King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Part of The Family
For: Friday December 17, 2010
Chapters: Peter 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-17
Details of Today's Chapters: God's inheritance, the Spirit of Christ, a pure heart, newborn babes, a chosen generation, and Christ, our example to follow.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of I Peter is the twenty-first book of the New Testament, the sixtieth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Peter and it was written to the exiles who were being persecuted for their Christian faith. The purpose of the letter was to warn them of the danger of persecution from those outside of the Church and how to handle those situations. What we are to learn from the book is that our response to persecution need to be based on Scriptural principles not emotional. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I Peter 4:12,13.
A candy cane is a piece of hard candy in the shape of a staff with red stripes on it. Did you ever wonder why? Well, the candy cane is actually a symbol of Christ. The hard stick of candy represents the Solid Rock of Christ on which the church and believer stands upon. The white color represents purity of Christ, sinless and born of a virgin, and how He cleanses us when we receive Him as our Savior. The large red stripe represents the blood of Christ that was shed to save us. The three small red stripes stand for stripes (lashings) Jesus received to heal us. The shape has two meanings: a staff which represents our "Good Shepherd" who watches over His sheep and a "J" which stands for the name Jesus. Amazing huh? Now, every time you see a red and white candy cane you can rejoice knowing that you are a child of the living God because of the sacrifice that Jesus made for you. “And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:26.
If you accepted Christ into your life you are a child of the living God and since you are a child of the living God you will receive a part of His inheritance. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”- I Peter 1:3-5.
Being a child of the living God does not exempt you from facing some affliction and suffering, in fact, some of the circumstances you face will be because you are a child of the living God. However, God does make it easier to get through the circumstances when you put your trust in Him. Why do we have to suffer? We should not look at suffering to be a bad thing, but a good thing. Suffering brings us closer to God, strengthens us, teaches us, helps us help others, and above all, gets others saved. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” - I Peter 1:7-9.
I will tell you that there are times when I see someone getting blessed with things that is not living for God and I get envious. I wonder why they are being blessed and I am struggling so much, I wonder why I have been asking and asking God for something and never seem to get a taste of it. I do not question God and say why me, but I do have a habit of putting myself down and thinking that I do not deserve the things I am asking and that is why I have not gotten them. Then something hits me, that is not my thinking, that is Satan and his attempt to make me feel as though I am worthless to God. I have to remind myself just how blessed I am and how far I have come since I chose to live my life for God and just how much I mean to Him. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39.
It may look as though God is blessing the unrighteous, but the truth is that it is Satan trying to keep them away from God and God allows it for the sole purpose of getting them to put their trust in Him, not the worldly things, that is once they lose everything. In order to find Christ we must first lose everything else and once we lose everything we will find that it was Christ that we needed all along. To know Christ is to know suffering and He chose you to use that suffering to reach others. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;..For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” - I Peter 2:9, 21-25.
Christ suffered more than anyone on earth ever will, He bared the stripes, the humiliation, the mocking, the pain, He shed His blood on a cross and died so we can live. He found you in the deepest whole that you were in, pulled you out, cleaned you up, and made you a part of His family. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” - Revelation 21:7. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have an awesome weekend.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Bible Study: Come Forth As Gold 12.16.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Come Forth As Gold
For: Thursday December 16, 2010
Chapters: The Book of James
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-16
Details of Today's Chapters: The trying of faith, learning patience, enduring temptation, becoming doers of the Word, rich in faith, faith without works, the unruly tongue, double minded people, and being a blessing to others.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of James is the twentieth book of the New Testament, the fifty-ninth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is James and it was first written to the Jewish believers who were among the twelve tribes of Israel. The purpose of the letter was to comfort believers who were undergoing trials for their faith. What we are to learn from the book is that faith is the foundation of works, but without works faith is dead. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26.
The word work is defined as an exertion (voluntary action) or effort directed to produce or accomplish something. As Christians we can say that when we call on Jesus Christ and ask Him to save us that we have, by faith, voluntarily made the effort to accomplish one thing, salvation from hell. The Bible says, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16. It can not be stressed enough that no amount of physical exertion can be directed for us to escape the death penalty of hell that we all face for our sins. However, simply believing that Jesus can save us does not save us, voluntarily asking Him to save us is what saves us.
James places strong emphasis on the practical ethical life of justification by faith. He examines practical applications of truth in everyday situations, encourages Christians who are being persecuted, and gives instruction on Christian ethics. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” -James 1:3-8.
Patience is work, it takes effort to remain faithful to God through affliction, it takes even more work to live in God's will through affliction. However, just like salvation can not be obtained without asking Him for it, help from Him during our afflictions can not be obtained without asking Him for it. A double minded man is a person who can not remain committed to one thing. God has no problem with a person who chooses not to accept His Son, He has a problem with a person who accepts Him, but goes from one belief to the next when things get a little rough. Through John, Jesus said, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:15,16.
It may sound confusing and contradictory to read that it was by works that people of the Old Testament were saved, but it really is not. The truth is this, faith comes first, without faith we would not even believe that God exists. The people who lived in Old Testament times needed faith in God also, without their faith they could not have been saved either by their works. James explains further, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” - James 2:19-24.
To understand works beyond a physical level we have to think about it in a different way, take reading for example, it is not something you can accomplish through physical work, if you want to learn to read you can not just look at words and immediately understand what all those letters mean. To accomplish reading you have to work, or make an effort yourself to learn what each letter sounds like that forms each word. Of course, someone can read it for you, but unless you take action for yourself you would never be able to do it on your own. Likewise, someone can tell you how to get saved, but unless you took action yourself you would have never gotten saved. “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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
As Christians we are going to be tried, we are going to face trials, we are going to suffer affliction, some of our own doing. However, everything we go through it is through the tryings, trials, and afflictions that we benefit the most. God uses things like this not to punish us, but to strengthen us, grow us, and prepare us for something amazing. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.
When we humble ourselves and give everything over to God, especially if it is something that we caused ourselves we are truly acknowledging that we need Him and when we do the blessings will follow. “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh...Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” - James 5:8,11. Like I said patience is the key to living by faith and seeing God's blessings and like Job we can say, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Come Forth As Gold
For: Thursday December 16, 2010
Chapters: The Book of James
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-16
Details of Today's Chapters: The trying of faith, learning patience, enduring temptation, becoming doers of the Word, rich in faith, faith without works, the unruly tongue, double minded people, and being a blessing to others.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of James is the twentieth book of the New Testament, the fifty-ninth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is James and it was first written to the Jewish believers who were among the twelve tribes of Israel. The purpose of the letter was to comfort believers who were undergoing trials for their faith. What we are to learn from the book is that faith is the foundation of works, but without works faith is dead. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26.
The word work is defined as an exertion (voluntary action) or effort directed to produce or accomplish something. As Christians we can say that when we call on Jesus Christ and ask Him to save us that we have, by faith, voluntarily made the effort to accomplish one thing, salvation from hell. The Bible says, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16. It can not be stressed enough that no amount of physical exertion can be directed for us to escape the death penalty of hell that we all face for our sins. However, simply believing that Jesus can save us does not save us, voluntarily asking Him to save us is what saves us.
James places strong emphasis on the practical ethical life of justification by faith. He examines practical applications of truth in everyday situations, encourages Christians who are being persecuted, and gives instruction on Christian ethics. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” -James 1:3-8.
Patience is work, it takes effort to remain faithful to God through affliction, it takes even more work to live in God's will through affliction. However, just like salvation can not be obtained without asking Him for it, help from Him during our afflictions can not be obtained without asking Him for it. A double minded man is a person who can not remain committed to one thing. God has no problem with a person who chooses not to accept His Son, He has a problem with a person who accepts Him, but goes from one belief to the next when things get a little rough. Through John, Jesus said, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:15,16.
It may sound confusing and contradictory to read that it was by works that people of the Old Testament were saved, but it really is not. The truth is this, faith comes first, without faith we would not even believe that God exists. The people who lived in Old Testament times needed faith in God also, without their faith they could not have been saved either by their works. James explains further, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” - James 2:19-24.
To understand works beyond a physical level we have to think about it in a different way, take reading for example, it is not something you can accomplish through physical work, if you want to learn to read you can not just look at words and immediately understand what all those letters mean. To accomplish reading you have to work, or make an effort yourself to learn what each letter sounds like that forms each word. Of course, someone can read it for you, but unless you take action for yourself you would never be able to do it on your own. Likewise, someone can tell you how to get saved, but unless you took action yourself you would have never gotten saved. “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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
As Christians we are going to be tried, we are going to face trials, we are going to suffer affliction, some of our own doing. However, everything we go through it is through the tryings, trials, and afflictions that we benefit the most. God uses things like this not to punish us, but to strengthen us, grow us, and prepare us for something amazing. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.
When we humble ourselves and give everything over to God, especially if it is something that we caused ourselves we are truly acknowledging that we need Him and when we do the blessings will follow. “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh...Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” - James 5:8,11. Like I said patience is the key to living by faith and seeing God's blessings and like Job we can say, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Bible Study: Examples Of The Future 12.15.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Examples Of The Future
For: Wednesday December 15, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-15
Details of Today's Chapters: Living by faith, better promises through faith, patience, chastening by God, our Father, serving God with respect, the need for grace, and working through Jesus Christ.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
We may not realize it, but the things we do today have a huge impact on the things that will become of tomorrow. Everything we do, even for our own selfish reasons, effects everyone else around us and believe it or not determines the future of many generations. Think about it, every person born is subject to death and hell because of one mans sin. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” - Romans 5:12. As Christians, we have the power to save and change lives for future generations, Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” - John 14:12.
It is only by faith that we believe in Jesus Christ, the word faith means putting your confidence or trust in someone or thing, believing without proof. When we accept Christ as our Savior we are putting our confidence and trust in Him to save us. The Bible says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” - Hebrews 11:1-3.
If we can learn anything about faith it is through the men and women God used thousands of years before Christ came to earth. They did not have all of the Bible that we have today, in fact, it was Moses that God used to write down the words to the Book of Genesis, which was given to him hundreds to thousands of years after all the events of that time took place, so, everyone from Adam to Moses did not have God's written word to guide them, they could only walk with God by faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him...These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” - Hebrews 11:6,13.
The history of the people of God confirms that some endured some pretty hostile circumstances and suffering, yet through it all remained faithful and fulfilled His will. The Book of Hebrews gives us a review of some of the men and women of God that stood by Him and overcame their situation, which could only come by faith alone. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” - Hebrews 12:1-3.
The key to living by faith and seeing God's blessings during and well after we are in the Kingdom of God looking down on our ancestors is patience. Patience is not easy, in fact, the word patience means the quality of being patient (tolerant), as the bearing of provocation (challenge), annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. Patience often comes by affliction, it is faith that helps us endure and see all afflictions come to pass. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:11,28.
Godly fear is simply treating God with respect, living by faith that He is able to do what He promises. God has never gone back on His promises and He never will. While we may not understand why God does some of the things He does, everything He does is for our own good and benefits not only us, but future generations as well. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me...Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever...Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” -Hebrews 13:5,6,8,20,21.
The runners who win the race of life are the ones who by faith look to Jesus, who not only strengthens our faith, but helps us find joy as we endure the pain. Jesus endured much more than any person ever had to endure here on earth, yet He proved to that pain brings much joy and happiness. At times, I get migraines, some so severe that they cause nausea, vomiting, and everything else in between. Although it feels like a lifetime it eventually comes to pass and I am better than ever and always see some kind of blessing from God. We can all overcome pain and suffering and even find joy through our suffering by keeping our sight on Jesus and being the example that future generations will follow. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” - I Timothy 4:12.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Examples Of The Future
For: Wednesday December 15, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-15
Details of Today's Chapters: Living by faith, better promises through faith, patience, chastening by God, our Father, serving God with respect, the need for grace, and working through Jesus Christ.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
We may not realize it, but the things we do today have a huge impact on the things that will become of tomorrow. Everything we do, even for our own selfish reasons, effects everyone else around us and believe it or not determines the future of many generations. Think about it, every person born is subject to death and hell because of one mans sin. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” - Romans 5:12. As Christians, we have the power to save and change lives for future generations, Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” - John 14:12.
It is only by faith that we believe in Jesus Christ, the word faith means putting your confidence or trust in someone or thing, believing without proof. When we accept Christ as our Savior we are putting our confidence and trust in Him to save us. The Bible says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” - Hebrews 11:1-3.
If we can learn anything about faith it is through the men and women God used thousands of years before Christ came to earth. They did not have all of the Bible that we have today, in fact, it was Moses that God used to write down the words to the Book of Genesis, which was given to him hundreds to thousands of years after all the events of that time took place, so, everyone from Adam to Moses did not have God's written word to guide them, they could only walk with God by faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him...These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” - Hebrews 11:6,13.
The history of the people of God confirms that some endured some pretty hostile circumstances and suffering, yet through it all remained faithful and fulfilled His will. The Book of Hebrews gives us a review of some of the men and women of God that stood by Him and overcame their situation, which could only come by faith alone. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” - Hebrews 12:1-3.
The key to living by faith and seeing God's blessings during and well after we are in the Kingdom of God looking down on our ancestors is patience. Patience is not easy, in fact, the word patience means the quality of being patient (tolerant), as the bearing of provocation (challenge), annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. Patience often comes by affliction, it is faith that helps us endure and see all afflictions come to pass. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:11,28.
Godly fear is simply treating God with respect, living by faith that He is able to do what He promises. God has never gone back on His promises and He never will. While we may not understand why God does some of the things He does, everything He does is for our own good and benefits not only us, but future generations as well. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me...Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever...Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” -Hebrews 13:5,6,8,20,21.
The runners who win the race of life are the ones who by faith look to Jesus, who not only strengthens our faith, but helps us find joy as we endure the pain. Jesus endured much more than any person ever had to endure here on earth, yet He proved to that pain brings much joy and happiness. At times, I get migraines, some so severe that they cause nausea, vomiting, and everything else in between. Although it feels like a lifetime it eventually comes to pass and I am better than ever and always see some kind of blessing from God. We can all overcome pain and suffering and even find joy through our suffering by keeping our sight on Jesus and being the example that future generations will follow. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” - I Timothy 4:12.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Bible Study: The Saving of The Soul 12.14.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Saving of The Soul
For: Tuesday December 14, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 8-10
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-14
Details of Today's Chapters: a more excellent ministry, the man made Tabernacle, the perfect Tabernacle, a mediator, a better sacrifice, a shadow, a new covenant, and the saving of the soul.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A lot of people who grow up in Christian homes are taught that if you want to go to heaven you have to be really good or follow these rules. So, when a person brought up this way is told that a murder, a con, an abuser, or even a terrorist can go to heaven it is hard to grasp that concept. It's even harder when a person who tries their best to live the right way is told that they are facing eternity in hell. Jesus said, “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.” - Matthew 20:16. What Jesus means by this is that many will get saved early in life, perhaps as a child or later on as an adult, but many are saved when they are about to die. Billions of people will have the knowledge of Christ, but only a few of them will be saved because they never acknowledged Christ.
The culprit, the flesh, the Bible says, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” - Romans 7:18-20. The truth is this, no matter how good we try to be we all sin (wrong doing), whether intentionally or unintentionally, every person here on earth does something that constitutes as sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” - Romans 3:23. The glory of God means the splendor and bliss of heaven. Did you ever come close to reaching a goal, but something got in the way that prevented you from reaching that goal? That is what God is talking about, you got close, but something is preventing you from getting to heaven, that something is sin. If you stomped your feet and pitched a fit as a child, that constitutes as sin.
Since it is the flesh that commits sin and keeps people from heaven God needed a way for a soul to be saved. First, He came up with the Law or covenant that was given to Moses for His people to follow, the blood sacrifices of spotless animals would be offered up to God. A priest would act as a mediator, a middle man to God, he would receive the offering and give it to God for that person to be saved temporarily. Even before a priest was able to accept a sacrifice from anyone else he had to go through intensive cleansing to be cleansed himself first since he himself was not exempt from committing sin. God realized that even with the Law people just could not do enough to keep themselves from facing an eternity in hell. That is when He decided to make a way for the soul to be saved permanently without the need of all those sacrifices and use a heavenly priest who would act as the mediator. “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;..For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:..But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” - Hebrews 8:1,4,6,7.
Jesus not only is our mediator He is our Redeemer, while the Law was a shadow of good things to come, it was only temporary, a better, more obtainable covenant was in the works. A covenant that redeemed a person once and for all, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” - Hebrews 9:11-14.
One sacrifice was made once and for all to redeem all who believe in Jesus Christ. Dead works are those things that we try to do to be good, being good or bad does not get us to heaven. All who believe in and accept that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, which made Him qualified to be the spotless sacrifice, died, was buried, and three days resurrected (brought back to life) are saved and able to go to heaven. All are saved the same way, it's simple, admit that you are a sinner and ask Jesus to save you. No matter who you are you can be saved from hell. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11.
Asking Christ to save us saves our soul, not the flesh, make no mistake, if you are saved and you live in sin your flesh will suffer. God does not appreciate it when a person takes His gift for granted or asks to be saved in vain, “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;..Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” - Hebrews 10:30-32,35-39. Without Jesus a soul is not saved and is destined for an eternity in hell, regardless of any good or bad, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” -Revelation 20:14,15. The second death is the death of the soul, anyone who has not asked Jesus to save them will get cast into the lake of fire.
While we may never understand some things in life, the amazing thing about eternal life with Christ is that one day every bad thing that we have witnessed or done ourselves, every tear, and every bit of suffering will vanish and be forgotten forever. “and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:3,4. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: The Saving of The Soul
For: Tuesday December 14, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 8-10
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-14
Details of Today's Chapters: a more excellent ministry, the man made Tabernacle, the perfect Tabernacle, a mediator, a better sacrifice, a shadow, a new covenant, and the saving of the soul.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A lot of people who grow up in Christian homes are taught that if you want to go to heaven you have to be really good or follow these rules. So, when a person brought up this way is told that a murder, a con, an abuser, or even a terrorist can go to heaven it is hard to grasp that concept. It's even harder when a person who tries their best to live the right way is told that they are facing eternity in hell. Jesus said, “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.” - Matthew 20:16. What Jesus means by this is that many will get saved early in life, perhaps as a child or later on as an adult, but many are saved when they are about to die. Billions of people will have the knowledge of Christ, but only a few of them will be saved because they never acknowledged Christ.
The culprit, the flesh, the Bible says, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” - Romans 7:18-20. The truth is this, no matter how good we try to be we all sin (wrong doing), whether intentionally or unintentionally, every person here on earth does something that constitutes as sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” - Romans 3:23. The glory of God means the splendor and bliss of heaven. Did you ever come close to reaching a goal, but something got in the way that prevented you from reaching that goal? That is what God is talking about, you got close, but something is preventing you from getting to heaven, that something is sin. If you stomped your feet and pitched a fit as a child, that constitutes as sin.
Since it is the flesh that commits sin and keeps people from heaven God needed a way for a soul to be saved. First, He came up with the Law or covenant that was given to Moses for His people to follow, the blood sacrifices of spotless animals would be offered up to God. A priest would act as a mediator, a middle man to God, he would receive the offering and give it to God for that person to be saved temporarily. Even before a priest was able to accept a sacrifice from anyone else he had to go through intensive cleansing to be cleansed himself first since he himself was not exempt from committing sin. God realized that even with the Law people just could not do enough to keep themselves from facing an eternity in hell. That is when He decided to make a way for the soul to be saved permanently without the need of all those sacrifices and use a heavenly priest who would act as the mediator. “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;..For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:..But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” - Hebrews 8:1,4,6,7.
Jesus not only is our mediator He is our Redeemer, while the Law was a shadow of good things to come, it was only temporary, a better, more obtainable covenant was in the works. A covenant that redeemed a person once and for all, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” - Hebrews 9:11-14.
One sacrifice was made once and for all to redeem all who believe in Jesus Christ. Dead works are those things that we try to do to be good, being good or bad does not get us to heaven. All who believe in and accept that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, which made Him qualified to be the spotless sacrifice, died, was buried, and three days resurrected (brought back to life) are saved and able to go to heaven. All are saved the same way, it's simple, admit that you are a sinner and ask Jesus to save you. No matter who you are you can be saved from hell. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11.
Asking Christ to save us saves our soul, not the flesh, make no mistake, if you are saved and you live in sin your flesh will suffer. God does not appreciate it when a person takes His gift for granted or asks to be saved in vain, “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;..Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” - Hebrews 10:30-32,35-39. Without Jesus a soul is not saved and is destined for an eternity in hell, regardless of any good or bad, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” -Revelation 20:14,15. The second death is the death of the soul, anyone who has not asked Jesus to save them will get cast into the lake of fire.
While we may never understand some things in life, the amazing thing about eternal life with Christ is that one day every bad thing that we have witnessed or done ourselves, every tear, and every bit of suffering will vanish and be forgotten forever. “and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:3,4. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Monday, December 13, 2010
Bible Study: A Better Testament 12.13.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Better Testament
For: Monday December 13, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 5-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-13
Details of Today's Chapters: Christ, our high priest, remembering, Melchizedek, a priest and king of Salem, the good work of God, be followers, giving tithe, and a better testament.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A testament is defined as a will or declaration setting out the distribution of personal property, a proof or tribute, and a covenant or an agreement instituted between God and man. The Bible is divided up into two testaments, the old and new. The Old Testament declares that the Jews are God's personal property and it contains proof through countless men and women who made an agreement with God to live their lives with Him in it. The New Testament declares that whether Jew or Gentile anyone who believes in the Son of God, Jesus Christ is His personal property and it also contains proof to the countless men and women who made an agreement to live their lives with God in it. The difference between the Old and New Testament is that the we are no longer bound to keep the law of Moses for our salvation, we are simply saved by looking to Jesus by God's grace, same Jesus, better covenant. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,..Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” - Titus 2:11,13.
Even in the Old Testament salvation was not only for the Jews, all throughout the books you will learn of people, strangers, and towns, who looked to the coming of Jesus and made a covenant with Him to live their lives by that faith. Then, when a person wanted to be redeemed they had to visit the high priest, he offered the sacrifice that was given by the sinner to God for him for the atonement of his sins. Today, the only person we need to go to is Jesus Christ, who is our only and great High Priest. “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:4-9.
In the days of His flesh, Christ made himself subject to what man faced, He hungered, He was a tempted, He suffered persecution, He was chastised, and He died. He did all these things, yet remained perfect, to be an example for us to follow. God will not force anyone to come to Him, but every one is welcome to come to God, by faith we trust in the High Priest, who is the Son of God, to atone for our sins. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee...Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” - Hebrews 6:10-14,19,20.
Incidentally, these same words were spoken by David, who was the apple of God's eye, “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” - Psalm 110:1-4.
Melchizedek was the king of Salem, who was also a priest, he blessed Abraham for being blessed by God to be the father of multitudes. “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” - Genesis 14:18-20. By faith Abraham trusted in God and did the work He called him to do. Of course, Abraham did not always wait for God and did error from time to time, but that did not stop God from using him for the purpose He brought him here for. Likewise, by faith we look to Him for our salvation and by faith we do the work He called us to do, not to keep our salvation, but to show Him how much we thank and love Him for His labor of love.
When God saw that the law was not keeping His property faithful to their commitment He decided that it was time to make it easier for people fulfill their commitment. Of course, this was decided the second Eve took a bite of the forbidden fruit, but He decided to send His Son Jesus to make it easier to remain faithful to God. The law provided the hope of a better testament, which was replaced by looking unto Jesus. “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” - Hebrews 7:19-22.
Now, we follow a new, better testament, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” -Hebrews 12:2. By faith you are saved, the works you do after show God how much you appreciate and love Him for giving His only begotten Son, who endured the cross that you deserve. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and a great week.
Merry Christmas, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: A Better Testament
For: Monday December 13, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 5-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-13
Details of Today's Chapters: Christ, our high priest, remembering, Melchizedek, a priest and king of Salem, the good work of God, be followers, giving tithe, and a better testament.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A testament is defined as a will or declaration setting out the distribution of personal property, a proof or tribute, and a covenant or an agreement instituted between God and man. The Bible is divided up into two testaments, the old and new. The Old Testament declares that the Jews are God's personal property and it contains proof through countless men and women who made an agreement with God to live their lives with Him in it. The New Testament declares that whether Jew or Gentile anyone who believes in the Son of God, Jesus Christ is His personal property and it also contains proof to the countless men and women who made an agreement to live their lives with God in it. The difference between the Old and New Testament is that the we are no longer bound to keep the law of Moses for our salvation, we are simply saved by looking to Jesus by God's grace, same Jesus, better covenant. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,..Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” - Titus 2:11,13.
Even in the Old Testament salvation was not only for the Jews, all throughout the books you will learn of people, strangers, and towns, who looked to the coming of Jesus and made a covenant with Him to live their lives by that faith. Then, when a person wanted to be redeemed they had to visit the high priest, he offered the sacrifice that was given by the sinner to God for him for the atonement of his sins. Today, the only person we need to go to is Jesus Christ, who is our only and great High Priest. “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:4-9.
In the days of His flesh, Christ made himself subject to what man faced, He hungered, He was a tempted, He suffered persecution, He was chastised, and He died. He did all these things, yet remained perfect, to be an example for us to follow. God will not force anyone to come to Him, but every one is welcome to come to God, by faith we trust in the High Priest, who is the Son of God, to atone for our sins. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee...Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” - Hebrews 6:10-14,19,20.
Incidentally, these same words were spoken by David, who was the apple of God's eye, “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” - Psalm 110:1-4.
Melchizedek was the king of Salem, who was also a priest, he blessed Abraham for being blessed by God to be the father of multitudes. “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” - Genesis 14:18-20. By faith Abraham trusted in God and did the work He called him to do. Of course, Abraham did not always wait for God and did error from time to time, but that did not stop God from using him for the purpose He brought him here for. Likewise, by faith we look to Him for our salvation and by faith we do the work He called us to do, not to keep our salvation, but to show Him how much we thank and love Him for His labor of love.
When God saw that the law was not keeping His property faithful to their commitment He decided that it was time to make it easier for people fulfill their commitment. Of course, this was decided the second Eve took a bite of the forbidden fruit, but He decided to send His Son Jesus to make it easier to remain faithful to God. The law provided the hope of a better testament, which was replaced by looking unto Jesus. “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” - Hebrews 7:19-22.
Now, we follow a new, better testament, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” -Hebrews 12:2. By faith you are saved, the works you do after show God how much you appreciate and love Him for giving His only begotten Son, who endured the cross that you deserve. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and a great week.
Merry Christmas, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Bible Study: A Little Lower 12.12.10
P.S. I apologize for getting this out late.
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Little Lower
For: Sunday December 12, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-12
Details of Today's Chapters: Why Christ assumed a human body, Christ's superiority to angels and Moses, salvation, and Christ, our High Priest.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Hebrews is the nineteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) was Paul and it was written to the Hebrew (Jewish) believers. The purpose of the letter was to present Jesus Christ as superior over all. What we are to learn from it is that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant established on better promises. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” - Hebrews 8:6,7.
We hear a lot about angels throughout the Old and New Testaments, it was angels who delivered Lot out of Sodom. It was angels who began ministering to Jesus following His 40 day fast in the wilderness, it was an angel who delivered Peter from prison. We can pretty much see that angels have a special place with God and are called to assist Him in many ways. We too can find comfort in angels as they minister to all who are saved. However, angels can not compare to Jesus Christ and the love, guidance, and power that He has above all things. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him...Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" - Hebrews 1:3-6,14.
There was a time before Christ that we were not even allowed to speak to God one on one. If a person wanted to communicate with God he had to go to the Temple, stand before the high priest, confess all his sins, bring an unblemished animal to sacrifice, and tell him your prayer and they would speak to God for you. However, today we are blessed that we no longer have to do all these things because all who accept Christ as their Savior are able to speak directly to Him. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” - John 14:12-14.
We, who are heirs of Salvation through faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ are surrounded by angels that protect us. Even when it seems that Satan has devastated our lives, God, who created and rules the universe, in His own way causes the works of Satan and the wrath of men to further His ultimate will for each one of us. "Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."- Hebrews 2:7-10.
Although Jesus was superior to the angels He had a great love for us and willingly allowed Himself to be a little lower than the angels in order to suffer death so that we can be saved. Christ died for everyone, for the Jew and Gentile, and even the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Evolutionists. Any person regardless of how they were brought up can be perfected through Christ's sufferings on the cross. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:11-13.
Consider the honors given to Moses who delivered Israel from Egypt. Through him the whole Levitical order, the Tabernacle, and the formal worship system were instituted, but Christ delivers all who receive Him. "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." - Hebrews 3:1-6.
Today, we no longer have to go to a Temple to seek God, all who are saved become His Temple. “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?...Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;..And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. ” - I Corinthians 3:13-16,21,23. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
Merry Christmas, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Little Lower
For: Sunday December 12, 2010
Chapters: Hebrews 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-12
Details of Today's Chapters: Why Christ assumed a human body, Christ's superiority to angels and Moses, salvation, and Christ, our High Priest.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Hebrews is the nineteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) was Paul and it was written to the Hebrew (Jewish) believers. The purpose of the letter was to present Jesus Christ as superior over all. What we are to learn from it is that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant established on better promises. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” - Hebrews 8:6,7.
We hear a lot about angels throughout the Old and New Testaments, it was angels who delivered Lot out of Sodom. It was angels who began ministering to Jesus following His 40 day fast in the wilderness, it was an angel who delivered Peter from prison. We can pretty much see that angels have a special place with God and are called to assist Him in many ways. We too can find comfort in angels as they minister to all who are saved. However, angels can not compare to Jesus Christ and the love, guidance, and power that He has above all things. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him...Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" - Hebrews 1:3-6,14.
There was a time before Christ that we were not even allowed to speak to God one on one. If a person wanted to communicate with God he had to go to the Temple, stand before the high priest, confess all his sins, bring an unblemished animal to sacrifice, and tell him your prayer and they would speak to God for you. However, today we are blessed that we no longer have to do all these things because all who accept Christ as their Savior are able to speak directly to Him. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” - John 14:12-14.
We, who are heirs of Salvation through faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ are surrounded by angels that protect us. Even when it seems that Satan has devastated our lives, God, who created and rules the universe, in His own way causes the works of Satan and the wrath of men to further His ultimate will for each one of us. "Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."- Hebrews 2:7-10.
Although Jesus was superior to the angels He had a great love for us and willingly allowed Himself to be a little lower than the angels in order to suffer death so that we can be saved. Christ died for everyone, for the Jew and Gentile, and even the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Evolutionists. Any person regardless of how they were brought up can be perfected through Christ's sufferings on the cross. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:11-13.
Consider the honors given to Moses who delivered Israel from Egypt. Through him the whole Levitical order, the Tabernacle, and the formal worship system were instituted, but Christ delivers all who receive Him. "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." - Hebrews 3:1-6.
Today, we no longer have to go to a Temple to seek God, all who are saved become His Temple. “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?...Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;..And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. ” - I Corinthians 3:13-16,21,23. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
Merry Christmas, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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