Isaiah 59:13b ...conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.
Cross refs: Mark 7:21-23; Matthew 12:34
VM
Cross refs: Mark 7:21-23; Matthew 12:34
VM
Thursday, October 16, 2014
The Righteous Perisheth
Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
NOTE: Not just in death, as here, but in all events is God's plan for our good. Notice that "no man layeth it to heart" but instead we ask "Why?" In the New Testament era, now with indwelling Holy Spirit help, we can instead assure ourselves with Romans 8:28.
VM
NOTE: Not just in death, as here, but in all events is God's plan for our good. Notice that "no man layeth it to heart" but instead we ask "Why?" In the New Testament era, now with indwelling Holy Spirit help, we can instead assure ourselves with Romans 8:28.
VM
Friday, October 10, 2014
Notes on Proverbs 19:18 - Chasten and Spare Not
Proverbs 19:18 - Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
The day will come before you know it when there is no more hope for his training.
Notice the emphasis on timing. A little discipline at an earlier age saves much more further down the road. If you don't like spanking, then do it early so you don't have to do so much more later. You can permanently accomplish with a few swats at age two what would take many, many more at age six or seven. You can root out a character flaw at age ten that would save him from fighting it for decades in adulthood. While yet in their toddler years, you can so easily save their future spouse many trials, and even spare your child from future divorce, job firings, crime, financial ruin, etc.
"Let not thy soul spare for his crying."
Notice it is the soul or heart, the emotions, that would spare him. Therefore the head must be in control over these. Make logical decisions, not emotional; decisions guided by God's word; decisions that are in the child's best long-term interests, not short-term comfort.
This principle applies not only to discipline and training but to other areas where the young try to get their way as well. They try to wear the parent down over time: Let not thy soul spare for his crying. They have sob stories about what will happen if they don't get their way: Let not thy soul spare for his crying. They try to manipulate: Let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Be the adult, the one with the right answer in the situation, the one who has the wisdom to look down the road and see the long term results of either path. Do not make decisions with the heart ("soul") but with the Spirit-renewed mind (Romans 12:2).
VM
The day will come before you know it when there is no more hope for his training.
Notice the emphasis on timing. A little discipline at an earlier age saves much more further down the road. If you don't like spanking, then do it early so you don't have to do so much more later. You can permanently accomplish with a few swats at age two what would take many, many more at age six or seven. You can root out a character flaw at age ten that would save him from fighting it for decades in adulthood. While yet in their toddler years, you can so easily save their future spouse many trials, and even spare your child from future divorce, job firings, crime, financial ruin, etc.
"Let not thy soul spare for his crying."
Notice it is the soul or heart, the emotions, that would spare him. Therefore the head must be in control over these. Make logical decisions, not emotional; decisions guided by God's word; decisions that are in the child's best long-term interests, not short-term comfort.
This principle applies not only to discipline and training but to other areas where the young try to get their way as well. They try to wear the parent down over time: Let not thy soul spare for his crying. They have sob stories about what will happen if they don't get their way: Let not thy soul spare for his crying. They try to manipulate: Let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Be the adult, the one with the right answer in the situation, the one who has the wisdom to look down the road and see the long term results of either path. Do not make decisions with the heart ("soul") but with the Spirit-renewed mind (Romans 12:2).
VM
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Humble Righteous versus Braggart Sinners
Matthew 25:37-39 - Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
NOTE: Notice the humility of the righteous. They don't even realize all the good they have worked. Contrast with the bold, brash bragging of the lost, who keep score of their deeds and point to their works as qualification for heaven (Matthew 7:22).
Matthew 7:22 - Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
NOTE: So anxious to inflate themselves, they stand before Jesus, Who truly did many wonderful works, and call their own works both "many" and "wonderful."
VM
NOTE: Notice the humility of the righteous. They don't even realize all the good they have worked. Contrast with the bold, brash bragging of the lost, who keep score of their deeds and point to their works as qualification for heaven (Matthew 7:22).
Matthew 7:22 - Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
NOTE: So anxious to inflate themselves, they stand before Jesus, Who truly did many wonderful works, and call their own works both "many" and "wonderful."
VM
Friday, July 25, 2014
Nit-Pickers and God-Fearing Men-Followers
NOTE: God promises judgment on nit-pickers; notice the damage they can cause to the righteous by their fault-finding, scorning and making mountains out of mole hills:
Isaiah 29:20-21: For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.
NOTE: It is possible to think you fear God but actually follow men and vain tradition. Notice that keeping manmade rules can be mistaken for the fear of God:
Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Be Not Many Masters
James 3:1 - My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
"Masters" = teachers, specifically teachers of the word of God in the church, such as pastors, preachers. Important cross refs for the Greek word: I Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11; I Timothy 2:7; II Timothy 1:11.
A man must not go into the pulpit ministry unless he is absolutely convinced that God has chosen him out for it, I Corinthians 9:16. Spurgeon would tell his ministry students that if they could be satisfied being anything other than a preacher, then leave right now and go do that thing, for the glory of God.
VM
"Masters" = teachers, specifically teachers of the word of God in the church, such as pastors, preachers. Important cross refs for the Greek word: I Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11; I Timothy 2:7; II Timothy 1:11.
A man must not go into the pulpit ministry unless he is absolutely convinced that God has chosen him out for it, I Corinthians 9:16. Spurgeon would tell his ministry students that if they could be satisfied being anything other than a preacher, then leave right now and go do that thing, for the glory of God.
VM
Thursday, November 1, 2012
If A Man Say, I Have Faith
James 2:14 - What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
"For a man to have faith, and to say he has faith, are two different things; the apostle does not say, If a man have faith without works, for that is not a supposable case; the drift of this place of scripture is plainly to show that an opinion, or speculation, or assent, without works, is not faith; but the case is put thus, If a man say he hath faith, etc. Men may boast of that to others, and be conceited of that in themselves, of which they are really destitute." - Matthew Henry's Commentary
"For a man to have faith, and to say he has faith, are two different things; the apostle does not say, If a man have faith without works, for that is not a supposable case; the drift of this place of scripture is plainly to show that an opinion, or speculation, or assent, without works, is not faith; but the case is put thus, If a man say he hath faith, etc. Men may boast of that to others, and be conceited of that in themselves, of which they are really destitute." - Matthew Henry's Commentary
Monday, September 17, 2012
Ruth chapter 1 notes
Ruth 1:1a - Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land.
In the days when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," Judges 17:6 and Judges 21:25. Why wouldn't there be a famine, according to the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28?
A FAMINE IN THE LAND (Sermon Outline)
Ruth 1:1-5
I. A NATIONAL SIN (v. 1a)
A. The Time of the Book of Ruth
B. The Character of the Time
C. God’s Judgment on the Nation
D. A Warning for America
E. What can you do?
II. A PERSONAL SIN (vv. 1b-5)
A. The Nature of the Sin
1. A look at Elimelech
2. What was Elimelech supposed to do? (Deuteronomy 1:8, II Chronicles 7:14, etc)
3. Why did Elimelech disobey?
a) "The grass is always greener..."
b) Living for the moment.
c) Walking by sight and not by faith.
4. A Warning for Christians
B. The Results of the Sin
1. God’s Personal Judgment
2. Negative Influence on Others
3. Negative Effect on Others
4. Loss of Legacy & Heritage
THREE ON THE ROAD (Sermon Outline)
Ruth 1:6-22
NAOMI: A GRAND RETURN
A Reception (v. 6)
A Recognition (vv. 13, 20, 21)
A Reunion (vv. 19-20)
ORPAH: A GOOD RUN
A Good Start (v. 7)
A Brief Endurance (vv. 8-10)
A Failure of Faith (vv. 11-14)
A Return to the Former Life (v. 15)
RUTH: A GENUINE REGENERATION
A Cleaving (v. 14)
A Leaving (vv. 15-16)
A New Life (vv. 16-17)
-Accepting a New God
-Joining a New People
-Making a Lifelong Commitment
A Testimony (v. 18)
In the days when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," Judges 17:6 and Judges 21:25. Why wouldn't there be a famine, according to the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28?
A FAMINE IN THE LAND (Sermon Outline)
Ruth 1:1-5
I. A NATIONAL SIN (v. 1a)
A. The Time of the Book of Ruth
B. The Character of the Time
C. God’s Judgment on the Nation
D. A Warning for America
E. What can you do?
II. A PERSONAL SIN (vv. 1b-5)
A. The Nature of the Sin
1. A look at Elimelech
2. What was Elimelech supposed to do? (Deuteronomy 1:8, II Chronicles 7:14, etc)
3. Why did Elimelech disobey?
a) "The grass is always greener..."
b) Living for the moment.
c) Walking by sight and not by faith.
4. A Warning for Christians
B. The Results of the Sin
1. God’s Personal Judgment
2. Negative Influence on Others
3. Negative Effect on Others
4. Loss of Legacy & Heritage
THREE ON THE ROAD (Sermon Outline)
Ruth 1:6-22
NAOMI: A GRAND RETURN
A Reception (v. 6)
A Recognition (vv. 13, 20, 21)
A Reunion (vv. 19-20)
ORPAH: A GOOD RUN
A Good Start (v. 7)
A Brief Endurance (vv. 8-10)
A Failure of Faith (vv. 11-14)
A Return to the Former Life (v. 15)
RUTH: A GENUINE REGENERATION
A Cleaving (v. 14)
A Leaving (vv. 15-16)
A New Life (vv. 16-17)
-Accepting a New God
-Joining a New People
-Making a Lifelong Commitment
A Testimony (v. 18)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Abiding in Christ - Notes in John ch. 15
John 15:4 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Steps in Abiding - v. 10, keep His commandments; I John 2:6, walk as He walked; I John 2:10, love the brethren; I John 2:15-17, love not the world; I John 2:24, continue in the word.
John 15:5 - I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Proof of Abiding - v. 5, bringing forth fruit.
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Blessings of Abiding - v. 7, answered prayer; I John 2:28, confidence at His coming.
John 15:27 - And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Requirements for apostleship: John 15:27; Acts 1:21-22; Acts 22:14-15; Acts 26:16; I Corinthians 9:1.
VM
Steps in Abiding - v. 10, keep His commandments; I John 2:6, walk as He walked; I John 2:10, love the brethren; I John 2:15-17, love not the world; I John 2:24, continue in the word.
John 15:5 - I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Proof of Abiding - v. 5, bringing forth fruit.
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Blessings of Abiding - v. 7, answered prayer; I John 2:28, confidence at His coming.
John 15:27 - And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Requirements for apostleship: John 15:27; Acts 1:21-22; Acts 22:14-15; Acts 26:16; I Corinthians 9:1.
VM
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The Way, Truth, Life: John chapter 14 Notes
The Rapture in John 14:3 - And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
RECEIVE = Greek PARALAMBANO, "to take to one's self" as the ancient bridegroom carried off his bride home like a captured trophy. Compare same verb Matthew 4:5; Matthew 17:1. Here in the middle deponent voice, same as "active" voice. I Thessalonians 4:17 is the passive part, ours, to "be caught up with Him."
John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
JESUS IS "THE WAY": Psalm 25:8; Psalm 139:24; Proverbs 6:23; Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 15:24; Isaiah 40:3 and its N.T. quotes; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 7:12-14; John 10:9; Acts 16:17; Acts 24:14; Hebrews 9:8; Hebrews 10:19-20.
"THE WAY" OF TRUTH, PEACE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, ETC: Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 2:20; Proverbs 8:20; Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 15:10; Proverbs 16:31: Proverbs 22:6; Isaiah 35:8; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 59:8; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 21:32; Luke 1:79; Romans 3:12; Romans 3:17; II Peter 2:2; II Peter 2:21.
VERSUS "THE WAY" OF THE WICKED, FOOL, FORSAKING, ETC: Psalm 1:1; Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 13:15; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 15:9-10; Proverbs 15:19; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 16:25; Proverbs 16:29; Proverbs 22:5; Proverbs 22:24-25; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 3:12; Romans 3:17; II Peter 2:2; II Peter 2:15; II Peter 2:21; Jude 1:11.
"THE WAY" OF GOD, LORD: Psalm 18:21; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 27:11; Proverbs 10:29.
JESUS IS "THE TRUTH": John 1:14; John 1:17; John 8:32; John 15:1; John 18:37; Romans 15:8; II Corinthians 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:21; Colossians 2:9; I John 5:20; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:7,14; Revelation 19:11.
"THE TRUTH" IS GOD, HOLY SPIRIT, OTHER: Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:29; John 4:23-24; John 15:26; John 16:13; Ephesians 5:9; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:17-18; I John 4:6; I John 5:6.
JESUS IS "THE LIFE": John 1:4; John 3:15-16; John 3:36; John 5:21; John 5:26; John 6:33; John 6:51; John 6:57; John 6:63; John 6:68; John 10:10; John 11:25; John 14:19; John 17:3; Acts 3:15; Acts 5:20; Romans 6:23; Colossians 3:4; Galatians 2:20; II Timothy 1:1; I John 1:1-2; I John 5:12.
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.
Important cross refs: John 2:22; John 12:16; John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:13; I John 2:20; I John 2:27.
VM
RECEIVE = Greek PARALAMBANO, "to take to one's self" as the ancient bridegroom carried off his bride home like a captured trophy. Compare same verb Matthew 4:5; Matthew 17:1. Here in the middle deponent voice, same as "active" voice. I Thessalonians 4:17 is the passive part, ours, to "be caught up with Him."
John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
JESUS IS "THE WAY": Psalm 25:8; Psalm 139:24; Proverbs 6:23; Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 15:24; Isaiah 40:3 and its N.T. quotes; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 7:12-14; John 10:9; Acts 16:17; Acts 24:14; Hebrews 9:8; Hebrews 10:19-20.
"THE WAY" OF TRUTH, PEACE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, ETC: Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 2:20; Proverbs 8:20; Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 15:10; Proverbs 16:31: Proverbs 22:6; Isaiah 35:8; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 59:8; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 21:32; Luke 1:79; Romans 3:12; Romans 3:17; II Peter 2:2; II Peter 2:21.
VERSUS "THE WAY" OF THE WICKED, FOOL, FORSAKING, ETC: Psalm 1:1; Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 13:15; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 15:9-10; Proverbs 15:19; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 16:25; Proverbs 16:29; Proverbs 22:5; Proverbs 22:24-25; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 3:12; Romans 3:17; II Peter 2:2; II Peter 2:15; II Peter 2:21; Jude 1:11.
"THE WAY" OF GOD, LORD: Psalm 18:21; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 27:11; Proverbs 10:29.
JESUS IS "THE TRUTH": John 1:14; John 1:17; John 8:32; John 15:1; John 18:37; Romans 15:8; II Corinthians 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:21; Colossians 2:9; I John 5:20; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:7,14; Revelation 19:11.
"THE TRUTH" IS GOD, HOLY SPIRIT, OTHER: Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:29; John 4:23-24; John 15:26; John 16:13; Ephesians 5:9; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:17-18; I John 4:6; I John 5:6.
JESUS IS "THE LIFE": John 1:4; John 3:15-16; John 3:36; John 5:21; John 5:26; John 6:33; John 6:51; John 6:57; John 6:63; John 6:68; John 10:10; John 11:25; John 14:19; John 17:3; Acts 3:15; Acts 5:20; Romans 6:23; Colossians 3:4; Galatians 2:20; II Timothy 1:1; I John 1:1-2; I John 5:12.
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.
Important cross refs: John 2:22; John 12:16; John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:13; I John 2:20; I John 2:27.
VM
Cross Refs in 81st Psalm
Psalm 81:2 - Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
Psalm = a psalm to be sung.
Psaltery = a stringed instrument for melody.
Harp = a stringed instrument for spiritual songs, such as the songs to drive away the evil spirit from Saul, I Samuel 16:23.
All the elements here of Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19: psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing, with emphasis on melody.
Psalm 81:12 - So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
Compare Romans 1:24, 26; II Thessalonians 2:11-12.
VM
Psalm = a psalm to be sung.
Psaltery = a stringed instrument for melody.
Harp = a stringed instrument for spiritual songs, such as the songs to drive away the evil spirit from Saul, I Samuel 16:23.
All the elements here of Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19: psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing, with emphasis on melody.
Psalm 81:12 - So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
Compare Romans 1:24, 26; II Thessalonians 2:11-12.
VM
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Jephthah Did Not Sacrifice Daughter
Notes on keeping straight the Ammonites, Amorites and Moabites in Judges 11:
Ammonites and Moabites are descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:36-38) and often confederate together.
Amorites had invaded into Ammonite and Moabite land and conquered it before the Exodus of Israel. Israel then conquered the Amorites when their kings fought against them after the Exodus (Numbers chapter 21). So the Ammonite king is wrong in Judges 11:13 and Jephthah corrects his history in Judges 11:14-23.
Judges 11:26 - Clue as to the timing of this chapter, about 300 years after the conquering of Canaan by Joshua.
Jephthah did NOT sacrifice his daughter's life:
Jephthah's vow, Judges 11:31 - "Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD's, [or] I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
Notice KJV translator margin, "OR I will offer it up" instead of "AND I will offer it up." Whatever or whoever first came forth would be the LORD's. If an animal lawful to sacrifice, then it would be sacrificed. If a person, he or she would be consecrated to the LORD.
Jephthah's daughter was therefore consecrated to the LORD, that she would not marry. So she bewailed her virginity, not her impending death, Judges 11:37-38. Not being able to bear children was a major source of disappointment for a Jewish girl, in a society where children were so prized and every woman wanted to be the one through whom the Messiah came forth. And this a disappointment to Jephthah, for his line would end with her, his only child, so his grief in Judges 11:35.
This fact of the vow confirmed - not that he offered her up, but explained that "she knew no man", Judges 11:39. She was probably set apart from society to live alone under her father's care. And the daughters of Israel went yearly to visit with her, Judges 11:39-40 (note KJV marginal translation, "to talk with her" a more clear translation).
Jepthah is named in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11:32. This man would not be a hero of faith if he had actually bargained with God with the life of his daughter. His vow is more like the vow of faith of Hannah, I Samuel 1:11, which God honored.
VM
Ammonites and Moabites are descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:36-38) and often confederate together.
Amorites had invaded into Ammonite and Moabite land and conquered it before the Exodus of Israel. Israel then conquered the Amorites when their kings fought against them after the Exodus (Numbers chapter 21). So the Ammonite king is wrong in Judges 11:13 and Jephthah corrects his history in Judges 11:14-23.
Judges 11:26 - Clue as to the timing of this chapter, about 300 years after the conquering of Canaan by Joshua.
Jephthah did NOT sacrifice his daughter's life:
Jephthah's vow, Judges 11:31 - "Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD's, [or] I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
Notice KJV translator margin, "OR I will offer it up" instead of "AND I will offer it up." Whatever or whoever first came forth would be the LORD's. If an animal lawful to sacrifice, then it would be sacrificed. If a person, he or she would be consecrated to the LORD.
Jephthah's daughter was therefore consecrated to the LORD, that she would not marry. So she bewailed her virginity, not her impending death, Judges 11:37-38. Not being able to bear children was a major source of disappointment for a Jewish girl, in a society where children were so prized and every woman wanted to be the one through whom the Messiah came forth. And this a disappointment to Jephthah, for his line would end with her, his only child, so his grief in Judges 11:35.
This fact of the vow confirmed - not that he offered her up, but explained that "she knew no man", Judges 11:39. She was probably set apart from society to live alone under her father's care. And the daughters of Israel went yearly to visit with her, Judges 11:39-40 (note KJV marginal translation, "to talk with her" a more clear translation).
Jepthah is named in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11:32. This man would not be a hero of faith if he had actually bargained with God with the life of his daughter. His vow is more like the vow of faith of Hannah, I Samuel 1:11, which God honored.
VM
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Psalms chapters 78, 79, 80 Notes
Note at Psalm 78:1-8 - God's Plan: Pass it On! Either (1) Multi-generational faithfulness; or (2) Break the cycle of unfaithfulness for the next generations ("Change your family tree.")
Psalm 79:9 - Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name....
Note: God's help and forgiveness are always for His own glory. So Psalm 79:10; Psalm 79:13; Psalm 23:3; Psalm 115:1; Isaiah 43:21; Isaiah 48:9; Jeremiah 14:7, 21; Ephesians 1:6;
Appropriate heading for Psalm 80: "Prayer for the nation."
VM
Psalm 79:9 - Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name....
Note: God's help and forgiveness are always for His own glory. So Psalm 79:10; Psalm 79:13; Psalm 23:3; Psalm 115:1; Isaiah 43:21; Isaiah 48:9; Jeremiah 14:7, 21; Ephesians 1:6;
Appropriate heading for Psalm 80: "Prayer for the nation."
VM
John chapters 10, 11, 12 Notes
John 10:16 - And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Speaking of the Church as a whole, which is largely Gentile. Important cross refs: John 11:51-52; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 2:11-22; I Peter 2:10.
John 10:22 - And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
"Feast of the dedication" = Hanukkah / Festival of Lights. Celebrates the rededication of the temple after the revolt of the Maccabees against Greek rule, 165 B.C.
Note / Quote at John 10:27-28 - "Assurance [of salvation] is only for those who are truly saved, as evidenced by their life of obedience. They follow the One Who's voice they hear. John 10:27 is evidence, John 10:28 is the blessing." - David Cloud. Cross ref Romans 8:13-14.
John 11:47 - Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
Christ's enemies NEVER denied that He actually performed miracles. They admit it in several places, but still do not believe on Him. Likewise with the Apostles, Acts 4:16.
Note at John 12:39-41 - The vision which Isaiah saw of the glory of God (Isaiah 6:1-10) is said by John to be the glory of Jesus! JESUS IS GOD!
VM
Speaking of the Church as a whole, which is largely Gentile. Important cross refs: John 11:51-52; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 2:11-22; I Peter 2:10.
John 10:22 - And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
"Feast of the dedication" = Hanukkah / Festival of Lights. Celebrates the rededication of the temple after the revolt of the Maccabees against Greek rule, 165 B.C.
Note / Quote at John 10:27-28 - "Assurance [of salvation] is only for those who are truly saved, as evidenced by their life of obedience. They follow the One Who's voice they hear. John 10:27 is evidence, John 10:28 is the blessing." - David Cloud. Cross ref Romans 8:13-14.
John 11:47 - Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
Christ's enemies NEVER denied that He actually performed miracles. They admit it in several places, but still do not believe on Him. Likewise with the Apostles, Acts 4:16.
Note at John 12:39-41 - The vision which Isaiah saw of the glory of God (Isaiah 6:1-10) is said by John to be the glory of Jesus! JESUS IS GOD!
VM
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Notes in John chapter 9
John 9:28 - Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
Note here and at John 5:45 - Any true disciple of Moses will become one of Jesus Christ!
John 9:34 - They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
"Born in sins," compare verse 2, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"
John 9:37 - And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
Note: Jesus subtly points out to the formerly blind man that he can now SEE the Son of God.
VM
Note here and at John 5:45 - Any true disciple of Moses will become one of Jesus Christ!
John 9:34 - They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
"Born in sins," compare verse 2, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"
John 9:37 - And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
Note: Jesus subtly points out to the formerly blind man that he can now SEE the Son of God.
VM
Introduction to Judges
Notes on the Introduction to Judges
The Book of Judges spans the gap from the conquering of Canaan by Joshua until the nation becomes a monarchy ruled by a king in I Samuel. Paul says in Acts 13:20 that the period lasted "about the space of four hundred and fifty years." You cannot determine the timing of events by simply adding up the length of the time the judges ruled, because some of them appear to be local judges in different places; not ruling the entire nation at one time. Some may have even been simultaneous with others, ruling in different areas. Other events in Judges are not given in the text in a chronological order but in a logical fashion. For example, Judges 17:1, "And there was a man..." does not fix the time of this event or this judge.
Chapters 1 and 2 recount some of the events of Joshua, expanding on some in more detail.
Then Judges 2:10-23 outlines and summarizes the entire book. The book shows Israel following a cycle pattern of: (1) national sin and falling away; (2) judgment from God in the form of enemies ruling over the people; (3) repentance on the part of the people; (4) God delivering the people through the hand of a "judge"; (5) that generation dies off and the nation repeats the cycle in the next generation. Judges has been given the theme, "Defeat and Deliverance."
Another summary of the period of the Judges is in Judges 21:25 (repeated often in the book): "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
VM
The Book of Judges spans the gap from the conquering of Canaan by Joshua until the nation becomes a monarchy ruled by a king in I Samuel. Paul says in Acts 13:20 that the period lasted "about the space of four hundred and fifty years." You cannot determine the timing of events by simply adding up the length of the time the judges ruled, because some of them appear to be local judges in different places; not ruling the entire nation at one time. Some may have even been simultaneous with others, ruling in different areas. Other events in Judges are not given in the text in a chronological order but in a logical fashion. For example, Judges 17:1, "And there was a man..." does not fix the time of this event or this judge.
Chapters 1 and 2 recount some of the events of Joshua, expanding on some in more detail.
Then Judges 2:10-23 outlines and summarizes the entire book. The book shows Israel following a cycle pattern of: (1) national sin and falling away; (2) judgment from God in the form of enemies ruling over the people; (3) repentance on the part of the people; (4) God delivering the people through the hand of a "judge"; (5) that generation dies off and the nation repeats the cycle in the next generation. Judges has been given the theme, "Defeat and Deliverance."
Another summary of the period of the Judges is in Judges 21:25 (repeated often in the book): "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
VM
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Seven "I AM" Statements of Jesus
In John's Gospel we find three courses of seven: seven miracles, seven "I AM" statements of Jesus and seven discourses. Having just noted the ultimate "I AM" statement (this note), as the ultimate sum of the seven, it would be helpful to mark the seven, perhaps at the title page of John's Gospel or perhaps through the text.
"I am the bread of life" - John 6:35.
"I am the light of the world" - John 8:12.
"I am the door" (literally, "the gate") - John 10:9.
"I am the Good Shepherd" - John 10:11.
"I am the resurrection and the life" - John 11:25-26.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" - John 14:6.
"I am the vine" - John 15:5.
"I AM" - John 8:58. This is the ultimate sum of the seven "I am" statements above. Only the "I AM" Jehovah God Almighty could claim all these.
VM
"I am the bread of life" - John 6:35.
"I am the light of the world" - John 8:12.
"I am the door" (literally, "the gate") - John 10:9.
"I am the Good Shepherd" - John 10:11.
"I am the resurrection and the life" - John 11:25-26.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" - John 14:6.
"I am the vine" - John 15:5.
"I AM" - John 8:58. This is the ultimate sum of the seven "I am" statements above. Only the "I AM" Jehovah God Almighty could claim all these.
VM
Notes in John chapter 8
Regarding the woman taken in adultery, John 8:1-11: The critical Greek text removes this passage and modern Bible versions cast doubt on it. However, it is authentic, as this event is in direct answer to the end of chapter 7. Nicodemus gave a challenge to the Pharisees: "Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?" in John 7:51. In response to this challenge, the plan was hatched to attempt to get Jesus to speak against the Law - so that Nicodemus and others could "hear him, and know what he doeth." Where was the man with whom the woman was caught? It was likely one of the men who brought her to Jesus. This was a conspiracy to entrap Jesus so that even Nicodemus and others would be against Him if they heard Him speak against the Law. See also Scofield's note on this as well.
John 8:8 - And again he stopped down and wrote on the ground.
"One of the most convicting sermons ever preached was not spoken, but scrawled in the dust, unrecorded for us." - VM
John 8:11 - "...Go and sin no more."
Note here and also at John 5:14 - Don't be foold by the Easy Prayerism crowd that "repentance" is not found in John! If they'd take the trouble to read John instead of word-searching it, they would see John 5:14 and John 8:11.
John 8:44 - Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
"Your father the devil"; Satan as spiritual father: Matthew 13:38; Acts 13:10; I John 3:8-12.
"He was a murderer from the beginning" - Satan as murderer, "from the beginning" - Genesis 3:1-7, the temptation to the Fall, the result of which was death. See I Peter 5:8.
"He...abode not in the truth" - clear evidence that Satan was at one time "in the truth" as a holy angel. See II Peter 2:4; Jude 6. Satan's background and fall described: Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28.
When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own - Genesis 3:4-5; II Chronicles 18:20-22; Acts 5:3; II Corinthians 11:3; II Corinthians 11:13-15; II Thessalonians 2:9-11; Revelation 12:9-10; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 22:15.
John 8:56 - Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
Notice, "Your father Abraham", not "My father" or "Our father." Should have sounded odd to the Jews speaking to another Jew. Jesus is in the middle of explaining Who He really is.
Cross refs to John 8:56: Genesis 2:18; Galatians 3:7-9; Hebrews 11:13; I Peter 1:10-12. Compare Luke 10:24.
John 8:58 - Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
"I AM" - a clear claim to be Jehovah God, the "I AM" of Exodus 3:14. Hence the Jews' desire to stone Him.
Jesus had used "I AM" several times already in the chapter, not as clear in the KJV because of the italicized words. Remove italics from John 8:24, John 8:28. We see (1) The deity of Christ is only denied by those who will "die in their sins," John 8:24; and (2) The death and resurrection of Christ will prove His claims to who He is, John 8:28.
Jesus uses the "I AM" name again with miraculous power, toppling over backwards the men coming to arrest Him: John 18:4-6 (remove the italics again).
VM
John 8:8 - And again he stopped down and wrote on the ground.
"One of the most convicting sermons ever preached was not spoken, but scrawled in the dust, unrecorded for us." - VM
John 8:11 - "...Go and sin no more."
Note here and also at John 5:14 - Don't be foold by the Easy Prayerism crowd that "repentance" is not found in John! If they'd take the trouble to read John instead of word-searching it, they would see John 5:14 and John 8:11.
John 8:44 - Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
"Your father the devil"; Satan as spiritual father: Matthew 13:38; Acts 13:10; I John 3:8-12.
"He was a murderer from the beginning" - Satan as murderer, "from the beginning" - Genesis 3:1-7, the temptation to the Fall, the result of which was death. See I Peter 5:8.
"He...abode not in the truth" - clear evidence that Satan was at one time "in the truth" as a holy angel. See II Peter 2:4; Jude 6. Satan's background and fall described: Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28.
When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own - Genesis 3:4-5; II Chronicles 18:20-22; Acts 5:3; II Corinthians 11:3; II Corinthians 11:13-15; II Thessalonians 2:9-11; Revelation 12:9-10; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 22:15.
John 8:56 - Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
Notice, "Your father Abraham", not "My father" or "Our father." Should have sounded odd to the Jews speaking to another Jew. Jesus is in the middle of explaining Who He really is.
Cross refs to John 8:56: Genesis 2:18; Galatians 3:7-9; Hebrews 11:13; I Peter 1:10-12. Compare Luke 10:24.
John 8:58 - Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
"I AM" - a clear claim to be Jehovah God, the "I AM" of Exodus 3:14. Hence the Jews' desire to stone Him.
Jesus had used "I AM" several times already in the chapter, not as clear in the KJV because of the italicized words. Remove italics from John 8:24, John 8:28. We see (1) The deity of Christ is only denied by those who will "die in their sins," John 8:24; and (2) The death and resurrection of Christ will prove His claims to who He is, John 8:28.
Jesus uses the "I AM" name again with miraculous power, toppling over backwards the men coming to arrest Him: John 18:4-6 (remove the italics again).
VM
But As for Me and My House
Note in Joshua 24 - Quotation marks written into the text may help delimit between what God says through Joshua and what Joshua personally says. Thus saith the Lord begins in verse 2 and ends at verse 13. Joshua speaks personally in verse 14 and following.
"Other side of the flood" - the flood being a reference to the large Euphrates river, not Noah's flood. Abraham's idolatrous family background was east of the Euphrates in Ur of the Chaldees. Or "the flood" could mean the Jordan river, called so in Psalm 66:6. Most likely Euphrates here.
Joshua 24:15 - Long verse often paraphrased/shortened into one or two clauses for dramatic effect: (1) "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." (2) "But as for me and my house we will serve the LORD." Interesting that the entire verse is rarely quoted. Most people today would be insulted!
VM
"Other side of the flood" - the flood being a reference to the large Euphrates river, not Noah's flood. Abraham's idolatrous family background was east of the Euphrates in Ur of the Chaldees. Or "the flood" could mean the Jordan river, called so in Psalm 66:6. Most likely Euphrates here.
Joshua 24:15 - Long verse often paraphrased/shortened into one or two clauses for dramatic effect: (1) "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." (2) "But as for me and my house we will serve the LORD." Interesting that the entire verse is rarely quoted. Most people today would be insulted!
VM
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