October - Theology part 2

October 1

Confession

Confession means to have the same thoughts, same reason and the same speech as God

Homologomenos (G3670) Homou - same, place or time, together; Logos - words, reason, thoughts spoken

Verses - Daniel 9:20; Romans 10:9-10 14:11; 1 Timothy 6:13; 1 John 1:9 4:2-3; Revelation 3:5

First Use: Leviticus 5:5 And it shall be, when he is guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing.

Also I (Jesus) say unto you, Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: ~ Luke 12:8

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.~ Romans 10:9

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: ~ 1 John 4:1-2

Confession means to have the same thoughts and same reason and the same speech as God. Confession is to align our thoughts with the thoughts of God. Confession is not solely to a negative thought or action. We confess when we align our thoughts with God's thoughts and God's main thoughts are that He loves, adores and cherishes us. We are to confess God's love for us.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. ~ Psalms 139:17-18

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Confession means to align our thoughts with the thoughts of God. The word confession or similar words are used approximately 21 times in the New Testament and in only two uses is it referring to confessing sin, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:9. The other 19 times confession is referring to confessing Jesus. This is an important point. The night Jesus was betrayed, both Judas and Peter sinned and both Judas and Peter confessed their sin.

Then Judas, which had betrayed Him (Jesus), when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed and went and hanged himself. ~ Matthew 27:3-5

Only Peter went on to confess Jesus. Just as with Judas, it does us no good to examine or confess our sin without also confessing Jesus, the remedy from our sin.

October 2

Conscience

Conscience is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong

Suneidesis (G4893) to witness between right and wrong, an obligation to do good

Verses - Acts 24:16; 1 Corinthians 8:7,10:29; 2 Corinthians 5:11; Hebrews 9:9; 1 Peter 2:19 3:16-21

First Use: Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil ...

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own Conscience, ... ~ John 8:9

Conscience is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Conscience is a product of the fall of mankind. Man was created in the Garden of Eden where there was only good and not evil and therefore a conscience was not needed. After the fall mankind would begin to experience both good and evil and therefore a conscience was needed to distinguish between the two.

Now the (Holy) Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their Conscience seared with a hot iron; ~ 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Since our conscience is a by-product of sin it alone is not sufficient to direct our actions in a way pleasing to God. It is required that our thoughts and actions be submitted to the Holy Spirit and in alignment with the Bible Scriptures.

Just like we cannot trust our conscience alone to convict us and direct us from evil we also cannot trust our conscience alone to support us in our right decisions. Again we are required to rely on the Bible for support and confirmation of our right actions.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot (fault) to God, purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God. ~ Hebrews 9:14

As Christians we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, this cleansing includes our thoughts our actions and our conscience. Some people would give anything to have a conscience cleansed from past wrong actions. A clean conscience is possible, the price is high. The price for our clean conscience is the blood that resulted from the death of Jesus. Jesus came to give His life so that we would be reunited with Him and He gave His blood so that we would have a clean conscience in our relationship with Him. The price for our clean conscience was high. Jesus gladly paid the high price.

October 3

Contentment

Contentment stems directly from our being aware of God's wall and hedge of protection around us

Arkeo (G714) suffice, be sufficient, satisfactory, Lit. Being content through the erecting of a barrier or a wall of protection

Verses - Exodus 2:21; Joshua 7:7; Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5; 3 John 1:10

First Use: Genesis 37:26-27 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother (Joseph) and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites {descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's child born to Hagar the Egyptian slave} and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. ~ 1 Timothy 6:6

Contentment is the result of safety, well-being and peace. Contentment comes from God's wall of protection that He places around us. The opposite of contentment is in-contentment, which means "self-condemning". Contentment is an interesting situation because, wherever we go in life, whether we go to foreign countries, to the heights of success or the depths of despair "there we are". In other words there is no escaping ourselves wherever we go "there we are" and there are all of our problems, handicaps and hang-ups right there with us. Since we accompany ourselves wherever we go and into every situation we encounter and our positives and negatives accompany right along with us, it is a good thing in life to learn to accept ourselves and not to "self-condemn" ourselves but to learn to be content. Content with God and content with ourselves in God.

Contentment stems directly from our being aware of God's wall and hedge of protection around us. It is a Biblical fact that God is our constant companion, continually accompanying us through life. It is wonderful to realize that God is with us, then when we encounter problems, we know and believe that God is with us. But then why the problems? Isn't God for us? Isn't God on our side? Yes! God is on our side. Yes! God is doing a big work in each of our lives. It is the work of God in our lives that we need to recognize and acknowledge. God is God, therefore He is doing what He wants to do and what God wants to do in our lives is to get us to walk with Him. Walking with God means to walk where God walks and where God often walks is right into the midst of life's most difficult problems. God is a big God. He is far bigger than any problem man can ever encounter, God is even bigger than sin and death, problems man created for ourselves, but God being bigger overcame sin and death for us. Since Spiritually we will never die and never be separated from God then in actuality we will never encounter a true problem that cannot be overcome in God.

Contentment comes from the peace, rest and comfort of the fruits of God, the Holy Spirit, residing inside of us. And God desires for us to be content in Him. We cannot be content if we fail to understand the sinful nature of the world that we live in and if we fail to understand the temporary existence of our current predicament. We as humans live in a fallen imperfect world, that is a fact. All mankind is consigned to eat from the tree of good and of evil. God takes us by the hand and walks us through any evil we might encounter. Knowing that God is with us and that God is for us, we can find our contentment in God during life's situations and circumstances.

October 4

Conversion

Conversion is a realization that there is a living, loving God

Epistrepho (G1994) Epi - upon; Strepho - turn, new direction

Verses - Psalms 51:13; Isaiah 1:27; Matthew 13:15 18:3; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; John 12:40; James 5:20

First Use: Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting (new direction) the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Brethren (Christian), if any of you (Christians) do err from the truth and one
(helper) convert (new direction) him (Christian); Let him (helper) know, that he which converteth (new direction) the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death (separation from God) and
shall hide a multitude of sins. ~ James 5:19-20

All people are sinners. When someone is knowledgeable enough with God and the Bible, to instruct and help others, then that person is walking in a converted (new direction) manner. That person has made corrections in their own life and sins. They are hiding their sins in a sense by now recognizing them as sin and no longer committing them and now they are helping others not to sin as well.

Conversion is a realization that there is a living, loving God. Many people in the world are simply unaware that there is a God and that God is available for a personal relationship. It is evident in the actions and deeds of disobedient people that they do not have the knowledge that God exits, or they wouldn't act the way they do. Once the existence of God becomes known to a person the person is now aware of something that they were not previously aware of. This new awareness is called a conversion. The changes from living for self and the earthly existence, to a conversion (new direction) of living with God and an everlasting existence.

An example of something unknown is from a story often told that when a group from a Church in the USA, went on a missionary trip into the rain forest of South America. After several days and a long canoe ride up a river the missionaries settled into a village next to the river. After making acquaintances with the native people, one of the missionaries commented about the sweltering heat and remarked that he would like some ice to put into his drink to cool it down. The interrupter unfamiliar with the word ice asked for some clarification. The natives living in the tropics had never experienced ice. The missionary assured the natives that water could freeze and become hard as rocks. He even explained that the river that flowed near the village could become ice and could then be safely walked on. The natives never did believe the concept of ice, until some was dropped off from a visiting helicopter. And then the ice melted into water. To the unconverted, God is like the mythical ice, yet to the converted, God is real and He exists. It took an encounter with ice to convert the unfamiliar natives to ice; likewise it takes an encounter with God to convert man to the existence of God.

And the Lord (Jesus) said, Simon (Peter), Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he (Satan) may sift you as wheat: {sifting separates the unusable chaff from the desired wheat. Satan is saying that Peter is unusable and he wants to separate Peter from God} But I (Jesus) have prayed {to the Father} for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted (New direction from denying Jesus), strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison and to death. And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me. ~ Luke 22:31-34

Conversion is not limited to a one-time event. We realize that God exists; we can still have other conversions (new directions) as we realize more and more about God. Back to our native friends that had not believed in ice. Once they believed in the existence of ice they still had many new discoveries to make with ice. They would learn that ice is a great medicine to comfort a bump and a bruise; they might enjoy ice treats like snow cones and ice cream. We likewise know God, but then some moments we really get to know God even more personally.

October 5

Justification

Justification is the way of being made acceptable to God

Dikaios (G1342) innocent, righteous, equitable; innocent of judgment, acceptable

Verses - Job 25:4; Psalms 143:2; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 3:8; Hebrews 10:38; 1 John 1:9

First Use: Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God.

Justification is the act of justifying or making acceptable something that is unacceptable. We as sinful humans are unacceptable to God. We then need to be made acceptable justified. We are made acceptable when we become one with Jesus, because Jesus is acceptable to God.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him (Jesus) that Justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ~ Romans 4:5

Isn't it interesting that if we worked and made ourselves wonderful, then we still wouldn't be justified because God only justifies the ungodly.

But for us also, to whom it (righteousness) shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offenses (sins) and was raised again for our justification. ~ Romans 4:24-25

We become acceptable to God when we believe in the finished work of God in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Let's look at justification from another angle; the angle of us justifying our own sins. When do our thoughts or actions become sin? After all, it is not a sin to be tempted. Satan tempted Jesus yet Jesus remained without sin. One area where temptation becomes sin is when we justify or make right our wrong actions. For example, if we accidentally brought home from work a pen, this is not a sin. But when we justify our wrong action and make excuses, like saying, "that big company they can afford it, they won't miss it," or saying, "they owe it to me, so I'll just take it," having justified our action it becomes sin.

Another example, sin does not have to be a physical event. We tend to justify our sins by not protecting our thoughts and by inappropriate actions and behaviors. In Churches a person can often observe men starring at women and almost without fail the men will say, "I'm not doing anything wrong, I'm just looking," or "I only looked once," or "God made women to be looked at," really? God made women for his fellowship. All women that are not our wives are to be treated as sisters and mothers. Is that the way we look at our sisters and our mothers? No! Are we forgiven for sin that we have justified? No! We are forgiven when we confess our sin. Making excuses is not how sin is dealt with. Sin is removed by our confession-repentance and through the blood and death of Jesus.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I (Jesus) tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteht himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. ~ Luke 18:13-14

Our sins are unacceptable to God, so let's not create excuses and try to make them acceptable. Fortunately, we do not have to justify ourselves. We become justified when we humble ourselves, admit our sins and exalt God in His resurrection, the resurrection of Jesus.

October 6

Law - Conformity

Law - Conformity see also Legalism
Grace - Individuality

Nomos (G3551) to give out, to be used, like giving out food and land to cattle

Verses - Psalms 1:2; Proverbs 6:23; Romans 2:12 3:31; Galatians 2:16; 1 John 3:4

First Use: Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man (Adam) saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge (experience) of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (separate from God).

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it [inheritance] to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. ~ Galatians 3:18-19

Law & commandments are instruction from God. God's laws are universal to all mankind. God's laws are not suggestions. They are how the universe operates. For instance the laws of physics are discovered laws of God. Gravity, chemistry, biology and other physical laws are laws of God. Likewise, sin resulting in death is a spiritual law of God. The law of liberty in Christ Jesus is another law of God as well. If we mix chemicals together God's laws will determine the outcome. If we acknowledge Jesus, just as certain as any observed chemical reaction the law of completion in Christ Jesus will result since it is a law of God and dictates how the universe operates.

The laws of the Old Testament are usually written in the negative, " Thou shall not steal," not lie, not covet, etc. The laws in the New Testament are usually written in the positive, thou shall love God, preach, teach, baptize, etc. The Biblical laws are just as powerful as the observable laws of nature and there is a definite result whether the laws are obeyed or disobeyed.

The law encompasses many concepts. First, the law is the character and essence of God. The law describes God. God is not a liar, not a thief, not a murder therefore lying, theft and murder are against the law. The law reveals to us who God is and how we are to behave in a manner compatible with God. Jesus did not come to follow the law, Jesus is the embodiment of the law. The law commands that if a Jew touches a dead body they will become unclean. Jesus, a Jew, touched a dead body, Jesus didn't become unclean as the law stated for a person, instead the dead body became alive having been touched by God.

Since the law describes the nature and character of God, following Jesus is following and fulfilling the law. It is sort of like this; let's say my car broke down (sin) and I needed transportation (Jesus). A friend (prophet) tells me that I can use his car (Jesus). The friend (prophet) writes directions to the car and a description of the car and also where the keys to the car are and any instructions about the car. The instructions are a type of law but they are not the car. The instructions will not drive me down the highway of life. The instructions if I believe them and follow them will take me to the car (Jesus). The car is my destination. Once I have the car I the instructions are not obsolete, they help me to stay on track. If I parked the car and forgot where it was or even if I forgot if it was a car, a small truck or a van then I could refer to the law to get re-acquainted with the vehicle. Then while I'm being taken along the highway of life I can still refer to the law (instruction) to learn about the car since the instructions resemble the car.

The Laws of God are not bad. The law, by telling us that we are wrong, convicts us. This is not wrong and does not make the law bad it makes the law the truth. If I were a banker and I told someone that their check bounced and that they are bankrupt I'm just the messenger telling them something they didn't know. I didn't bankrupt them. If I were able to point them in the right direction from there, then I would also be instructive and helpful. The laws of the Bible are instructive and helpful. All of the laws of the Bible are instructive and helpful in pointing us to Jesus.

October 7

Legalism

Legalism see also Grace - Individuality; Law - Conformity

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer (allow) ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte (convert) and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. ~ Matthew 23:12-13-15

And He (Jesus) said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers (interrupters of the law)! For ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. ~ Luke 11:46

Come unto Me (Jesus), all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ~ Matthew 11:28-30

The law reveals us as sinners and God as Savior. Legalism is the law without a savior. The law instructs us but it does not empower us. The law says "do not murder" but the law does not put it's arm around us and comfort us to take away the anger that causes the desire to murder, God in Spirit does this for us. The law points us to God; it is God that has a relationship with us. A legalist has taken away the guiding, comforting Spirit of God and strictly has the heavy burdens of law and man.

Legalism is the dreaded result of focusing on laws and man's rules instead of focusing on a relationship with Jesus. The Bible is written by God to give insight into every circumstance humans will encounter. The Bible says to be still and hear God. It also says to go out into all the world. Well, sometimes we need to be still and sometimes we need to go out and sometimes we need to go out and be still. Seeking Jesus determines the result and having Him reveal what is right at the right time. A legalist, not focusing on Jesus, will use the same Verses of the Bible in all circumstances thus giving people the added burden of following the legalist and trying to follow Jesus.

Legalism is a lack of faith in God. A legalist sees the obvious like a person who smokes cigarettes. The legalist does not have the faith in God to let God deal with the person. Instead the legalist will determine what is wrong (always looking for the bad instead of the positive) like smoking or whatever is wrong then the legalist will place all kinds of burdens on the smoker to attempt to get them to stop. Focusing on our problems is a guaranteed way to fail. Biblically, we focus on Jesus. Where the legalist is working on the outside, the Holy Spirit of God is working on the inside of us and God might be saying, "lets work on the relationship with your Mother, or your sister and we will deal with that and the smoking issue will come into line later". We will never know how God is working in our lives if we listen to other people and don't listen and look to God.

October 8

Love - Commitment

Love - Commitment see also Lust

Agapao (G25) [Verb] to love, highest commitment
Agape (G26) [Noun] love, highest commitment, unselfish love
Philadelpheia (G5360) "Philadelphia" brotherly love, kindness
Phielo (G5368) affectionate, emotional

Verses - Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 5:44; Romans 5:5; James 2:5; Revelation 2:4 3:19

First Use: Genesis 22:2 And He (God) said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

This is the definition of love. Abraham is acting out the love that God has for us, that one day at the same mountain location, God the Father would offer His beloved only Son Jesus for us, that we might live. It was necessary for Abraham to enact this out so when the actual sacrifice of Jesus occurred, we would fully understand that the cross is an act of love from both the Father and the Son.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16

Love is a commitment. God in His love for us, committed His life to us on the cross that we could enter into a committed relationship of love with Him. Love is a commitment for good; love seeks the highest good for the other person. God in His love on the cross was seeking the highest good for us, a life in God. Love is not selfish love is a relationship of commitment.

and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains and have not love I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: ~ 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:1-8

God's love for us is complete. It is impossible for God to love us more than He already does. It is also impossible for God to love us less then He already does. If we were to go out into the streets and carry a sign that says repent and tell people all day long about the glorious plan that God has for their life, God would not love us any more than He already does. If we sin and totally blow it before man, God and the angels of heaven, God would not love us any less than He already does. God's love for us is complete it is not conditional and is not determined by our actions.

We cannot win or lose God's love, we can only acknowledge God's love.

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect (complete), that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is so are we in this world. There is no fear in love but perfect (complete) love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect (complete) in love. We love Him because He First loved us. ~ 1 John 4:16-19

October 9

Melchizedek

Melchizedek the Eternal Heavenly Priesthood

Hebrew; Melchizedek (H4442) Melek - King, royal; Tsedeq - righteousness, moral, equity; King of Righteousness

Verses - Genesis 14:16; Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 5:6,10 6:20 7:1,10,11,15,17,21

First Use: Genesis And Melchizedek king Salem (Peace) brought forth bread and wine: and He was the priest of the most high God.

The LORD (Yahweh) hath sworn and will not repent, Thou (Jesus) art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. ~ Psalms 110:4

Though He (Jesus) were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect (complete), He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; Called of God a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec [Greek]. ~ Hebrews 5:8-10

Melchizedek is a name of God just like Elohiem, Yahweh, Adonai, Jesus etc. are also names of God. Melchizedek is not the title of a king like the word President is a title, Melchizedek is a name of God and the name means Melek - King, Tsedeq - righteousness, Melchizedek means King of Righteousness, God is the one and only King of Righteousness.

Melchizedek is a priest to God. A priest is someone chosen by God that has access to God. Melchizedek being God has access to Himself, therefore Melchizedek is a priest. All priests are appointed by God. Nobody can decide to be a priest on their own. In the Old Testament God chose the family of Levi to be the priests. Only a person physically born into the family of Levi is eligible to be a Levitical priest.

Like the required genealogy for the Levitical priesthood, the Melchizedek priesthood also has a strict gemology required to be a Melchizedek priest. The requirement to be a Melchizedek priest is to be eternal, "having neither beginning, of days, nor end of life". Not many people have the genealogy of endless life to be a Melchizedek priest. In fact, humans are not eligible to be a Melchizedek priest. Only God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and Jesus have the genealogy required to be a Melchizedek priest.

For this Melchisedec, king Salem (peace), priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and (Melchisedec) blessed him (Abraham); To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; First being by interpretation King of righteousness and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. ~ Hebrews 7:1-3

For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; {the tribe/family of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Judah means "Praise" in Hebrew} of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest (Jesus), who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of endless life. ~ Hebrews 7:14-17

It is this endless life of Jesus that qualifies Jesus to be a Melchizedek priest as opposed to a human Levitical priest.

By so much was Jesus made a surety (guaranteed payment) of a better testament. And they (Levitical priests) truly were many priests, because they were not suffered (allowed) to continue by reason of death (physical death): But this man (Jesus as priest) because He continueth ever (forever), hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able also to save them (sinners) to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever (forever) liveth to make intercession for them (sinners). ~ Hebrews 7:22-25

Jesus is our High Priest. He is the Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, (King of Righteousness) a position Jesus is able to hold because God appointed Him to it, Psalms 110:4 and because Jesus has the genealogy of a Melchizedek that He exists eternally. Therefore, Jesus is able to eternally be our priest. We will never have another priest and we will never be separated from our glorious High Priest, Jesus.

October 10

Minister

Minister a servant

Diakonia (G1248) "Deacon", servant Lit. Table waiter
Leitourgia (G3009) "Liturgy", public function, public servant
Huperetes (G5257) "Under-rower" Minister, to function and facilitate from a position of serving and supporting, from beneath. Lit. The oarsman that power the ship or boat from a position in the bottom of the boat

Verses - Leviticus 7:35; Matthew 20:28; Acts 13:2; Romans 15:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 3:7; 1 Peter 4:10

First Use: Exodus 24:13 And Moses rose up and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the Mount (Mt. Sinai) of God.

Minister or ministry is the function of service and support. To be a minister is to be a servant.

Then shall they also answer Him, saying Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked or sick, or in prison and did not minister unto thee? ~ Matthew 25:44-46

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; not withstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? ~ James 2:16

Pure religion and undefiled before God is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world. ~ James 1:27

The opposite of the servant deeds of the minister are the lording over deeds of the Nicolaitanes and the Pharisees.

But this thou (Church of Ephesus) hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I (Jesus) also hate. ~ Revelation 2:6

So hast thou (Church of Pergamos) also them (members) that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I (Jesus) hate. ~ Revelation 2:15

Jesus died to set us free. This freedom includes freedom from religious confinements that keep us separated from Jesus.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ. ~ Colossians 2:8

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ~ Galatians 5:1

It is interesting that when the early Church was gathered together, their main function was to minister to Jesus.

Now there were in the Church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch and Saul (Apostle Paul). As they ministered to the Lord. ... Acts 13:1-3

Giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes (whippings), in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings (looking for the return of Jesus), in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness... ~ 2 Corinthians 6:3-4

October 11

Mediator

A mediator is the contact between two parties

Mesites (G3316) reconciler, intercessor, mediator, go-between, confirmer

Verses - Romans 8:26-27,34; Galatians 3:19-20; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25 8:6 9:15 12:24

First Use: Isaiah 59:16 And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness it sustained Him.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Timothy 2:5

A mediator is the contact between two parties that are not in direct communications with each other. It is absolutely necessary that the mediator have access to both parties otherwise the mediator is ineffective and cannot mediate. The mediator is far more than a messenger (Angel). Where a messenger (Angel) would simply deliver the message, the mediator is a counselor, a voice of reason. The mediator has a grasp of the situation and of the grievances the mediator has the vision to overcome the difficulty and the mediator has a desire to end the dispute and unite the two parties.

Jesus is the mediator between God and man. Because Jesus is God and Jesus has come as a man Jesus is able to effectively mediate between the two parties. Jesus is performing the most difficult mediation. The relationship between man and God is so broken that many people refuse to even acknowledge the existence of God. Jesus has accomplished much of His mediation through the written Holy Bible, revealing who God is to mankind. At the cross Jesus, God in man, mediated peace to mankind. Jesus continues to mediate to a disobedient mankind. God the Holy Spirit also facilitates Jesus in order to bring mankind into a relationship with God.

October 12

Martyred Saints of Revelation

Martyred Saints of Revelation see also Church, Jews

There are three groups of redeemed people mentioned in the Bible regarding the last days (days since the First coming of Jesus). The Jews, the Church and the future Martyred Saints, mentioned in the book of Revelation, are these three groups.

And when He (Jesus) had opened the fifth seal, I (Disciple John) saw under the altar the souls of them (Martyred Saints) that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony (confession of the resurrection of Jesus) which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying How long, O Lord, holy and true, doust thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto everyone of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season {about 7 years} until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. ~ Revelation 6:9-11

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: ~ Revelation 17:6

The future Martyred Saints are a unique group of redeemed people. Currently while the Church exists on earth there are two groups of redeemed, the Jews and the Church. At the end of the Church age the redeemed will be in the two categories of Jew and Martyred Saint. The distinction between the Church and the Martyred Saints is, to become a part of the Church we confess Jesus and believe in His resurrection.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ~ Romans 10:9

This confession makes us a member of God's Church family. The Martyred Saints become a Martyred Saint when the enemies of God kill them.

Jesus gave a promise regarding the disciple Peter's confession of Jesus being God, that whoever maintained the same confession that Peter confessed would be a part of the Church and that the Church would not be overcome.

He (Jesus) saith unto them (disciples), But whom say you that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon (Peter, rock) Bar-jona (son of grace): for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (rock) and upon this rock {confession} I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ~ Matthew 16:15-18

While the Church exists on earth the Church will not be overcome. The Church will always exist until the moment when Jesus comes and takes the Church [Christians] to heaven in an event referred to as the "rapture of the Church". The future Martyred Saints live after the Church in a time when God will give authority to the coming Antichrist to overcome the saints that live on earth.

And it was given unto him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds and tongues and nations. ~ Revelation 13:7

The Church did not always exist. The Church did not exist during the Old Testament times and the Church will not exist on earth after the rapture. The Church began on the day of the resurrection of Jesus when Jesus baptized the disciples with His Spirit (breath) in the upper room. The Church will no longer be on earth but many people on earth will still be redeemed and will still have a relationship with God. This group of post Church redeemed people will be the Martyred Saints.

The Martyred Saints are divided into two groups; the First group is killed because they believe the word of God (Bible) and they have the testimony that Jesus is alive, that He has resurrected from death.

And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. ~Revelation 12:11

Later the second group of Martyred Saints are killed for the same reasons as the First group and for wisely not accepting the mark of the beast given by the Antichrist and his followers.

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast [Antichrist] and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. ~ Revelation 15:2

Together these two large groups of killed people comprise the Martyred Saints of Revelation.

October 13

Satan

Satan the Deceiver

Greek: Satanas (G4567) "accuser"; Satan
Greek: Diabolos (G1228) "slanderer" false accuser; Devil
Hebrew: Heylel (H1966) Bright shining, morning star; Lucifer
Spanish: Diablo; Devil

Verses - Genesis 3:1; Job 1:6-2:10; Isaiah 14:12-22; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Zechariah 3:1-10; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 10:17-20; Revelation 20:1-10

First Use: Not mentioned, Satan, although he exists, is not mentioned to Adam in the early Verses of the Bible. Mankind's relationship is with God; Satan is basically a non-factor.

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; ~ Isaiah 14:12-16

Satan means accuser and Devil means slanderer. Both names are descriptive titles of this fallen angel's character. The actual name of Satan is unknown. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. Satan was the First to rebel against God and through the deception of Satan, sin and death entered into all mankind. Satan knew what He was doing when he set out to destroy mankind. Satan knows the pain and suffering that exists and yet he continues to perpetuate as much pain and suffering as he can.

Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence and thou hast sinned; therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, ~ Ezekiel 28:15

Satan was originally an Angel created by God and called Lucifer. Lucifer is a title meaning bright and morning star and originally Lucifer didn't have sin but in himself he sinned against God. He desired to rule even above God. Lucifer is now the fake morning star, still seeking to be worshipped above God. The word lucky is an old pagan witchcraft word and comes from Lucifer. Lucky is not a Biblical term, lucky; lu- Lucifer; ky - key; lit. Lucifer key; acknowledging Lucifer as giving someone a key to unlock their worldly desires. A person that claims to be lucky is someone who is claiming to have received from the devil. Christians are never lucky; Christians are "blessed" from God.

Do not err my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (no deception), neither shadow (no darkness) of turning (deceit). ~ James 1:16-17

Two characteristics of Satan are that he is subtle (not obvious) and that he is a counterfeiter (a copycat):

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? ~ Genesis 3:1

Satan is subtle, it is the subtle lie, the subtle deception that is just as Satanic as any outrageous act. Because Satan is so subtle and since he is also a spirit being, the First piece of Spiritual armor for the Christian is the belt of truth (Bible).

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (methods) of the devil. ... Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth. ... ~ Ephesians 6:11-14

Satan is also a counterfeiter. Satan is pretending to be god and therefore counterfeits what God does for real.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the [counterfeit] apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an [counterfeit] angel of light. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. ~ Revelation 20:10

October 14

Mind

Mind is our reason, our thought, our intellect

Nous (G3563) intellect, thought, reason, decision, comprehension, understanding

Verses - Romans 7:23; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 2:16; Colossians 1:21, 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Peter 1:13

First Use: Genesis 23:8 And he (Abraham) communed with them (land owners), saying, if it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me and entreat for me.

Mind is our reason, our thought, our intellect. It is through our mind that we interact both with man and with God. Our mind is not just our brain. We are not chemical, biological, beings, we are spiritual beings. The brain represents our mind in the physical realm, but cognizant (self awareness), memory, thought, conscience, reason, intellect, rational, creativity, etc. are functions of our soul and our spirit and not products of chemical reactions.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God. ~ Romans 12:2

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man [old unsaved ways], which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. ~ Ephesians 4:22-23

October 15

Peace

Peace is complete rest of the body, soul (mind) and the spirit

Eirene (G1515) "to join"; join rest, join quietness, peace is the absence of strife, a state of comfort, rest and wellbeing
Hebrew: Shalowm "Shalom" (H7965) peace, wellbeing of body, soul and spirit

Verses - Nahum 1:15; Zechariah 6:18; Matthew 5:9; Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:22; Revelation 6:4

First Use: Genesis 15:15 And thou (Abraham) shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

Peace is comfort of the body, soul and the spirit, a well-being and contentment. Peace is the absence of strife. "Peace" is the Jewish greeting. We say "hello," the Jew says peace (Shalom), the Greek would say "grace" (karris). The New Testament often combines the Greek and the Hebrew greetings, grace and peace to you.

... Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:1

But He (Jesus) was wounded (injured) for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement (correction) of our peace (Shalom) was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed (cured, made whole). ~ Isaiah 53:5

Peace is precious the cost of peace is high. Our peace cost Jesus His life on the cross. The cost was high but the high price was met and we now, through Jesus, have peace with God, peace with man and peace with ourselves.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 5:1

We have a peace through the cross of Jesus that the world does not comprehend. The world is seeking a false peace. The world is trying to find peace without Jesus. The familiar peace sign of the world is the post with two smaller posts leaning against it at the bottom and a circle surrounds all three posts. The posts look like a "coat rack" or a "chicken track" then a circle surrounds it. These posts are actually the world's symbol of a broken cross. The two smaller posts on the false peace symbol are the cross beams to the cross. If the smaller beams were slid up the post and straightened out horizontally the symbol is the cross. The circle around the false peace sign is the satanic circle. It is the satanic circle of domination and control and it is Satan's trap.

The world sees peace as the absence of Jesus, the absence of the cross. With a broken cross the world has rejected God and God's judgment. The world has made peace with sin. The world claims that Jesus, religion and Christians are the cause of the wars of the world and that man left alone can be peaceful. Nothing could be further from the truth! War is the result of man and sin. Jesus is the true Peace.

These things I (Jesus) have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33

October 16

Pray

Prayer is to both Talk and Listen

Proseuche (G4335) Pros - toward, forward; Euche - express, expression; talk, speak, ask, listen, comprehend, communicate, discussion

Verses - Exodus 33:9; 1 Samuel 12:23; Acts 8:15; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 4:5; Revelation 5:8

First Use: Genesis 12:13 Say, I (Abram) pray [ask] thee (Sarai), thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

God had called Abram from his native country and instructed him to go to the promise land and stay there. There was a famine and Abram disobeyed God Abram removed himself and his wife Sarai from the promise land and went to Egypt. Once in Egypt, Abram feared for his life. His wife Sarai was beautiful and Abram feared that he would be killed so someone else could take his wife. Abram, fearing death, asked his wife to tell people she was his sister. This fear of death was a lack of faith in God. Later Abram believed that God would give life by giving them a child and that God would preserve life. When Abram believed God as the giver and protector of life, God then changed the name of Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. Both of them received the "h" the breath letter in their names, signifying that they had received the breath of life from God.

Prayer means to talk to, as in a conversation of speaking and listening. In order to have a conversation First the presence and attention of both parties needs to be acknowledged.

Queen Esther in the Old Testament book of Esther is one of our best examples in how to approach and have a relationship with a king, in our case King Jesus. Esther was the bride of King Ausherus and therefore became the queen. Likewise the Church is the bride of Jesus. In this Biblical example the Church is the bride of the king, the most prized position in the land next to that of being king. Notice though how Esther approaches the king even when she is the queen. It is required even of Esther to request permission to enter into the presence of the king and she can only approach the king if the king holds out the scepter in acceptance and she touches the scepter in recognition of his kingly authority. Likewise for us, we cannot go to God without being invited. The scepter that Jesus holds out to us is the scepter of His cross and we are required to touch His cross in acknowledgement of His Kingly rule and authority. To barge into the presence of the King without an invitation and without touching the King's scepter in submission and recognition of His authority and rule is to enter the presence of the King as an enemy and not as a loyal subject. The penalty for entering the king's presence as an enemy is to be immediately put to death.

Esther, once in the presence of the King, continued in a cordial relationship with the King. Esther didn't barge in and say as Queen I demand that you take care of my problems. Esther had problems, her entire race of people, the Jews, were about to be annihilated from the earth. The enemy of the Jews was attempting to use the King's authority to wipe Esther and her people out. Esther went to the King and instead of making demands she instead prepared a banquet for her king. Then she went back and prepared another banquet for the King. In the process of this dinning together and communing together, the King took care of the threat to Esther and her people.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: ~ Philippians 1:3-6

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which all of you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. ~ Philippians 4:8-9

Christianity is not about what you do, it is about whom you know. Getting to know God on a personal individual basis, communicating with King Jesus, is more important than anything else that can ever be accomplished here on earth.

October 17

Predestination

Predestination is a Prior Determination

Proorizo (G4309) Pro - prior, before; Horizo - "horizon" determine, decree, mark, establish, boundary

Verses - Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:5-11

First Use: Romans 8:29-30 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He glorified.

Predestination is a prior determination. For the Christian it has been predetermined that once a person becomes a Christian, the end result will be the person being conformed to the image of Jesus. This is like an artist that with foreknowledge has predetermined the subject of a painting, or a sculptor, predetermining the shape he is going to mold. Predestination is simply knowing in advance what the final design or destination is. The final predestined destination for the believer is to be in heaven with Jesus and to be similar to Jesus. Similar in that we can interact with Jesus.

Destination is the end of a journey, the final destination. Biblically we are only predestined to heaven once we have acknowledged God. We are not predestined to individual fates in our life. In other words God does not predestine certain people to heaven and then others to hell. Our relationship with God is based on our own individual freedom and choice as God has already chosen to die for our sins the choice is now up to us to acknowledge Him. Therefore we have the freedom in our spirit to either acknowledge Jesus is God or to reject who He has proven Himself to be.

It is only after a person enters into a personal relationship with Jesus that then the person becomes "predestined" to a permanent reunion with Jesus in heaven. There are many factors that affect our daily life. We can make our own decisions and choices, we can let others influence us or make decisions for us. There are also Biblical factors such as we will reap what we sow. In other words, if we do Godly things we will receive Godly things, if we do evil things we will receive evil outcomes.

God also maintains control "providence" over His creation at all times, as according to God's plan God will permit certain events and He will not permit other events. Our lives are filled with many events, accomplishments and even some failures yet none of these are a part of "predestination" as the Bible defines it but all of them are a part of our normal living conditions in a fallen existence and in the fellowship and company of the living God who oversees His entire creation.

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the Mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He has purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will: ~ Ephesians 1:5-11

October 18

Priests

Priests offer acceptable offerings to God

Hiereus (G2409) sacred, holy, priest, set apart; office of offering acceptable offerings to God from man

Verses - Genesis 14:18; Luke 1:8; Acts 6:7; 1 Peter 2:5-9; Revelation 1:6 5:10 20:6

First Use: Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek King Salem (peace & righteousness) brought forth bread and wine: and He was the priest of the most high God.

But ye (Church) are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: ~ 1 Peter 2:9

Priest, the office (job) designated by God, to offer from man to God acceptable sacrifices, offerings and gifts. Melchizedek is the First mentioned priest in the Bible. Later in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament we learn that Jesus is the High Priest of the Church in the same faculties of the priesthood of Melchizedek. We also learn that Jesus did not take on the role of Priest Himself As with all priests it is an appointed position by God.

Jesus was appointed (confirmed) a Priest as noted in Psalms 110:4

The LORD hath sworn and will not repent, Thou (Jesus) art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. ~ Psalms 110:4

And they (raptured Church in heaven) sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain (cross) and has redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on earth. ~ Revelation 5:9-10

Each Christian member of the Church is also their own individual (low) priest officiating their own individual altar before God on their own behalf. Each Christian is in interaction with God, offering to God sacrifices, offerings and gifts. In other words, Christians do not go to another (low) priest and then request that priest to go to God for us. The Christian is the priest and we each go to God ourselves, through the (high) priest Jesus.

Ye also, as lively stones [living confessions of Jesus], are built up a Spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Peter 2:5

But just what are these spiritual sacrifices and offerings that we as priests are to offer to God? Some of our offerings to God are, praises, rejoicing, love, faith, hope, patience, involvement, anything we do for God or any interaction from us to God is done in our function as a priest.

But I have all and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus [a messenger] the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. ~ Philippians 4:18

The Apostle Paul is writing to the Church at Philippi that their giving to the ministry of Paul was an acceptable sacrifice, not just to Paul but also to God.

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ~ Hebrews 13:16

October 19

Resurrection

Resurrection is to Live Again

Anastasis (G386) Ana - up; Stao - Stand; stand up again, raise, live again

Verses - Matthew 27:53; John 5:29 11:25; Acts 1:22; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:42; Philippians 3:10; Revelation 20:5-6

First Use: Genesis 22:1-19 .. And He (God) said, Take now thy (Abraham's) son, thy only son Isaac, whom thou lovest and get thee into the land of Moriah {present day temple mount in Jerusalem}; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I will tell thee.. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the donkey; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship (acknowledge life comes from God) and come again to you.

Abraham was acknowledging the resurrection ability of God, stating that he and Isaac were both going to return after he had offered Isaac as a sacrifice. The sacrifice was both prophetic and symbolic of the future sacrifice of our Heavenly Father offering His Son Jesus, at the exact same location. The Father offered Jesus His Son so that mankind would be reunited with God.

The same day came to Him (Jesus) the Sadducees {religious/political leaders}, which say that there is no resurrection... Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err (error), not knowing the Scriptures (Bible), nor the power of God... But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. ~ Matthew 22:23,29,31-32

Resurrection is to stand up again, to come back living from the dead. Jesus has done just that. Jesus suffered and died on the cross and resurrected the third day. The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection of Jesus there is no Christianity. The resurrection proves that Jesus is God. It proves that His sacrifice is acceptable and that our own sins are forgiven and it proves that believing Christians will spend eternity with the loving God in heaven.

The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal event that a Christian is required to believe in, in order to be a Christian and become justified. One has to believe in the actual bodily resurrection of Jesus. It is not a theory, nor is it a vague hazy concept, or in a "spiritual" sense that Jesus has resurrected. The same Jesus that was born from the womb of a virgin, died on the cross and was buried in the tomb, is the same Jesus that stood again in full resurrection life. The resurrection of Jesus is the one act of faith (belief) that we as Christians are required to believe. Without a belief in the resurrection of Jesus it is impossible to be a Christian, it is impossible to have a relationship with God. Christianity stands on the wonderful resurrection of Jesus.

For I (Apostle Paul) delivered unto you First of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: And that He was buried and that He rose again (resurrected) the third day according to the Scriptures: And that, He was seen of Cephas (Disciple Peter), then of the twelve (disciples): After that, He was seen of above five hundred (500+ people) brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain (are still alive) unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James (a 1/2 brother of Jesus, born to Mary and Joseph, he wrote the N.T. book of James); then all of the apostles {it was a requirement of the early Church to see the resurrected Jesus before you could be called an Apostle} and last of all He was seen of me (Apostle Paul) also. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

It was on the evening of the resurrection of Jesus that the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit by Jesus. We are not baptized and do not receive the baptism from Jesus until the day we First realize that Jesus is indeed risen from the dead, that He is alive! The Gospel Message of the Church is the resurrection of Jesus. The Apostle Paul traveled the known world delivering this message to everyone, from Kings to outcasts.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I (Apostle Paul) continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer and that He should be the First that should rise from the dead and should show light unto the people and to the Gentiles (non-Jews). And as he (Paul) spoke thus for himself, Festus [Roman, Governor of Caesarea] said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. ~ Acts 26:22-25

The Apostle Paul was on trial for his life in the Roman court system. Paul was testifying before King Agrippa and the King's wife Queen Bernice. Festus the Governor had heard Paul's testimony before about the risen Jesus. But Festus misunderstood and thought Christianity was about a dispute that this man named Jesus was missing. Some thought Jesus to be dead and some thought Jesus to be alive. During the testimony Festus realized for the First time that Christianity is about the resurrection of Jesus and right in the middle of Paul's speaking a startled Festus shouted out that Paul was mad.

The resurrection of Jesus is a weighty topic to ponder and like Festus we might want to declare this is madness, but the truth is, Paul, the disciples, over 500 apostles, the prophets, the law, the scriptures and the Holy Spirit of God all testify to the Gospel News that Jesus is indeed the Christ and raised from the dead!

October 20

Second Coming

A Second Coming means that there has already been a First Appearance

First Use: Jude v. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes (2nd Coming) with ten thousands of His saints,

Second Coming means that there has already been a First Coming; the Second Coming is a return appearance. Jesus came the First time to redeem mankind back to Him. Jesus specifically came the First time to suffer death on the cross, but not just death; mocking, humiliation, rejection, abuse and a host of other things that the God of Glory would suffer at the hands of His creation. The mystery is not that Jesus would return, the mystery is why did Jesus come the First time. Of course there is only one answer to the First visit of Jesus and that is that Jesus came because He loves us.

The Second Coming of Jesus is when Jesus returns to establish His throne here on earth, when Jesus reigns and rules as the rightful King and God of the earth. Right now Jesus reigns and rules in the lives of Christians but apart from Christians the world does not acknowledge Jesus as the King.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, after this [after God takes for Himself people from among the gentiles] I (Jesus) will return and will build again the tabernacle [dwelling, throne] of [king] David. ~ Acts 15:15-16

Jesus is the physical seed (descendant) of king David, through Mary who is a descendant of David. Jesus a descendant of David is then eligible and is going to rule the earth from the same throne that king David ruled Judah from over 3,000 years ago.

There are approximately 333 prophecies written in the Old Testament of the Bible predicting the First coming, of Jesus. There are approximately 555 prophecies in the entire Bible (Old and New Testaments), prophesying about the second coming of Jesus creating a total of about 888 prophecies regarding the various comings of Jesus.

First Coming Prophecies:

The Bible's first prophecy given is about the 'First Coming' of Jesus.

And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this (deceived the woman), thou are cursed above all cattle and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed (Antichrist) and her seed (Christ - Jesus); it (Jesus) shall bruise thy (Satan's) head [this occurred at the cross of Jesus, John 19:17 and He bearing His cross went forth into a place called "the place of the skull".] and thou shalt bruise His heel ... Genesis 3:14-15

This among other things, happened to Jesus on the cross where His heel was nailed against the cross and was badly bruised as He supported His body on the heel of His foot. This is a prophesied injury that could not have occurred by stoning or any other means of death. Jesus bruised His heel in order to heal us.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass (donkey) and upon a colt the foal of an ass (donkey). ~ Zechariah 9:9

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem [Jerusalem was destroyed the First time by the Babylonian army in B.C. 722] unto Messiah (Jesus) the Prince shall be seven weeks {each week is a seven year time period, like a decade of seven years} and threescore (60) and two weeks: {7 + 60 + 2 = 69 weeks; 7 X 69 = 483 years, Jesus was prophesied to come 434 years after the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem and He did.} the street shall be built again and the wall, even in troublous times.. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah (Jesus) be cut off (executed, (H3772)), but not for himself: ~ Daniel 9:25-26

It was 7 weeks or 49 years until the Jerusalem temple was rebuilt, occurring after the 70 year Jewish captivity in Babylon was complete. Then there were roughly 169 years until the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem was given. After an additional 60 and 2 weeks 434 years the Messiah was to be executed, the cross of Jesus.

There are a total of 70 weeks, 490 years, explained to Daniel the prophet by an angel, 69 of the weeks have been fulfilled the 70th and last week (seven year period) is thought to take place during the time of Revelation.

Second Coming Prophesies:

Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. ~ Revelation 1:7

The Bible's Second Prophecy is given by Enoch of the Old Testament and is about the 'Second Coming' of Jesus.

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints. ~ Jude ver. 14

And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son. ~ Zechariah 12:10

This is an Old Testament prophecy, stating that the Messiah would return and the one whom they "have pierced". Psalms 22 in the Old Testament contains direct quotes of Jesus from the cross. Isaiah Chapter 52:13 - 53:12, is also an Old Testament direct description of the events of the crucifixion of Jesus.

October 21

Sin

Sin is our missing God's goal for our life i.e. being defeated

Hamartia (G266) missing the target, defeated, beaten, looser

Verses - Mark 2:10; Acts 2:38; Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 18:4-5

First Use: Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door and unto thee shall be his desire and [but] thou (you) shall rule over him.

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; ~ Romans 3:23

Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: ~ Romans 5:12

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? ~ Romans 6:16

For sin shall not have dominion (rule) over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. ~ Romans 6:14

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. ~ 1 Timothy 1:15

Sin is disobedience to God. When we sin against God we have been overcome, we have lost, been defeated, the modern term for sin would be looser. We have lost when we sin, lost the accomplishment, lost the victory and lost the reward. Jesus is not a sinner, Jesus is not a looser, Jesus is victorious and Jesus is a winner. Jesus has allowed us to trade in our loosing position and join Him in His victory over sin and death.

Sin is disobedience, without at least one rule or law there would be no sin. No rules or no laws would indicate no infractions and therefore no sin. Without any laws there also wouldn't be any obedience. Adam and Eve had at least one law to follow and that law was to not eat from the tree of good & evil. During the time of Moses, God instructed the Jews in about 613 laws.

Since Jesus has come, all of the laws have been combined into two commandments:

We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the First and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. ~ Matthew 22:37-40

This law that we follow is called the Royal Law because Jesus who gave it to us, is also a Royal King, it is the Royal Law coming from the Royal King Jesus.

A law is different from a rule; a rule is basically a person's decree. Breaking the speed limit is actually breaking a rule. People have decreed a rule for all to follow while driving. When the rule is broken, then there are options for fines and punishments and they vary according to the desires of the people in charge.

A law on the other hand is God's rule. Laws are a guaranteed cause and effect. There are many laws, including a law of gravity, a law of entropy (anything left alone will decay, not improve), a law of electricity if we break one of these laws a lawyer or a judge cannot lessen the penalty. Touching electricity will cause a shock, falling from a high place will cause a hard landing, etc.

The same cause and effect applies to spiritual laws, the end result of sin is death. If you're not sure about this law, try to find someone, anyone over about 120 years old. Very old people do not exist because everyone is under sin and from the law of sin the result is death. There are other laws. God also has the complete (in Jesus) law of liberty, that if we have Jesus we have complete liberty and God has given us the Royal Law to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

If we follow Jesus and the royal law of Jesus we are guaranteed, by the Law of God, to be in the Family of God.

October 22

Sleep

To Sleep in Jesus Christ is to be unharmed by the physical effect of death

Koimao (G2837) sleep, slumber, unaware, die, deceased

Verses - Psalms 13:3; Matthew 13:25; 1 Corinthians 15:20-51; Ephesians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:14 5:6,7,10

First Use: Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep [i.e. death on the cross] to fall upon Adam and he slept: and He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

The bride of Adam came from His side, while he was placed in a deep sleep. The bride (Church) marriage with Jesus was made possible by the blood that flowed from the side of Jesus, while He was dead on the cross. God through Adam was acting out how Jesus was to obtain His bride, the Church.

Sleep has several meanings in the Bible. Sleep is referred to as the physical act of sleep. Sleep is also referred as the death of the believer. Just as physical sleep is not harmful to the person, death is not harmful to the believer. Sleep is also used to refer to being unaware, that is unaware of God, unaware of man's sinful predicament and unaware of God's plan for man.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this (communion) bread and drink this (communion) cup of the Lord, unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep. ~ 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

This sleep does not mean death, it means unaware. Many people in the Church of Corinth were not awake to the relationship and salvation that are available in the living resurrected Jesus.

It is possible to partake in the Christian practice of communion by eating bread and drinking from the cup, yet not being aware of the gift of God from Jesus that the bread and the cup represent. We are being told in this verse that ritual does not heal us and make us alive to God but that a relationship with Jesus does. We are being encouraged to awake from sleep and to be aware of God and His healing salvation plan for us.

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day (the day of Jesus' return, to rapture the Church) should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep in the night (darkness); and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day (awake), be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

October 23

Spirit

Spirit life is Eternal life

Pneuma (G4151) air, breath, spirit, indestructible spirit life, everlasting spirit life
Hebrew: Ruwach (H7303) breath, life, spirit

Verses - Genesis 41:8,38; Ecclesiastes 3:21; Joel 2:28,29; Romans 1:9, 8:11; 1 Peter 1:11; Revelation 11:11

First Use: Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And the LORD said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for he also is flesh: yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years. [This was probably 120 years before the flood of Noah.] ~ Genesis 6:3

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. ~ Job 32:8

Where our soul is our self-awareness, our spirit is our awareness of God

The spirit and soul are not the same thing yet they interact closely.

For the word of God is quick (alive) and powerful (energy) and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12

The Bible refers to the relationship between spirit and soul as being like the relationship between the marrow of the bone and joints that hold the bones together. And like the difference between thoughts and intents. Science cannot tell the point where marrow stops being marrow and starts to become bone because the change from marrow to bone is so gradual and interwoven. Nor can scientist tell where bone starts to become joints, ligaments and tendons, because the change is also interwoven and gradual. ~ Hebrews 4:12

The Bible does refer to separating the spirit from the soul; this requires that they are not the same item. If they were the same in substance the Bible would probably refer to cleaving (chopping). The Soul is often mentioned encompassing spirit and the spirit is often mentioned encompassing soul so the relationship is close and interwoven yet the two are each unique.

Spirit refers to spirit existence; the Bible uses the same word to refer to the Holy Spirit that it uses to refer to human spirits and the same word for angelic spirits and even demonic, unclean spirits.

The spiritual realm is the true permanent realm:

The physical realm, what we see, touch, taste, smell, feel & hear with our physical bodies is the temporary realm.

God has created the physical realm to convey Biblical Spiritual truth to us. There is the existence of physical light and darkness representing the Spiritual concept of division and judgment, separating light from dark and light shining into darkness to dispel darkness. Fire, water, breath are all physical elements to represent Spiritual truths, water is cleansing and refreshing, fire is light and through heat judgment, judging between what will last and what will burn.

Breath is required for life; humans have only one breath of life in our possession at any one time. We are always one breath away from physical life and physical death. Likewise, a non-believer is only one breath away from repentance and Spiritual life from spiritual death at any one moment.

The battle that the Christian faces is a spiritual battle. Satan is a spirit being. It is said that Jesus is on the inside of us trying to be exposed to the outside world while Satan is on the outside of us trying to get inside and direct or possess us. Satan cannot overpower the human spirit so Satan's main tool to control and possess humans is by deception and tricks. Satan tricks humans into thinking what they are doing is right, yet all along it is wrong. It is any con artist's biggest con to so completely fool the victim that they never become aware that they were deceived and therefore never putting the con artist in any danger.

The spirit realm is the important realm. We as Christians have to acknowledge the existence of the spirit realm, good and evil and to react appropriately.

But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. ~ John 4:23-24

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. ~ 2 Peter 3:10-14

October 24

Temptation

Tempting is testing a quality while adding maturity and development

Periazo (G3985) temporary, tempt, test i.e. Testing for good or for bad qualities
Hebrew: Nacah (H5254) test, prove i.e. Testing the quality of the product

Verses - Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:3; Mark 12:15; Acts 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; James 1:3; 2 Peter 2:9; Revelation 3:10

First Use: Genesis 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt (test) Abraham and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth (test) the hearts and reigns (our determination). ~ Psalms 7:9

God is testing the hearts and the determination of man to determine if man desires and is determined to follow God or to do evil.

Temptation is one of the more interesting aspects for us, being that we are freewill moral agents living in a society with both good and evil influences. As we navigate through life's options and challenges we routinely encounter temptations both to do good and to do evil. A temptation is an external circumstance we encounter that gives us the opportunity to either do good or to do something else. For instance when we see or hear of someone in need we often are tempted to do more for them than is already being done. We are being tempted to do good. A good temptation test would be when God is encouraging us to do the things that He is involved in like helping, giving, mercy, peace and everything that is consistent and compatible with God. We can easily fail these tests by neglecting to do good when goodness is called for.

Let no man say when he is tempted (tested) I am tempted of God [for evil]: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man [for evil]: ~ James 1:13-14

Like good temptations there are also bad temptations (tests). Bad temptations however are not from God they originate instead from ourselves, others, or Satan and his demons. Where a good temptation is to build others and us up bringing us closer to the love of God. A bad temptation is to distance and separate us from God. Satan uses bad temptations in an attempt to distance us from God. Satan also uses them in an attempt to disgrace God. We are created in God's image, we are also God's children. It is a disgrace when instead of living a holy life resembling the characteristics of God our Heavenly Father, we instead act like the devil. Fortunately God is pure holy and undefiled and it is not even possible to disgrace Him. Even more fortunately God has taken the disgrace that we clothe ourselves with and He has wrapped us in His clean garments of righteousness.

There hath no temptation (test) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

Jesus, while He was here on earth to do the Father's will, was continually being tempted by Satan. We can learn many things by how Jesus successfully handled His being tempted. For one thing it is not a sin to be tempted, Jesus was tempted yet He was without sin. Sin comes from how we react to the temptation. The Bible actually tells us that it is not possible for Jesus to fall to temptation and sin. We might think that if it wasn't possible for Jesus to sin then He wasn't really tempted, but remember, tempted means a test it does not mean a desire. Jesus had no desire to sin yet He was still tested.

There are several factors that led to Jesus successfully dealing with temptation by making it no temptation at all and as a result glorifying the Father. Jesus always recognized the truth of the Father. Jesus was not about to trade the truth of the Father for a lie of the devil. Jesus sees sin for what it is, sin is death and sin in its true state of death is not attractive. Jesus kept an eternal focus. Jesus did not get lost in the moment or have any momentary lapses. He kept an eternal heavenly focus, keeping focused on the Father, on the truth of the Bible and trusting in the Father's ability He committed Himself to the Father and kept Himself from falling to temptations.

October 25

Theology part 2

Theology is Logic, Reason and Understanding as applied to our revealed knowledge of God

Theology, Theos - God; Logos - word, study, logical, reason, discuss, write

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, [so we can know God] and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Theology is the study of God. It is not enough to study God. It is required that we accurately and correctly study God. If we studied President Abraham Lincoln and said he sure was an accomplished violinist, no one ever looked better in a straw hat and those cigarettes he constantly smoked. We would not know Abraham Lincoln because we did not study Abraham Lincoln. To get to know God we have to correctly study God.

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ~ 2 Timothy 2:15

It isn't fair to someone to misrepresent others. Sometimes we have a teacher, an employer or someone who has totally misrepresented our abilities and who we are. We don't appreciate it. God has asked us to take the time to get to know Him, who He is. If at the end of our physical life we enter into heaven, look around and say, "Who are you? What is this place?" It could be that we should have spent a little more quality time getting to know God and His kingdom.

October 26

TriUnity

TriUnity the Three in One God

Tri - three; Unity - oneness; three in one

Triunity is a word used in an attempt to explain the nature of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Each person: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, is an individual, yet each one is the one and only God. The Bible referrers to each one of them as God and as individuals. The Bible also refers to them collectively as the one and only true God. How can God be three separate persons and yet be only one God? The answer to this human dilemma of ours exists in the nature of God. God is Spirit. Physical man does not yet comprehend the Spirit realm and until we enter the Spirit realm of God when we pass on from our physical body and receive a spiritual body we will never comprehend fully the three in one nature of God.

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. ~ Galatians 3:20

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: ... ~ James 2:19

To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and ever. Amen. ~ Jude ver. 25

The Triunity concept of God is completely supported in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. The very First opening verse of the Bible instructs us that God is plural in existence. The Hebrew word used for God in Genesis 1:1 is Elohiem (H430). El is one of the Hebrew descriptive names of God. El is used in many Hebrew names Daniel (judged of God, Dani-el); Michael (who is like God, Micha-el) even in city names Beth - El (house of God, Beth-El). The "ohiem" ending in Elohiem is a plural ending. It is like adding an "s" to the end of a word in English. The First mention of God in the First verse of the Bible is instructing us that God is plural in existence.

Hear O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. ~ Deuteronomy 6:4

The Hebrew word for one in this verse is Echad (H259). Ehcad means one, like one in unity, or one group. There is a different Hebrew word used for single, or one and only one, exclusively one. The Hebrew word Yachiyd (H3173) has the meaning of single, or only one, exclusive one. Genesis 22:2 And He (God) said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac,. The word used for only is Yachiyd. Isaac is not the only child of Abraham, but Isaac is the only exclusive son of Abraham to receive the inheritance of the promise land. The Bible is consistent in reference to the plural Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of triune God.

Each of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are individually given Biblical credit for eternal existence, being Holy, creating creation, our redemption, being sinned against by man, forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of Jesus and many, many more attributes that can only be attributed to God.

October 27

Truth

Truth is the Unchangeable Facts

Greek Aletheia (G225) Truth, true that which exists and cannot change

Verses - Exodus 18:21; Psalms 25:5; Proverbs 12:19; Matthew 22:16; John 1:14-17 3:21 4:23-24 8:32 14:6 17:17; Revelation 3:7

First Use: Genesis 24:27 And he (Abraham's servant) said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of His mercy and His truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my masters brethren.

For I am the LORD, I change not; ~ Malachi 3:6

Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the Words (Truth) of eternal life. ~ John 6:68

Truth is that which exists and cannot change. The truth is the unchangeable fact. There are basic truths in existence. We exist in physical human form on a planet called the earth. It is an undeniable unchangeable truth that we exist. It is also an undeniable unchangeable truth that physical life exists temporally here on earth. The truth is that all who have lived in the past have suffered physical death; they are no longer physically alive with us on earth. Since there are truths in existence there is a truth that explains life and death here on earth.

There can be many theories about how life originated on earth, why and how we exist and why we die, but there is only one unchangeable truth.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word (Bible), then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. ~ John 8:31-32

Evolution is a fantasy about how life came into existence:

Evolution claims that everything that exists now came from nothing. But the truth is if you have nothing, you have nothing and nothing will come from nothing. Evolution claims that change in circumstances makes for changes in life.

Oops, First they say that life came from non-life; the truth is if you have no life then there is no life and no life will come from it. They then say that life once it sprang into existence can now change and adapt. First it took millions of years for life to adapt and for humans to figure out to grow thumbs. Now evolutionist say it actually took billions and billions of years for life to spring and for our thumbs to grow. Oops, now evolutionists say that it might have taken millions or billions of years they don't know but they think they are sure that we got our thumbs from space aliens. Space aliens who themselves sprang into existence from nothing. As long as the explanations and stories change they are not the truth. The truth is we are here and we do exist and only one truth will explain the truth of our existence.

The Bible is the truth. The Bible hasn't changed. The Bible explains creation, life, death, past, present, future. The Bible is complete and unchangeable. The Bible is the truth that matches with the truth of human existence and human death.

Universalism is a term used for a school of thought that unchangeable truth does not exist so we can just make up our own truth and that is truth. Someone says I think we evolved from monkeys and that is their truth, another says I think we evolved from space aliens and that also becomes truth and neither is wrong they are entitled to their own set of truths. The only unacceptable truth to the Universalist is that God exists because if God exists then He is the one unchangeable truth, so man has rejected God in order to accept their own version of truth. Man's version of truth cannot solve the mystery of existence nor can it solve the problem of death.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. ~ John 14:6

October 28

Unpardonable Sin

Unpardonable Sin (unbelief)

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he should pray for it. ~ 1 John 5:16

Unpardonable sin or sin unto death (separation from God) is the sin of not acknowledging God as God. God has given each person the spiritual freedom to acknowledge God and God has also given each person the spiritual freedom not to acknowledge Him. We are instructed not to pray for sin unto death. If God were to over-ride the human choice then it wouldn't be a choice. This doesn't mean that God is sitting back hoping people will acknowledge Him. God is actively busy wooing, courting and calling us into a relationship with Him. God is also actively arranging the circumstances of our life to bring us into a relationship with Him and once we are in a relationship, to bring us into a closer relationship with Him.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

We are instructed not to pray for God to overlook unbelief. If God saved people who didn't believe, then the cross of Jesus would not be necessary, for redemption. The Bible tells us that there are several reasons for unbelief. One is that Satan has blinded the mind of the person in unbelief. The Bible does tell us to pray to bind the works of Satan, so we pray that people will acknowledge God and we can also pray that Satan will be kept away (bound) from interfering in the decisions and choices of the individual, that the individual will be unhindered by Satan and allowed to freely acknowledge Jesus.

We do not pray for God to go against His nature or to overlook sin apart from the cross of Jesus Christ.

October 29

Warfare

Warfare is to engage the opposition

Strateuomai (G4754) Stratos - army, encampment, array; battle, opposing views, to serve in military campaign, duties and functions involved with warfare

Verses - 2 Corinthians 10:3; 1 Timothy 1:18; James 4:1-2; 1 Peter 2:11; Revelation 19:19

First Use: Genesis 14:2 That these made war ...

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: ~ 1 Timothy 1:18-19

Warfare is to engage the opposition in a life and death struggle. Warfare is used in the Bible to illustrate the life and death nature of the struggle. There are many struggles people face, many of which involve Spiritual life and death.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Warfare: Believer

Our own old sin nature, referred to as flesh, wars against our new Spirit nature. This is a condition that is unique to the Spirit filled Christian believer. Only a Born Again Christian has this inner conflict and warfare. We want to do what is right and pleasing to God, yet we still at times do the wrong thing. This is the warfare of the Christian desiring to please God, yet engaging in a conflict within ourselves between right and wrong. Occasionally we do what is wrong but we are always concerned about our actions between right and wrong. This warfare does not cease until we physically die and are no longer in a physical sinful body.

From whence (where) come wars and fighting among you? Come they not hence (from), even of your lusts that war in your members. ~ James 4:1

Warfare: Non-Believer

The worldly non-Christian person also has desires that they would like fulfilled but they are carnal desires and not Godly desires. For instance the unbelieving person has a strong desire for a certain food or certain music. As soon as the food or music is sought out their warfare has ended. However, their desires are only momentarily fulfilled. Jesus said anyone who drinks from the worldly well will thirst again. Warfare to a Non-Believe is self-gratification. Their desire is to meet their own needs First and therefore they do not have the warfare of a Christian who truly, Spiritually desires to deny self and live for God.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; ~ 1 Peter 2:11

Warfare: Spiritual

True warfare is spiritual. Humans have spiritual opposition from spirit powers that want to keep us from a relationship with God. Warfare also manifests in the physical realm, but it is primarily a spiritual existence. If we dislike someone and physically argue with them, it is because we spiritually dislike that person. It is a spiritual condition that is manifesting in a physical argument. Therefore, the remedy to warfare is Spiritual. God oversees the spirit realm and we are to conduct our lives according to God's Spiritual principals of prayer, Bible devotions, Christian fellowship and Christian service.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood [humans], but against principalities [demonic spirits], against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:10-12

October 30

Worship

Worship is to Acknowledge where Life comes from

Proskuneo (G4352) Pros - towards, Koun - kiss lit. Like dog licking a masters hand, reverence, adore, Worship.
Hebrew: Shachah (H7812) depress, bow down, prostrate

Verses - Exodus 34:14; Psalms 95:6; Deuteronomy 8:19; John 14:23; Philippians 3:3; Revelation 19:10 22:9

First OT Use: Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the donkey; and I and the lad (Isaac) will go yonder and worship and come to you again.

First NT Use: Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.

The word worship is a reverence for the one who has given us life and created us. Worship means acknowledging where life comes from. To worship the sun is to say that the sun is responsible for creating and sustaining life. other people worship ancestors, science, evolution, thinking that this has caused and sustained their existence.

Abraham was on his way to take Isaac up to Mt. Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice {acting out prophetically, the crucifixion of Jesus; a Father giving his beloved only son} when Abraham told the young men that he and the lad (Isaac) would be back. Abraham was acknowledging (worshiping) that God was going to give life to and sustain Isaac. Isaac was the only child between Abraham and Sarah making Isaac the child of promise. God had promised multitudes of descendants from Isaac and also that Jesus the redeemer would eventually come from the lineage of Isaac. Both of these promises from God could only be fulfilled by Isaac remaining physically alive and having a child.

God does not allow us to worship anything other than God, because only God created and sustains life. For this reason we do not worship Satan or angels or anything else. Satan did not create us in fact he comes to kill, steal and destroy. To worship anything other than God is to be misinformed and deceived.

Come let us Worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. ~ Psalms 95:6

October 31

Yahweh God

Yahweh God is the Eternal, Self-Existing, One

Hebrew: - Yahweh (H3068); God, Self-Existing One, Eternal God, LORD
Greek - Theos (G2316); God, Self-Existing One, Eternal God
English - God; Self-Existing One, Eternal God, Almighty One
Latin - Jehovah; God, Self-Existing One, Eternal God

Verses - Genesis 3:9; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalms 35:27 146:1; Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 53:6-10; Jeremiah 29:11

First Use: Genesis 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,

Yahweh is the name that God calls Himself, revealing that God is Self-Existing, that God relies on no one else and nothing else to exist, also revealing that God is eternal, He has always existed and will always continue to exist. God uses the names He allows us to call Him to reveal Himself to us. The First name mentioned for God in the Bible is Elohiem. El meaning God and Ohiem being a plural ending, confirming the plurality of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit; the triune (3 in 1) God. Later God refers to Himself as Adonai, also translated Lord, revealing that God is the owner of the universe. God continues and reveals Himself in the name of ElShadi - meaning provider. Shadi actually means breast and El meaning God. God is revealing that He has everything necessary to sustain our lives.

Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain [empty - meaningless]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain. ~ Exodus 20:7

God gave us Ten Commandments [commandments not suggestions] to follow. To not take God's name in vain is the third of God's ten commandments. Vanity means emptiness, in Hebrew it actually means "soap bubble" as a soap bubble is empty and temporary. No one builds a house on a soap bubble. A soap bubble is vanity. We make God, to be vanity to ourselves, when we do not give substance to His name.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in Heaven Holy be Thy Name. [referring to all the Names that God reveals Himself to us] ~ Matthew 6:9

He (Jesus) saith unto them (disciples), but whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ~ Matthew 16:15-16

It is important that we accurately say who God is.

The names of God are various aspects that we can know about God. We can know God as our provider, our creator, our comforter, our Savior, our leader, our Holy God.

The more we know about God the more we know Him.

For instance, for a long time I knew that God exists yet I always thought that God existed far away. I thought Heaven was some vague place far away. I would look out at the distant horizon and think, "I'll bet God is out there" but I couldn't comprehend a God that would be close to me. Then one day while reading the Bible I read Romans 10:6-8.

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thy heart, who shall ascend into Heaven? That is to bring Christ down from above: Or, who shall descend into the deep? That is to bring up Christ again from the dead. But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is the Word of Faith, which we preach. ~ Romans 10:6-8

We can know God as our creator, as our redeemer; yet fail to know Him as our constant companion, as our leader, our friend and our healer and yet that my friend is our supreme joy as people to get to know Jesus the wonderful God the provider of Eternal life!

October - Christian Community Year Devotional

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