Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)
That is an easily delivered presentation.
Saint: Repent to God, have faith in Jesus Christ.
Sinner: Repent, why?
I was browsing for a site which would give information about why someone would need to repent and found this one. Why would anyone want to repent if they think they have no sin, are not aware of it, or have no clue as to their eternal destination? The easy believism that is prevalent in our 'churches' today make people think they are 'saved' when in reality they may be deceived.
2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
The above verse obviously needs to be read in context...which I prayerfully hope all will avail themselves. We can not earn our salvation...we do not get to choose, no matter how much we may 'think' we have, in reality, HE chose us. We do, however, have a responsibility to grow in our relationship with Him. You can not truly know someone unless you spend time with them.
Pondering on the prophecy concerning Paul and the trials that awaited him in Jerusalem. Father gave him warning over and over again. It sometimes helps to have a mental mindset for the worst case scenario (for me anyway) in order to deal with trials and tribulations. Paul had no qualms about continuing to Jerusalem.
The elders in Jerusalem exhort Paul to show that he walks orderly and keeps the law. (Acts 21:24)
They then reiterate that the Gentiles are to: Keep themselves from idols ~ from blood ~ from strangled ~ from fornication. (Acts 21:25).
The first passage regarding the prohibitions the Gentiles were to avoid included that they (the Gentiles) would hear Moses preached in the synagogue.
Act 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
That passage keeps reverberating within my mind and soul. Is there significance to why the church elders were satisfied with only the 4 prohibitions, knowing and/or thinking that those who were regenerated would be instructed from the teachings and writings of the OT? Again that verse:
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
Beloved of the Lord, are you giving due diligence to study to show yourself approved? A workman that needeth not to be ashamed? Taking in the whole counsel of the Word of God?
Showing posts with label Jews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jews. Show all posts
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Day 335
P. Paul's trip home completing his third journey (winter) - Acts 20:4-38; 21:1-26
Q. Arrest and Trials of Paul
1. Paul before the Jews at Jerusalem - Acts 21:27-40; 22:1-30; 23:1-22
My attention was caught on 20:4 where the writer notates the companions:
Berea ~ Sopater (of a safe father);
Thessalonica ~ Aristarchus (best ruling) and Secundus (second);
Derbe ~ Gaius (lord, an earthly man);
Asia ~ Tychicus (fortuitous or fortunate) and Trophimus (nutritive); and...
...Timotheus (dear to God).
Most of these definitions were pulled from E-Sword, however I did use the site Bible Study Tools, Hitchcocks Bible Names Dictionary as well.
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we above seven days. (Acts 20:6)
I made a notation: Marking time by feasts? The Jews and Gentile converts would have been aware and instructed in the feasts. They would have readily been able to determine the month and day that this event occurred. If they were not still keeping the feasts, why mention them? They knew that Jesus was the fulfillment for the 3 spring and 1 summer feast. Is it possible that they continued to keep the feasts as a remembrance?
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible to be at Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:16)
Another reference to time by the feasts. And Paul's desire to be in Jerusalem for the day of...in essence keeping the feast? Gill, Henry and Poole all state that Paul's intention (?) was to avail himself of the opportunity to witness to a great number of people (Jews and Gentile converts) which would have been in Jerusalem for the feast.
I would like to note that if this was Paul's intention to preach to a greater number of people and/or a combination of that and a desire to keep a feast which Jesus had fulfilled, in no way sets a precedent for Christians to take a pagan holiday, white wash it and try to use it to evangelize the lost.
Note, the feasts were a foretelling of what the Messiah would do, did and will do (the fall feasts do not appear to have been fulfilled). Not borrowing from the pagan nations around them, which was strictly prohibited and caused Israel to suffer much because they continued to incorporate pagan practices into the worship of the holy God.
I put a question mark by their interpretation of Paul's intentions. If there theory is correct then we are under no obligation to explore further. However, if Paul and/or the other apostles were continuing to keep the feasts as remembrance that opens up a whole new area of consideration.
I am, at this juncture, not for or against keeping the feasts. I can see both sides and am thus fence sitting. :-) I can see where people could get caught up in 'doing' the feasts and become legalistic about it, especially since Jesus fulfilled 4 of them. I can also see how if one did participate it would be an awesome opportunity to explain their purpose and how Jesus fulfilled them. Which brings these verses to mind:
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Pro 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Q. Arrest and Trials of Paul
1. Paul before the Jews at Jerusalem - Acts 21:27-40; 22:1-30; 23:1-22
My attention was caught on 20:4 where the writer notates the companions:
Berea ~ Sopater (of a safe father);
Thessalonica ~ Aristarchus (best ruling) and Secundus (second);
Derbe ~ Gaius (lord, an earthly man);
Asia ~ Tychicus (fortuitous or fortunate) and Trophimus (nutritive); and...
...Timotheus (dear to God).
Most of these definitions were pulled from E-Sword, however I did use the site Bible Study Tools, Hitchcocks Bible Names Dictionary as well.
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we above seven days. (Acts 20:6)
I made a notation: Marking time by feasts? The Jews and Gentile converts would have been aware and instructed in the feasts. They would have readily been able to determine the month and day that this event occurred. If they were not still keeping the feasts, why mention them? They knew that Jesus was the fulfillment for the 3 spring and 1 summer feast. Is it possible that they continued to keep the feasts as a remembrance?
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible to be at Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:16)
Another reference to time by the feasts. And Paul's desire to be in Jerusalem for the day of...in essence keeping the feast? Gill, Henry and Poole all state that Paul's intention (?) was to avail himself of the opportunity to witness to a great number of people (Jews and Gentile converts) which would have been in Jerusalem for the feast.
I would like to note that if this was Paul's intention to preach to a greater number of people and/or a combination of that and a desire to keep a feast which Jesus had fulfilled, in no way sets a precedent for Christians to take a pagan holiday, white wash it and try to use it to evangelize the lost.
Note, the feasts were a foretelling of what the Messiah would do, did and will do (the fall feasts do not appear to have been fulfilled). Not borrowing from the pagan nations around them, which was strictly prohibited and caused Israel to suffer much because they continued to incorporate pagan practices into the worship of the holy God.
I put a question mark by their interpretation of Paul's intentions. If there theory is correct then we are under no obligation to explore further. However, if Paul and/or the other apostles were continuing to keep the feasts as remembrance that opens up a whole new area of consideration.
I am, at this juncture, not for or against keeping the feasts. I can see both sides and am thus fence sitting. :-) I can see where people could get caught up in 'doing' the feasts and become legalistic about it, especially since Jesus fulfilled 4 of them. I can also see how if one did participate it would be an awesome opportunity to explain their purpose and how Jesus fulfilled them. Which brings these verses to mind:
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Pro 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Day 333
O. Book of Romans (from Corinth) ~ cont.
2. Relationship of the Jews to the gospel - Romans 9:1-33; 10:1-21; 11:1-36
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth;) (Romans 9:11)
Election - predestination - foreknowledge - called. These are all words readily found in Scripture. Yet there are many who do not know or understand God's electing grace. I know that only Father can open a person's understanding regarding His sovereignty. There are many who fight against it. We, as humans, want to think that we are in control. We completely miss the fact that we belong to someone...we are either a servant to satan or to God. Satan, by default, gets everyone that God has not chosen. Many claim that God electing some is unfair to those who are left on the broad path of destruction. Not one person whom God has ever called to be His child deserved that distinction. Not one. We all deserved to be left wallowing in the muck and mire of sin, headed for an eternity separated from the Father of Lights.
To claim that God is unfair sets one up as a judge of the Creator of everything. Dare we lift ourselves above HIS throne? Who are we to tell the Supreme Being who breathed the world into existence that HIS plans and purposes are not fair? We, who can not even number our days, much less the hairs on our heads? How proud and haughty are we, when we presume to tell God how to run HIS creation and deal with HIS vessels.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
I was browsing commentaries and thought I'd check and see if Spurgeon had sermons on the verse. It is here if you'd like to read it for yourself.
For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. (Romans 11:16-18)
I've been pondering that word: roots. The need for the Bride to return to her 1st century roots. I recently made that comment to someone and they asked me what that would look like. I've been researching that topic, working my way through. Exploring the history of the church. What did the 1st century church do for worship? How did they conduct themselves? Where did they meet? Why do the various churches have such a difference in their worship services? How was it decided what must be done, when and how? How closely aligned with their Jewish roots were they? They obviously met on the Sabbath (7th day) as it is mentioned frequently. They met in synagogues. It appears that Paul taught on the 1st day, at least once. They went from house to house breaking bread. They sold things and had them in common. They attended to the needs of the widows. They expounded the word (would have originally been the Old Testament). They would have shared the epistles as they were written and distributed. They were exhorted that when they came together everyone had a psalm, doctrine, tongue, revelation, interpretation. That the men were in a position of authority to give forth the Word (and were obviously expected to be studied). Women were not to teach men, but to remain silent. That the Gentile converts were not under the obligation to be circumcised. The elders at Jerusalem knew that Moses was being preached in the synagogues each Sabbath and thought that the Gentile converts would be made familiar with the writings of the Old Testament. Paul appeared to continue to keep some of the feasts. Lots to think about on this issue. Lots to pray about.
...until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25)
The fullness of the Gentiles - Israel is blind in part until then. I know ultimately God has already decided, curious as to what indicators (if any) would determine the fullness. Definitely more questions than answers...I'm glad we will have eternity...it will take me all of that to get through my list of why, who, how, when, etc. :-)
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. (Romans 11:28)
That is a weighty thought, Israel is treated as an enemy of the gospel for my sake and the other Gentiles. That we might have opportunity to hear and heed the gospel message. It appears that there will be a time when Israel will once again be given an opportunity to 'hear' the gospel. What a glorious thought that they will see and recognize the Messiah that they rejected, crucified and denied.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are HIS judgments, and HIS ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
As one who likes to study and dig, what an awesome invitation and thought. A never ending delight into the mystery of the Creator. Join in, pick a book, dig into it. Delve into the depths of HIS word, delight yourself with the wonders He has given us to explore. Read the Word.
2. Relationship of the Jews to the gospel - Romans 9:1-33; 10:1-21; 11:1-36
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth;) (Romans 9:11)
Election - predestination - foreknowledge - called. These are all words readily found in Scripture. Yet there are many who do not know or understand God's electing grace. I know that only Father can open a person's understanding regarding His sovereignty. There are many who fight against it. We, as humans, want to think that we are in control. We completely miss the fact that we belong to someone...we are either a servant to satan or to God. Satan, by default, gets everyone that God has not chosen. Many claim that God electing some is unfair to those who are left on the broad path of destruction. Not one person whom God has ever called to be His child deserved that distinction. Not one. We all deserved to be left wallowing in the muck and mire of sin, headed for an eternity separated from the Father of Lights.
To claim that God is unfair sets one up as a judge of the Creator of everything. Dare we lift ourselves above HIS throne? Who are we to tell the Supreme Being who breathed the world into existence that HIS plans and purposes are not fair? We, who can not even number our days, much less the hairs on our heads? How proud and haughty are we, when we presume to tell God how to run HIS creation and deal with HIS vessels.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
I was browsing commentaries and thought I'd check and see if Spurgeon had sermons on the verse. It is here if you'd like to read it for yourself.
For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. (Romans 11:16-18)
I've been pondering that word: roots. The need for the Bride to return to her 1st century roots. I recently made that comment to someone and they asked me what that would look like. I've been researching that topic, working my way through. Exploring the history of the church. What did the 1st century church do for worship? How did they conduct themselves? Where did they meet? Why do the various churches have such a difference in their worship services? How was it decided what must be done, when and how? How closely aligned with their Jewish roots were they? They obviously met on the Sabbath (7th day) as it is mentioned frequently. They met in synagogues. It appears that Paul taught on the 1st day, at least once. They went from house to house breaking bread. They sold things and had them in common. They attended to the needs of the widows. They expounded the word (would have originally been the Old Testament). They would have shared the epistles as they were written and distributed. They were exhorted that when they came together everyone had a psalm, doctrine, tongue, revelation, interpretation. That the men were in a position of authority to give forth the Word (and were obviously expected to be studied). Women were not to teach men, but to remain silent. That the Gentile converts were not under the obligation to be circumcised. The elders at Jerusalem knew that Moses was being preached in the synagogues each Sabbath and thought that the Gentile converts would be made familiar with the writings of the Old Testament. Paul appeared to continue to keep some of the feasts. Lots to think about on this issue. Lots to pray about.
...until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25)
The fullness of the Gentiles - Israel is blind in part until then. I know ultimately God has already decided, curious as to what indicators (if any) would determine the fullness. Definitely more questions than answers...I'm glad we will have eternity...it will take me all of that to get through my list of why, who, how, when, etc. :-)
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. (Romans 11:28)
That is a weighty thought, Israel is treated as an enemy of the gospel for my sake and the other Gentiles. That we might have opportunity to hear and heed the gospel message. It appears that there will be a time when Israel will once again be given an opportunity to 'hear' the gospel. What a glorious thought that they will see and recognize the Messiah that they rejected, crucified and denied.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are HIS judgments, and HIS ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
As one who likes to study and dig, what an awesome invitation and thought. A never ending delight into the mystery of the Creator. Join in, pick a book, dig into it. Delve into the depths of HIS word, delight yourself with the wonders He has given us to explore. Read the Word.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 325
J. Book of 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus) ~ cont.
2. Pattern for a prosperous church ~ cont.
d. Proper attitude toward money - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
e. Jewish heritage reviewed - 1 Corinthians 10:1-15
f. Lord's supper requirements - 1 Corinthians 10:16-33; 11:1-34
g. Spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
"...and that Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:4) - Which put me in remembrance of the song On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand. There is no other foundation, no other hope, nothing beyond Him. For in Him we live and breath and have our being.
I am reminded of our brother Peter's confession when asked by our Lord, will you go away also? "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."
The Israelites were an example for us, how well have we internalized the lessons? Lusting after evil things; idolaters; fornication; tempt or tempted; murmuring?
lusting - G1938 - From G1937; a craver. G1937 - From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise).
evil - G2556 - Apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious.
idolaters - G1496 - From G1497 and the base of G3000; an image (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively).
fornicators - G4203 - From G4204; to act the harlot, that is, (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry.
tempt - G1598 - From G1537 and G3985; to test thoroughly.
tempted - G3985 - From G3984; to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.
murmuring - G1111 - Of uncertain derivation; to grumble.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12) A very worthwhile admonition. I can slip into being a Pharisee very easily - completely missing how oft I sin internally. Lord, show us where we are missing the mark, sinning against You, whether external or internal. Help us to fervently desire to please You. Not just in the outward, but more importantly, inwardly.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also may a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Thank God! :-) There is much to tempt and test us, Lord, help us to seek to escape the temptations. To be a presentable bride, wholly desirous of giving a proper estimate of You in all that we say do and think, in our presentation and representation of You.
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)
I never paused to think about what this might mean in modern day language. Abstractly I can imagine what it might have meant to the 1st century church. They would have had actual 'sacrifices' going on. The question in my mind is, what 'sacrifices' are going on today that we do see as such? How immersed with the culture have we become that we do not even recognize that we are worshipping devils or giving some semblance of such? How set apart and holy is the Bride?
e. Jewish heritage reviewed - 1 Corinthians 10:1-15
f. Lord's supper requirements - 1 Corinthians 10:16-33; 11:1-34
g. Spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
"...and that Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:4) - Which put me in remembrance of the song On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand. There is no other foundation, no other hope, nothing beyond Him. For in Him we live and breath and have our being.
I am reminded of our brother Peter's confession when asked by our Lord, will you go away also? "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."
The Israelites were an example for us, how well have we internalized the lessons? Lusting after evil things; idolaters; fornication; tempt or tempted; murmuring?
lusting - G1938 - From G1937; a craver. G1937 - From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise).
evil - G2556 - Apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious.
idolaters - G1496 - From G1497 and the base of G3000; an image (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively).
fornicators - G4203 - From G4204; to act the harlot, that is, (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry.
tempt - G1598 - From G1537 and G3985; to test thoroughly.
tempted - G3985 - From G3984; to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.
murmuring - G1111 - Of uncertain derivation; to grumble.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12) A very worthwhile admonition. I can slip into being a Pharisee very easily - completely missing how oft I sin internally. Lord, show us where we are missing the mark, sinning against You, whether external or internal. Help us to fervently desire to please You. Not just in the outward, but more importantly, inwardly.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also may a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Thank God! :-) There is much to tempt and test us, Lord, help us to seek to escape the temptations. To be a presentable bride, wholly desirous of giving a proper estimate of You in all that we say do and think, in our presentation and representation of You.
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)
I never paused to think about what this might mean in modern day language. Abstractly I can imagine what it might have meant to the 1st century church. They would have had actual 'sacrifices' going on. The question in my mind is, what 'sacrifices' are going on today that we do see as such? How immersed with the culture have we become that we do not even recognize that we are worshipping devils or giving some semblance of such? How set apart and holy is the Bride?
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