Tag: Bible Study

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Growing a Church

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Colossians 1:24-29

The new “church” in Jerusalem was founded on Holy Scripture because of the fulfillment of prophecy in the Messiah, Jesus the Christ (Isaiah 7:14, Chapter 53). Jesus’ intimate 12 saw their primary function as ministering the gospel to the Jews; they risked their lives to remain in Jerusalem where they faced daily hostility. However, after Jesus’ ascension, persecution of the Jerusalem church forced a multitude of Jesus’ followers to leave the city, just after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1).

Led by God, those who left the city carried this message to other parts of the world. In so doing they fulfilled the second part of the Abrahamic Covenant. It is difficult to know if the 12 disciples at that time defined that covenant as twofold, but clearly, reading Genesis 12:2 there are two parts to God’s promise. “I will make you as great nation” [Israel] and “all peoples on earth will be blessed by you” (Gentiles, through Abraham). We must not forget that Christ was that promised seed.

Our faith is grounded in both Old and New Testaments. Peter reminds us that we (the church) are shielded by God’s power (1 Peter 1:5). We must remember that “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Amazing how the Word of God is as relevant today as it was two thousand years and more ago! Man’s nature and needs have not changed much over that period of time. The tendency is evermore towards self-centered living, personal opinions, control, creature comforts, all which center on me, myself and I.

Releasing control of our lives to God is very difficult! So when Peter writes that God’s elect have been chosen and sanctified for obedience to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:2), this message often meets with resistance and resentment. While we refuse to obey His principles and precepts, we are actually placing ourselves in the hand of the enemy Satan, or making ourselves vulnerable to his attacks. God’s warnings and laws are for our protection!

Peter describes God in His Holiness, as merciful and gracious, faithful to His promises, One who has provided for us now and through eternity, through redemption in Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Peter 1:18). Peter challenges us today to prepare our minds to follow Jesus as obedient children, in the way of holiness.

That might involve suffering. Paul told the Colossian church he rejoiced in suffering for the sake of the body of Christ, which is the church, because his goal was to build them up,, to present the Word of God to them in all its fulness. What glorious riches God had chosen to reveal to His children, both Jew and Gentile! As God’s instrument, Paul laboured “Struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in me”! (Colossians 1:29).

Reflection:

Paul sought to live a Godly life, as an example to the Church. If the distinguishing characteristic of God’s Church is holiness, what does that look like today? When I was growing up we had a list of do’s and don’ts provided by the Church to keep us on the straight and narrow. However, today that list has largely been discarded by a “Church” that is feeling liberated , enlightened by societal norms of our day. Is this Church any more holy? Is the Church willing to suffer for righteousness sake? Is our love for God pure and selfless? Do we concern ourselves in the lives of others who need to know Jesus? Are we anxious to receive from God each day what He desires in us, of us and through us, in the way of holiness? Is Satan a regular attender in the Church of today?

“Since we have these promises, dear friends [church of the twenty-first century] let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God”.

(2 Corinthians 7:1)

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The Perfect Man

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Job 42:1-6

The Bible spells out the realities of man’s sin nature in every example. Thankfully it doesn’t drop a veil over human folly, but rather gives hope to you and me. Even in the case of Job, described as blameless and continually devout, we find him repenting in dust and ashes. Why? What was his sin? We know he suffered cruelly from loss and bereavement, from physical illness and mental cruelty. When his wife advised him to curse God and die, she attacked the thing most precious to him – his faith.

What then did he repent of, in Job 42:6? Was he humbled by the greatness of a God he could never fully comprehend, God who had blessed him so abundantly in the past, a God who was personal in spite of his own lack of knowledge and understanding? Job now saw God whereas before he had only heard of Him.

Perhaps Job realized how deeply he may have offended God by cursing the day of his birth. We can only guess at thoughts and feelings arising from his renewed understanding of the supreme God he worshiped.

Like David, Job’s adoration and intentionality toward God had never failed. In this regard he was blameless. However, he now saw the difference between himself as a created being, and the Creator of a design far beyond his understanding. God, seeing his heart, through suffering opened his mind to greater things than Job would have perhaps ever explored in the normal course of everyday living.

We know scripture tells us Jesus was without sin; the only human form that can claim that distinction. Was this because He knew the mind of God and fully understood His heart and will? Certainly no other human being ever has.

However, as we struggle here on earth, let us rejoice that we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us to guide our hearts and minds. Having placed our feet upon the Way of Jesus Christ, and with Him as our supreme example, we have every cause to hope that we might be found blameless of intentionally rebelling against God Almighty, even if we do not achieve perfection in this life.

Reflection:

Describe in your own words what a perfect man would look like? Example?

How has God gifted us in order to achieve perfection?

Does God demand perfection?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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God’s Justice

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Isaiah 5:9-17

“But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by His justice” (Isaiah 5:16)

Many people fear the wrath of God. They perceive Him as an angry judge. True – we are accountable to Him whether or not we acknowledge His supremacy, and for our response to Him, one day all people will be judged (Philippians 2:10, Hebrews 12:23). For that reason, if we are not right with God, one might well fear Him.

It is interesting then to explore the words of Isaiah. “God will be exalted by His justice” (Isaiah 5:16) This quality is one that brings us to reverential worship. Why? Because we know He will be fair in His judgment. Since God is all-knowing, He views a bigger picture than our finite vision allows. He knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Psalm 94:11), when sometimes even we do not understand ourselves. Paul spoke of that dilemma when he exclaimed “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15).

Perhaps this is why scripture instructs us not to judge others. Jesus warned: “Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged” ( Matthew 7:1). Our understanding is obstructed by the plank in our own eye through which we try to assess the sawdust in our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:3ff).

Notice that Isaiah’s prophecy begins with a “but”. Looking at the previous verses we see that in spite of all that Israel had done to displease God, and the punishment they had therefore brought down upon their own heads, “God would show Himself Holy by His righteousness” (Isaiah 5:16).

Contrasting verses 15 and 17 we see man brought low, humbled (:15) but then as God exercises His justice, the nation, redeemed because of His righteousness “will graze as in their own pasture” (:17). This is a picture resembling Psalm 23 which so many people find comforting in times of trouble. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul” (:2-3). What a beautiful picture of peace and contentment in the place designed for restoration!

This is what exalts our God above every other God – the mercy and grace of His tender Spirit towards fallen man. You see – justice has been served. Jesus Christ died on the cross, taking the sins of mankind on Himself – paying that awful penalty, so that we might be freed from guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1). “He sacrificed for their sins, once for all when He offered Himself” (Hebrews 7:27). This is the ultimate expression of love – God’s love which tempers His justice with mercy and grace.

Reflection:
How much does mankind know of real love today?

Are we fair in our perception of our great God or does our fear of His justice, often born of unresolved

guilt, colour our response to His great gift of love?

Do we fear God out of respect for the qualities in His character which links wisdom with love, exalting His supremacy in all that is worthy of worship?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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On That Day

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Isaiah 25-6

In these chapters Isaiah is talking with God. In his prayer Isaiah exulted in His personal God, the One worthy of exaltation and praise. He had done marvelous things in perfect faithfulness, according to His perfect plan (25:1). God had been a refuge for the poor and needy, a shelter from the storm (25:4).

From the past, Isaiah looked into the future. “In that day” His people, Israel, will recognize their God as One who is trustworthy, the One who saved them, the One in whom they rejoice (25:9). On this mountain they will enjoy a great feast provided by God, celebrating the end of the Millennial reign of Christ. Death will be swallowed up forever, and the Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears (25:6-8).

Many of us are familiar with Isaiah’s words: “You will keep in perfect peace him [her] whose mind is steadfast, because he [she] trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Isaiah was still rejoicing in his God.

All around the Israelites, nations raged. Ruthless nations. Nations whose very breath is like a storm driving against a wall! (Isaiah 25:4). Not only was God a shelter from that storm, but He shaded them from the heat – just desert heat? No, heat also from the breath of the ruthless. That conjures up a real picture in our minds of the fear with which the Israelites lived, doesn’t it? (:4).

We can only imagine what desert heat is like. Slowly taking a caravan across the hot sands, moving through a sand storm with nowhere to hide – must have had its moments of terror and panic, deeper perhaps than any anxiety we have known. Sand in the eyes and ears, gritting in their teeth; smothered in its cloud, with unbelievable heat coming in waves. This picture depicts the troubles of life, swirling around us, overwhelming us!

But then God! “You silence the uproar…as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud”. Isaiah is celebrating God who, with inexplicable power and precision stills the song of the ruthless (25:5), removes the shroud that covers all nations (:7) and even swallows up death (:8). Amazingly all nations – even the ruthless ones will eventually reverence God for who He is! (25:3). Let us be clear….this does not mean everyone will spend eternity in heaven. Who then will? Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15).

“In that day” at the end of the Millennial reign, when death is cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:14), peoples of the earth will celebrate the salvation of the Lord, with joy and gladness! It is in that day that the song of peace will be sung (26:1-3).

Isaiah has just painted a picture of God for us. He is gentle and caring, a comforter of tears (:8). He is all-powerful, tearing down and building up according to His will (25:10, 26:5, 26:1). He protects His vineyard, continually watering and guarding it (Isaiah 27:2-3). He is also a God of hope, of forgiveness. Those who were perishing in Assyria, who were exiled in Egypt, will come and worship the Lord on the Holy mountain” (27:13). “In that day” judgment will fall on the ungodly. But God Himself will be a ”glorious crown….a spirit of justice….a source of strength” for the remnant of His people (28:5-6). Praise be to God!

Reflection:

Describe the God you worship personally. What faithful deeds make Him worthy of your praise?

How might this prayer of Isaiah’s become an example for our prayer life?

What triumphs of the Kingdom age do you look forward to?

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A Proverb for Today

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“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

(Proverbs 16:7)

What constitutes an enemy? The dictionary defines the word as anyone who is hostile, hateful or unfriendly, who intends to injure and oppose. Think of the feelings an enemy evokes.

Generally the Psalms are beloved. However, there are verses that might confuse us, when the Psalmist describes the enemy as those bloodthirsty people rising up against God, in a spirit of hatred. In return, are these people worthy of hate? (Psalm 139:19, 21-22). Some Old Testament references take us down quite a different path from what Jesus recommends.

Diametrically opposed to hating our enemy, Jesus teaches a new way – a better way. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Is this contradictory to the instruction of the Old Testament? No – it is now possible because Jesus was leaving the Holy Spirit to dwell within His disciples, to strengthen and encourage in “the way” of love. Jesus demonstrated how far He was willing to go (remember He said “I am the Way”?), by dying on the cross at the hands of His enemies, in order that we might be freed from sin and guilt. Are we really willing to follow our leader?

Jesus repeatedly exhorts His followers to do good towards those who hate us, to pray for those who curse us or mistreat us; even lend them [money] without expecting any return! (Luke 6:28, 35) WOW! How far from these teachings has the church moved today?

Solomon got it right when he said “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice.” Or – there would be consequences for you! (Proverbs 24:17). Yet how often do we, driven by feelings of revenge or fear, pray imprecatory prayers over our enemies?

Paul who suffered untold persecution left us with the solution, one that eradicates those reciprocal feelings of hostility when we have been wronged, or when we fear being wronged. Quoting from the book of Proverbs, Paul’s recipe was a reminder from the Holy Spirit Himself: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (Romans 12:20). In so doing it is just possible to bring him/her into repentance and peace! Praise God!

Reflection:

Do we feel smug when an enemy goes down, or do we grieve for the loss of a soul for whom Jesus died?

How have you treated those God has placed in your path who are disagreeable and even hostile?

How do you hope people will treat you when you have made wrong choices or been just plain difficult?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Eschatology

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Revelation 20:2-15, 22:7 & 12

What a big word! Often thrown around in academic circles, what does it mean? Defined by theologians themselves, eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul, and of humankind. It is a branch of theology designed to reassure the saints, but unfortunately an emphasis on end time events has often served to confuse them.

Discussion began when Jesus tenderly prepared His disciples for His death. He reassured them there was a purpose in His going away…. He would be preparing a place for them, so that He could return to take them to live with Him forever (John 14:2-3). Between then and now there has been a lot of debate about when and how this will come to pass. Schools of thought within Eschatology question whether Jesus will return before the tribulation or in the middle of it, or even afterwards. That information is veiled, but let us look at what we do know.

  1. Jesus will return (Matthew 16:27, Acts 1:11, Revelation 22:7 & 12).

  2. The dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are alive at His coming will be gathered up to meet them with Jesus, in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

  3. At the end of the tribulation those who did not bow down to worship the beast will reign with Jesus for 1000 years, after Satan and his angels have been locked up and sealed in the Abyss (Revelation 20:2-3).

  4. At the end of the Millennial reign of Christ on earth, the rest of the dead – those who did not believe, will be raised to face judgment (Revelation 20:5, 11-15).

Jesus repeatedly told his disciples they would not know the day nor the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36). His concern was that they/we be watching, that they/we be ready (Matthew 25:13), waiting for our heavenly bridegroom to come.

God must be understood by individuals, and by nations, as the God with a perfect strategy for the end times. Satan has another game plan. If he can deter mankind from spreading the gospel, from reclaiming lives for Jesus’ sake, he will have more followers when the end does come. There is nothing wrong with the study of end times; however when it comes to spending time and energy, one might ask if those would be better expended on winning the lost, before it is too late? Eschatology must demonstrate that the plan of God is relevant to the very end of human history.

Reflection:

Why do you suppose so many people are caught up in the theology of the ends times?

How does this win an argument for Satan’s purposes?

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Held Hostage

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Acts 23-25

My heart burst with excitement as I watched it happen on TV! God was at work! It was impossible to escape the passion of the speaker. Neither I, nor those held hostage in his presence, could change the situation in order to avoid the gospel.

In the book of Acts we read of a similar situation. A man impassioned by his relationship with Jesus Christ gave it all he had. Paul was brought as a prisoner before several heads of state in succession, to defend himself as a Roman citizen against charges of corruption which could amount to treason against Caesar. He was not afraid, or if he feared anything it was the spiritual state of these leaders, whom he knew would one day stand before God.

Bound in chains Paul testified before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. When a plot against his life was discovered, Paul was quickly spirited away to Caesarea to testify before Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea. Two years went by and Paul still waited. Now Festus was in charge, Paul was required to make his defense once again. Herod Agrippa 2, great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his wife Bernice travelled to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. They had heard about the drama of Paul’s conviction and asked to hear him, so Paul was brought in.

Was this a terrible trial to Paul? No! Grasping the opportunity, Paul talked about his faith. He told Felix: “I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way” (Acts 24:14). Felix was married to a Jewess and listened to Paul as he spoke about faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps Felix remembered Jesus had said “I am The Way…”? (John 14:6). Finally Felix had heard enough; gripped by fear he told Paul to stop.

Paul had not been so polite to the High Priest in Jerusalem to whom he said “God will strike you, you white-washed wall! You sit there to judge me…yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck” (Acts 23:3).

Great pomp and ceremony took place as the King swept into a courtroom filled with high-ranking officers and politicians (Acts 25:23). At the outset, Paul told the crowd he considered himself fortunate to stand before these officials who were so well acquainted with Jewish customs (Acts 26:3). His message was filled with hope, but he did not fail to mention repentance in his preaching (26:20) and drew to their attention Christ was the fulfillment of prophecy (26:22-23). King Agrippa countered with the question “Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (26:28).

Two thousand years later at a royal wedding where heads of state mingled with the intelligentsia of the day, a preacher joyfully presented Christ’s claim to love the whole world, for which He died! I was reminded of Paul. Though visibly in chains, his spirit was free. These people, centuries later, were held hostage by another man whose spirit had been set free by God! Bold? Yes! A man with a holy mission vindicated our Sovereign God, whose love reaches down to free all nations. King of Kings!

Reflection:

Excitement fills the air when we see God’s hand at work! Imagine yourself being used by God to deliver, with holy boldness, the message of His love. What can we possibly fear? Jesus warned “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Are you a prisoner of God’s love? What is it that holds you hostage today?

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Immanuel

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Matthew 1:18-23

Our Lord Jesus had many names, Immanuel being one of them. It means ‘God with us’. Most frequently remembered as a name from Isaiah’s prophecy, we sing songs about Immanuel at Christmas time. Matthew records the fulfillment of this prophecy (Matthew 1:23) .

Dr. Richard Bucher has found over 100 names and titles given to Jesus throughout scripture. Each one is rich with meaning as it identifies a significant characteristic of our Lord. He suggests that none has such great meaning as this one – Immanuel.

In a sense God has always been with His people – “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?….Do I not fill heaven and earth? Declares the Lord” (Jer. 23:24). God never lost an awareness of what was going on in the lives of His people. But the reality is they had shut Him out of their lives.

Sin often separated the Israelites from their God (Isaiah 59:2). Isaiah further describes details of Israel’s sins and their consequences, in the rest of this chapter. Other scriptures like Psalm 14:2-3, 1 John 1:8 and James 2:10 clearly reveal that all mankind is sinful before God. However, the Lord’s message was always one of hope “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear!” (Isaiah 59:1, 16, 20). Even in exile, experiencing the consequences of their rebellious hearts, God was present (Ezekiel 16:59-60).

Knowing we cannot live righteously on our own, evidenced by the Israelites’ failure to keep the 10 commandments, the Mosaic law, God knew further help was needed. He who longs for relationship has lavished both His grace and His love on believers (Ephesians 1:8, 1 John 3:1). The condition for receipt of His gift of love is that a person must believe and receive it (John 1:12).

Reflection:

As with His people of long ago, today the same need exists! Sin separates us from a pure and holy God. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6). We need GOD with us! Imagine – we have been given the Holy Spirit to indwell each person who repents of their sin and asks God to reign in their lives! Merry Christmas! This is God’s message to humankind, as the babe became “Immanuel”.

by Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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What Christmas Means to Me

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Angels pronouncing God’s ‘Joy’ to the world! Luke 2:10

Miracles from our mysterious God! Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:34-35

A woman recognizing her Saviour. Luke 1:46-47

Prophecy fulfilled in time and space. Genesis 12:3, Micah 5:2

Immanuel: God taking on a physical body. Matthew 1:23

The Babe – manna in a manger, Bread of Life! John 6:35, 10:10

Star attraction around the globe. Matthew 2:1-2

Wisdom leading wise men to worship. Matthew 2:2

Peace and goodwill to every tribe and nation. John 3:16, Revelation 5:9

The Son of God seeking to save… Luke 1:35, 19:10

Shepherd of God’s sheep, the Lamb who was slain. John 10:11

King of kings, Lord of lords. Luke 1:32-33, Revelation 17:14

“Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God!”

Reflection:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to walk among men and women, that we might know You intimately. Please remove our unbelief, our arrogant independence, our self-justification so that we might humble ourselves in worship of this Holy Babe. May our response to Your precious gift of Eternal Life bring glory to You this Christmas. May our worship come from hearts purified by the blood of Christ, for it is in His name we pray for forgiveness of sin, and for guidance, that our lives may be pleasing in Your sight, Oh Lord our God. Amen

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Pondering the Puzzle!

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Isaiah 7:9-23

One of my favourite hobbies is doing jigsaw puzzles. I have friends who share this interest, so now family and friends have some exquisite scenery lining their walls, over which many happy hours were spent. What makes it so interesting? Tiny bits and pieces require minute examination to see if patterns and colours will match. It is so satisfying when the strangest shapes suddenly fall into place!

For me, sometimes scriptures are a puzzle. Take for example the sign given to Isaiah of the virgin conceiving and bearing a son. We need to look at the context to examine this puzzle piece. Israel had been continually disobedient. By Chapter 7 the Lord has already exclaimed “Stop” three times. “Stop bringing meaningless offerings” (1:13). “Stop doing wrong” (1:16). “Stop trusting in man” (2:22). He has pronounced more than seven woes descrying the varied sins of His people.

Now in the era of King Ahaz, an opportunity to test the nation’s faith presented itself in the design by Syrian and Israelite kings to overpower Jerusalem. (By this time Israel and Judah had split, becoming separate kingdoms.) Ahaz is warned by God “If you do not stand firm in your faith you will not stand at all!” (7:9). Having said that, the Lord challenges Ahaz to ask for a sign that will bolster his faith. He’s given great latitude “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights” (7:11). I wonder what I would have answered in the same situation….and you?

Ahaz refused, sounded very pious: “I will not put the Lord to the test” (7:12). How would you respond if one of your children refused the offer to ask for something you wanted to give them? Isaiah was exasperated! However, God was not taken by surprise. He had the puzzle piece ready to fit. A virgin will conceive. Some commentators suggest that Isaiah knew this referred to the young woman he was going to marry and that he was prophesying, under the power of the Holy Spirit, that she would bear a son. It is presumed that Isaiah’s first wife had died after the birth of his first son. The second son would not have reached the age of moral discrimination before the rest of the prophecy came true. The kings that Ahaz feared so much would both be dead and their kingdoms laid waste (7:16). Other puzzle pieces yet to be fitted in, include several references to “in that day” (7:18, 20, 21, 23).

Reflection:

Let’s think about this. What do we know about the nation Israel, or learn about God in this scripture? Does this prophecy fit into one time frame or does it cover past and present (for us), as well as future. This is where we require time to ponder. Puzzles were not put together in an instant. They require a right perspective, an overview, some experimentation, patience, and certainty that it will all fit together in the end.

In hind sight we know that Jesus was the future predication fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy – the babe born of a virgin! The fulfillment of this sign assures us that other prophecies will be completed in His time. As much as the reality of God’s outworking in the faith of Ahaz, so is this a reality when our own faith is tested.

For example – what signs have been fulfilled in your life and mine? Do we know we have been freed from our sins by the blood of Christ? Do we know the power of the Holy Spirit when we are tempted and tried? Have we seen the hand of God leading us into paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake? Looking back, how has God fit the puzzle pieces of your life together?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net