Church!

Church!

The last Sunday of the year - let it be in church!

A good day to examine ourselves, make things right, and set our goals to live for Jesus in even greater ways than we did last year.

If we haven't already, today is a good day to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus to have our sins washed away, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:4, 38-39.

In fact, it is good if we all get refilled with the Holy Ghost to start the year off right.

Here are some verses:

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves...” - 2 Corinthians 13:5 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24 

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:31-32 

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord... " - Hebrews 12:14

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" - Colossians 1:10 

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." - Ephesians 4:29 

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9 

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 

A New Year

A new year. A new calendar to open and start new. An opportunity to purpose in our hearts to live for God more than we have last year…to do more in the kingdom of God – praying more, witnessing more, fulfilling our callings.

It can be a productive time of self-examination. It can be a productive time of making things right. It can be a time of repentance and receiving forgiveness. It can be a time of forgiving. 

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14 KJV

Another translation:

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me [made me his own]. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." - Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

What is Repentance?

 

What is Repentance? It is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This change involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God."

This change of mind is not something that goes back and forth every day, choosing God, then choosing sin. True repentance is a life change. When we repent, we do not continue in sin, saying to ourselves that grace will keep covering our sinful lifestyle.

What does Paul say about this?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. 

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN." - Romans 6:1-6 (My italics.)

Jesus gives us the gift of His Spirit so that we CAN walk in newness of life. His Spirit leads us to make changes in our life to become holy. Jesus' Spirit gives us His power to overcome temptation and live a victorious life. With His Spirit, Jesus opens our eyes to see the way of escape from temptations. Praying in every situation, and being led by His Spirit, we keep the victory.

(Acts 1:8, Romans 12:1-2, John 14:26, 1Corinthians 2:16, Ephesians 4:11-15, 1Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:5-16, 1John 5:4).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 

A New Year

Looking forward to the New Year -

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended [I have not yet achieved it]: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

A new year, goals to accomplish...looking forward to what God has in store for us

All Things and in Everything

"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 8:28 

"Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

The First Step in God's Plan

 From Exploring God's Word Bible Study

Shepherds

Shepherds

"A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." - Psalm 23:1 

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." - Psalm 100:3 

Just as the Lord is our shepherd, God speaks through spiritual shepherds – pastors and teachers - directing them to lead and guide his people. 

Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep”. (John 21:16)

Paul spoke to the elders of the church at Ephesus: -

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 

Spiritual shepherds feed us by preaching and teaching the Word of God.

When God appeared to humanity as a baby in Bethlehem, angels announced His birth.

How fitting that God would make the first announcement of His appearing to shepherds!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid." - Luke 2:8-9 

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11 

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." - Luke 2:15 

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:16 

The shepherds were witnesses of the birth of Jesus. God would pay the price for our sins so that we could find salvation and peace with Him.

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17 

The shepherds did what spiritual shepherds do today – they told everyone everywhere about Jesus.

The Light

The Light

Jesus is our heavenly Father that robed Himself in a human body, to bring His mercy and love to the world. He came to save those that were in the darkness of condemnation from their sins.

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 KJV

The light of Jesus appeared to Paul. Paul became a preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles.

"Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:17-18 KJV

The gospel brought the Gentiles from the darkness of condemnation into the light of God’s mercy by the forgiveness of their sins by repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

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

By their obedience to the gospel, the Gentiles also became God’s chosen people.

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar ["(God's own) possession"] people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 KJV

How do we obey the Gospel to become children of light?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

Jesus - Horn of Salvation

Jesus Our Horn of Salvation

Zacharias prophesied of Christ when his son John the Baptist was born.

"And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation [mighty Savior] for us in the house [the royal line] of his servant David;" - Luke 1:67-69 

A horn (H7161), of an ox, a goat, or a ram, is a metaphor of strength and power. The first mention of the Hebrew word for horn is Genesis 22:13. When Abraham was being tested, he prophesied: “God will provide Himself a lamb…”

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13 

The horn from a ram, (a shofar), is used as a call to repentance and a reminder of the love of God for His people. It is a reminder of the ram that replaced Isaac on the altar as a sacrifice. A ram is a male sheep.

The Hebrew word for “ram’s horn,” “yovel” (H2986), is also the word for “jubile.” 

"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession [all properties return to original owners], and ye shall return every man unto his family [all slaves are freed]." - Leviticus 25:10 

Jesus is God our Savior, the horn of salvation. The ram that took Isaac’s place as a sacrifice is a metaphor for Jesus. Jesus (the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world that hung on a tree) took our place as a sacrifice, just as the ram (a male sheep caught on a tree) took Isaac’s place as a sacrifice. Jesus is our Jubilee. We were slaves to sin and death but Jesus sets us free. (Hebrews 2:14-15, Acts 20:28).

We claim the freedom Jesus purchased for us when we turn our back on sin by repentance, we are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission [forgiveness] of our sins, and we are filled with the power of Jesus to overcome sin and death when we receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-39).

A Star

While the shepherds came to worship Jesus at his birth, the wise men came to worship Him when He was “a young child” at a house. The wise men were not at the manger with the shepherds.

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." - Matthew 2:1-2 

How did these Gentile wise men hear about this star and the birth of the King of the Jews?

Perhaps the wise men were searching for the star spoken of by the Gentile prophet Balaam.

"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…" - Numbers 24:17 [Star – “metaphor used of an illustrious prince” – Gesenius Lexicon]

Isaiah prophesied of the visitation of the wise men (kings).

"And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." - Isaiah 60:3 

"And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was." - Matthew 2:8-9 

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." - Matthew 2:11-12 

The Lord warned Joseph to take Jesus and His mother and flee into Egypt.

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men." - Matthew 2:16

King of the Jews

In the beginning of the nation of Israel, God was their King. After the years of the judges and at the time of Samuel, the last judge, the people decided they wanted a king like the other nations.

"And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." - 1 Samuel 8:7 

".... And they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles." - 1 Samuel 8:19-20 

When the fulness of the time was come, the Lord overshadowed a young virgin causing her to conceive. This baby boy was God in a human body, the Son of God. (Isaiah 9:6, Galatians 4:4, Luke 1:35).

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:23 

When Jesus was born, He came as King of the Jews.

Wise men from the east came seeking this King,

"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." - Matthew 2:2 

Interestingly, the Jews once again rejected God as their king.

"But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar." - John 19:15 KJV

God will come again as King of kings. Every eye will see Him. He will judge, go out before His people, and fight their battles. God, as the Lamb of sacrifice which taketh away the sin of the world, is this King. His name is JESUS. (Revelation 17:14, Revelation 1:7, Romans 14:10, John 1:29).  

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14

There Was Great Joy at the Birth of Jesus!

 The Bible says there was GREAT JOY at the birth of Jesus! 

The  GLORY of the Lord shone round about the shepherds!

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:.. " - Luke 2:9 

The angel brought good tidings of GREAT JOY! 

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." - Luke 2:10 

At the birth of Jesus there was a MULTITUDE of the heavenly host praising God! 

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14 

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." - Luke 2:20 KJV

Glorifying: " to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate: for something, Luke 2:20” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

REJOICE!!

Isaiah Prophesied of Jesus

Isaiah prophesied of Jesus. He is The Mighty God and The Everlasting Father. He was born a son to dwell among His creation. Isaiah prophesied that the kingdom (government) of Jesus would be forever, upon the throne of David, just as He promised David. (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Jesus established His kingdom with judgment and with justice by His death, burial, and resurrection. (The gospel). With His passion for His people, He took the judgment and justice for our sins upon His back and upon His cross. By His purchasing us from sin and death by His blood, we are able to be born again of water and of the Spirt and enter into His kingdom. (Acts 20:28, John 3:5).

As Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, by the gospel we can repent of our sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance). (Acts 2:22-24, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4). 

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

Son of David

Jesus, Son of David

God promised David He would establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

"And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD…I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever... And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever." - 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-13, 16 KJV

The first time David is mentioned in the New Testament is in the first book and the very first verse describing the lineage of Christ:

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." - Matthew 1:1 KJV

The second time David is mentioned in the New Testament:

"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." - Matthew 1:20 KJV

Luke also mentions David and God’s promise to him:

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary... 

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:26-27, 30-33 KJV

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Part 3

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Part 3

Myrrh was used in the Old Testament in the holy anointing oil used to anoint the tabernacle and the priests. (Exodus 30:22-31). Jesus spoke of His body as the tabernacle (temple). (John 2:19-21). Jesus is our high priest. (Hebrews 9:11-12). As an antiseptic, myrrh was used in embalming. Myrrh was used to anoint Jesus at His burial.

"There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.” - Matthew 26:7

The Greek word for “ointment” is a root word of the Greek word for “myrrh.”

Jesus said of the woman,

“For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her." - Matthew 26:12-13 KJV

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-7, Acts 2:38).

"And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury." - John 19:38-40 KJV

This is the same Nicodemus that was a ruler of the Jews that Jesus told he must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:1-8).

An observation was made about the hundred-pound weight of myrrh and aloes that Nicodemus brought to embalm Jesus’ body: "The quantity of the balm is extraordinary and exceeds all normal proportions. This is a royal burial."

How fitting the gift of myrrh: Jesus was born King of the Jews, born to die for the sin of the world. Just as the wise men offered Jesus the gift of myrrh at Jesus birth, Nicodemus also offered the gift of myrrh at Jesus death, making sure Jesus had the burial of a King.

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Part 2

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Part 2 

Frankincense is a white resin burned as fragrant incense. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 30:34 when the LORD told Moses to make a perfume, pure and holy, to put before the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle. The frankincense, along with three fragrant spices, was to be only for the LORD. (Exodus 30:34-38).

Jesus is the LORD. (John 14:7-10, Colossians 1:15).

Frankincense was also placed on meal offerings to the LORD. The priests, Aaron’s sons, took his handful of the flour, the oil, with all the frankincense, and would burn the memorial of it upon the altar to the LORD. (Leviticus 2:1-3).

Jesus is our High Priest.

"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." - Hebrews 9:11-12 

Frankincense was also placed on the shewbread, which was placed in the holy place by the altar of incense and the golden menorah. The shewbread was renewed every week and would be eaten by the priests. It is said that the frankincense gives the shewbread a bitter taste.

Frankincense points to the bitter suffering of Christ, the Bread of Life, that was offered for our sins. (John 6:48).

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51 

Jesus experienced the bitterness of extreme pain and suffering of Roman scourging then crucifixion. As the priests would eat the shewbread with the bitter frankincense, we are to follow Jesus and crucify our sinful nature. (Matthew 16:21).

"Knowing this, that our old man [our old sinful lifestyle] is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 

We do this by repenting of our sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, to live a new life in Jesus. (Acts 2:38-39).

For He shall save His people from their sins

The power of the Highest, God, overshadowed Mary so that she conceived in her womb and brought forth a son. She called His name JESUS, as the angel Gabriel told her to. (Luke 1:26-35).

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:32-33 KJV

The angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream. 

"Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:20-21 KJV

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:22-23 KJV

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." - Titus 2:11-14 KJV

Peter preached how we can apply the blood of Jesus to our life to purify us and remit our sins. The Holy Ghost then becomes our promise for us to receive to sanctify us and make us holy. (Romans 15:16, 1Corinthians 6:9-11).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

The Servant Candle (Shamash) Part 2

The Feast of Dedication, The Festival of Lights, Also Called Hanukkah Part 2

The holiday is celebrated on the first night by lighting a light in the menorah (candlestick). For eight nights, every night there is an increase of one more light lit. On the eighth night, all eight lights are lit. 

The candle that lights the lights is called the servant candle (shamash). It is to sit a bit higher or lower than the rest of the candles. 

This servant candle appears to me to be a metaphor for Jesus. He is our Master and Lord, yet He was a servant.

"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." - John 13:14 

The servant candle is not extinguished after it does its job of lighting the other candles. Its light is available to light a candle in case a candle blows out.

Jesus is available to ‘relight our light,’ refilling us with His Spirit if we stumble and repent. 

"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." - Ephesians 5:14 

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." - Romans 13:12 

"Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:" - Ezekiel 37:4-5 

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." - Luke 15:20-24 

Festival of Lights

There are two Jewish holidays, not a part of the law, from before the time of Christ. 

One of these holidays is Purim. (Esther 9:28). The second one is the Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah ("Dedication"), or the Feast of Dedication. 

These two holidays appear to be metaphors of Christ and His Kingdom.

The Bible records Jesus being in the Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the feast of dedication (Hanukkah).

"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch." - John 10:22-23 KJV

The feast of the dedication, also known as Hanukkah, began Thursday eve December 7 and ends December 15.  (Eight nights).

It celebrates the miracle of the only remaining cruse of pure oil lasting eight nights instead of the usual one night when the Greek armies desecrated and defiled the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This was on the Jewish month Kislev 25, about 160 BC. On the civil calendar, Kislev 25 generally coincides with the month of December.

The feast of dedication also celebrates the victory of a greatly outnumbered army of Jews over the Greek army that occupied Israel and were trying to force a godless lifestyle on the Jews.

One cruse of oil was only enough to last one night in the golden candlesticks in the Holy Place. It would take eight days to procure new pure oil. Miraculously, the one cruse kept the light burning in the Holy Place for eight days.

To be continued…

Bethlehem

Bethlehem

The Bible records that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of theity of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered." - Luke 2:4-5 KJV

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Christ being born in Bethlehem.

"Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" - John 7:42 KJV

The scripture that says Christ comes out of the town of Bethlehem is found in Micah.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

As Micah prophesied of Christ, “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2.  EVERLASTING

Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." - John 8:58 EVERLASTING

Jesus also said, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he [I AM], ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 

Who is I AM? God 

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - Exodus 3:14 KJV

"Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he [I AM], and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." - John 8:28 KJV

Jesus told His disciples, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” John 14:9. (See also: Isaiah 48:12, Isaiah 43:10).

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV (Jesus).

Church!! Shepherds

Church!! 

Shepherds

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." - Psalm 100:3

Just as the Lord is our shepherd, God speaks through spiritual shepherds – pastors and teachers - directing them to lead and guide His people. Spiritual shepherds feed us by preaching and teaching the Word of God.

Jesus told Apostle Peter, “Feed my sheep.”

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 

When the LORD, the chief Shepherd, made himself a human body to dwell among His people, the announcement of His birth came first to shepherds.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord... ." - Luke 2:8-12

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14 

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:15-16 

The shepherds saw Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, realizing that God had come to save His people from their sins.

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17 

The shepherds did what spiritual shepherds do today – they told everyone everywhere about the salvation found in Jesus!

The Manger

The word “manger” is mentioned three times in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:7, 12, 16). In Luke 2:12 it says it is a sign!

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:12

According to Thayer’s Lexicon, the word "manger" is compared to “crib.” "Crib" is found in Isaiah 1:3. 

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:2-3 

God gave Isaiah a vision of His coming. While the ox and donkey recognize their master, Israel would not recognize their God that cared for them. The manger was a sign.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” - John 1:12

Rebellion brings spiritual blindness. Israel would not recognize their God had come to bring them salvation.

God came in the form of man so that He could shed sinless blood for our redemption. He came to pay the price that only He could pay – sinless blood.

When we receive Jesus, believing that He is God - Creator and Savior – we are able to be born again of water and of the Spirit.  (John 8:24 – I AM). By the blood of Jesus applied by His name in water baptism, our sins are forgiven. (Matthew 26:28, Luke 24:47, In Jerusalem Acts 2:38, Acts 10:43). By the power of His Holy Ghost, we are able to get and keep victory over sin. (Acts 1:8).

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:13 

How do we receive Jesus into our life?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

A Child is Born

Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

This child is JESUS.

Matthew 1:18 - "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."

Matthew 1:21 - "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

Kingdom, like government, includes the meaning of “rule, dominion.’ “Laid on Him as for a load for Him to bear” (Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon)

John 3:5 - "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Mark 1:15 - "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon: …wonderful counsellor (of Messianic king);

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: comforter: 1. "one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant; an advocate": (against the accuser).

John 14:18  - "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." 

John 14:26 - "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." 

Colossians 2:9-10 - "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." [Godhead = deity] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"

John 14:7-11 - "If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him….Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?...the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.”

Colossians 1:20 - "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

House of Bread

BETHLEHEM - "HOUSE OF BREAD"

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn". - Luke 2:4-7

God Himself, the Everlasting Father, would put on flesh and be born a baby.

The King of kings and Lord of lords would be born King of the Jews.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting". - Micah 5:2

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him". - Matthew 2:1-2

"Bethlehem" in Hebrew means "house of bread." (“Beth” means “house” and “lehem” means “bread”).

Jesus is the "Bread of Life." 

"I am that bread of life." - John 6:48 KJV

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world". - John 6:51

A Child is Born

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." - Matthew 1:18 KJV

"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily." - Matthew 1:19 KJV

"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." - Matthew 1:20 KJV

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:22-23 KJV

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:7 KJV

Temptation

What is temptation?

The Bible says it comes from lusts within us.

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil [to do wrong], neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." - James 1:13-14

When we have repented of our sins, have been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have the power His blood, the authority of His name JESUS, and the power of His Spirit to help us when we are tempted. (Acts 2:38, Acts 1:8, Acts 4:7, 10).

Through prayer and calling on Jesus, we have access to His strength so we can make it through all situations that life presents us with.

" can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13 

Trials perfect us. We grow in Jesus. We become stronger. We have a testimony that can encourage others that they too can make it through Christ.

Because temptations and trials make us a stronger child of God, they can lead to joy, knowing we are becoming a better person in Jesus.

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 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:" - 1 Peter 1:6-7 KJV

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying [testing] of your faith worketh patience [produces perseverance/endurance]. But let patience [perseverance/endurance] have her perfect work [grow], that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:1-4

It is our love for Jesus that drives us to overcome our lusts. We are blessed when we endure temptation (we are unwavering), for when we have been tried [stood the test], we will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.

“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

Acts 2:38

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV"

Church!

Church! 

Pray About EVERYTHING

The Bible says in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6).

We are not praying to some statue that has no power, no knowledge, no life... We are praying to the God of the universe that created all things, knows all things, and has all power. We are not “bothering” God. He can hear at the same time everyone's prayer, from small prayers to big prayers. He can also answer every single prayer, even at the same time, for He has all power and knowledge. We serve a big and mighty God. His name is Jesus. 

With every request, we have the opportunity to give God thanks and praise.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” 

“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" - Matthew 7:7-11 KJV

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." - Matthew 6:6 KJV

"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear [reverent] him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them." - Psalm 145:18-19 KJV

It is Time

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed [when we became believers]. 

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. [the day of the Lord’s return is at hand “So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”]

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. [“Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.”]

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” [“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”] - Romans 13:11-14 KJV

Make sure, to begin with, you have “put on Christ” and you are not making “provision for the flesh.”

You do this by repenting of your sins, being baptized in the name of “JESUS” for the remission of your sins, and being baptized with His Spirit (being filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives you the utterance Acts 2:4).

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 KJV

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9 KJV