Tagged: Jesus Christ Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on May 8, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ, , , , ,   

    Psalm 147 Jehovah is God – And We’re NOT! 

    These last 5 Psalms (146-150) are called “Hallelujah Psalms” because they begin and end with that expression: “Praise – Jehovah,” or “Hallelujah.” The author, date, and setting of each Psalm are undetermined, but their acceptance is unquestioned.

    Verse 1 calls for praise;

    Verses 2-6 give Israelite outcasts reasons to praise God;

    Verse 7 calls for praise;

    Verses 8-11 give those who fear Him reasons to praise God;

    Verse 12 calls for Israelites to praise God;

    Verses 13-18 call attention to God’s absolute Power;

    Verses 19-20 call Israelites’ attention to God’s special Word to them.

    Verse 1: Sing “Hallelujah” because it is “good,” “pleasant,” “beautiful.”

    Verses 2-6: Jehovah “builds up Jerusalem” by making sure the “outcasts” are included. These are people who might be rejected by the religious snobs and overlooked for blessings. Verses 2-3 describe the work of Jesus Christ when He came (Jeremiah 30:10-17; Luke 4:16-20). God can account for all of Israel’s “outcasts” because only He knows the number, but also the name, of the stars. With all of today’s technologies, humans haven’t even seen all of the stars, yet! Although God is “great,” “mighty in power,” infinite in “understanding,” He compassionately “lifts up the humble,” but does not do the same for “the wicked.”

    Verse 7: Praise should be sung, and the instruments of David left behind, for the only instrument that should accompany worship singing today is “your heart” (Ephesians 5:19).

    Verses 8-11: The Earth follows God’s physical rules, as those who “fear Him” follow His spiritual rules: from cloud coverings come rain; from rain comes grass on mountains; from grass (greenery) comes food for beasts and ravens asking. God’s pleasure is not in the strength of horses or men’s legs, but “in those who hope in His mercy.”

    Verse 12: Israel, whose capital of Jerusalem, was also its’ worship center, Zion, is alerted to “praise your God.”

    Verses 13-18: A God-blessed nation has: 1) strong “bars” of its “gates.” Aren’t we talking about keeping out illegal immigrants, outsiders who corrupt, and disguised terrorists? A godless society has no limits! 2) blessed “children,” and this is not discussing their toys, games, sports, or other distractions, but genuine faith. 3) internal “peace,” and this is not with martial law, or a police state, but citizens with faithful obedience to God’s moral Law; 4) abundant harvest, because God has made the land cooperate and bless (Acts 14:14-17). It is by God’s Command that the Earth is blessed with: “snow,” “frost,” “hail,” “cold,” “melting,” blowing wind, and flowing water!

    Verses 19-20: God gave the Israelites (including Jews!) the advantage of “His Word,” including His “statutes” and “judgments.” That Word should have lead them all the way to Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 4:5; Leviticus 26:40-46; Malachi 4:4; Galatians 3:7-29). No other nation ever had that advantage of specific written revelation through prophets, and yet when Jesus came, “although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him” (John 12:37). Paul asked the question: “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:1-4). God had given the Jews the advantage of having His Word first. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Having God’s Word, knowing it, and obeying it is our advantage, today. Jesus said: “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).

    “Praise the LORD” or “Hallelujah!”

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on May 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , fortress, , , , , , Jesus Christ, , , , refuge, Rock, , , unhappiness,   

    Psalm 144 How To Live In A Happy State 

     This Psalm of David shows why God saw David as “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will” (Acts 13:22). This Psalm is from a heart that knows what God’s grace and mercy is all about!

    Verses 1-2 acknowledge who is with David on his throne over Israel;

    Verses 3-4 recognize how short the rule of a man is compared to God’s reign;

    Verses 5-10 show who really deserves praise for victory over enemies;

    Verses 11-15 summarize where a nation’s blessings and strengths come from.

    Verses 1-2: “The LORD” was David’s “Rock” not a castle. God guided David’s conquests; God showed what “lovingkindness” was like in between battles; David’s “fortress” (protective dwelling), “high tower” (lofty position above the enemy), “shield” (protection against soldiers’ attacks) and “refuge” (safe haven), were all in God. Thus if David’s “people” didn’t obey God, David wouldn’t be king of a nation! Would that Governments recognized this today (John 19:10-11)!

    Verses 3-4: “What is man” is the question David asks that shows great humility (Psalm 8:4). What makes us think we are so important that God would notice us? We are important not because of what we have done, but what God has done (Hebrews 2:17-18)! We do not live long enough to be impressive (James 4:13-15).

    Verses 5-10: God, however, is so impressive that He can “come down” over the Earth; make mountains smoke; use lightning strikes; all as weapons of war “from above.” It is God “from above” who “rescues” the righteous from a flood of “foreigners” hurling “lying words” and lying handshakes.  Those who serve God cannot expect those who do not to be following the same rules in the same way! Christian behavior is not universal, but should be (Ephesians 5:1-17)! It is God who deserves praise for our salvation and daily life. The “harp of ten strings” was an instrument of David (1 Chronicles 23:5) which appealed to the spiritually lazy (Amos 6:3-7) and was condemned. No man-made musical instrument was authorized by Moses’ Law.

    Verses 11-15: It would be by God’s rescue that the Nation of Israel would have: sturdy “sons” and “daughters;” plentiful “produce” and “sheep” and “oxen;” and no external raids nor internal struggles. A nation of people who respect God, will have “sons” who mature like plants and know their work to be done; “daughters” who accept their role of “pillars” as wife and mother; “produce” for people who know how to save for the next crop; fertile “sheep;” “oxen” useful for burdens; peaceful living without disruptiveness. Truly such a nation is “happy,” for “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” The plague of America is unhappiness, and it has become pandemic because people do not have the LORD God. “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:1-3). “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11). “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). DO YOU KNOW GOD?

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 10:00 am on May 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , cave, , , , , Jesus Christ, , overwhelmed, prison,   

    Psalm 142 From the Depth of Despair 

    This Psalm of David may well have been written from the cave of Adullam, while King Saul pursued him to kill him (1 Samuel 22:1).

    Verses 1-3 picture the “caveman” mindset;

    Verses 4-7 show the difference between refuge and prison.

    Verses 1-3: “Cry out” indicates his desperate situation, “supplication” is a prayer presenting a problem to God, but asking for help with it. David’s “complaint” is not with God, but a presentation of his “trouble” that he would “pour out.” David’s “spirit was overwhelmed within” him, more than once (Psalm 61:2; 77:3; 143:4). This perfectly expresses what we all feel like sometimes when life is too much to handle! Jesus shows how not to let this get to us. “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3).

    Verses 4-7: Before David’s men gathered to him, he knew “no one who acknowledges” him, his insecurity noted that “refuge has failed” him. In complete despair, he said: “No one cares for my soul.” Jesus reached this moment, for on His way to the cross, “they all forsook Him and fled” (Mark 14:50). Paul had this moment, for he said: “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me” (2 Timothy 4:16). The common thread woven through these faithful men is the LORD never left them: David “cried out to You, O LORD” (Psalm 142:5); “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46); “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17). God was David’s “portion in the land of the living.” As long as David was alive, God was with him. When “persecutors” seem “stronger than I,” never forget God, for He never forgets us. Life can become our “prison,” but once released from this “very low” time, we are freed to “praise” God, and enjoy the fellowship of the “righteous” who “shall surround” us. God abundantly blesses those faithful to Him. Joseph was released from a dungeon through God’s gift of interpretation of dreams (Genesis 39-41); Samson through his renewed covenant strength (Judges 16:21-31); Jesus releases people from their prison of sin (Isaiah 42:5-7; Luke 4:14-21); the Apostles were set free to preach Jesus (Acts 5:17-25). Everyone who remains faithful to God in whatever prison they find themselves, must learn they are not alone.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:02 am on April 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , , , , snares, traps, , ,   

    Psalm 141 Shut My Mouth 

    This Psalm of David could have originated at one of several times in his life, so the historical background is not definitely set, but it clearly is similar to other of his Psalms.

    Verses 1-2 appeal to God to hear this prayer;

    Verses 3-4 concerned with one’s words;

    Verse 5-concerned with one’s thoughts;

    Verses 5c-7 concerned with one’s bones;

    Verses 8-10 concerned with one’s eyes.

    Verses 1-2: To “cry out” expresses immediate need(s). For prayer to be “set before” God “as incense” (Exodus 30:1-10), helps us see that when Moses’ Law was taken out of the way by the cross of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:14-16), Christian prayers ascend before God instead of incense (Revelation 5:8).

    Verses 3-4: It is not asking for God to choose our words, but knowing we have called attention to the problem we have with wrong words should keep us more keenly aware (Matthew 12:34-37). “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). In fact, David realizes, to avoid sin, we must not lean toward “any evil thing,” “practice wicked works,” associate with evil workers, or commonly associate with sinners. This progression into sin is similar to Psalm 1.

    Verse 5: If we find ourselves heading in the wrong direction, the rebuke of a righteous person should bring us back to spirituality. “Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed” (Proverbs 27:5). “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

    Verses 5c-7: Our prayers should be not only for us to be strong, but for the wicked to be blunted and weakened. “Judges” are their leaders, but “sweet” “words” of a prayerful appeal to God can see them taken down. Their damage, however, may break up God’s people as if physical bodies had been plowed under!

    Verses 8-10: “Eyes,” rightly focused on the goal, must not be misled. Once a person has been buried in the water of baptism into Jesus’ death (and not before), and raised to a new life with Him (Romans 6:3-5), they are saved (1 Peter 3:21). “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3). By obeying God and following Jesus Christ, God will “keep” (avoid sin, 1 John 3:6) a Christian from the “snares” and “traps” the wicked continually provide. It was the partial obedience of the Israelites in cleaning the wicked nations out of the Promised Land, that God warned they would become “snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the LORD your God has given you” (Joshua 23:13). “Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them” (Proverbs 22:5). David did not pray out of vengeance or hatred, but simply that God let “the wicked fall into their own nets” and he be allowed to “escape.” When the wicked are treated with their own wickedness is not only just, it is fair for the righteous. “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him” (Proverbs 26:27). A rolling stone may not gather moss, but often it punishes the ones who started it rolling!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on April 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , enemy, , hates, Jesus Christ, , pantheism, , ,   

    Psalm 139 Father Knows Us Best 

    This Psalm of David gives a picture of how thoroughly God knows us. We should seek to know Him as completely as we can, for “when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods” (Galatians 4:8); “the world through wisdom did not know God” (1 Corinthians 1:21); “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8); Jesus Christ will be “taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

    Verses 1-6 show how completely God knows about our individual lives;

    Verses 7-12 show how useless it is for anyone to try to flee from God;

    Verses 13-16 show when God begins to know us;

    Verses 17-18 show how completely we should know God;

    Verses 19-22 show how completely we should side with God;

    Verses 23-24 show how completely open we should be with ourselves and God.

    Verses 1-6: There is no one who knows and understands us like God does: not Mother, Father, Children, Husband or Wife, close friend. God interacts with individual lives by examination, constant monitoring, complete understanding of our thinking, hearing all our words, protecting and guiding at times, all exceeding our own understanding of ourselves!

    Verses 7-12: As Adam and Eve discovered in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6-8), there is nowhere God cannot find us: Heaven (as if we could!)? He is there; “Hell” (Sheol, the place beyond the body’s grave, where departed spirits dwell)? He is there; fly as fast as the light of a new day (as if we could!)? dive as deep as the sea goes? He still could guide and hold us; be surrounded by total darkness? God sees as if it was still light. God is everywhere, but He is NOT everything! God is Creator NOT the Creation! Pantheism is totally wrong in this concept.

    Verses 13-16: God designs, develops, and delivers each and every human baby ever born! For each and every human baby, while in the womb, God “covered” (intricately weaves together) our organs; “fearfully and wonderfully” develops the baby; makes the skeleton support structure; begins His work on “unformed” “substance” (Hebrew term for embryo), prepared the baby to live “the days fashioned for me” (plans for the baby to live its life on earth). Abortion is the destroying of the work of God, and wise Solomon said: “I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). Abortion is taking from the work of God!

    Verses 17-18: There is much more about God than we can grasp, but we should learn all we can while we can. The Word of God is the gradual unfolding of the revelation of God.

    Verses 19-22: Instead of demanding God to “side” with us, we should get on God’s “side.” There should be no evil work a Christian would practice, plan, or proceed to do: terrorism, abortion, self-centeredness, drunkenness/drug abuse, divisiveness, fornication/adultery, lust, or anything else contrary to “sound doctrine.” Whatever God condemns, Christians should condemn. Whatever God hates, Christians should hate. Whoever is an enemy of God, should be an enemy to a Christian. No Christian should compromise this commitment to God for any  political platform, union slogan, or gang fidelity!

    Verses 23-24: An open heart asks for God to check it out, and is willing for Him to “lead me in the way everlasting.” Why wait? God provides for Christians to “examine themselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:36 am on April 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , , tabernacle, , true tabernacle, true worship,   

    Psalm 134 What Worship Is For 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verses 1-2 call for worship of the LORD;

    Verse 3 gives a blessing of worship.

    Verses 1-2: “Behold” is often useful in calling attention to: God’s covenant with earth (Genesis 9:9-11); God’s presence in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-3); God’s sweeping judgment against Egypt (Isaiah 19:1-4); God placing the foundation stone “in Zion” (Isaiah 28:16) which was Jesus Christ (Acts 4:10-12); and John the Baptist’s identification of Jesus as the Christ (John 1:19-36). (Verse 1) It points to the purpose of worship: to “bless the LORD.” “Then David said to all the assembly, ‘Now bless the LORD your God.’ So all the assembly blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD and the king” (1 Chronicles 29:20). True worship is “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24), offered by “servants of the LORD” who are diligent to see that worship continues even “by night.” (Verse 2) Lifting up our hands before God, whether physically or mentally, signifies our openness of heart for His “glory” (Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 119:48; 134:2; 1 Timothy 2:8). “The sanctuary” was the sacred building used for worshipping God (Tabernacle, Numbers 3:38, then the Temple, 1 Chronicles 22:7-9). Today, it is the church of Christ: “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at 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 erected, and not man” (Hebrews 8:1-2); “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Hebrews 9:11). A physical building is not a “sanctuary” today, but the sacred assembly is!

    Verse 3: “The LORD” (called Jehovah, Exodus 6:1-7) is also the Creator of “heaven and earth” (called Elohim, Genesis 1:1), and was known in Genesis as “Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1-2, El Shaddai; 2 Corinthians 6:18, Kurios Pantokrator), The All-sufficient One, source of all blessings. God blesses “from Zion,” then to the faithful worshippers under Moses, today through Jesus Christ: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:13-14).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:07 am on April 17, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , David's throne, , Jesus Christ, , , priests, , Zion   

    Psalm 132 The Cure for Restlessness 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.” This Psalm is a prayer for David, possibly spoken by his son, Solomon.

    Verse 1-5 open a prayer about David’s concern for God’s temple;

    Verses 6-9 show David’s concern for God’s ark;

    Verses 10-18 give God’s concern for David’s legacy.

    Verses 1-5: The prayer is for God to “remember David,” and all he went through to be faithful to God.

    (Verses 2-4) David “swore to the LORD” to remain restless until a place for worshipping God was found. He would not: find comfort in his own house, or his own bed, or sleep soundly, or relax in “slumber,” unless God’s House was in its place (2 Samuel 7:1-3). (Verse 5) David moved the ark into God’s place (1 Chronicles 15:1-3; 16:1), but was not permitted to build the Temple (1 Kings 8:18-19).

    Verses 6-9: (Verse 6) “Ephratha” was a region which included Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and may have also included Kirjath Jearim (“city of the woods”), where the ark stayed 20 years (1 Samuel 7:1-3), then moved into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:11-19). (Verse 7) Once the place of worship is known, the exhortation is “Let us go” first “into His tabernacle” (or temporary tent, then Solomon built a Temple, then Jesus Christ build the church of Christ, Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 2 Corinthians 6:16), secondly, “worship at His footstool.” Proper worship may only be done in the tabernacle, or today, the church of Christ. (Verse 8) God will respond to proper worship from the proper place, as His “ark” represents His presence. Jesus Christ is the “propitiation” (mercy seat, or cover of the ark) “for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2). (Verse 9) God’s priests were to be properly clothed to perform their duties (Exodus 40:1-16). Today, God’s priests are Christians who were baptized into Jesus Christ to put Him on as their proper garment (1 Peter 2:4-5; Galatians 3:26-29).

    Verses 10-18: (Verse 10) God’s promise for his son to build God’s house seemed to point to Solomon (2 Samuel 7:4-14), but David’s throne is now occupied by Jesus Christ (Acts 2:29-32), and Jesus built God’s spiritual house, the church of Christ (Hebrews 3:1-6). (Verses 11-12) Faithfulness was the requirement for David’s “sons” to sit on his throne, which failed with Solomon (1 Kings 11:9-40). (Verses 13-18) Since “the LORD has chosen Zion” for His “resting place forever,” Jerusalem lasted until Jesus Christ came, lived and died on the cross (Romans 9:30-33). After God destroyed Jerusalem in A.D.70, it had been made clear that it is spiritual Israel and spiritual Zion who represent God’s people today (Hebrews 12:22-25; Galatians 6:14-16). Christians are provided blessings (1 Peter 4:12-14), the bread of life (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), priestly garment of Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:27), joyful singing because of the Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16).

    Thought: The prayer for David has been answered, for his obedience certainly paved the way for Jesus Christ to sit on David’s throne forever.

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:17 am on April 15, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ, , ,   

    Psalm 130 Are We “In” Too Deep? 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verses 1-2 give a personal appeal to God;

    Verses 3-4 give a personal trust in God;

    Verses 5-6 give a personal patience in God;

    Verses 7-8 give a national call upon God.

    Verses 1-2: (Verse 1) From deep places come the greatest devotions. Some people must plumb the depths of sin before they become alarmed at their condition, and repent. No one can be so deep in sin but that their cry to the LORD cannot be heard. “The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart” (Proverbs 20:27). Some MAY be so committed to sin that THEY REFUSE to cry out for help from the LORD (Ephesians 4:17-20)! (Verse 2) The change from “LORD” (Jehovah) to “Lord” (Authority) sets the tone to approach Him with “supplication” (request), and not commands! The Jewish request, “From my mouth to God’s ears” is expressed in this verse.

    Verses 3-4: (Verse 3) God’s “data bank” is greater than any Government ever envisioned, for every thought (Hebrews 4:12), sight (Matthew 5:28), word (Matthew 12:37), and deed (2 Corinthians 5:10), is recorded by God – in the other book compared with “the book of life” (Revelation 20:12). (Verse 4) If it was not for God’s promise to forgive sin, no one would survive! This forgiveness is only offered through Jesus Christ (Acts 5:30-31), and only given to those who obey Him (Matthew 7:21-27; Mark 16:15-16).

    Verses 5-6: The hopeful expectation of morning light illustrates the soul’s “hope.” It is because of God’s laws that we hope for each morning, and it is in God’s Word that a soul “hopes” to find a new day of salvation.

    Verses 7-8: (Verse 7) The Nation of Israel, individually, should turn back to God in “hope” (anticipation) of receiving His “mercy” and “abundant redemption” (ransom required to be re-possessed). (Verse 8) The absolute promise of God is that “He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

    Thought: That this was true for those living under Moses’ Law, now that Jesus’ Law is in force, His blood has purchased the church of Christ (Acts 20:28) and God adds those saved by the Gospel to His church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:46 am on April 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ, , , ,   

    Psalm 129 Scars of Youth 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verses 1-4 mention scars from youth while prevailing;

    Verses 5-8 describe uselessness in life for God’s enemies.

    Verses 1-4: (Verses 1-2) The “afflictions” from “youth” are what shape us as adults. Since this appeal is for “Israel” to say this seems to indicate the “afflictions” were what was happening to them in Egypt when they started as a nation (Exodus 1:8-14). Much later, God said: “I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt” (Hosea 2:15). Those who did the afflicting “have not prevailed.” (Verse 3) Egyptian slave masters scarred Israelite backs just as if plows had left the scars! (Verse 4) The righteous (upright, responsive to truth) LORD “cut” them free from “the cords of the wicked” (Exodus 2-15).

    Verses 5-8: (Verse 5) Leave it in the hands of the LORD. To “hate Zion” in the Old Testament, meant to despise God’s Temple on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, and the Israelites who worshiped there (Psalm 68:16; 87:1-3). The other side of God’s promise to bless His people who obeyed, was that He “will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you” (Deuteronomy 30:7). (Verses 6-8) This recognition of what God could do to enemies is based upon a frequent practice in the Mid-East, that is, to cover their roofs with dirt, plant grass which grew quickly with rain, but then as quickly dried out before it could be mowed or harvested. In other words, it would be worthless as to its usefulness and quickly forgotten. And the punishment from the LORD for His enemies should include no future blessing because of a good harvest, such as was used in Ruth 2:4. The desire is that God would make enemies suffer because of their own unworthiness.

    Thought: When Jesus came, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9). It was prophesied of Him: “Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). He took the scars of sin upon Himself to establish the church of Christ in its youth (Acts 2:22-41; 20:28). Becoming a Christian means casting our sins on Him in repentance (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and being baptized for salvation from those sins (Acts 18:8; 1 Peter 3:21). Then God will render enemies useless (Proverbs 6:12-15;   1 Timothy 6:3-5).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:46 am on April 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , heavenly Jerusalem, Jesus Christ, , , , ,   

    Psalm 122 Jerusalem, the Holy City 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.” This Psalm appears to have been written by David, and sung when Israelites went to Jerusalem 3 times a year (Deuteronomy 16:16).

    Verses 1-5 show why Jerusalem is the Royal City;

    Verses 6-9 show how Jerusalem is the Holy City.

    Verses 1-5: (Verse 1) True worshippers are “glad” to “go into the house of the LORD.” The “house of the LORD” under Moses was the Tabernacle, until Solomon built the Temple where sacrifices were offered to God in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 3:1). Before the Temple was built, David, when his child died, “went into the house of the LORD and worshiped” (2 Samuel 12:20). In the New Testament, the “house of God” is “the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15), “the temple” “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:19-22). (Verse 2) How privileged worshippers were to be in that city. In the New Testament, how privileged worshippers are to be in “the heavenly Jerusalem.” “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:22-24). (Verse 3) Jerusalem was fortified when built (2 Samuel 5:7-9), and walled when rebuilt (Nehemiah 12:27). The church of Christ, as the “new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2), is walled by obedience which keeps the corrupt people out of it until they repent and are baptized into Jesus Christ (Revelation 21:9-27; Acts 2:38).  (Verse 4) Jerusalem was a place for uniting the “tribes” of Israel who obeyed the “Testimony of Israel” and gave “thanks to the name of the LORD.” The people were one as a people, in obedience, at worship. Isaiah prophesied about the church of Christ in Isaiah 2:2-3: “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’S house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3). (Verse 5) Jerusalem was the place for “the thrones of the house of David.” Solomon was on that throne (1 Kings 2:24); and other Kings of Judah, until Coniah to whom God promised “none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah” (Jeremiah 22:24-30). Jesus Christ was preached on Pentecost, in Jerusalem, by the Apostles: “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:29-31).

    Verses 6-9: (Verses 6-7) Jerusalem was to have been ruled by “peace,” they “prayed” for, “prospered” under, and were ruled by in their “walls” and “palaces.” The church of Christ must “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

    (Verse 8) The customary greeting from the Jews is “Shalom” (Peace to you). The Apostle Paul in the New Testament repeated this constant desire for brethren (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 3). (Verse 9) “Because” God’s House could draw His people together at times, they were able to “seek” each other’s “good.” The church of Christ assembles to “hold fast the confession of our hope,” and “consider one another” (Hebrews 10:23-25). When this is not the case, the Devil has prevailed, just as he did in the Old Testament.

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:33 am on March 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , , , redeem, , , ,   

    Psalm 119:129-136 Pe Why The Word Is Wonderful 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:129-136  Pe                                 Why The Word Is Wonderful

    Verses 129-131 give admiration for God’s Word;

    Verses 132-135 make humble requests for God’s help;

    Verse 136 shows concern for those who haven’t appreciated God’s Word.

    Verses 129-131: (Verse 129) God’s “testimonies” (words describing and manifesting God’s character) are “wonderful” (wonder-full, brilliant, captivating), therefore “my soul keeps them.” We are drawn to that which fascinates us: Moses to a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-3); Jesus’ power over afflictions (Matthew 15:29-38); multitude on Pentecost hearing Jesus preached in their own languages by the Holy Spirit’s power (Acts 2:1-11); the man born lame “walking, leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:1-11); Peter’s vision of life without prejudice (Acts 10:9-17). Our rapt attention should be centered in God’s Word. (Verse 130) The Bible is the gradual unfolding of the revelation of God. A light turned on in the darkness draws attention not to the light, but to what can now be seen. There is no surprise, therefore, when Scripture’s “light” enters the darkened soul, and gives “understanding to the simple.” (Verse 131) A soul struggling to be free from the entanglements of sin, trying to be distant from temptations, fighting the influence of ungodliness, “pants” (gasps, gulps) for God’s “commandments” (words authorizing the path to follow).

    Verses 132-135: Having expressed how much God’s Word means, it is appropriate to ask for help from God. It is in His Word we learn that: (Verse 132) He looks mercifully as His “custom is toward those who love” His “name.” God’s habit is always to be merciful to lovers of His name. (Verse 133) His Word “directs” (guides, leads) our “steps,” so that “iniquity” (having no right value) has no “dominion” over us. Obeying God’s Word does not keep on from single sins, but from sinful practices becoming habitual, the thoughts of Jesus (John 8:34) and John (1 John 3:4-8). (Verse 134) He “redeems” (frees, ransoms) the obedient “from the oppression” that comes from “man,” so that we “may keep Your precepts” (words highlighting what is right). Jesus Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). (Verse 135) Since “God is light” (1 John 1:5) He brightens the way of all who are willing to be taught His “statutes” (words marking the right and the wrong way).

    Verse 136: The Word of God is so full of wonder, the obedient weep because the God of love, mercy, salvation, and comfort is ignored by those who need Him most; and because the souls yet burdened down with the toils, tears, troubles, and terrors of sin haven’t seen the wonders of The Word, The God, The Christ. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) for you and me, and so should every Christian.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:105-112 Nun The Light In The Tunnel 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

     Psalm 119:105-112  Nun                      The Light In The Tunnel    

    Verse 105 shows what God’s Word provides;

    Verses 106-112 show how God’s Word helps.

    Verse 105: God’s “word” (message of instruction) provides “a lamp” for “my feet” (which represents specific action). Lamps usually provide illumination in dark situations. “A light” (usually associated with day) to “my path” (which represents constant course of conduct).

    Verses 106-112: GOD’S WORD HELPS US: (Verse 106) KEEP OUR PROMISES. With the respect as in a court of law, God’s “righteous judgments” (always right decisions) prevail, and people must swear and confirm to keep them. “For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute” (Hebrews 6:16), but God accepts a person’s oath seriously: “Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). (Verse 107) RENEW EFFORTS IN AFFLICTION. When “affliction” (stress, depression, strife, conflict, pain) grows in effect to “very much,” we need to be “revived” (by reconsidering our responsibility before God). (Verse 108) GIVE FERVENT WORSHIP. “Freewill offerings of my mouth” are our prayers, songs, and teaching centered upon God and His Will for us. If worship is begrudging, forced, intimidated, or coerced, it is NOT “freewill.” “Therefore by Him [Jesus] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). (Verse 109) MAKE GOD’S WILL MY WILL. No plainer statement is ever made about the freewill nature of humans than: “My life is continually in my hand.” That means no one makes us do anything we do not choose to do, for our decisions come from within our hearts (Proverbs 4:3; Matthew 5:8; Mark 7:20-23). Since God’s “law” (words showing the straight path) must always govern our way, we must never “forget” it. (Verse 110) STAY ON COURSE. The “wicked” are all who “have laid a snare for me,” but the faithful are those who “have not strayed from” God’s “precepts” (words highlighting what is pure). “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:25-26). (Verse 111) ENJOY GOD’S CHARACTER. “Testimonies” about God are His dealings with mankind from His Word, and the promise of Heaven is “a heritage forever.” In Christ, we are “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Ephesians 1:12). We are “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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). (Verse 112) KEEP LOOKING UP. An “incline” is designed to go upward, so God’s “statutes” (words marking out our limits) lift us heavenward if we “perform” them. “Forever, to the very end” shows we should leave this life actively serving God. Eternity is determined, not by the height of the pile of good works or absolute purity we have attained, but the direction we are going when we die! “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 9:45 am on March 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Jesus Christ, , , , ,   

    “Has the church of Christ Lost Its Head?” (a power point presentation) 

    http://doverchurchofchrist.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/HasTheChurchOfChristLostItshead.swf

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on March 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , thick-hearted, ,   

    Psalm 119:65-72 Teth Learning Good From Affliction 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:65-72   Teth                         Learning Good From Affliction

    Verses 65-66 say experience teaches;

    Verses 67-72 show how God gives good lessons.

    Verses 65-66: (Verse 65) Based upon what God has said He would do, no one can say God has done them wrong! Many misrepresent what God has promised; or become impatient before He has acted in their lives; or misunderstand His promises; but God has never failed His servants! (Verse 66) By following His “commandments” (precise obedience), we develop “good judgment and knowledge.” By diligent application of God’s commandments, we learn that “solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

    Verses 67-72: (Verse 67) It’s easy to run wild until we learn where the brick walls are. This is why, for many, it takes: drug addiction before desiring to dry out; pre-marital abuse and parenthood before trying marriage; rejecting parents before acknowledging their contributions to life; failing at jobs before learning good work habits; dented fenders before driving caution; facing loneliness before finding Christians; despairing at personal sins before obeying Jesus’ Gospel and being added to the church of Christ. Unfortunately, only then do people discover God’s Word—but at last, they do that! (Verse 68) God’s “statutes” (lines marking proper behavior), when learned, are always “good, and do good.” Jesus said only God is the source of “good” (Matthew 19:17), Jesus is the “good Teacher” (Mark 10:17), whose disciples do “good works” (Matthew 5:16), even for their enemies (Matthew 5:44-45), and are “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).  (Verse 69) Those ruled by their own pride create lies against do-gooders, but whole-hearted obedience of God’s “precepts” (words which make things clear) will keep us faithful to Him. (Verse 70) God’s “law” (words marking the straight path) keeps us on track, instead of following those whose hearts are “fat as grease” (dull, insensitive, sated by sin instead of righteousness). Isaiah’s prophecy spoke of Jews in his day (Isaiah 6:9-10), Jews in Jesus’ day (Mark 4:11-12), and Jews in Paul’s time (Acts 28:23-29). This very attitude should be avoided by all who obey Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:17-20). (Verse 71) “Affliction” is oftentimes, not always, only a reminder that we need to re-learn and return to God’s “statutes” (words defining lines of proper conduct). (Verse 72) God’s “law” (words guiding conduct), therefore, is worth more than any “gold and silver” (valuable metals). Lessons in life through experience are costly, lessons learned through God’s Word are priceless!

    Thought: Living life gives all of us ample opportunity and time to see that we need to learn what God is trying to tell us in the Bible! Life is “discipline” designed to force, even the dull-hearted and hard-headed, to see truth in God’s Word (Hebrews 12:1-11). Whether they accept it or not, they cannot plead ignorance.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:54 am on March 8, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , reproach,   

    Psalm 119:49-56 Zayin Finding Comfort In Affliction 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

     

    Verses 49-50 show our hope is founded upon God’s fulfilled promises;

    Verses 51-54 show how this helps us;

    Verses 55-56 show how this makes God’s Law our own.

    Verses 49-50: (Verse 49) The “hope” of a lover is that the one loved will remember the “word” (covenant, commitment) they have made. God does not forget (2 Peter 3:9), but “remember” lets us know that enough time may have passed from the promise to the fulfillment that we have become edgy. This is why the phrase is used, for God “remembered” his covenant with Noah (Genesis 8:1), Abraham (Genesis 19:29), Rachel (Genesis 30:22), and the Israelites (Exodus 2:24). (Verse 50) When “affliction” (troubles, distresses) attacks us, our “comfort” (ease of mind, confidence) comes from remembering God’s help in the past. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). God’s Word gives us “life” (vitalizes, refreshes our spirit), Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

    Verses 51-54: (Verse 51) The believer is comfortable to remain in the life set forth in God’s “law” (guide, make straight), so the “great derision” of the “proud” cannot affect me. We may be taunted for our faith, but we will never be taunted out of our faith! “For consider Him [Jesus Christ] who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3). (Verse 52) The record of God’s “judgments of old” (decisions, actions for the “good” and punishments against the “bad”) is the written Word of God, which when studied, brings comfort to the reader. God will not miraculously give comfort to us, but has Christians who may come for aid and assistance with the proper passages (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) that we may “comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). (Verse 53) The believer may be provoked by the “wicked, who forsake” God’s law, as Solomon observed: “Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there. I said in my heart, ‘God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work’” (Ecclesiastes 3:16-17). (Verse 54) Reminding ourselves of God’s “statutes” (definite lines marking the difference between good and evil) become our “songs” while we are in our “house of my pilgrimage” (living on earth in our bodies, 2 Corinthians 5:1-4).

    Verses 55-56: (Verse 55) God’s “name” gives comfort and confidence through “the night” (those dreary days, troublesome times, depressions, dreads) as long as we “keep” (observe, obey) God’s “law” and “precepts” (things to notice, directions for conduct). (Verse 56) The comfort of the word of God “has become mine” for it has guided one through “affliction” and maintained “hope.” These personal experiences are what “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:05 am on March 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , mercies,   

    Psalm 119 Waw Living A Life “Prepared” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Waw Psalm 119:41-48                 Living A Life “Prepared”

    Verses 41-44 speak of a person’s covenant with God;

    Verses 45-48 list blessings and responsibilities that accompany God’s salvation.

    Verses 41-44: (Verse 41) God gives “mercies” (plural, because we always need them) which are the only means for which we should receive “salvation.” Jacob spoke to God for all of us when he said: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant” (Genesis 32:10). Paul tells Christians, it is “by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). These “mercies” are revealed through His “word,” even today (Titus 3:1-8). (Verse 42) “So” (in this way) “shall I have an answer” (can make response, give a reason) to the enemy “who reproaches,” whose verbal attacks cannot weaken my “trust in Your word” (also known as “faith,” Romans 10:17). (Verse 43) As long as “the word of truth” (Scriptural reply, as in 1 Peter 3:15) comes from our mouths, we have “hope” based upon God’s “ordinances” (limits in place for our protection from others). (Verse 44) “So” (in this manner) “shall I keep” (obey) God’s “law” (guide, direction), “forever and ever” (from now on).

    Verses 45-48: (Verse 45) To have freedom to “walk at liberty” one must stay within God’s “precepts” (instructions regarding conduct). The “unfasten your seat belt” sign in an airplane does not free one to walk outside the airplane! “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). (Verse 46) The boldness to “speak” comes from confidence in God’s “testimonies” (bearing witness), whether the audience consists of family, friends, or government representatives! (Verse 47) Personal “delight” (satisfaction) comes from a heart of “love” (caring what’s best) for God’s “commandments” (orders to obey). There is no “ego-stroking” or build-up, without loving and keeping God’s commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). (Verse 48) Waving hands in the air is not what is referred to here, but rather obeying God by making our hands meet up with what God commands, thus to “lift up to Your commandments.” Love of God produces obedience because we “meditate” (focus thoughts) on God’s “statutes” (lines marking out our field of play).

    Thought: The more we fill our hearts with God’s Bible, the more prepared we are for whatever we must do, whatever reproach others may say, and where we intend to be in eternity! Jesus said, “blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on March 4, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ, , ,   

    Psalm 119 Gimel 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Gimel Psalm 119:17-24:                        “Finding One’s Way”

    Verses 17-20: (Verse 17) This is a request for God’s blessings that they may give long life for keeping God’s word, a thought later taught by Paul (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). (Verse 18) This is a desire to be “wide awake” and not miss “wondrous things.” All of God’s miracles and might cause “wonder” (the impression on a human mind of “marvel”), so Jesus was to be called “Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6) for His works. (Verse 19) To be “a stranger” is to be in an unfamiliar place, and need to know what to do, instructions which God’s “commandments” provide. Peter will use this term to help Christians know they must rely upon God’s Word (1 Peter 2:11-12). (Verse 20) The person whose heart bursts “with longing,” desire to know God’s decisions about right and wrong (“judgments”) “at all times,” makes it passionate, indeed.

    Verses 21-23: (Verse 21) Recognizes God as unwavering because He doesn’t lower His standards to stroke the ego of those too “proud” to humbly obey Him! (Verse 22) States the other side of verse 21, and that is that God would “remove” the “reproach and contempt” the disobedient people would heap upon someone who obeys God. God’s “testimonies” are the proofs that God’s character is not tainted nor afraid of the wicked, which is His provision for one who has “kept” to God’s side of life. (Verse 23) “Princes” (the “proud” in possession of wealth and power, a.k.a. “government”) “sit and speak against me” (government laws never hold sway over God’s “statutes” (lines marking out the “playing field”), thus it is profitable to “meditate” on what is meaningful. This is echoed by the Apostles of Christ (Acts 4:4-20; 5:27-29; 12:1-5).

    Verse 24: No matter what indignities may be brought upon one of God’s servants who now has become a “stranger” in any land (Matthew 28:18-20), no human can remove the “delight” of studying God’s “testimonies,” for in a confused, immoral, ungodly world, His Bible becomes “counselor” (“advisor, confidante, friend”).

    Thought: The Bible is the only safe, proper, and true guide through life, and it is also much cheaper than psychologists, psychiatrists, prescriptions, friends’ free advice, or faux families!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:11 am on February 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , right hand of the LORD,   

    Psalm 118 

    Vs. 1-4 give a burst of praise to be offered throughout all the people;

    Vs. 5-14 indicate the deliverance from distress God gave that prompted praise;

    Vs. 15-18 give appreciation for the “near miss;”

    Vs. 19-29 show rejoicing when one rejected by men is accepted by God.

    The “praise the LORD” (hallelujah) occurs in verse 19, and this Psalm completes the “set” used in Israelite services. It is intensely personal (“I, me, my” occurring over 30 times), speaks with the authority of a king (verses 10-12), and fits the entrance of David to Jerusalem following the battle and death of Saul (2 Samuel 5:1-13). Though not parallel in every detail, there is a section that is prophetic of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem for the last week of His life (verses 19-26). Chapter and verse numbers and divisions were added to the Bible text by uninspired men as an aid for finding statements within the Bible. It seems to be guided by Providence that the middle verse of the entire Bible is Psalm 118:8!

    Verses 1-4: (Verse 1) It begins and ends (verse 29) with the same gratitude toward God. (Verses 2-4) First the Israelites, then their priests (Aaron), then all others who “fear the LORD” (extends to Gentiles?) should say, “His mercy endures forever.”

    Verses 5-14: (Verse 5) God heard and responded to a cry in “distress,” proving (verse 6) “the LORD is on my side,” concluding “I will not fear” men. This is echoed for Christians in Matthew 10:28 and Romans 8:31, then quoted in Hebrews 13:6. (Verse 7) God will be “for” the obedient and against those who oppose them. (Verse 8) States the main premise of the entire Bible: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in men.” The history of mankind and God’s dealings with them proves this simple truth! People fail, God—never! (Verse 9) States the same thing, applying it even to government personnel! (Verse 10) “All nations” indicates total rejection, both Jew and Gentile, and surely describes the reason Jesus died on the cross (Acts 2:22-24; 13:26-33). (Verses 10-12) David had been “surrounded,” with the ferocity of “bees,” but “in the name of the LORD” would be “destroyed;” “quenched” as if a flash fire of “thorns.” (Verses 13-14) Though “pushed” “violently,” God assisted with “strength,” reason for “song,” and is his “salvation.”

    Verses 15-18: (Verses 15-16) There is “rejoicing” “in the tents of the righteous;” because they have seen “the right hand of the LORD” in action on their behalf. Since “God is spirit” (John 4:24), and Jesus added, “a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have” (Luke 24:39), then obviously we are dealing with a figure of speech in Psalm 118:15-16! (Verses 17-18) This refers to David, because Jesus did see death in His experience (Hebrews 2:9).

    Verses 19-29: (Verses 19-20) Jesus was obeying the Father when He entered Jerusalem to face the cross (Hebrews 5:5-11), thus passed through “the gates of righteousness,” “through which the righteous shall enter.” The “hallelujah” is given here. No one is more “righteous” than Jesus (1 John 2:1)! (Verse 21) God is to be praised “for” responding to the righteous with salvation. (Verses 22-24) Prophesy Jesus Christ as “the stone” rejected by men in the crucifixion, but exalted to “chief cornerstone” by God (Jesus claimed it, Matthew 21:33-45; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; Peter preached it, Acts 4:8-12; 1 Peter 2:1-8). Jesus Christ is “the stone” so rejected by those charged with building, but “the LORD’s doing” raised Jesus from the dead to be on David’s throne in heaven (Acts 2:29-32). This began the new Law with Jesus as King over His kingdom, and “the day the LORD has made” for rejoicing being “the first day of the week” (John 20:1, 19, 26; Acts 2:1, 38-41, 42-47; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). (Verse 25) The “prosperity” God gives is salvation in Jesus Christ (John 10:10), and not the “Gospel of Greed” as some have twisted this verse to mean! Money-grubbers try to take this spiritual meaning from this passage and force it to refer to money. (Verse 26) The very words of the people welcoming Jesus entrance to Jerusalem for His final week are from this verse (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9; Luke 19:38; John 12:12-13)! (Verse 27) The idea of tying “the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar” simply expresses how continual the need for approaching the altar for forgiveness of sins. With David, certainly he did this (2 Samuel 6:17-19), and Jesus Christ “was offered once” (Hebrews 9:23-29; 10:12-14) but continually intercedes for the saints (Hebrews 7:24-27). (Verse 28) People who profanely use “OMG” have not obeyed God and fully appreciated who He is and what He does. (Verse 29) After all is said and done, God is to be “thanked” because “His mercy endures forever.”

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:07 am on February 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Jesus Christ, , ,   

    Psalm 117 

    Vs. 1-2 give “praise to the LORD.”

    This is the last of the “Hallel” Psalms (113-118) which begins and ends with a “Hallelujah.” This 30-word Psalm is the shortest chapter in the Bible. This Psalm is addressed to “Gentiles,” which proves the Jews were never intended by God to be His people forever. God’s plan for salvation always included “Gentiles” as this Psalm shows. God promised a people to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), and a land (Genesis 13:14-16). The land promise was fulfilled (Joshua 21:43-45) and preserved (2 Chronicles 36:15-23; Jeremiah 25:1-14), the Israelites kept to preserve the lineage for Jesus to be born as the “only begotten Son of God” (Matthew 1:1-25; Galatians 3:1-29; Ephesians 3:1-12). Jesus Christ is now the King of His kingdom of Christians (John 18:36; Acts 17:7; 2:29-38).

    Verse 1: “Praise the LORD” (Hallelujah), a thought common to Israelites, is directly pointed to “Gentiles” (an Israelite term referring to all non-covenant people). The call is for all people to have one worship for the One God, and for the same reasons. The Law of Moses stood between Jews and Gentiles, requiring Gentiles to observe Moses (Exodus 12:49; Numbers 15:1-31), but now that Law has been removed and Jews are expected to obey the Law of Christ as well as Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-22). The only unity is found in Christ (Romans 3:19-31).

    Verse 2: God’s “merciful kindness” has been demonstrated not only for the Jews, but also the rest of humanity, time and time again. Only in “Harlotwood’s” fantasies does Satan, evil, and wickedness prevail. Another expression for “merciful kindness” is “grace,” best expressed in Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). God’s “truth” is the only absolute truth to be found: His promises stand until He fulfills them; His Creation operates by His complex laws; His people (Christians) know His moral code brings purity to the impure; His Bible stands every challenge to its integrity; faith in Him gives certainty to the fearful. There is no other “truth” except that which is based upon God’s truth contained in His Creation and Bible. Solomon’s Book of Proverbs recorded: “So that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?” (Proverbs 22:19-21)

    Because God’s Way is best and planned for all men, indeed, “praise the LORD.”

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:13 am on February 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Children of Israel, , , , Jesus Christ   

    Psalm 114 

    Vs. 1-8 look back at what God had done to make Israel a nation.

    It is always beneficial for a people to look back to their origins, unless they continue to live in the past and not appreciate their present. Israelites needed to meditate upon the God whose works delivered their “fathers” from slavery in Egypt, and made them a nation, with a covenant law with God, and a land from God. It’s pathetic to see people with slavery in their people’s history, who are blind to their advantages since then. In America’s history, there have been slaves brought across its shores (for example, Irish indentured servants or Africans as household or plantation slaves), but to live with the present blessings, while complaining about the past, refuses to acknowledge the blessings that have come from God with the passing of time. Nothing in Psalm 114 was designed to inflame the Israelites against the Egyptians because of their enslavement in the past. Christians look back at their past, grateful for their deliverance from their sins, and their perseverance toward their heavenly goal (Hebrews 10:32-35).

    Verses 1-2: Jacob and Esau were twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 25:26-28). Esau, also named, “Edom” (Genesis 25:30), and then Jacob, whom God renamed “Israel,” (Genesis 32:24-32), were the beginning of God’s covenant people, “the children of Israel,” and “Edomites” represented Gentiles in prophecy. Jacob fathered “Judah,” and along with his other sons, the Children of Israel were thus divided into the 12 tribes of the Children of Israel. Thus, [The Children of] “Israel went out of Egypt” (Exodus 1-14), also known as “the house of Jacob,” with special emphasis on the tribe of “Judah” (through whom Jesus Christ would be born, Hebrews 7:14). The “people of strange language” were the Egyptians, because their language was different from the Hebrew spoken by the Israelites.

    Verses 3-6: “The sea” was the Red Sea that God divided (Exodus 14:15-31) to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt, and “Jordan” River was also divided (Joshua 3:14-17) to permit the Israelites to cross over its flooded bed on dry land into their Promised Land. “The mountains skipped” when God’s presence was represented on Mount Sinai at the giving of the Law to Moses (Exodus 19:16-20), and other parts of the mountains (“little hills”) participated, as well. “What ails you” calls attention to the fact that these disturbances could not have been caused by anyone, except God!

    Verses 7-8: Since “God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3), and God destroyed all life on the dry land of the earth with a universal flood (Genesis 7:21-23), then the “earth” and all people on it, should “tremble” (quake in awe) “at the presence of the Lord,” “the God of Jacob.” If the children of Israel were in awe when Moses received their Law at Mt. Sinai, how much more should all people respect “Him who speaks from Heaven,” that is, Jesus Christ and His Law, the New Testament (Hebrews 12:18-29)?

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:49 am on February 20, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ, Passover, praise the LORD   

    Psalm 113 

    Vs. 1-3 call for man to give praise to God;

    Vs. 4-6 because of God’s “glory;”

    Vs. 7-9 remembering God’s grace toward men.

    This is the third straight “Hallel” Psalm, so-called because each begins with “Hallelujah” (“Praise the LORD”). The Israelite “Passover” was an annual national holiday celebrating the death of the first-born in Egypt, when the angel of God would “Passover” the Israelite houses where doorways were stained with blood of a lamb (Exodus 12). This pictured Jesus’ sacrifice for those baptized into His death, so God would “Passover” a person’s sins (I Corinthians 5:7; Romans 6:3-7). The Israelites would sing Psalms 113-114 before observing Passover, and Psalms 115-118 afterwards.

    Verses 1-3: (Verse 1) Who should “praise the LORD?” “Servants of the LORD.” That means that those who haven’t obeyed, or refuse to obey, the LORD, cannot properly praise Him. Only those in the kingdom of Christ by “new birth” (John 3:3-5) “are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28). (Verse 1) What should be praised? “The name of the LORD.” It represents power over life, loving concern for our lives, and the longsuffering in time while we change our lives. (Verse 2) When should His name be praised? “From this time and forevermore.” Praise should last as long as time. (Verse 3) How often should His name be praised? “From the rising of the sun to its going down.” Any time of any day is appropriate. Praising God’s name is not to be limited to, nor fulfilled by, an hour or two on Sunday, but not also home, school, business, government! Doing some good deeds does not cancel the need for worship gatherings (Hebrews 13:15-16).

    Verses 4-6: (Verse 4) God is above the nations and heavens, and therefore untouched by human hands! That’s why no astronaut or space probe can ever “see” Him. (Verse 5) There is no “god” or “myth” equal to Him. Christians “know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live” (1 Corinthians 8:4-6). (Verse 6) There is no “god” or “myth” which intervenes in human matters, as Bible history shows.

    Verses 7-9: (Verses 7-8) Years before, Hannah had praised God with these very words (1 Samuel 2:8), and was blessed with the son, Samuel; it was part of Mary’s appreciation for birthing Jesus (Luke 1:52); and happens when a sinner is raised from defilement (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). God has brought His people up from human dust and dunghill, and continues through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to call people from their miserable, sinful state (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-41). (Verse 9) A “barren woman” who is granted the joys of having a child has feelings almost unmatched in human hearts. Just so, God blesses His people (then Israelites, now Christians) with “life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25), and “every good gift, and every perfect gift” (James 1:17), so that Christians now “do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:55 am on February 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ,   

    Psalm 112 

    Vs. 1-9 show God reflected in His people;

    Vs. 10 shows who can’t stand this.

    Psalm 111 describes the character of God that prompts praise; Psalm 112 describes the character of those who “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 10:34-35). “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6).

    Verses 1-9:  (Verse 1) “Praise the LORD” (is the word, Hallelujah). To “fear the LORD” is to respect His commandments. (Verses 2-3) Right-thinking can be passed on to children and grandchildren (Genesis 18:16-19), but so also can disobedience (2 Kings 17:41). Benefits of right-thinking (“Wealth and riches”) may also be shared with children, as Solomon will later say: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22).  (Verses 4-5) If troubles are like “darkness” then “light” is what God provides the righteous to help guide them through it: “The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out” (Proverbs 13:9). God’s person will develop God’s characteristics of being “gracious,” “righteous,” and “full of compassion.” Jesus later teaches this in Luke 6:35-36.  (Verses 6-8) There will be stability in the life of the righteous, not a total absence of difficulties, but the certainty that comes of knowing how to return to life’s main purpose: to please God (Hebrews 11:6). To “never be shaken” means knowing on whose side one stands, even when “evil tidings” are hurled by Satan’s followers, and knowing God’s final judgment condemns “his enemies” (Proverbs 10:24-25). “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The LORD will judge His people’” (Hebrews 10:30). Christians today should “not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:9); “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15).  (Verse 9) This good behavior is suitable for everyone, everywhere, thus “dispersed abroad” (without prejudices, Mark 16:15-16; Romans 10:8-18) and “given to the poor” (who cannot repay, Luke 14:12-14; Matthew 25:31-46).

    Verse 10: “The wicked” can’t stand to see the righteous rewarded, which was first seen when Cain killed his brother (Genesis 4:1-8; Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:11-12). Ever since then, doing good can be dangerous, but always right. “Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ [quoted from Proverbs 25:21-22] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:11 am on February 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Jesus Christ, , , works of the LORD   

    Psalm 111 

    Vs. 1 gives praise to “the LORD;”

    Vs. 2-9 point to His works as evidence;

    Vs.10 gives the conclusion for those who praise Him.

    This Psalm seems to call to mind why Israelites, particularly, should “praise the LORD.” Another reminder of God’s works for them appeals to their gratitude. There is a corresponding reminder for Christians today in these words, also.

    Verse 1: “Praise the LORD” (or Hallelujah) with the “whole heart” (nothing held back), in the “assembly” (small gathering), and “congregation” (larger, more public gathering).

    Verses 2-9: “The works of the LORD” are: (verse 2) “great” (impressive), “studied” (sought out), by those who serve the LORD wanting to know more (Judges 2:7); (verse 3) “honorable and glorious” (His perfection) “righteous” (always the right thing to do); (verse 4) designed “to be remembered” (Ecclesiastes 3:14), even His grace and compassion (bringing Israel out of Egypt, Exodus 6-14, or saving sinners through Jesus’ cross, Hebrews 2:1-4); (verse 5) God provides for those who “fear Him” (having gone through the wilderness, Deuteronomy 8:1-9; or becoming a member of the kingdom of Christ, Matthew 6:25-33; 1 Timothy 6:6-8), always true to His “covenant” (to preserve Abraham’s descendants until Jesus Christ, Exodus 2:24-25; or fulfill His covenant with salvation through Jesus Acts 3:24-26); (verse 6) God gave “His people” their Promised Land taken from “the nations” in Canaan (Joshua 21:43-45; or Christians making disciples “of all the nations,” Matthew 28:18-19); (verse 7) all God does is based upon “verity” (truth) and “judgment” (justice) and are “sure” (never needing to be appealed); (verse 8) God’s plans, purposes, and precepts “stand fast forever” (are above any failure or “shadow of turning,” James 1:17); (verse 9) He has given “redemption” to His people (Israelites, Exodus 15:11-13, Christians, Colossians 1:13-14), hence “His name” is in a category to itself (at the burning bush for Israel’s deliverance, Exodus 3:1-15, for sinners today, Acts 8:12-17).

    Verse 10: Respect for God (“fear of the LORD,” Proverbs 1:7; 14:27; 22:4) is “the beginning of wisdom.” Little wonder, therefore, how unintelligent people become who keep God out of their classrooms, governments, businesses, or homes (Ephesians 4:17-20). Everyone who searches the works of the LORD finds praising God easily done!

    Thought: In the King James Version, Psalm 111:9 used a Latin word “reverend,” the only time that word is used of God. Actually, the word, which is translated “awesome” in the New King James Version is used many other times in the Scriptures, but still mostly only of God and His works. Just as the word “reverend” has been profaned by false teachers in religion, so the word “awesome” has now become commonly used for mundane things. It is a never-ending struggle to keep some word, or words, reserved for God, alone, but wholly worth it! Christians must “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • TFRStaff 5:05 am on February 17, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: accusations, Jesus Christ   

    39 accusations against Jesus 

    Jon Gary Williams tabulated the accusations against Christ in the gospels. He allowed us to put his list online. You can read it here:

    http://bible.tiddlyspace.com/#AccusationsAgainstJesus

    The list serves to highlight how our Lord was falsely accused.

    He was despised and avoided by others;

    a man who suffered, who knew sickness well.

    Like someone from whom people hid their faces,

    he was despised, and we didn’t think about him.

    Isa 53.3 CEB

    But he still pressed on with his mission. Quite a lesson for his people!

    In the judgment and crucifixion of Christ, Luke gives three witnesses to his innocence. The innocent suffering for the guilty. Obviously, there had to be some trumped-up charges for him to die. He suffered an “unjust ruling” (Isa 53.8 CEB).

     

  • TFRStaff 5:15 am on February 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Jesus Christ   

    Who is Jesus? 

    Was He just a man? What does the Bible say about Jesus?

    1. Jesus is God blessed forever — Romans 9:5
    2. He is Mighty God, or God with us – Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23
    3. He and the Father are “one” – John 10:30; 33
    4. To see Him is to see the Father – John 14:9-10
    5. God said, “This is my beloved Son” – Matthew 3:17
    6. The “Word” (Christ) was God and with the Father in the beginning — John 1:1,14
    7. The Son is called God on His throne forever — Hebrews 1:8
    8. Christ is called the Lord of glory — I Corinthians 2:8
    9. Jesus’ flesh and bones could be handled after being raised — Luke 24:39
    10. His hands could be seen, His side could be touched — John 20:27
    11. All things were created by Christ — Colossians 1:16
    12. In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (deity) — Colossians 2:9
    13. Christ was equal with God — Philippians 2:6
    14. Christ is the image of God — II Corinthians 4:4
    15. He is the very image of God’s person — Hebrews 1:3
    16. He is superior to angels — Hebrews 1:4-5
    17. The Son has neither beginning nor ending — Hebrews 7:3
    18. Jesus was before Abraham’s birth — John 8:58
    19. He said His body would be raised — John 2:19-21
    20. He showed Himself alive by many proofs — Acts 1:3
    21. If Christ is not raised, apostles are false witnesses — I Corinthians 15:14, 15
    22. Without resurrection, faith and preaching are vain — I Corinthians 15:12-19
    23. He appeared to over 500 at once — I Corinthians 15:3-9
    24. Every eye shall see Him at His return — Revelation 1:7

    —Adapted by Darrell Powell

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:47 am on February 15, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Jesus as King, Jesus as Priest, Jesus Christ, , Melchizedek, ,   

    Psalm 110 

    Vs. 1-7 are a purely prophetic picture of Jesus Christ.

    Jesus Christ said this Psalm was written by the Holy Spirit through David (Mark 12:35-36). All commentators who question or challenge this authorship are unworthy of any consideration, and probably are wrong in many other places in their comments! Commentators who cannot see this absolute conclusion about this authorship are blind, and “if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:14). Psalm 110 is one of the purest, clearest, prophecies of Jesus Christ in the entire Old Testament!

    Verse 1: Contains a fact about Jesus Christ being King that is quoted by: Jesus Christ to show that David spoke of Him as “Lord” and not “son”(Matthew 22:41-46); Peter quoted it (Acts 2:30-35) to prove that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead to sit on David’s throne in Heaven; probably Paul (Hebrews 1:13) to show that Jesus Christ is NOT an “angel;” and again by Peter (1 Peter 3:21-22) to show that after Jesus’ resurrection, He has all authority “in heaven and on earth” (as Jesus claimed, Matthew 28:18). “For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:25-26).

    Verse 2: Jesus began His Kingdom Rule “out of Zion” (often a reference to Jerusalem), for after His resurrection, He went outside of Jerusalem and “was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). Anyone who teaches a doctrine that denies that Jesus is now on David’s throne in Heaven is denying that He was raised from the dead and ascended into Heaven.

    Verse 3: “Volunteers” describes the free-will obedience of all who follow Jesus today. Jesus commanded “the wind and the sea” to obey and they did (Mark 4:35-41), but Jesus gave people choice as to whether or not to obey Him (John 6:44-45). Paul preached the Gospel to Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). There never has been forced obedience by the Holy Spirit!

    Verse 4: God has sworn that Jesus Christ is “a priest forever:” (1) on David’s throne, He is Priest and King (Zechariah 6:12-13), but on earth, Jesus was not from the priestly tribe under Moses’ Law (Hebrews 7:11-14), therefore David’s throne is not on earth; (2) only Jesus Christ has ever been a “High Priest” “according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6, 10; 7:11, 17, 21), whose history is in Genesis 14:18-24, and, since no mention is recorded of his beginning, tribe, or death (Hebrews 7:1-4), only Jesus could parallel that background;  (3) Jesus, to be High Priest, “has passed through the heavens” (Hebrews 4:14-15) and was “without sin,” which never was true of anyone else who claimed to have “the priesthood of Melchizedek” bestowed upon him.

    Verses 5-7: Jesus Christ has been given all judgment (John 5:21-23), and will execute that judgment against “workers of iniquity” on the Day of Judgment (John 5:28-30; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10). To “lift up the head” in total and complete victory concludes Jesus’ work, and our “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57); and, “this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith” (1 John 5:4).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:15 am on February 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Jesus Christ, ,   

    Psalm 109 

    Vs. 1-5 show how hateful someone can become;

    Vs. 6-15 appeal for God to “let” bad things happen to an evil-doer;

    Vs. 16-20 give the reason for God to let it happen;

    Vs. 21-27 contrast how God would help the righteous;

    Vs. 28-31 praise God for handling judgment right.

    This Psalm was written by David, who had been betrayed by his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, who counseled rebel son Absalom against his father, David, but when that counsel wasn’t followed, went out and hanged himself (2 Samuel 15:12-17:23). This paralleled Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ, and went out and hanged himself (Matthew 26:45-56; 27:3-5). Psalm 109:8, therefore, is quoted by Peter in Acts 1:20 as a prophecy of Judas Iscariot. Interesting to note, Psalm 109 says about a betrayer what Jesus would never say, but is a fair judgment for such a dastardly deed.

    Verses 1-5: The problem is laid before God (verse 1; 1 Peter 5:7); the wicked speak from the heart (verse 2; Matthew 12:33-37); hate speech leads to the death of a righteous person (verse 3; quoted by Jesus, John 15:23-25); only wicked people return evil for good (verses 4-5) the opposite of what Jesus taught (Luke 6:27-28), for David and Jesus gave themselves over “to prayer.”

    Verses 6-15: What worse punishment could be done, than to do to the wicked what they do to others, with Satan (“accuser”) standing by? (verse 6); his prayers mean nothing (verse 7); for God to stand back and “let” the wicked: live a shortened life and be replaced (verse 8); be the last of his family (verse 9); leave nothing to his children (verse 10); lose all his life savings (verse 11); be shown no mercy (verse 12); lose his legacy (verse 13); pay for the sins of his parents (verses 14-15).

    Verses 16-20: This is justifiable “because” the wicked: showed no mercy to the poor, needy, broken hearted (verse 16); cursed others and seldom blessed (verse 17); wore cursing as clothes that rot his inside (verses 18-19); so let it be done (verse 20).

    Verses 21-27: Plead for God to deal differently with the righteous: to show others His “name’s sake” (verse 21); to see David’s frailties as “poor and needy” and “wounded” (verse 22); disappearing shadow, or wind-blown locust (verse 23); weakness through fasting (verses 24); object of ridicule (verse 25); only God can change things (verse 26); and so doing, demonstrate to others something only God could do (verse 27).

    Verses 28-31: Trust God to judge rightly between the wicked and His servant (verse 28); let wicked be covered in their own shame (verse 29); God is to be praised “among the multitude” (verse 30); for His deliverance of the “poor” from those who “condemn him” (verse 31).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 1:39 pm on February 13, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Jesus Christ, , , Vicar of Christ   

    Jesus Christ Resigns As The Head of the Church of Christ! (that is, if Roman Catholic Church claims are right!) 

    1. The “Papacy” IS The Pinnacle Of Apostasy In “The Roman Catholic Church!” Please read                                                      2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

              A. “There is no difference between the Pope and Jesus Christ” (“St.” Thomas Aquinas, Summa Thelogica xxxiv and Papal Bull of Pope Pius V in 1570.)

    B. Catholic Johann Joseph Ignaz von Dollinger, once wrote: ”In future every Catholic Christian when asked why he believes this or that can and may give but the one answer: I believe or reject it because the  infallible Pope has bidden it to be believed or rejected” (Declarations and Letters, pgs. 101,101.)

    2. The Roman Catholic Church Has Maintained 4 Different Views Regarding The Authority Of The “Pope” [all of which are false, because there is NO  “Pope” of souls except God! (Matthew 23:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3-5)]

              A. Minister not Master, Executive not Legislative held by these: Popes: Pius, Julius, Siricius, Zozimus, Celestine, Sixtus, Gregory,  Eugenius,  Innocent, Adrian; Councils: Pisa, Constantinople (4th Session), Basil (2nd &                     33rd Session); yet he was given “infallible” status.

    B. Unlimited Sovereignty, Civil & Ecclesiastical held by these: Popes:  Celestine, Gelasius, Leo, Nicholas, Gregory the 7th, Urban, Pascal, Boniface the 8th, Clement, Paul the 4th ; Councils: Florence gave authority to teach              all Christians in whole world, Lateran (5th)-gave Leo equal power with the councils, Trent (14th)-“supreme power in the universal church;” Cardillus-The pontiff “holds as a mortal God, the place of Christ on earth, and cannot be judged by a general council;” Orders:  Jesuits.

    C. Equal With God: “The pope and the Lord form the same tribunal, so that, sin excepted, the pope can do nearly all that God can do.”  (Innocent,   Jacobatius, Decius); Popes: Gregory, Nicholas, Innocent;                    Councils:    Lateran, Trent-The pope “has the power of dispensing with  all laws, and the same authority as the Lord.” (Lainez).

    D. Superior With God: Canon Law: “The Pope, in the plenitude of his power, is above right, can change the substantial nature of things,  and transform unlawful into lawful;” Cardinal Bellarmine: “The Pope can transubstantiate sin into duty, and duty into sin.”

    3. The Jesus Christ of the New Testament has NO human representative (“vicar”) on earth, except as reflected in those who keep His commandments (John 15:9-17). This Jesus:

    A. Loves “the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). NO “POPE” EVER SACRIFICED HIMSELF FOR THE CHURCH!

    B. Never abandons His Church “bride” like a husband who should remain with his wife. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the  church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25). NO “POPE” IS FAITHFUL TO THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF CHRIST!

    C. Was raised from the dead to be the head of His body, the church (Ephesians 1:20-23), a position He has in “heavenly places” NOT on earth!  NO “POPE”  QUALIFIED TO BE THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BY BEING RAISED FROM THE DEAD!

    D. “Is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (Ephesians  5:23).   NO “Savior of the body” will “resign” – and Jesus never has nor will,   for “He    always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). NO                           “POPE” MAKES INTERCESSION FOR SAINTS LIKE JESUS CHRIST (1 Timothy 2:5)!

    E. NEVER makes mistakes or sins, as “Popes” have! “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need  daily, as those       high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself” (Hebrews 7:26-27).    NO “POPE” IS WITHOUT SIN, BUT MUST REPENT AND BE FORGIVEN OF HIS OWN SINS, THEREFORE CANNOT  STAND IN THE PLACE OF JESUS CHRIST (Hebrews 4:15)!

    The present Roman Catholic Church does NOT represent New Testament Christianity, NOR does the “Pope” represent Jesus Christ on earth!

    —–John T. Polk II

     

      • John T. Polk II 9:25 am on March 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Torrey,
        Thank you for your thorough research, and clear presentation of the truth on this subject. God bless you in your labors in the Vineyard. It is humbling to have some material included in your work. John T. Polk II

  • John T. Polk II 4:55 am on February 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Jesus Christ, ,   

    Psalm 103 

    Vs. 1-5 describe what individual attention God provides;

    Vs. 6-14 describe what national attention God gave Israel;

    Vs. 15-18 describe human frailty, and therefore, need for God;

    Vs. 19-22 show the place and work of angels.

    This Psalm is written in the style of other Psalms written by David; for those under Moses’ Law (verse 7), which “was appointed through angels” (verses 19-21; Acts 7:52-53; Galatians 3:19); and illustrates what God still does for Christians (verse 19). Thus, this Psalm is most popular among Christians. The work of “angels” is described in Psalm 103:21, and used in Hebrews 1:14. “Bless the LORD” occurs some 6 times in this Psalm, but because it is not the 7 times which often speaks of God’s perfection, indicates we cannot perfectly “Bless the LORD.”

    Verses 1-5: “Bless the LORD, O my soul” (verses 1-2) indicates how personal one’s relationship with Jehovah should be: “all that is within me,” “forget not all His benefits.” He is identified as the God Who: “forgives all your iniquities” (verse 3); “heals all your diseases;” “redeems your life” (verse 4); “crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” “satisfies your mouth with good” (verse 5); “renewed” “like the eagle” when molting, produces new feathers with which to fly. All of God’s blessings for individuals are designed for renewal of the soul (2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 4:20-24).

    Verses 6-14: Collectively, as a nation, Moses’ Law described what God did for them: “righteousness” and “justice” for their oppression (verse 6); (verse 7) encompasses Exodus-Malachi; “merciful,” “gracious,” “slow to anger,” “abounding in mercy” (verse 8; Joel 2:12-14; Jonah 4:2); however, there is a limit to His patience (verse 9); there is unlimited mercy for the sins of “those who fear Him” (verse 10-11); complete in His forgiveness (verse 12; Hebrews 8:6-13); parental in “pity” (verse 13; Proverbs 3:12); thorough in his understanding “that we are dust” (verse 14; Genesis 3:19; 1 Corinthians 15:47-50).

    Verses 15-18: Regarding human frailty, life is like “grass:” limited in length of days (verse 15), and easily blown away (verse 16). God, however, may always be counted upon for “mercy” (verse 17) “on those who fear Him;” and guide toward righteousness for generations to come those who (verse 18): “keep His covenant,” and “remember His commandments to do them.”

    Verses 19-22: Since the LORD’s “throne” is “in heaven” (verse 19), and His “kingdom rules over all,” then the work of “angels” is to bridge the chasm between God and men. “Angels” compared to humans are: stronger (verse 20); more obedient; “bless the LORD” by complete obedience (verse 21); “bless the LORD” completely (verse 22).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on February 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Jesus Christ, ,   

    Psalm 102 

    Vs. 1-11 describe feeling of suffering;

    Vs. 12-22 speak of the hope that God would act on their behalf;

    Vs. 23-28 acknowledge that only God can help.

    Though the author of this Psalm is unidentified, the reference to “Zion” (Jerusalem) needing to be restored (verse 13) places the time frame at the end of the Babylonian Captivity (2 Chronicles 36). Psalm 102:25-27 are quoted in Hebrews 1:10-12 as an address to the “Son” of God (Hebrews 1:8). Therefore this reference in Psalm 102 was far-reaching toward “the generation to come” (verse 18), and the work of the eternal Son of God (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:1-21).

    Verses 1-11: This begins with an urgent appeal for God to hear (verses 1-2) because: (verse 3) life is brief as smoke and fire; (verses 4-5) the heart is burdened and body aches; (verses 6-7) loneliness is like the “pelican,” “owl,” “sparrow” all out of their element, and keeps the Psalmist “awake;” enemies are active (verse 8); food doesn’t appeal (verse 9); the feeling of alienation from God (verses 10-11) is like a lengthening shadow.

    Verses 12-22: God, however, is capable of helping because He: is timeless (verse 12); has reached the end of the 70 years of exile for Judah/Israel (verse 13; 2 Chronicles 36:15-23; Jeremiah 25:8-14); sees His people seeking to return to the Promised Land (verse 14); preserves His people (verses 15-17); will see that this return is preserved in Scripture for all time (verse 18; Ezra-Nehemiah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi); is merciful and forgiving (verses 19-22).

    Verses 23-28: Our lives are in the hand of God (verses 23-24a), but God is above all time constraints (verses 24b-27), and eternity is for those who faithfully serve Him (verse 28; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 1 John 2:17).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on February 4, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , government leaders, Jesus Christ, , slanderers   

    Psalm 101 

    Vs. 1-4 declare David’s personal resolutions;

    Vs. 5-8 declare David’s royal resolutions against others’ evil.

    This Psalm was written by David as he became king (by Samuel, 1 Samuel 16:13; at Hebron, 2 Samuel 2:4). David truly understood a king’s responsibility, as Solomon later wrote: “A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes” (Proverbs 20:8); “A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them” (Proverbs 20:26); “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). There was no “separation of church and state,” for the head of “state” determined his “church” would influence him to lead well. And so it should be!

    Verses 1-4: The King would praise the God who was over him (verse 1) and follow the principles based upon God’s characteristics of “mercy and justice.” To “behave wisely in a perfect way” (verse 2) refers not to sinlessness, but to “completely, or consistently,” even at home! The difference between public and private behavior should not be drastically different, as YouTube and Facebook could show. If “what you see is what you get,” then David didn’t want to see it (verse 3)! A man, with the best of intentions, may still fall to his temptations (2 Samuel 11:1-5; 12:9). It is loyalty to God to hate those who “turn aside” (Proverbs 8:13). “A perverse heart” (or “twisted”) kept him simple, honest (verse 4) to accept rebuke for his sins (2 Samuel 12:1-14). To “know wickedness” is to give it your time and attention. David was determined “not to know wickedness,” that is, keep all who carried this dreaded spiritual condition far from him (to have a child’s heart, Deuteronomy 1:39; Jonah 4:11).

    Verses 5-8: “Secret slander” (verse 5) cannot be mistaken for good (Proverbs 10:18), nor can it be passed off as “being a sound preacher!” The fact that it is “secret” shows the disgusting underhandedness of the one spreading it, and it is an obvious manifestation of a perverse heart without love. “Whisperers, backbiters” are listed with “haters of God” and given up by God (Romans 1:28-32)! Such people are also guilty of a “haughty look” and “proud heart” and seldom repent of their “secret” wickedness. Since Jesus Christ now sits on David’s throne in heaven (Acts 2:29-32), these sins are an abomination to Him and banned from His kingdom (2 Corinthians 12:19-21). David’s attention will be to “the faithful of the land” (verse 6), for only they would help him in the right way (Proverbs 11:20). David seemed to know: “If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked” (Proverbs 29:12). Since verse 7 is the negative of verse 6, applied today, no faithful Christian “works deceit” and no one who “tells lies” “walks in a perfect way.” David would waste no time in ridding the land of “all the wicked,” (verse 8) as defined in Moses’ Law (Exodus 34:10-17). Jesus Christ now reigns over his kingdom (the church of Christ, Colossians 1:9-14) and Psalm 101 could be His banner over His throne.

    Thought: From our hearts to God’s ear: Give us government leaders like David, and help us know how to select them. May we teach all who would lead to follow Psalm 101 and Jesus Christ.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:18 am on February 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Jesus Christ, , ,   

    Psalm 100 

    Vs. 1-5 make an open invitation for all to approach God.

    This Psalm describes God’s accessibility for all who will hear and obey. Though not directly “Messianic,” that is, pointing specifically to Jesus Christ, this invitation can be fully appreciated today because we have Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

    Verse 1: A “joyful shout” speaks of the happiness in the heart of one who obeys God. When the children of Israel returned to their Promised Land after 70 years of exile, “they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy; for the LORD made them joyful” (Ezra 6:21-22). Jesus said; “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Paul wrote: “I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith” (Philippians 1:25). Christians hope to hear, “Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21, 23). In Psalm 100:1, the expression “all you lands” reaches beyond the Israelites who were limited to their land.

    Verse 2: “Serve” with “gladness” shows the satisfaction one has in knowing that God is pleased. One of God’s witnesses to all people is that: “He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). King Hezekiah and the priests offered their sacrifice and “sang praises with gladness” (2 Chronicles 29:27-30). When people obeyed the Gospel of Christ for the first time by repenting and being baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” they “they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:38, 46). To “Come before” God “with singing” shows  values in congregational song: God is praised, and the people are taught (Ephesians 5:19-20). Israelites could “come before the LORD on the appointed feast days” (Ezekiel 46:9), thus to “come before the LORD” showed congregational worship.  Job rightly said, “a hypocrite could not come before Him” (Job 13:16).

    Verse 3: “Know” acknowledges certainty of faith: (1) “The LORD, He is God” and no one else can be. At no time can a human claim to be or become “God.” (2) God decides who are, or are not, His people. Humans do not make this decision with their prejudice, membership rolls, or creeds, rather “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18). (3) God is the Shepherd of the Israelite sheep, a role Jesus Christ claimed for His Christians (John 10:1-5, 11-18; Hebrews 13:20-21).

    Verse 4: “Enter” with “thanksgiving” and “praise” is the word of an open door to all who will come with appreciation for God. Jesus said we must “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

    Verse 5: Because the LORD has provided the way, this offer stands, for God’s “goodness,” “mercy,” and “truth” never changes or passes away. Jesus’ invitation still stands: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:22 am on January 31, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Jesus Christ,   

    Psalm 99 

    Vs. 1-3 claim for the LORD a superior place;

    Vs. 4-5 mention His superior characteristics;

    Vs. 6-9 show His superior “track record.”

    This Psalm is one of three beginning with “The LORD reigns” (Psalm 93; 97; 99). Each section ends the same: “He is holy” (verse 3), “He is holy” (verse 5), “God is holy” (verse 9), or He is above any and all taint from sin. Couched in language identified with Old Testament Israelites, its claim for God is true with the churches of Christ.

    Verses 1-3: Jehovah (“LORD,” verse 1) is superior (“reigns”); Gentiles (“peoples”) “tremble;” “between the cherubim” (either over the ark of covenant, Exodus 25:18-22, or Jesus as the Christians’ mercy seat, a.k.a. “propitiation,” 1 John 2:2); and all people be impressed (“moved”). The LORD’s greatness is seen in Jerusalem (“Zion,” Verse 2), but He is also above Gentiles (“all the peoples”), for Jesus taught “true worshipers” must not now go to Samaria or Jerusalem (John 4:21-24). God deserves His “great and awesome name” (verse 3).

    Verses 4-5: But God uses His “name” for the establishment of “justice,” “equity,” “righteousness” (verse 4) among His descendants of Jacob (or “Israel”). Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, and “the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:30-33). “The house of Jacob” refers not to “children of the flesh” but “the children of the promise” (Romans 9:6-8), or Christians (Galatians 3:24-29). To “exalt” God (verse 5) and for us to “worship at His footstool” would widen the gap between God and His worshippers, for earth is His footstool (Acts 7:48-49).

    Verses 6-9: In verse 6, the accurate Bible records of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are offered as proof that “They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.”

    That same inspired Biblical record (with no missing books!) shows that God answered (verse 7): Moses with Law (Exodus 33:9); Aaron with judgment (Numbers 12:5-9), and Samuel with victory (1 Samuel 7:9; 12:18). God forgave the sinners (verse 8), but punished the sins of Moses and Aaron (Numbers 12:20), and Samuel’s undisciplined sons (1 Samuel 8:1-20). In Jesus Christ, God forgives sinners who repent (Luke 5:30-32; 24:46-47; Acts 2:38), and punishes sinners’ sins: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). To “exalt God” (verse 9) is to raise Him highest in our devotion; “His holy hill,” once Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 3:1), is anywhere Christians assemble to worship Him His way (Acts 17:24-25; 18:7-8).

    Thought: as each section of this Psalm ends with “He is holy” we may praise Him who is “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.”

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:02 am on January 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Jesus Christ, ,   

    Psalm 98 

    Vs. 1-3 point to Whom we should give praise;

    Vs. 4-6 mention how thoroughly we should give praise;

    Vs. 7-9 show how widespread this praise should be shared.

    There is no indication of time, place, or author for this Psalm, although it easily matches some of David’s Psalms of praise to God. For those who desire positive messages, this is THE Psalm! There is no description of enemies, destruction, death, sorrows, punishments, or afflictions. It speaks of salvation, which only completely comes through Jesus Christ. All animal sacrifices before Jesus Christ were reminders that the worshipers were not completely forgiven. “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:3-4). “And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:11-14). Psalm 98 emphasizes a “salvation” so complete and universal that it could only be describing that found in Jesus Christ.

    Verses 1-3: “Sing to the LORD,” (verse 1) says how, “a new song” is what, and is the same song before God’s throne in Heaven about the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:6-10). This Psalm is pointing to the future forgiveness through Jesus’ blood (Hebrews 9:15). God’s “marvelous things” are all He did to deliver Israel from Egypt (Acts 7:35-36), and ultimately through Jesus Christ (Matthew 8:23-27; 9:1-8, 32-33). “From His right hand Came a fiery law for them” (Deuteronomy 33:2), “and His holy arm” redeemed Israel from Assyria so that they might offer animal sacrifices under Moses’ Law (Isaiah 52:9-10). God’s plan of salvation (verse 2), “now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations” (Romans 16:25-27). God’s “faithfulness to the house of Israel” (verse 3) was to offer salvation through Jesus to “the ends of the earth.”

    Verses 4-6: Those who understand and accept this wonderful salvation cannot contain it. They will: “Shout joyfully to the LORD” (verse 4), “Break forth in song,” “Sing to the LORD” (verse 5a). Interestingly, the instruments are listed in addition to, and not included in the “singing” (verse 5b-6): “with the harp,” “With trumpets,” and to “Shout joyfully.” As they were introduced into Mosaic worship as “instruments of David” (2 Chronicles 29:26), this Psalm may well have been written in his time.

    Verses 7-9: The universal extent in God’s plan of salvation (verses 7-8) is seen by the use of terms beyond the Jewish “Promised Land:” “the sea” “and all its fullness,” “world and those who dwell in it,” “rivers,” “the hills.”  The universal responsibility to obey is worded in Jesus’ Second Coming: “With righteousness He shall judge the world” (verse 9). This latter thought is found in Acts 17:30-31: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). Truly, complete salvation is now offered “to every creature,” for Jesus said, “”He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 5:17 am on January 29, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , Jesus Christ   

    Psalm 97 

    Vs. 1-6 show the Earth speaks of God;

    Vs. 7-9 contrast the LORD with idols;

    Vs. 10-12 show how God connects with people for good.

    The description of God’s presence on Earth clearly shows how impressive His power is, certainly producing awe. (1) If the description in verses 1-6 is physical, then God coming to Mount Sinai and giving Moses His law would fit this word picture (Exodus 19:1-25) but the kingdom of Jesus Christ now on Earth did not have that physical terror (Hebrews 12:18-29). (2) If, however, Psalm 97:1-6 is descriptive of the effect of God’s presence on Earth, then it could refer to the first coming of Jesus Christ to Earth (Isaiah 9:1-2 quoted in Matthew 4:13-16; Malachi 3:1-3 quoted in Matthew 11:7-10). (3) Or it could describe the awesomeness of God in Heaven (Revelation 4:1-5). Regardless, God’s Presence is duly noted and to be respected with reverence, so “let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).

    Verses 1-6: The claim is: “The LORD reigns;” the effect is: “Let the earth rejoice;” the extent is: “Let the multitude of isles be glad!” (verse 1) Jehovah is over more than just Israelites in their land. The Earth operates by His Laws. “Isles” often refers to areas beyond Israel, referring to “Gentiles” (Isaiah 40:12-17; Jeremiah 31:10). Jesus’ powers over Earth’s might was manifested in His miracles: (verse 2) “clouds” (Matthew 26:63-64), “darkness” (Luke 23:44-45). “Righteousness and justice” go hand in hand: “To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3), with both being hallmarks of Jesus’ kingdom on earth (Romans 3:20-26; Matthew 12:14-21). In verse 3, “Fire” will be Jesus’ punishment on sinners at His Second Coming, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. Jesus’ life was a flash of light (verse 4) while on earth (John 12:44-50). No mountain was outside of His control (Matthew 17:1-9; 21:18-22). Hence (verse 6) Jesus would have the endorsement of “The heavens.”

    Verses 7-9: There can be only shame in serving “carved images” (verse 7), for their substances are made from God’s Creation (Hebrews 11:3). Jerusalem and Judah should “rejoice” because God is right (verse 8). Only God is “Most High” and above “all the earth,” and “far above all gods” (verse 9). The term “gods” cannot rise to the level of “angels” in Hebrews 1:6, as some have mistakenly applied it. The history of mankind and the Bible record are positive proof of the claim in verse 1.

    Verses 10-12: One cannot follow both God and evil (verse 10; Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:9), but God “preserves the souls of His saints,” and delivers them from the wicked (as Jesus taught disciples to pray, Matthew 6:13). God’s way provides “light” and “gladness” (verse 11) not dark and sadness (Acts 2:38-41, 46; 14:17). Therefore His saints “Rejoice in the LORD,” (verse 12) “And give thanks” every time they remember “His holy name” and all He has done and continues to do.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:17 am on January 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ, ,   

    Psalm 96 

    Vs. 1-3 all the earth should sing praise to God’s glory;

    Vs. 4-6 show that no nation has a god to compare with God;

    Vs. 7-9 show that giving to God comes from His might;

    Vs. 10-13 show God is over all the earth and will judge.

    This Psalm is given by David as recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:7, 23-33. There is no manuscript evidence to the contrary, as some commentators are wont to imagine.

    Psalm 96 appeals to “Gentiles” to worship the God of Creation, which proves beyond all doubt, that God’s eternal plan was never to have the physical Israelites (including Jews!) only, as His people. He has revealed in the New Testament that “the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4) is “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). That the Bible is inspired of God shows in passages like this one, which, if left to uninspired Jews, would never have been included and protected as it has been.

    Verses 1-3: The “new song” (verse 1) is to declare God’s glory “among the Gentiles” (“nations”). That people should “sing” (verses 1-2) shows pure worship without artificial instruments; and the message of God’s offer of salvation should be proclaimed daily (verse 2b), His glory and miracles declared (verse 3) among “all the earth,” “the Gentiles,” “all peoples.” Truly, He is not just a “Jewish” God!

    Verses 4-6: What other “god” is: “great,” “greatly to be praised,” “feared above all gods” (verse 4). Other nations’ “gods” are “idols” contrasted with “the LORD” who created “the heavens” (verse 5). The terms for the LORD describe His true greatness: “Honor,” “majesty,” “Strength,” and “beauty” are “in His sanctuary” (verse 6). His sanctuary under Moses, was on the ark of the covenant and under the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8), but in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is “a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man” (Hebrews 8:2). “Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Hebrews 9:11).

    Verses 7-9: The living God requires giving as a part of “worship,” for “the LORD” should be given “glory and strength” to “His name” (verses 7-8a). “Bring an offering” (verse 8b) uses a term for bloodless sacrifices that surely showed God’s plan would later, through Jesus Christ, include Gentiles (and Jews!) as “living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). God is to be worshipped by Gentiles in “the beauty of holiness” (verse 9), that is, clothed by clean living: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

    Verses 10-13: That Gentiles should worship God shows He is universal and that He “reigns” and “shall judge” everyone “righteously” (verse 10). His Creation (and all who live upon it) gladly point to His righteousness (verses 10-12), for “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17). “He is coming to judge the earth” (verse 13) is a warning to Gentiles (and Jews!), and “He shall judge the world with righteousness” is applied to Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31; Psalm 9:8).

    Thought: Since God will judge the world by Jesus Christ, then there is nothing in the plan of God that will excuse the workers of iniquity without obedience to Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-23). God’s world declares a Creator (Romans 1:20), God’s Word declares which god is God (1 Corinthians 1:21), God’s Christ declares how we should live (2 Peter 1:2-11), and the invitation is for “every creature” (Mark 16:15-16).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 5:38 am on January 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , I-Am, Jesus Christ   

    The I-Am’s of Christ in the gospel of John 

    christ-i-am-chart

    This appeared on Facebook with no indication as to origin or source. The resolution is not the best, but you might find some use for it or get some encouragement from it.

     

    • Eugene Adkins 8:06 am on January 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Could make a good bulletin board project with a little work. Thanks for sharing!

  • John T. Polk II 4:38 am on January 24, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Jesus Christ,   

    Psalm 94 

    Vs. 1-3 appeal for God to Judge humans;

    Vs. 4-7 appalling behavior deserving condemnation;

    Vs. 8-11 above all is God;

    Vs. 12-15 approved of God;

    Vs. 16-23 assurance from God.

    There is no definite time or person originating this Psalm, but it does seem to deal with Israel’s corruption, and could have applied to the time of 2 Kings 17:1-23. There are numerous verses that are either quoted or referred to in the New Testament, as will be indicated.

    Verses 1-3: God claims the power to rightly dispense “vengeance” (Deuteronomy 32:25; Hebrews 10:30), and this is acknowledged (verse 1) appealing for God to “shine forth,” “rise up,” “render punishment to the proud” (verses 1-2). The question “how long will the wicked triumph” (verse 3) is asked before the Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. (Revelation 6:10).

    Verses 4-7: Explain how corrupt the people had become that justified God’s vengeance. Their disobedience to God was seen in their: idle and arrogant speech (verse 4); oppression (verse 5); heartlessness toward the hurting-widow, stranger, fatherless (verse 6); blindness toward God (verse 7). They thought “whatever is done in Israel stays in Israel,” when the truth is “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

    Verses 8-11: “The LORD” is untainted by their evils because He is wise, they are “senseless among the people” [Israelites, jtpII] (verse 8); He created human ears and eyes because He hears and sees (verse 9); He is the source of “knowledge,” therefore is the only One who can “correct” “the nations” [Gentiles, jtpII] (verse 10); He knows all the “thoughts of man, That they are futile” (verse 11), quoted in 1 Corinthians 3:20.

    Verses 12-15: By contrast, those who remained faithful to God: received His teaching “out of Your law” (verse 12); were given “rest from the days of adversity” (verse 13) while “the wicked” were targeted, that is, even the righteous were included in God’s discipline of removing all the Israelites from their land; were not included in the number of those who were to lose their inheritance (verse 14). When the people came to their moral senses (verse 15), the righteous would have learned the lesson. Verse 14 is explained in Romans 11:1-5 that God did not completely cast off His people for their sins, but kept His part of the promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:15-16) by returning the faithful to the Land after 70 years exile (Ezra-Nehemiah) until the Gospel of Jesus Christ came.

    Verses 16-23: Who stands with the righteous when sinners prevail (verse 16-17)? “The LORD” without Whom a righteous soul would “have settled in silence,” or be destroyed by his enemies. This is what Paul claimed had happened to him: “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). When we fail, God is there to help (verse 18-19), which happened to Peter (Matthew 14:22-33). This case is summarized (verses 20-21) and reassurance repeated (verses 22-23). Verse 21 aptly describes the situation that sent Jesus Christ to the cross (Matthew 27:1-5, 20-27).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:46 am on January 23, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Jesus Christ, ,   

    Psalm 93 

    Vs. 1-2 establish God’s throne;

    Vs. 3-4 speak of God’s great power;

    Vs. 5 speaks of God’s holiness.

    There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that this (or any other Psalm!) was used by the Israelites in some special ceremony to recognize God enthroned. Because Jesus Christ was God in the flesh (Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-10), Psalms 93-99 have many references to Jesus Christ in these references to God.

    Psalm 93:2: “The author of [The Book of] Hebrews listed the credentials of the King of Kings, namely Jesus Christ; and, of course, those credentials are the same as those of the ruling Jehovah in this passage. These are: (1) King by right of eternal existence; (2) by right of creation; (3) by right of personal excellence, majesty and strength; (4) by divine right; (5) by right of maintenance, upholding all things by the word of his power; (6) by right of purchase (This establishes God’s right to rule over humanity in that he purchased, or redeemed us, through the blood of His Son); and (7) by right of his present position on the Eternal Throne (God is not a mere pretender; his rulership is a fait accompli).”         James Burton Coffman Commentary on Psalms

    Verses 1-2: “LORD” is used 5 times and is the only term for God in this Psalm.  The assertion is made; “The LORD reigns” (verse 1), then reasons for His prominence are given. He: (1)  is “clothed with majesty” (magnificence and splendor);      (2) “girded Himself with strength” (binding up clothing for work or a journey, hence ready to work. No one else could “bind” God!); (3) “established” the world (that operates by His laws which are settled and unchangeable);  (4) is upon a “throne” (verse 2) “established” even before the world; (5) whose existence is “everlasting!”

    Verses 3-4: Multitudes of peoples who have opposed God are couched in the term “floods.” Hence (verse 3) their arrogant attitude “lifted” them up; then “their voice;” then “their waves” (battles and wars). It got them nowhere, for “The LORD on high” proves “mightier” than their “noise,” and their “mighty waves of the sea.” Tsunami victims and many seafarers can attest to the size and power of waves of the seas on earth, but figures of speech aside, “The LORD on high is mightier!”

    Verse 5: Back to The LORD on His throne, all people may totally depend upon: God’s “testimonies,” for “every word of God is pure” (Proverbs 30:5) and “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4); AND “holiness” is throughout God’s “house,” “forever.” If “righteousness” is the right-doing by following God’s laws (1 John 3:7), then “holiness” is the purity of character caused by “righteousness.” “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

    Thought: Since God raised Jesus Christ from the dead “to sit on his [David’s, jtpII] throne” (Acts 2:29-31), and since “to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8), then to claim that Jesus Christ is NOT NOW on the throne of David in Heaven IS TO DENY THAT GOD RAISED JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD! If not, why not? Since Jesus IS now on His throne in Heaven, the kingdom of God has been established (Colossians 1:13). Since Jesus is the King of His kingdom, but also the Head of the church of Christ (Colossians 1:18), the saved people who are in the church of Christ are also in His kingdom! If not, why not?

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:08 am on January 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Jesus Christ, , , , , ,   

    Psalm 91 

    Vs. 1-2 specify exactly Who it is that gives a believer security;

    Vs. 3-8 describe what kind of security can be expected;

    Vs. 9-16 designate what is expected of the believer.

    There is no definite author or history to explain this Psalm, but there is also no reason to question its place in this Book. It may well have been written by Moses, as was the previous Psalm. Let us emphasize, rather, the terms for God: (1) “Most High” (Hebrew El Elyon), because there is none equal to Him (Isaiah 45:20-23; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6), therefore “the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48; 17:24-25). The virgin Mary was told her son “will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32). (2) “Almighty” (Hebrew, El Shaddai), because He is the source of all blessings, therefore He could deliver on His promise to Abram (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:1-6). To the church of Christ in Corinth, God promised, “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty”(2 Corinthians 6:18), who “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). (3) “LORD” (Hebrew Jehovah), the name God revealed to Moses that neither Abraham, Isaac, nor Jacob knew (Exodus 6:2-8). This name is associated with the covenant God made with Israelites only, that brought us to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:13-29)!   (4) “God” (Hebrew Elohim), means “Strength, Power,” and “In the beginning” would be the only “power” present who could create and organize “the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6-9). There is only one God of Heaven and Earth.

    Verses 1-2: The four figures of speech denote security for someone who keeps close to God: “secret place;” “shadow;” “refuge” and “fortress;” “trust.”

    Verses 3-8: Rather than speculate as to specific distresses, these figures of speech, some applied to Satan, should help God’s obedient people visualize His protection by staying close: (verse 3) “snare of the fowler” (2 Timothy 2:26); “perilous pestilence” (2 Timothy 3:1); (verse 4) wing cover and feathers (Matthew 23:37); “shield and buckler” (Ephesians 6:16). Things God’s people should fear not: (verse 5) “terror” by night (John 12:35); arrow by day (Ephesians 6:16); (verse 6) “pestilence” in darkness (John 3:19-20); “destruction” at noon (Matthew 27:45-46); (verse 7) thousands dying on each side; (verse 8) “the reward of the wicked” will not mistakenly come upon the righteous.

    Verses 9-16: As a consequence of living closely with “the LORD” (verse 9), the obedient can expect: protection from “evil” or “plague” (verse 10); angelic help (verses 11-12); (verse 13) to walk over the “lion,” “cobra,” “young lion,” “serpent” (representations of the Devil, 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 12:34; Ezekiel 19:1-9; Revelation 12:9). This is to be done for one who has: (verse 14) “set his love upon Me,” “known My name,” (verse 15) desire to “call upon Me.” “Long life,” and “salvation” will go to the faithful (verse 16).

    The Devil tempted Jesus Christ to sin by misquoting Psalm 91:11-12 (Matthew 4:5-7; Luke 4:9-12). The Devil omitted the phrase “to keep you in all your ways,” leaving the impression that God had promised to save any obedient person from being injured altogether. God’s protection promise was not that, but that “angels” were “charged” with encouraging after temptation, as in the case of Jesus, Himself (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13). The Devil’s “guardian angel” doctrine was designed to give a false sense of security, thus minimizing the strengthening of one’s faith by perseverance. “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord–that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

← Older posts

c
compose new post
j
next post/next comment
k
previous post/previous comment
r
reply
e
edit
o
show/hide comments
t
go to top
l
go to login
h
show/hide help
shift + esc
cancel
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,083 other followers

%d bloggers like this: