PRAYERS
    1. "REQUEST GRANTED"...
      1. God may answer "YES" , and grant the petitions we ask of Him
      2. Such will be the case the more we try to do His Will in our lives - 1Jn 3:22
    2. "REQUEST GRANTED, BUT NOT YET"...
      1. God may grant our request, but in time and according to His purpose for our lives
      2. "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" - Ec 3:1
      3. So we may think God is saying "NO", when He is really saying "YES, BUT WAIT"
    3. "REQUEST GRANTED, BUT NOT AS YOU MIGHT EXPECT"...
      1. Sometimes God says "YES", but answers it in way differently than we anticipated
      2. Remember, God's thoughts and methods are often much different than ours - Is 55:8,9
      3. Like asking God for strength and perseverance...
        1. He may give us trials to bear
        2. Which in turn develops the virtues we prayed for!
      4. We should be careful and not dictate to God HOW to answer our prayers...
        1. Limit the "HOW" and we might be limiting the "RESULT"
        2. For example, the way some pray for the sick, they limit God as to how He might restore them
    4. "REQUEST DENIED"...
      1. Often God says "NO"
      2. But we must trust that God, who knows all and what is best, would do so only if granting our request might not be for our good - cf. He 12:5-11
      3. We may not fully understand, but we can still fully trust Him!
        - cf. Hab 3:17-19
      4. Especially in light of the promise in 1Co 10:13
CONCLUSION
  1. The ability to pray to God and receive answers in our lives is truly one of the greatest blessings we can have as children of God!
  2. Hopefully, understanding and applying the principles discussed in this lesson will assure greater success in having our prayers answered
  3. Our next lesson will deal with "THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER", offering suggestions on the when, with whom, how and what of prayer
SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...
  1. Do you find it easy or difficult to pray?
  2. Do you believe in the power of God to answer prayer?
  3. Should you be disappointed when it appears that God has answered your prayer with a "NO"?
  4. Are you spending time every day devoted to prayer?
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" Our Public Assemblies by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_02.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

Our Public Assemblies

INTRODUCTION
  1. In our last study, we noted that being a Christian involves both BLESSINGS and RESPONSIBILITIES
  2. One of the blessings as well as an important responsibility for the Christian is the practice of ASSEMBLING regularly with other Christians
    1. We have an example of Christians assembling in Ac 20:7
    2. We have an explicit command not to forsake our assembling together - He 10:25
  3. The PURPOSE of our assembling is THREE-FOLD:
    1. To express praise and devotion to God and Christ
    2. To exhort and encourage our brethren to greater service - He 10:24-25
    3. To receive such encouragement ourselves
  4. In this study, we shall:
    1. Briefly remark concerning the ACTIVITIES that we engage in during our assemblies
    2. See how every activity is designed to accomplish the three-fold purpose described above
    3. Suggest how we can get the most out of our public assemblies
  1. THE ACTIVITIES OF OUR ASSEMBLIES
    1. PRAYER...
      1. We have several examples of group prayer in the early church - Ac 4:23-24; 12:5,12
      2. The value of such prayer is implied in Jm 5:16 (if such is true concerning the prayer of ONE righteous man, how much more the prayers of MANY righteous!)
      3. The value of all prayer is seen further in Php 4:6-7
        1. Thus prayer not only blesses (praises) God
        2. But also blesses (benefits) those who pray!
      4. HINT: To get the most out of public prayers, make them your own!
        1. In your heart, tell the Lord you agree with what is being said by the one leading the prayer
        2. Don't hesitate to offer a hearty "AMEN" if you agree
    2. SINGING...
      1. Commands to sing can be found in Ep 5:19; Col 3:16; He 13:15
      2. Notice where the emphasis lies:
        1. On praising God
        2. On teaching one another
        3. On making melody "in your hearts"
      3. So the emphasis is not on how we sound, but on what we say and how we feel
        1. Therefore, pay more attention to the words rather than the melody
        2. Concentrate on engaging the mind and heart, and not just the mouth
      4. HINT: To get more out singing in public, sing often in private! - Jm 5:13
    3. THE WORD OF GOD...
      1. Teaching or preaching of the Word of God was part of public worship in the early church - Ac 20:7
      2. For it is by the Word of God that we can grow spiritually - 1Pe 2:2
      3. How we listen to the proclamation of God's Word is an indication of our devotion to God
        1. We should be quick to hear what God's Word has to say - Jm 1:18-19
        2. It is important to receive God's Word with a proper attitude of meekness and willingness to receive it - Jm 1:21; Mk 4:23-25
      4. HINT: As with singing, the more we study the Word in private, the more we get out of it in the public assemblies!
    4. THE LORD'S SUPPER...
      1. This is also called:
        1. The "breaking of bread" - Ac 2:42; 20:7
        2. "Communion" - 1Co 10:16
      2. A memorial feast instituted by Jesus Himself - 1Co 11:23-26
        1. In it we remember:
          1. The sinless body offered on the cross in our place
          2. The blood shed to provide forgiveness for our sins
        2. Done faithfully, we proclaim our faith in the efficacy of the Lord's death
      3. It should be done with all seriousness and appropriateness - 1Co 11:27-29
        1. In a manner worthy of the One we are remembering
        2. A time also to reflect upon our relationship with Him who died for us
      4. Done properly...
        1. It honors Jesus ("This do, in remembrance of Me")
        2. It renews us to greater faithfulness - 1Co 11:28-32
        3. It strengthens our oneness in the body of Christ - 1Co 10:17
        4. We continually share in the "body and blood of the Lord" - 1Co 10:16
          1. Not literally
          2. Perhaps referring to a continual communion with the benefits of that sacrifice (e.g., forgiveness)
      5. HINT: Reading passages like Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, and the Gospel records of Christ's suffering and death while partaking of the Supper can help keep our minds focused on what we are doing
    5. THE COLLECTION...
      1. The early church is noteworthy for its love for one another - Ac 2:44,45; 4:32-35
      2. Such love went beyond those in the local congregation - Ac 11:27-30
      3. In time, a systematic manner for providing for needy Christians was instituted - 1Co 16:1-2
      4. The primary purpose of the collection, then, was to provide for needy Christians
        1. Locally and abroad
        2. Including those who devote their lives to preaching the gospel - 2Co 11:8,9; Php 4:10-18
      5. How much should one give? The New Testament does not set a percentage (like the "tithe", or a tenth, found in the Old Testament), but rather instructs us to give according to the following principles:
        1. "As he may prosper" - 1Co 16:2
        2. Whatever is given with "a willing mind" - 2Co 8:12
        3. "According to what one has" - 2Co 8:12-13
        4. "As he purposes (plans) in his heart" - 2Co 9:7
        5. Whatever one can give "cheerfully", not "grudgingly" or "of necessity" - 2Co 9:7
        6. Keeping in mind the principle of "sowing and reaping" - 2Co 9:6,8
      6. Even this activity fulfills the three-fold purpose mentioned at the beginning of our lesson:
        1. We are blessed in giving - Ac 20:35; 2Co 9:11
        2. Brethren's needs are met - 2Co 9:12a
        3. God is glorified - 2Co 9:12-15
      7. HINT: to help motivate us in giving, remember the examples of the churches in Macedonia and of the Lord Himself - 2Co 8: 1-9
  2. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF OUR ASSEMBLIES
    1. KEEP IN MIND WHO IS PRESENT...
      1. Our brethren in Christ
        1. People like you, who appreciate the presence and encourage- ment of other Christians
        2. So take the time to visit with them before and after the assembly
          1. Don't get into the habit of always coming in at the last minute
          2. Don't be in such a rush to leave after the service is ended
      2. Frequently visitors
        1. Who naturally draw conclusions about the congregation during their visit
          1. Will they conclude we are really disciples of Jesus? - cf. Jn 13:35
          2. Will they say in their hearts "God is truly among you"? - cf. 1Co 14:25
        2. So take the time to welcome them and visit with them - He 13:2
      3. And especially our Lord
        1. As He promised in Mt 18:20
        2. Do we act as we would if He were bodily present?
    2. "YOU GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT"
      1. Preparation beforehand makes a big difference
        1. Such as praying and meditating upon what you are going to do
        2. Planning what you can do to make the assembly more edifying (such as welcoming and visiting)
        3. In other words, come to serve, not to be served (although you will blessed in return by doing it this way)
      2. The more you come, the more interest you show, the more (and faster) you will grow!
        1. This is true in any endeavor (e.g., physical exercise, hobbies)
        2. "How often do I have to come?" is an indication of grave spiritual immaturity!
          1. It displays a lack of true love for Christ and His brethren
          2. It shows that one is selfishly concerned with how little they can do to save themselves
          3. How does the love of God abide in such a person? - cf. 1Jn 3:16-19
CONCLUSION
  1. Rather, our attitude ought to be like that expressed by David in Ps 122:1
  2. Neglecting the assemblies is detrimental to our spiritual growth as disciples of Christ
  3. Do we express our love for God, our brethren, even our own selves as we should?
  4. One of the greatest spiritual blessings we enjoy in Christ in this life is the fellowship we share in our public assemblies... Let's all do our part to fully utilize that blessing! SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...
  5. Does one attend the assemblies to be entertained, or to serve?
  6. Do you attend every assembly of the congregation where you are?
  7. If not, are you praying to God to help you make it possible for you to do so?
  8. What can you do before the assemblies to get more out of them?

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" Blessings & Responsibilities Of Being A Christian by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_01.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

Blessings & Responsibilities Of Being A Christian

INTRODUCTION
  1. Every person has some big events in life (for example: birth, graduation, marriage, death)
  2. But the most important event for anyone is becoming a Christian!
    1. Why? Because it affects both you and others for ETERNITY
    2. Unfortunately, many people become Christians and do not really appreciate it until late in life, if ever
    3. But our service for Christ would be more productive and infinitely more enjoyable if we began to grasp the true significance of being Christians, and as such, the children of God
  3. This lesson is the first in a series designed to encourage and instruct one to have "A Closer Walk With God," and to be more fruitful in our service as disciples of Jesus Christ

[To help motivate us in fulfilling this goal, let's summarize just a few of the blessings and responsibilities we have as Christians...]

  1. GOD AS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER - 1Jn 3:1
    1. CONSIDER THE BLESSING OF HAVING GOD AS OUR FATHER...
      1. He is the source of every good and perfect gift from above
        - Jm 1:17; Mt 7:11
      2. He provides us comfort in all our afflictions - 2Co 1:3-4
      3. When needed, in love He chastises us - He 12:5-11
      4. He has promised never to forsake us - He 13:5-6
    2. YET, THERE ARE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HAVING GOD AS OUR FATHER...
      1. We must SUBMIT to God - Jm 4:7
        1. By submitting to His Word
        2. By submitting to His providential workings in our lives
          - 1Pe 5:6-11
      2. We must also DRAW NEAR to God - Jm 4:8
        1. Just as an earthly father delights when his children want to draw near to him, so does God - cf. Mt 23:37
        2. We draw nearer to God by "cleansing our hands" and "purifying our hearts" - Jm 4:8
          1. That is, by obtaining forgiveness and then strengthening our resolve to serve Him
          2. For the Christian, this involves REPENTANCE, CONFESSION OF SINS, AND PRAYER - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9
  2. JESUS CHRIST AS OUR LORD AND HIGH PRIEST - 1Co 8:6; He 4:14
    1. THINK FOR A MOMENT ABOUT THIS BLESSING...
      1. He who is our "Lord" is also He who rules over the kings of the earth - Re 1:5-6
        1. All authority in heaven and earth has been given Him
          - Mt 28:18
        2. All have been made subject to Him - 1Pe 3:22
        3. Yet, He calls us His "brethren"! - He 2:11-12
      2. As "High Priest", He intercedes in our behalf - Ro 8:34
        1. A High Priest who understands our every feeling
          - He 2:17-18
        2. A High Priest who "ever lives" to make such intercession for us - He 7:24-25
    2. WHAT ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES OF HAVING JESUS AS LORD AND HIGH PRIEST?
      1. If He is truly our LORD, we must do what He says - Lk 6:46
        1. We must be careful to observe what He taught - Mt 28:18-20
        2. We must keep His commandments - Jn 15:10,14
      2. We must also utilize His role as our HIGH PRIEST - He 4:14-16
        1. In other words, be quick to obtain mercy and find grace to help us in time of need
        2. Again, for the Christian this involves PRAYER
  3. THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN US - 1Co 3:16
    1. WONDERFUL BLESSINGS ARE ATTRIBUTED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT'S INDWELLING...
      1. He gives us strength to put to death the fleshly deeds of the body - Ro 8:11-13; Ep 3:16,20
      2. He also helps in our weakness when it comes to praying as we ought, by acting as an intercessor for us - Ro 8:26-27
    2. WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DO WE HAVE IN VIEW OF THE SPIRIT'S INDWELLING?
      1. To keep the temple of God, the church, HOLY - 1Co 3:16-17
      2. We are to GLORIFY God even with our bodies - 1Co 6:18-20
      3. We are to WALK in the Spirit, being so LED by the Spirit as to produce the FRUIT of the Spirit - Ga 5:16-18, 22-25
        1. This we do by setting our minds on the THINGS of the Spirit
          - Ro 8:5-6
        2. Which involves the WORD of God, which is the SWORD of the Spirit - Ep 6:17
  4. THE CHURCH AS OUR FAMILY - 1Ti 3:15
    1. THE BLESSING OF HAVING THE CHURCH AS OUR FAMILY...
      1. The members become like fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters - 1Ti 5:1-2
      2. They can even replace physical relations we may lose when we become Christians - Mk 10:28-30; Mt 12:46-50
    2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF HAVING THE CHURCH AS OUR FAMILY...
      1. We are to "edify one another" - He 10:24-25
        1. This necessitates assembling together frequently
        2. This requires each one doing their share - Ep 4:15-16
      2. We are to "bear one another's burdens" - Ga 6:1-2
        1. For such is the "law" of Christ
        2. This requires that we know each other well, and can be depended upon to provide support
CONCLUSION
  1. There are certainly many more blessings and responsibilities that we have as Christians
  2. But I hope that these suffice to IMPRESS UPON US...
    1. How blessed we are as Christians
    2. How important it is that we fulfill our responsibilities
    -- OR WE MAY LOSE THE BLESSINGS WE HAVE! - He 3:12-15

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022