King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Making Good Judgment
Date: Friday December 16, 2011
Chapters: The Book of James
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” - Matthew 7:1-5.
Do you know how many people are quick to utter the phrase “the Bible says, don't judge me” or something similar? It is usually people not living by the Word of God that utter that phrase after they have been caught doing something. I use to have this person say to me quite often, “Do you think you are a better Christian than me?” No one is better than anyone else, Christians or not, we are all sinners, we all have faults, we all have things in our lives that we need to work on. The difference between those living by the Word of God and those not is our ability to make the right judgment based on God's Word. There is a big difference between judging someone and making the right judgment of others. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” - John 7:24.
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, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” - James 1:1. He wrote the letter around 60AD, the purpose of it 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 good works, but without good works faith is dead. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26.
To judge means to form an opinion of; to bring to issue the reasoning or deliberations of the mind. To make the right judgment is the act or process of the mind in comparing its ideas, to find their agreement or disagreement, and to ascertain truth. We all have done thins, formed an opinion of someone based on how they were dressed or looked, the world loves to judge a person by the clothes they are wearing, possessions they have, or the people the are around. But think about it, haven't we as Christians done the same thing to people in our church, maybe not intentionally, but we all have been quick to judge by sight first. James stresses the importance of remembering that we, who are saved, born again Christians, are to treat everyone the same, regardless of what they look like.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” - James 2:1-10.
If I have learned one thing as Christian, it is this, God will place all sorts of people in your life, some are quite a challenge to deal with, but He places everyone in our lives to teach us to be more like Christ. Do you think Jesus did not want to avoid certain people that were annoying? He loved everyone and treated everyone the same, He used good judgment and judged accordingly. When a group of men brought a woman to Him that they caught in adultery, He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” -John 8:7b. Every one of them took off, knowing they had some kind of sin in their lives. We are all sinners, we all grow at different levels in our Christianity, and no matter how much we try to do the right thing we are going to mess it up sometimes, that is where Christ come in. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one...For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” -Romans 3:10-12,23,24.
Perhaps the thing that gets us in the most trouble is our tongue, when we do not use good judgment before we speak we are quick to speak what is on our minds, rather than give a rational response. James stresses the importance of controlling our tongue.
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body...Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be...Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom...But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” - James 3:2,5-10,13,17.
The Christian who is not affected by the sins of the tongue, but takes care to avoid them, has an undoubted sign of true grace. The wisdom and grace of God which enables one to control the tongue, will enable them also to control all other actions. I will admit that I still have a hard time controlling my tongue when I get aggravated with someone, especially when they do not care if they are doing the right thing or not. However, I am learning to think before I say anything that is going to haunt me later. Wicked people will always try to twist what you say to their advantage, but when we allow God to intervene we will see the victory and the blessings. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:27,28.
We cannot always control who we get around, but we can make good judgment in how we handle the people we get around. I do not care how strong your faith someone from your past is going to put you to the test, the key to passing that test is drawing close to God, lots of prayer, mediating on the Bible, and listening to how God wants you to handle them. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” -James 1:12.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You’ve appointed us to live in a decadent age where the hearts of men are turned away from the true living God and live instead by the world’s principles. But we who have the indwelling Holy Spirit must continue to build our lives on the foundation of our holy faith as we spread the gospel message, “Jesus is the first and final answer to all of life’s problems.” We seek to be directed by Your Spirit and live in such a way that we honor You even as scoffers ridicule us. May we show mercy to those whose faith is wavering and rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. In the process of daily living, as we reach out to the lost and dying, help us not to stumble so that on Your appointed day we will be brought into Your glorious presence innocent of sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Fearing God With Godly Fear
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Fearing God With Godly Fear
Date: Thursday December 15, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 11-13
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” - Galatians 6:7-9. Christian or not, we all have desires and dreams, and it is perfectly fine to have them, the difference between Christians and non-Christians is that Christians look to God for help in obtaining those desires and dreams. “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” -Psalm 145:19.
The problem that we can all run into is this, we all carry around this flesh that wants things right away, doesn't always look for the proper way to obtain them, and often those desires and dreams are things to fulfill the flesh. The majority of people who reject Christ do so because they want to satisfy their flesh. Likewise, the majority of Christians who stop living for Christ. You know, I will admit that it can be really easy to get the things I want living in the world, I made a lot more money living in the world than I do now. The hard part is living with yourself after you get them, and unless you are a really wicked person you know what I am talking about. You will reap what you sow, we can receive the things we desire and dream of, they key, fearing God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Godly fear is simply treating God with respect, living by faith that He is able to do what He promises, and treating the body He gave us with respect. 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. Paul reminds the Jews that is was only living by faith that their fathers before them obtained a good report.
“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...By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;..And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens...And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” - Hebrews 11:1-3,25,25,32-34,39,40.
If we can learn anything about living by 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 had to live 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.” -Hebrews 11:6.
God wants us to have things, He is not mean, cruel, and out to strike you every time you have find joy in your life. People drive me crazy when they knock God for allowing evil, sickness, and disasters in the world. It's not God doing it, we are doing it, we get in the predicaments we get into all by ourselves. God created us, He made us in His image, and He died for us. Excuse Him for wanting the people He created to live a moral life, to have respect for their bodies, themselves, and for Him. You know, no matter what you do you have rules to follow, some rules sound strange and worthless, but they are there because someone did something stupid first. You think God did not see how wicked people were living? Even after the flood, when God used only eight godly people to sustain life, they managed to mess that up. We need rules, rules keep us out of trouble.
“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...Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 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 12:1-3,9-11,28.
Christians have a race to run, of service and sufferings, a course of active and passive obedience, in all of which they need to keep their eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus. The best of God’s children may need chastisement, but afflictions rightly endured, though they be the fruits of God’s displeasure are yet proofs of His paternal love and designed to fit us better for His service and to bring us closer into Him. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” -II Corinthians 7:1.
God will give us our desires and dreams, when they line up with His will. I was watching a movie, the people were abundantly blessed by what they did for others, not to satisfy their desires, but the desires of others. If the world, through a movie, can teach us that we receive a greater reward by doing things for others without merit how much more will God truly bless us for living by the same concept.
“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...Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein...By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 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 13:5,8,9,15,16,20,21.
Our Lord Jesus purchased us with His blood that He might set us apart, a peculiar people zealous of good works. Let us therefore seek to excel in those duties becoming to Christians, living in Godly fear, such as brotherly love, generosity, contentment, obedience to those over us, fixed in the faith, patient suffering with Him and continual praise. “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven:” - Luke 6:20-23a. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I boldly declare that You are the living God whom I serve. Only a God like You can turn evil into good, exchange sorrow for joy, or offer life beyond the grave. May I fearlessly proclaim You to be the Lord and Savior of my life and fear You with Godly fear. Though I am called to go through many hardships, there isn’t one that I face alone. For in my weakness You are made strong, in my folly You are the God of infinite wisdom, and in my fear I take hold of the hope offered to me which is firm and secure. You will not abandon the work of Your hands, but fulfill Your purpose for me as You strengthen, sustain, and instruct me during times of testing, chastening, and patience. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Fearing God With Godly Fear
Date: Thursday December 15, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 11-13
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” - Galatians 6:7-9. Christian or not, we all have desires and dreams, and it is perfectly fine to have them, the difference between Christians and non-Christians is that Christians look to God for help in obtaining those desires and dreams. “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” -Psalm 145:19.
The problem that we can all run into is this, we all carry around this flesh that wants things right away, doesn't always look for the proper way to obtain them, and often those desires and dreams are things to fulfill the flesh. The majority of people who reject Christ do so because they want to satisfy their flesh. Likewise, the majority of Christians who stop living for Christ. You know, I will admit that it can be really easy to get the things I want living in the world, I made a lot more money living in the world than I do now. The hard part is living with yourself after you get them, and unless you are a really wicked person you know what I am talking about. You will reap what you sow, we can receive the things we desire and dream of, they key, fearing God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Godly fear is simply treating God with respect, living by faith that He is able to do what He promises, and treating the body He gave us with respect. 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. Paul reminds the Jews that is was only living by faith that their fathers before them obtained a good report.
“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...By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;..And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens...And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” - Hebrews 11:1-3,25,25,32-34,39,40.
If we can learn anything about living by 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 had to live 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.” -Hebrews 11:6.
God wants us to have things, He is not mean, cruel, and out to strike you every time you have find joy in your life. People drive me crazy when they knock God for allowing evil, sickness, and disasters in the world. It's not God doing it, we are doing it, we get in the predicaments we get into all by ourselves. God created us, He made us in His image, and He died for us. Excuse Him for wanting the people He created to live a moral life, to have respect for their bodies, themselves, and for Him. You know, no matter what you do you have rules to follow, some rules sound strange and worthless, but they are there because someone did something stupid first. You think God did not see how wicked people were living? Even after the flood, when God used only eight godly people to sustain life, they managed to mess that up. We need rules, rules keep us out of trouble.
“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...Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 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 12:1-3,9-11,28.
Christians have a race to run, of service and sufferings, a course of active and passive obedience, in all of which they need to keep their eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus. The best of God’s children may need chastisement, but afflictions rightly endured, though they be the fruits of God’s displeasure are yet proofs of His paternal love and designed to fit us better for His service and to bring us closer into Him. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” -II Corinthians 7:1.
God will give us our desires and dreams, when they line up with His will. I was watching a movie, the people were abundantly blessed by what they did for others, not to satisfy their desires, but the desires of others. If the world, through a movie, can teach us that we receive a greater reward by doing things for others without merit how much more will God truly bless us for living by the same concept.
“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...Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein...By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 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 13:5,8,9,15,16,20,21.
Our Lord Jesus purchased us with His blood that He might set us apart, a peculiar people zealous of good works. Let us therefore seek to excel in those duties becoming to Christians, living in Godly fear, such as brotherly love, generosity, contentment, obedience to those over us, fixed in the faith, patient suffering with Him and continual praise. “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven:” - Luke 6:20-23a. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I boldly declare that You are the living God whom I serve. Only a God like You can turn evil into good, exchange sorrow for joy, or offer life beyond the grave. May I fearlessly proclaim You to be the Lord and Savior of my life and fear You with Godly fear. Though I am called to go through many hardships, there isn’t one that I face alone. For in my weakness You are made strong, in my folly You are the God of infinite wisdom, and in my fear I take hold of the hope offered to me which is firm and secure. You will not abandon the work of Your hands, but fulfill Your purpose for me as You strengthen, sustain, and instruct me during times of testing, chastening, and patience. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Soul Physician
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Soul Physician
Date: Wednesday December 14, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 8-10
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches...For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath...Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” - John 5:2,4-9,14.
There is a disease the spreads faster than wildfire and causes more pain and suffering than any other, sin. Sin, no matter what kind, starts out as a tiny spec, it cannot be seen nor cause too much affliction. However, if that sin continues without any repentance (meaning to turn away from it) it spreads and it spreads quickly. The more it spreads the affliction it causes, the more it is seen, the more it is seen the more pain and suffering it brings. Sin is a vicious disease that cripples you spiritually, mentally, and physically. So many people get caught up in sin, sin that has taken control of them, they look to everyone they can find for a cure, yet every man is for himself, but one, Jesus Christ, the only doctor capable or curing the sin disease. Jesus will cure the most deathliest form of sin disease if they are willing to humble themselves before Him. “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Mark 2:17.
While some sin receives greater infirmities, no matter what the size it's all sin to God, therefore, it comes with the same penalty, death and hell. “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. God really does love people, it's the sin He hates, think about how you react when you find out that someone lied to you and betrayed you? Well, that is how God feels about it. Since it is the flesh that commits sin and brings the penalty God provided a way for a soul to be saved. First, He came up with the Mosaic Law, which was a temporary fix to redeem a sinner, it did not remove the sin, it masked it. However, God saw that even with the Law people just could not do enough to keep themselves from facing an eternity in hell. That is when He cane up with the Messianic Law. Paul sums it all up.
“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; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer...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 8:1-3,6,7.
God decided long ago 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, of course, that is Jesus Christ. Old or New covenant, it all represented one person, Jesus Christ, this time His own flesh sacrifice would not just redeem the soul from hell, it would remove the sin forever.
“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? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”- Hebrews 9:11-15.
Yes, once a person admits they have sinned, believes that Christ died for them to pay the penalty for their sin, was buried, but arose three days later to remove the curse, and receives Him as their Savior they are saved. All the sin is covered by the blood of Christ that removes the sin permanently, presenting themselves before God as without sin. No matter what you have done, you can be saved, but the only way to be saved is by going to Jesus. “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.
Now, remember the last part of our passage from the beginning Scripture, Jesus said, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” - John 5:14. So many people are brought up believing that if you sin, even after you ask Jesus to save you that you forfeit your salvation. This is untrue, once saved always saved, however, that does not mean we are not going to face any consequences for our sins here on earth. Jesus never said that the man would die if he sinned again, He said that his infirmities would be worse. Paul explains this further.
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,..Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 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...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 10:26,26-31,38,39.
I always picture it this way, which may be wrong, but it keeps me from going back to the sinful life I once lived. A person gets saved, they have a choice live God's way and receive eternal life or live their way and receive eternal life. Living God's way, comes with some suffering,but it brings more blessings here on earth as they endure the suffering with Christ guiding them. Living their way, comes with much suffering, the more they live in sin the more they suffer until they repent. Do you know how many people I know that are living a sinful life that are saved? They are suffering, they are just like that man, trying to get up them steps and into that pool. Yet, they look to everyone else to pick them up and place them in the pool instead of Christ. No one can save a person, no one can help a person unless they are willing to help themselves. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” -I John 1:9.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, thank You for Your never ending mercy and grace for this sinner, You never cease to be there for me even when I am not always there for You. It's quite shocking to realize that no matter what I do I am still saved, not because of my righteousness, but because I have trusted Your Son as my Savior. With that said, I want to live in Your will and not my own. Lord, lead me and guide me, keep reminding me of how much You have changed my life for the better and what is waiting for me as I continue living my life for You. Let me not be tempted or put in a position to go against Your will as I have to deal with day to day life in the world. Watch over me, keep me protected, and always looking to Jesus. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: The Soul Physician
Date: Wednesday December 14, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 8-10
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches...For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath...Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” - John 5:2,4-9,14.
There is a disease the spreads faster than wildfire and causes more pain and suffering than any other, sin. Sin, no matter what kind, starts out as a tiny spec, it cannot be seen nor cause too much affliction. However, if that sin continues without any repentance (meaning to turn away from it) it spreads and it spreads quickly. The more it spreads the affliction it causes, the more it is seen, the more it is seen the more pain and suffering it brings. Sin is a vicious disease that cripples you spiritually, mentally, and physically. So many people get caught up in sin, sin that has taken control of them, they look to everyone they can find for a cure, yet every man is for himself, but one, Jesus Christ, the only doctor capable or curing the sin disease. Jesus will cure the most deathliest form of sin disease if they are willing to humble themselves before Him. “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Mark 2:17.
While some sin receives greater infirmities, no matter what the size it's all sin to God, therefore, it comes with the same penalty, death and hell. “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. God really does love people, it's the sin He hates, think about how you react when you find out that someone lied to you and betrayed you? Well, that is how God feels about it. Since it is the flesh that commits sin and brings the penalty God provided a way for a soul to be saved. First, He came up with the Mosaic Law, which was a temporary fix to redeem a sinner, it did not remove the sin, it masked it. However, God saw that even with the Law people just could not do enough to keep themselves from facing an eternity in hell. That is when He cane up with the Messianic Law. Paul sums it all up.
“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; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer...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 8:1-3,6,7.
God decided long ago 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, of course, that is Jesus Christ. Old or New covenant, it all represented one person, Jesus Christ, this time His own flesh sacrifice would not just redeem the soul from hell, it would remove the sin forever.
“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? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”- Hebrews 9:11-15.
Yes, once a person admits they have sinned, believes that Christ died for them to pay the penalty for their sin, was buried, but arose three days later to remove the curse, and receives Him as their Savior they are saved. All the sin is covered by the blood of Christ that removes the sin permanently, presenting themselves before God as without sin. No matter what you have done, you can be saved, but the only way to be saved is by going to Jesus. “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.
Now, remember the last part of our passage from the beginning Scripture, Jesus said, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” - John 5:14. So many people are brought up believing that if you sin, even after you ask Jesus to save you that you forfeit your salvation. This is untrue, once saved always saved, however, that does not mean we are not going to face any consequences for our sins here on earth. Jesus never said that the man would die if he sinned again, He said that his infirmities would be worse. Paul explains this further.
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,..Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 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...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 10:26,26-31,38,39.
I always picture it this way, which may be wrong, but it keeps me from going back to the sinful life I once lived. A person gets saved, they have a choice live God's way and receive eternal life or live their way and receive eternal life. Living God's way, comes with some suffering,but it brings more blessings here on earth as they endure the suffering with Christ guiding them. Living their way, comes with much suffering, the more they live in sin the more they suffer until they repent. Do you know how many people I know that are living a sinful life that are saved? They are suffering, they are just like that man, trying to get up them steps and into that pool. Yet, they look to everyone else to pick them up and place them in the pool instead of Christ. No one can save a person, no one can help a person unless they are willing to help themselves. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” -I John 1:9.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, thank You for Your never ending mercy and grace for this sinner, You never cease to be there for me even when I am not always there for You. It's quite shocking to realize that no matter what I do I am still saved, not because of my righteousness, but because I have trusted Your Son as my Savior. With that said, I want to live in Your will and not my own. Lord, lead me and guide me, keep reminding me of how much You have changed my life for the better and what is waiting for me as I continue living my life for You. Let me not be tempted or put in a position to go against Your will as I have to deal with day to day life in the world. Watch over me, keep me protected, and always looking to Jesus. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Better Covenant
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Better Covenant
Date: Tuesday December 13, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 5-7
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“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. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.” -Genesis 14:18-24.
Once again we are taken back in time, a time when we learn about the first battle between kings recorded in the Old Testament. A time before there was a king of Israel, even before Abraham was blessed with his miracle son, Isaac. Abraham, heard that his nephew Lot was captured along with others and their possessions, he armed his men, pursued after them, and they won the battle. Abraham was met by kings of Sodom and Salem, who congratulated him on his victory, the king of Sodom offered a deal, give me the people and I will give you their goods. Abraham refused, not willing to give up one soul. However, he gladly received the bread and wine offered by Melchizedek, a high priest, not willing to see one soul perish. Sound familiar? “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” - Mark 14:22-25.
Christ gave His life, His flesh and blood, as a sacrifice, to be an atonement for every sinner, not willing to let one soul perish. All who believe and accept Him receive forgiveness of sins, salvation, and everlasting life. “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” - John 3:16,17.
Before Jesus became the sinless sacrifice, if a person wanted to be redeemed for their sins they had to visit a priest, the sinner voluntarily brought a sacrifice, an animal, a male, without blemish, he laid it on a table outside of the Tabernacle, the sinner placed their hand on the head of the animal, killed the animal, and as the blood poured out the priest would take the blood to the altar, offer it up to God as a replacement, sprinkle the blood on the altar, and the person would be redeemed. They had to do this constantly. Today, the only person we need to go to is Jesus Christ, who offers Himself to God for the atonement, permanently. In Paul's letter to the converted Jews, he reminds them that the high priest Melchizedek, known to Abraham, represented Christ even back then.
“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.
Because the high priest was born with the same sin nature as everyone else he too had to offer sacrifices to cleanse himself before he was able to receive sacrifices for others, no one was exempt from hell unless they were cleansed from their sins. Jesus was not born into sin, nor did He ever sin, which qualified Him to be the sinless, blemish free male sacrifice for redemption to all who receive Him.
Many people die and end up in hell because they were taught the wrong doctrine, trust me, after seeing the research I have been doing about religion it is no wonder people reject what they have been taught and fall into false religion. However, ignorance and being taught the wrong thing does not exempt us from hell, we must accept Christ to be saved. Paul stresses the importance of living by the true Gospel.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” - Hebrews 6:1-6.
Dead works is serving God in hopes that they will be saved, a person that has accepted Christ as their Savior is not trusting in what they do for God to save them, they are trusting in Christ. Every time a person does something thinking that it is what is keeping them saved they are crucifying Christ all over again. Why? Because they are not believing that only He can save them. No amount to serving God saves us, only trusting in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are we saved. “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.
When God came up with the Mosaic law, He knew that this would only be a means for temporary redemption. However, it was all a foreshadow of Christ. The law provided the hope of a better testament, which was replaced when Jesus died for us. “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.
A testament is a solemn authentic instrument in writing, the Bible is a covenant instituted between God and man. The Bible is divided up into two testaments, the old and new, both testaments declare a covenant or agreement between God and man. The Old Testament, the Mosaic covenant, declares that the Jews are God's people. The New Testament, the Christian covenant, declares that whether Jew or Gentile anyone who believes in the Son of God, are God's people. 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. Now, we follow a new, better covenant, “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 we are saved, the works we do after show God how much you appreciate and love Him for giving His only begotten Son, who endured the cross that we deserve. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There is a large majority of people building their hopes and dreams on that which will pass away, but we who are trusting only in Your Son, build our lives on the better covenant, which will be completely fulfilled as we cross over to the Promised Land. How wonderful that You save to the uttermost, that You deny no one the opportunity to come to You in humility, repentance, and faith. It is in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: The Better Covenant
Date: Tuesday December 13, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 5-7
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“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. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.” -Genesis 14:18-24.
Once again we are taken back in time, a time when we learn about the first battle between kings recorded in the Old Testament. A time before there was a king of Israel, even before Abraham was blessed with his miracle son, Isaac. Abraham, heard that his nephew Lot was captured along with others and their possessions, he armed his men, pursued after them, and they won the battle. Abraham was met by kings of Sodom and Salem, who congratulated him on his victory, the king of Sodom offered a deal, give me the people and I will give you their goods. Abraham refused, not willing to give up one soul. However, he gladly received the bread and wine offered by Melchizedek, a high priest, not willing to see one soul perish. Sound familiar? “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” - Mark 14:22-25.
Christ gave His life, His flesh and blood, as a sacrifice, to be an atonement for every sinner, not willing to let one soul perish. All who believe and accept Him receive forgiveness of sins, salvation, and everlasting life. “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” - John 3:16,17.
Before Jesus became the sinless sacrifice, if a person wanted to be redeemed for their sins they had to visit a priest, the sinner voluntarily brought a sacrifice, an animal, a male, without blemish, he laid it on a table outside of the Tabernacle, the sinner placed their hand on the head of the animal, killed the animal, and as the blood poured out the priest would take the blood to the altar, offer it up to God as a replacement, sprinkle the blood on the altar, and the person would be redeemed. They had to do this constantly. Today, the only person we need to go to is Jesus Christ, who offers Himself to God for the atonement, permanently. In Paul's letter to the converted Jews, he reminds them that the high priest Melchizedek, known to Abraham, represented Christ even back then.
“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.
Because the high priest was born with the same sin nature as everyone else he too had to offer sacrifices to cleanse himself before he was able to receive sacrifices for others, no one was exempt from hell unless they were cleansed from their sins. Jesus was not born into sin, nor did He ever sin, which qualified Him to be the sinless, blemish free male sacrifice for redemption to all who receive Him.
Many people die and end up in hell because they were taught the wrong doctrine, trust me, after seeing the research I have been doing about religion it is no wonder people reject what they have been taught and fall into false religion. However, ignorance and being taught the wrong thing does not exempt us from hell, we must accept Christ to be saved. Paul stresses the importance of living by the true Gospel.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” - Hebrews 6:1-6.
Dead works is serving God in hopes that they will be saved, a person that has accepted Christ as their Savior is not trusting in what they do for God to save them, they are trusting in Christ. Every time a person does something thinking that it is what is keeping them saved they are crucifying Christ all over again. Why? Because they are not believing that only He can save them. No amount to serving God saves us, only trusting in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are we saved. “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.
When God came up with the Mosaic law, He knew that this would only be a means for temporary redemption. However, it was all a foreshadow of Christ. The law provided the hope of a better testament, which was replaced when Jesus died for us. “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.
A testament is a solemn authentic instrument in writing, the Bible is a covenant instituted between God and man. The Bible is divided up into two testaments, the old and new, both testaments declare a covenant or agreement between God and man. The Old Testament, the Mosaic covenant, declares that the Jews are God's people. The New Testament, the Christian covenant, declares that whether Jew or Gentile anyone who believes in the Son of God, are God's people. 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. Now, we follow a new, better covenant, “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 we are saved, the works we do after show God how much you appreciate and love Him for giving His only begotten Son, who endured the cross that we deserve. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There is a large majority of people building their hopes and dreams on that which will pass away, but we who are trusting only in Your Son, build our lives on the better covenant, which will be completely fulfilled as we cross over to the Promised Land. How wonderful that You save to the uttermost, that You deny no one the opportunity to come to You in humility, repentance, and faith. It is in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)