tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63911024346408731982024-03-05T12:52:39.219-05:00Thoughts of TheologyDr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-59903329134311851092015-06-06T10:29:00.000-04:002015-06-06T10:46:33.772-04:00Sowing Seed<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBea-sAsfaBDDTa1eSKxNIPJPMaoqLCOuRxP_egOFUmi9mqZsHpjw3ygNII0OmbH2tIhU1F41QYPbeZzMm-h7rqk0iBoFq3ua3Mc_uwxfiokqjZnHn3QRanPpNLEFEkhIMPwtBiObuFm4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBea-sAsfaBDDTa1eSKxNIPJPMaoqLCOuRxP_egOFUmi9mqZsHpjw3ygNII0OmbH2tIhU1F41QYPbeZzMm-h7rqk0iBoFq3ua3Mc_uwxfiokqjZnHn3QRanPpNLEFEkhIMPwtBiObuFm4/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the past week I have been pondering on the parable the Lord gives in Matthew 13 regarding sowing seed. In this parable a farmer goes out and begins to sow seed. This parable was one that could easily be understood. It was a common sight in Palestine to see a farmer out casting seed. The farmer in this day would go out, scratch up the ground a little bit, and begin to cast their seed. Jesus uses this parable to explain the gospel message.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-840f07f4-c945-84e5-4321-20698bb59632" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this one story there are four pictures. Let’s consider a few things quickly.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We see the picture of the seed falling by the wayside in verse four. According to the verse as soon as this seed is sown it is devoured by the fowls of the air. The Lord later explains to His disciples that this is a picture of a man or a woman who hears the word of God but they do not understand what they have heard. Because they do not understand the word preached to them the evil one comes in quickly and steals the seed away.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The reality is that there are times when we present the word of God to someone and they are not ready to receive it. I believe that it should be our goal to present Christ in a simple fashion that everyone can understand. Even though we present the gospel in a simple fashion we must never forget that it is only with the aid of the Holy Spirit that a man or woman can understand the message. Therefore we must season our lives, our messages, and our testimonies with prayer. Pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare the heart of those that you are going to share the gospel with. Pray that their hearts and minds will be opened so that the seed of God’s word does not fall on deaf ears.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second picture is of a farmer’s seed falling on stony places. This seed quickly brings forth fruit but the fruit is not lasting. It does not take the sun long to burn up this fruit because there is no root system producing life in the plant. In verse twenty and twenty-one we learn that this is a picture of a man or woman who hears the word of God, receives it with joy, quickly produces some kind of fruit, but the fruit does not last.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been in church and around church for several years and have seen many of these “quick fruit” believers. (I use the word believer loosely.) These are men and women who come into our churches needing help. They are lost. They are hurting. They need help. After the message is delivered they rush down to an altar, but when an altar worker asks them about salvation you usually hear something like this, “Oh I’m saved. I just need to pray that the Lord helps me with…”</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These men and women cry, pray, and leave rejoicing that they got some help in church. The trouble comes when life turns up the temperature on them during the week and you don’t see them again for some time. It should not surprise you when that type of “believer” comes and goes. The only thing that we can do for this person is continue to preach the gospel to them. Eventually God will “break up the fallow ground” of their heart. When this happens they will realize their need of salvation and at that time the seed will take roots. These roots will keep them going no matter how hot and hard life gets.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thirdly we read about seed sown among thorny ground. This is a picture of someone hearing the word of God, but there is something in their life that prevents them from receiving it. Throughout the scriptures we read of men and women using all sorts of excuses for not following Christ. To some it was money. To some it was family. To others it was their spouse. Whatever the reason this is someone who simply will not receive the gospel because of the cares of this life.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is not a lot that we can do for this type of person. Often this person will not accept Christ until something catastrophic happens in their life. Maybe it is the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or some sort of health problem. Something has to happen in their life to get their eyes off of this world and onto Christ. The only thing that we can do is pray that the Lord allows us to be there when they hit the bottom.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally we read about seed sown on good ground. This seed finds the ground prepared, roots take, and real fruit comes forth. Of course this is a picture of someone whose heart has been prepared by the Holy Spirit, the gospel has been presented to them in a simple fashion, and they truly accept the Lord into their lives. It is our job to rejoice when these people accept Christ.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In these illustrations there are a few things we can take away.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need to be sowing seed. The world is filled with men and women who need to hear the gospel. The harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Realize that all you can do is all you can do. The Lord wants you to be busy telling others about Him, but He also wants you to realize that unless He does His part real fruit cannot be produced. I can twist someones arm into praying but will that really take root? Don’t forget to make room for the Holy Spirit.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t get discouraged. Three-fourths of the people in this parable did not receive the gospel to salvation. There was nothing wrong with the farmer and there was nothing wrong with the seed. The reality is that no matter how hard you work there will be many turn and walk away never accepting your seed. Do not let this discourage you. Every once in a while you will sow that seed and a miracle will take place, and new life will come forth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get out and sow some seed!</span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-6709793462476295452014-02-18T09:45:00.000-05:002014-02-18T09:45:12.690-05:00Snake Handling, Faith or Folly?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems that our society has come upon a new phenomenon.
Over and over again we read stories of churches and preachers that get caught
or hurt handling snakes. The other day a minister was found dead in his home
after being bitten by a poisonous snake while at his church. There are even
entire television programs such as “Snake Salvation” dedicated to these snake
handling churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(I will give a disclaimer before I go on. I have never
watched a single episode “Snake Salvation” or any other program similar to it.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7wwOEDDfLE/UwNx0Xt8U3I/AAAAAAAACm8/6tcWCcvdgx4/s1600/images+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7wwOEDDfLE/UwNx0Xt8U3I/AAAAAAAACm8/6tcWCcvdgx4/s1600/images+(3).jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we read stories like the one about the Kentucky pastor
who recently died our first thought normally is, “What is wrong with these
people?” “These people are crazy!” “There is no way I would handle a snake!”
These are all pretty normal thoughts I guess. I just can’t help but wonder how
crazy these people would be to us if we would have grown up around this type of
culture. These rituals seem very strange, and even “crazy” when we see others
doing them. To those people who grew up in snake handling churches it’s not
that “crazy” at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine if your parents had taken you to a snake handling
church when you were a small child. What if you were taught all your life that
the only way to prove your faith was to take up a serpent? You see the things
that seem odd to you may be natural to someone else. It doesn’t just end with
snake handling. What if you grew up being taught that polygamy was God’s plan
for your life? Would it really be odd to pray to the Virgin Mary if you were
taught all your life that was the best way to get in touch with God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of my readers attend churches where worship is
participated in and encouraged. Do you realize that some of the things you do
in church such as shouting or clapping your hands other churches find very
disturbing? I personally believe that the Bible teaches this type of worship,
but there are many that would disagree with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The purpose of this blog is not to justify those that handle
snakes nor is it to condemn them. I personally believe that snake handling is a
false doctrine, but it is one that I can understand. The reason that I can
understand it is because I see people all the time who believe they have to do
things in order to impress God. This is not new at all. In Paul’s day he constantly
had to battle with false teachers that would come into churches and teach that
you had to do certain things in order to impress or be accepted of God. For
example notice what Paul says to the Galatian church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11I am afraid of you, lest I have
bestowed upon you labour in vain. Galatians 4:10-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This church was founded in the truth of the gospel presented
to them by Paul. Soon after Paul’s departing however there came a group of Jews
teaching that in order to please God you had to do certain things. Rituals and
good works soon took the place of the gospel message. These people became so wrapped
up in these rituals that Paul worried that he had wasted his time ministering
to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The scriptures are clear that the moment a person places
their faith in Christ their sins are forgiven, and the righteousness of Christ
is placed upon their life. When God sees me He sees me as righteous, as if I
had never sinned. The scriptures are also very clear that the transformation
that takes place in our life at the moment of salvation should motivate us to
live in such a manner that would be pleasing in God’s eyes. We don’t work to
earn or maintain salvation, but we do work because we have been freely given
salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I look at churches all around me I have two fears. My
first fear is that many Christians place so much emphasis on their works. They
place so much emphasis on works and rituals that they eventually take the place
of God in their life. They begin to worship their standards and their rituals
more than they worship the God of heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe in having standards. I certainly believe that we
should be busy working for God. Just don’t ever get so caught up in your work
that you forget who it is that you are working for. Don’t forget why it is that
you are performing those works. We work, not to obtain, but because we have obtained
the goodness of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My second fear is that the average Christian just kind of
assumes that everything they are taught is right without examining the
scriptures for themselves. I can promise you that there are people sitting in
good, sound, fundamental churches who are just as ignorant about what they
believe as the man dancing with a snake in his hands. In both cases the people
just believe what the preacher tells them from the pulpit is true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This has always been an issue in the church. Just scan
through the New Testament writings of Paul and notice how many times he writes
“I would not have you ignorant.” Paul realized that many Christians did not
understand the scriptures for themselves. Ignorance of the scriptures is one of
the most powerful weapons the devil has to fight the child of God with. If the
devil approached you like he did Eve in the Garden of Eden with the question
“Yeah hath God said…” would you be able to tell the difference between truth
and a lie? In the time commonly referred to as the “Dark Ages” false teachers
would intentionally keep the scriptures out of the hands of the common man. Satan
has always known that if a man studied the Bible for himself he was far less
likely to fall for false teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t look down on those that are caught up in false
teaching, I pity them. I pray that they read the scriptures, see the truth
clearly presented therein, and that they have the courage to stand on what they
learn to be truth. My prayer for you is the same. We all need to surround
ourselves with people and ministers that we can trust, but let us never be
solely dependant on them for scriptural truth. Read your Bible. Pray that God
gives you wisdom to know truth from error. Soon you will discover that with
that your new knowledge also comes a world of blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-8336825405161805302014-02-13T13:56:00.001-05:002014-02-13T13:56:23.465-05:00Hidden Treasures<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Here in east Tennessee “real” snow isn’t something that we
have seen a lot of lately. Today was an exception to that rule. Most people
around had several inches of snow, probably more than my children have ever
seen. It was that good kind of snow too. It was the wet kind that you can pack
and play in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDfu3JhgKoE/Uv0VEUNLw1I/AAAAAAAACmE/qPtxbhxhrdA/s1600/896%5B1%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDfu3JhgKoE/Uv0VEUNLw1I/AAAAAAAACmE/qPtxbhxhrdA/s1600/896%5B1%5D.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">This morning I did what many of you do on snow mornings. I
got up, put on some warm clothes and went outside to play with my family. We did
some sledding, made a great snowman, and even threw a couple of snow balls (if
you can believe that). The kids had a blast, and the parents had a pretty good
time too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately it wasn’t too long before the sun started
coming out melting the snow off of the roads. This meant that I had to put on
my big boy pants and go to work. Bummer right? As I was driving to work I began
to pray and thank the Lord for the morning that I had just experienced. It wasn’t
anything grand and luxurious, but it was fun. It was a few precious moments
that my family got to play and laugh together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">This got me thinking. I am of the opinion that most of the
blessings that God gives us are buried right out in the open. What I mean by
this is that we often overlook the blessings of God because they are little
things right in front of us. This morning God allowed us to smile instead of
frown, laugh instead of cry, and play instead of mourn. God was handing out
blessings and I am thankful for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9yjI8wARO4/Uv0U0f9grsI/AAAAAAAACl0/DxIvc6EqJ3c/s1600/892%5B1%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9yjI8wARO4/Uv0U0f9grsI/AAAAAAAACl0/DxIvc6EqJ3c/s1600/892%5B1%5D.jpeg" height="249" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">Many times as time passes and life happens we get focused on
the things that we don’t have instead of those we do. We see the bills that
still have not been paid, the stress we are having on the job, and the problems
going on with someone in the family. I’m not trying to diminish any of these
issues, but I am saying that these things often cause us to overlook other
things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The next time you take inventory of your life don’t overlook
the small things that God has blessed you with. Don’t be so focused on the big
things that you overlook the small things. Those laughs, smiles and snowball fights will
be more important down the road than the big things you keep worrying over
anyway, so why not enjoy them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Oh, I know that it is easy to overlook these things. I am one
of the world’s worst, but for today I will say “Thank you Lord for your small
blessings.” <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I'm on twitter @drjoshuasharp</span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-45235042875425197532014-02-05T09:20:00.000-05:002014-02-05T09:20:01.279-05:00Who loves them more?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever stopped to consider how much God actually loves
you and your family? I don’t mean just a passing thought, but to actually
consider it. Well I don’t know that any of us can comprehend the depths of God’s
love, but something interesting struck me this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbAdVY-v9Y8/UvJIYGM1OyI/AAAAAAAAClI/CDgGV4nyaBU/s1600/images+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbAdVY-v9Y8/UvJIYGM1OyI/AAAAAAAAClI/CDgGV4nyaBU/s1600/images+(2).jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I was driving to work I was praying. It’s kind of my thing
to do in the mornings. Anyway, as I was praying for some of my lost family
members I made this statement, “God you probably want them to be saved as much
as I do.” No sooner had the words come out of my mouth when the thought crossed
my mind, “Would you give one of your children to die for that family member?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is the thing, I have often said that I could not give
one of my children to die for a stranger, but that God loved them so much that
He gave His Son to die for them. Of course God loves that stranger more than I
do, they are a stranger. I had never stopped to consider that God even loves my
family more than I do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Could I give one of my children to die for an aunt, an uncle
or even a grandparent? Could I even give one of my children to die for a parent?
Absolutely not! I couldn’t even allow one child to die for another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a humbling thought when you consider that God loved
that aunt, uncle, and grandparent so much that He did allow His only Son to die
for them. I just thought that I loved them, but my love today seems so little
compared to God’s. Does this make me feel bad? No. Instead it makes me feel
encouraged. I know how much I love that lost loved one. I know how much I want
them to be saved. Then to consider that God wants the same thing so much more
is an encouraging thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You never have to wonder whether it is God’s will to pray for
the salvation of a loved one. God wants them to be saved more than you do.
Therefore when that family member is burdening your heart, take them to God in
prayer. There you will find common ground. God loves, cares and wants them to
be saved more than you do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="label"><b><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">9</span></b></span><span class="content"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; text-align: start;">The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.</span> 2 Peter 3:9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="label"><b><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">19</span></b></span><span class="content"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; text-align: start;">We love him, because he first loved us.</span> 1 John 4:19</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="content"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="content"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I'm on twitter @drojoshuasharp</span></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-60362642470128733342014-01-31T10:41:00.002-05:002014-01-31T10:46:30.297-05:00Broken Laws and broken tablets<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Over the past couple days I have been thinking about
something I have truly never considered before. Why did Moses break the tablets
that contained the Ten Commandments in Exodus 32? Bear with me for a minute and
let me walk you through the steps, and my thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God gives Moses the Ten Commandment, the punishment for
breaking the commandments and the plans for the tabernacle in Exodus 20-31. In
chapter 32 God tells Moses to get down off the mountain because the people were
sinning and God was angry. Moses comes off the mountain, sees them dancing
around the golden calf and breaks the two stone tablets God gave him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChUMxwvudtM/UuvDyQy82YI/AAAAAAAACko/OhnWgyaDvig/s1600/broken+tablets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChUMxwvudtM/UuvDyQy82YI/AAAAAAAACko/OhnWgyaDvig/s1600/broken+tablets.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I guess I have always assumed that Moses broke the tablets
because he was angry. Some people say that he broke them to symbolize that the
children of Israel had already broken the laws on the tablets, but what if it
was more than that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wonder if Moses knew that if he carried those tablets into
the camp the people would immediately be responsible for breaking them and God
would have killed all of them on the spot. Therefore he breaks the tablets
before he goes into the camp so that they are not responsible for what is
written on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the least this is a wonderful picture of Christ. According
to Exodus 32 & 33 God becomes angry and says that He is going to kill the
people for their sins. When God does this, Moses, their savior from Egypt, goes
to God and says "If you are going to kill them kill me too." Moses
begs God for forgiveness over the next few chapters, and finally God, for
Moses' sake makes a covenant not to kill these people in chapter 34.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now Moses goes off the mountain for the second time and the
bible says his face was shining. (It wasn't shining the first time.) Therefore
there must be a difference between the first and second giving of the Law. The
difference was that this time Moses not only had the two tablets, but he also
had a covenant of mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is the picture. I am a sinner and guilty of breaking the
Laws of God. In all reality I should pay the price for my wrongs, and pay with
my life. While I am guilty and deserve the punishment, Jesus Christ, my savior,
took my place. Moses said, “God if you are going to kill them then kill me
too.” Jesus said, “God he deserves to die, but take me instead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With the plea of mercy made, God made a covenant with Moses
not to kill the people. On the cross a covenant was made between God the Father
and God the Son. Jesus died in my place, “the just for the unjust.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When Moses learned of the mercy of God the bible says that
his face shone with the glory of God. He had been in God’s presence, seen God’s
glory and received God’s mercy and it showed on his face. I wonder how many
Christians today have the glory of God shining in their lives. It will take
being in His presence, seeing His glory and receiving His mercy, but we can do
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No wonder the children sing, “If you’re happy and you know it
then your face will surely show it.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm on twitter @drjoshuasharp</span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-91287114050350019772013-10-18T12:33:00.002-04:002013-10-18T12:33:33.196-04:00Temptation<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the most interesting verses of the bible in my opinion
is 1 Corinthians 10:13. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="label"><b><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">13</span></b></span><span class="content"><b><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; text-align: start;">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 make a
way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.</span></span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This verse teaches us that with every temptation that comes
into our lives, there also comes a way to escape that temptation. If this is
true I wonder why so many times we fall to temptation, and get ourselves into
trouble. You would think that if there is a way to get away from the temptation
and avoid sin, then surely the child of God would take the way of escape and
avoid getting into sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The problem is that most of the time we give into temptation.
We are too many times like Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted her with
the forbidden fruit. I can only imagine, but that fruit was probably some of
the best looking fruit in the garden. Then Satan tempts her by telling her that
it will make her like God if she eats the fruit. He even made a false promise
that she didn’t have to worry about the warning of God, she wouldn’t die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is a woman in a perfect environment. She has never sinned;
she had heard the voice of God, her husband even walked with God every day. She
was in the perfect environment to avoid this temptation. We all know how the
story ends. She doesn’t flee the temptation. Instead of fleeing she gives in to
the temptation and plunges her family and all of humanity into sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The reason I think we have such a hard time staying out of
trouble is that we are not fleeing from it. Dr Warren Weirsbe once said, “The
believer who thinks he can stand may fall; but the believer who flees will be
able to stand.” I think we get the idea that we are strong enough to deal with temptation.
Because we think we are strong we don’t run away, we stick around and flirt
with the sin. This leads to failure more times than not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdTMCKymtCs/UmFhKstXwAI/AAAAAAAAB7s/nMoKZ4cHstQ/s1600/42-15880497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdTMCKymtCs/UmFhKstXwAI/AAAAAAAAB7s/nMoKZ4cHstQ/s1600/42-15880497.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Too many Christians today are like the little boy with his
hand in the cookie jar. He knows that he is not allowed to eat a cookie before
supper. When his mother finds him with his hand the cookie jar she asks, “Son
what are you doing?” “Fighting temptation” is the boys reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God doesn’t want us to fight temptation with our hand in the
cookie jar. That is the wrong place to be fighting. But all too often we are
doing just what the little boy did. We know someone is bad for our lives, but
we continue to hang around them. We know that certain places lead us to
temptation but yet we frequent them. It’s hard avoiding temptation with your
hand in the cookie jar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God has made a way of escape for that thing you are dealing
with. More than likely the best way of escape is for you to run away from it. God
always makes a way of escape and sometimes the way of escape is the king’s
highway and a good pair of heels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm on twitter @drojoshuasharp</span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-38331862205142442752013-10-15T14:18:00.001-04:002013-10-15T14:34:50.681-04:00The Potter <p dir="ltr">My family and I are spending a few days in Pigeon Forge. Today we walked around a local craft fair. At one of the shops they had a man working a potter's wheel. My family and I were mesmerized by this man skill and the artistry involved in his work.
<br>
<br>
He would take a piece of clay that was nothing more than a lump and in a matter of moments he would transform it into something beautiful. People couldn't simply walk by, they had to stop and observe.
<br>
<br>
While standing there my mind went to the prophet Jeremiah as he visited the potter's house. The story in Jeremiah is a wonderful picture of our lives in the hands of our heavenly Father. I'm sure most of you have read this story, but I want to share a couple things that jumped out at me while watching this process in action.
<br>
<br>
The transformation of this process is amazing to me. Something that starts as plain, and even ugly is transformed into something beautiful when allowed to be molded by the Potter. I don't know about you but when God found me I was like that lump of clay. In sin we are ugly and without form. However when the heavenly Potter is allowed to mold our lives He is able to transform us into something amazing.
<br>
<br>
This process may require some tugging, molding and even cutting some ugly pieces away. It is for this reason than many never allow the Potter to transform their lives. The molding process is so scary that they choose to just stay the way they are. I wonder what we sacrifice when we are reluctant to give our lives over to the hands of God.
<br>
<br>
I also noticed that, while the Potter made the same form over and over, each piece was unique and different. Some of us get the idea that we are just another singer, another preacher, or another church member. We look at someone else and wish we were more like them. "I wish I could sing like them." "I wish I could preach like them."
<br>
<br>
The truth is that it is our unique differences that make us special. If God had wanted you to be different He would have made you different. It is your uniqueness that makes you special, beautiful, you.
<br>
<br>
Thinking about this I can't help but wonder what the Potter has planned for my life, and your life. Do we trust Him enough to place our lives in His hands? I bet if we do, something amazing will come from it</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X1IqPNCpIWs/Ul2KVdLXaHI/AAAAAAAAB64/RWSvPwAyoSw/s1600/Potter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X1IqPNCpIWs/Ul2KVdLXaHI/AAAAAAAAB64/RWSvPwAyoSw/s640/Potter.jpg"> </a> </div>Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-43717368295589060102013-07-24T10:47:00.000-04:002013-07-24T10:47:48.514-04:00Salvation: Faith or Works?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Galatians </span></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 3b</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beginning with this section we come to the climax of the
epistle. In this section Paul will speak about the example of Abraham. Abraham
is a wonderful illustration of how a person is saved by placing simple faith in
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9AVzM0gl2s/Ue_oOBXw83I/AAAAAAAAA-s/QHxkabyS4qU/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9AVzM0gl2s/Ue_oOBXw83I/AAAAAAAAA-s/QHxkabyS4qU/s320/images+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Abraham is the greatest bible example of a man being
justified before God, because of their faith. It would be impossible for a
person to argue that Abraham was saved by keeping the Law because the Law was
not given until hundreds of years after Abraham died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some will try to argue that Abraham was justified because of
his circumcision. Just as some argue that a person today is justified because
of their baptism. Abraham’s circumcision was a badge of his faith in Christ.
Outward expressions have no bearing on inward works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The story of Abraham is one filled with trust, faith and
reliance upon God. There are probably two high points in Abraham’s life
however. The first was after his defeat of the kings of the East in Genesis 15.
Having defeated these kings and rescued his nephew Lot’s family, along with the
other families from Sodom and Gomorrah, he was offered a reward. The kings of
Sodom and Gomorrah wanted to reward Abraham for his help, but he refused to
take it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His refusal to take the reward spoke volumes. Abraham was
saying that he was relying on God and no one else. Previous to this experience
God had promised Abraham that he would give him a seed as innumerable as the
sands of the seashore. After this experience Abraham reminds God of that
promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was at this point that God made Abraham to look into the
heavens and promised him a seed as great as the stars in the heavens. This was
Abraham’s response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him
for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today God has made a promise to you and me. God’s promise to
mankind today is this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“For God so loved the world that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.” John 3:16</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as God promised Abraham a child, God has promised us a
child. God promised that He would send His son to die for the sins of all
mankind. Abraham believed the promise of God and it was counted for
righteousness. Today we are asked to follow in the footsteps of Abraham and
believe the promise of God. When we place our trust in God’s promise for
salvation, it is counted to us for righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While Abraham believed God, he did ask God for a covenant or
a contract. Let’s see what Abraham asked and what God’s response was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">Genesis 15:8-17</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In these verses God made a covenant, but not a covenant with
Abraham. Abraham was a man and he was prone to fail. Abraham could possibly do
something that would make the contract null and void. Therefore Abraham was put
to sleep and God made a contract with Himself. This contract was based on God’s
faithfulness not Abrahams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The same is true with you and me. Over 2,000 years ago Jesus
went to a cross in order to pay the sin debt for you and me. Upon that cross
God and His Son made a contract between themselves. Today God is not asking you
to say your prayers, attend Sunday school, and give tithes to be saved. All God
is asking you to do is believe what Jesus did on the cross. Have you put your
faith in Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If faith without works was good enough for Abraham then
shouldn’t it be good enough for you and me? Paul tells us something pretty
interesting in this chapter. He tells us that God preached the gospel to
Abraham. This brings up the question, “When did God preach the gospel to
Abraham?” Well I think this takes us to the second high point in Abraham’s
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Genesis 22 God asks Abraham to do something pretty intense.
He asks him to offer his promised son as a sacrifice. Again Abraham is faced
with the decision of whether to trust God. We all know the story, but I think
that it is so important to mention again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to <i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Hebrews 11:19</span></i> Abraham
believed that, if he offered his son, then God would bring him back to life. I
want to point out Abraham’s faith. At the bottom of that mountain Abraham spoke
to his servants and told them to wait. Abraham told them that him and the lad
would go up and worship and <b>come back
again</b>. That was a tremendous statement of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On top of the mountain Abraham did not spare his only son. He
was fully prepared to offer Isaac just as the Lord asked. Of course God
delivered Isaac, but in the mind of God he was as good as dead because Abraham
had determined to kill him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through this experience God preached the gospel to Abraham.
This was a picture of the way that God would willingly offer His only Son upon
the cross. The difference is that while Isaac was delivered, Jesus was not.
Jesus was offered and did suffer death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me take this one step further. John Calvin was quoted as
saying “Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone.” Notice what
James says about the faith of Abraham in his epistle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works
is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and
by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith
Abraham believed God, and I was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was
called the Friend of God.” James 2:20-23</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the life of Abraham his faith led him to willingness to
offer his son. He didn’t just believe God. That faith produces works. The reason that so many people today are not
busier is because they are lacking faith. “A living, dynamic faith will produce
works.” These works however have no bearing on ones salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The question that should be asked to those that proclaim you
must live right to maintain or merit salvation is this, “Do you keep the law
twenty four hours a day, seven days a week?” If you are in the flesh then you
fail God often. The Law is not a religious cafeteria where you can pick and choose
which laws to keep. When you fail God, even one time, then you are cursed by
the Law you are supposedly upholding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s say for an example I live in the state of Tennessee for
34 years, as I have. If I live all those years and never break one of the laws
of the state of Tennessee I’m not going to receive a medal for that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s take this one step further and say that I go to
Wal-Mart this afternoon and am caught stealing something. Guess what is going
to happen to me? I am going to be punished for my wrong. I can argue “I have
lived all of these years and never done anything wrong.” The state is going to
tell me that all those years of good deeds mean nothing and that I am going to
be punished for my crime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s the same way with the Law of God. The Law does not
reward you for doing right. The Law punishes you for doing wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Faith and Law are two opposite principals. For a person to
try and combine them is ridiculous. You are either going to live by faith or
you are going to live by the law. You cannot combine these two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God made promises to Abraham and was faithful to fulfill
them. Even so God has made promises to you and me through Jesus Christ. Abraham
was saved by placing faith in what God would do. Today we are saved by placing
our faith in what God has already done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-91710926352886704192013-06-26T16:01:00.000-04:002013-06-26T16:01:13.029-04:00My Calling<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So this week I did something that took me way outside of my
comfort zone. On Sunday I told my church that I believed God was moving in my
life to preach. This was one of the scariest declarations I have ever made
because there are many things that go along with it. That one decision will
affect the rest of my life and the lives of my wife and two daughters. If you
will give me a minute I would like to lead you through the steps that led me to
that declaration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Over the past several weeks and months God has been moving in
my life to do more. For many years I have stood and taught God’s word both at
my church and surrounding churches. I have wrote this blog and thousands of you
have read my words. I work with the children in my church on a weekly basis. I
have been rather busy, but still there was something more that needed to be
done. I can’t explain this feeling other than a pressing burden to do more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In an effort to discover what it was that God wanted from me,
I contemplated many things. Was God wanting me to change jobs, change churches,
change ministries. I would drive to work and visualize myself going from church
to church sharing the scriptures with his people. I just knew that I wanted,
and should do more but there was nothing more that I could do in my current
position. I would even teach to the congregation at my church lessons like,
“What is God calling me to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAotLCOZ5FA/UctIPTLJ_OI/AAAAAAAAAq4/3ZsRjQQtnTs/s1600/empty_church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAotLCOZ5FA/UctIPTLJ_OI/AAAAAAAAAq4/3ZsRjQQtnTs/s400/empty_church.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Little did I know that God was about to drop a bomb on my
settled life and shake it up. Saturday night I was laying in bed and thinking
about all of these decisions and trying to decide what it was that God was
wanting from me, and then it happened. (My wife says that she could see the
moment it happened because the look on my face changed so dramatically.) God
showed me that the thing He wanted me to do was the thing I was so sure He did
not want me to do, preach. Wow is all I can say!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That night I called my pastor, prayed, fretted, prayed some
more, fretted some more. I don’t think I slept much at all that night. The next
morning I was even more scared than I was the night before. Could I really do
this thing that God was impressing upon me? I had determined within myself to
go to church that morning, listen to the message my pastor brought and just see
what happened. Sounds like a good plan right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well my plan didn’t go so well. We opened up the service by
singing “How great thou art.” By the end of the first verse I’m crying. By the
end of the song I know what is coming, but I’m still holding on. Then it
happened. One of our deacons got up, and not knowing a thing about my situation
quoted Proverbs 3:6 which says “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.” Boom! I’m done. I’m on the altar and like they say, “The
rest is history.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You may ask, “What was the sermon you were supposed to sit
through?” My pastor preached on the lad with five loaves and two fishes. He
talked about giving what you have to the Lord and allowing Him to use it for
His service and glory. He even talked about the reluctance the young boy may
have had before he gave his all to the service of the Lord. (Yeah I never would
have made it through that message.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So here I am scared to death. Questions have come and gone
over the past several days. The devil has tried to sap every last bit of joy
from my life. But I have written three sermons already. I will be preaching my
first message on July the 7<sup>th</sup> and believe God has given me a word
for that night. I took a step of faith and that is what I will continue to do,
take one step of faith at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well if you’re still reading and with me let me ask you a
question. What does God want from your life? I understand that everyone can’t
sing and everyone can’t preach, but everyone can do something. Maybe you are
reluctant to take that first step of faith. Trust me I understand. I know how
scary it is and I know the doubts the devil will plant in your mind, but that’s
why it’s called faith. How about you take this step with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-92154035117965378242013-06-14T09:53:00.000-04:002013-06-14T09:53:37.852-04:00Let me ask you a question<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Galatians Chapter 3</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul ended the previous chapter by explaining that if we add
anything to the finished work of Jesus Christ then we are frustrating the grace
of God, and Christ has died in vain. In this chapter Paul does a beautiful job
of explaining how an individual is saved. If you are saved this morning then
you have been saved by faith in Christ alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9ggSa6oxD4/Ubse92B8t-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/Clm-zsf1u3Q/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9ggSa6oxD4/Ubse92B8t-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/Clm-zsf1u3Q/s320/images+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr. Wiersbe was recorded as saying that the 60 verses that
make up the third and fourth chapters of the book of Galatians are the
strongest of all of Paul’s writings. This makes sense when we realize that he
was in the middle of a war. These false teachers were using any means necessary
to capture the churches in Galtia and therefore Paul cannot pull any punches.
In these two chapters he proves the doctrine of salvation by faith and faith
alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul begins chapter three by asking them several questions. I
want us to look at the questions Paul starts the chapter with, and maybe ask
ourselves the same questions. If you are thinking of leaving a church that is
teaching and preaching the truth then you should definitely ask yourself these
questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These people are being foolish and not using their mind. Verse
one begins with our first questions. “Why aren’t you using your mind?” The root
Greek word in this first statement is “nous” and it means your “mind.” Paul is
saying you are not using your mind or your head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He follows that question with another one. “What has gotten
into you?” “Who has bewitched you?” Jesus Christ had been clearly presented to
these people, they have trusted in Christ, and by so doing it has changed their
lives. If what they believed changed their lives then what are they doing
turning from that truth?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The same thing happens every day today. I once heard a false
television minister make the statement that most of his followers were former
Baptist church members. That is a terrible statement. This means that his
followers are people who once heard, and knew the truth. These people have been
“bewitched” into following someone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The same is true of the modern day movement. Most people you
find in these movements were once found in a Baptist church. I believe there
are several problems that contribute to this problem. I believe that many
people have turned away from the truth because of a group of Pharisaical
Baptist. This group has hurt an untold number of believers. These believers
will no longer be a part of the Baptist church because of the way they were
treated by these men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The other problem is these people are leaving the truth they
once held for something new and different. Everyone wants something new today.
People are not satisfied with their homes, their cars, their cell phones and
they certainly are not satisfied with their churches any more. It has become
part of our culture to constantly want something different. It is my opinion
that the church has to evolve over time, but should never change. We can’t be
stuck in the days gone by, but at the same time should not be willing to change
our standards to suit the times. Some sadly leave the truth in order to seek
out something different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In verses three Paul wants them to begin to think about what
they are doing. If they were saved by faith in Christ, are they now going to be
so foolish to turn away from what saved them? If they began in the Spirit then
why not continue in the Spirit. When a human child is born they have all they
need for life. The doctor does not say to that child, “You were born into this
world but I’m going to need you to obey these rules to keep on living.” As
ridiculous as that sounds it happens in churches every Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know that you were born of the Spirit, but I need you to
follow these rules to stay saved.” This message has been proclaimed from many
pulpits across America. The trouble is that my flesh has never done anything
but let me down. If you are honest you will say the same thing. In fact if you differ
you are a liar according to 1 John. This church was made up of sinners and they
could not live up to the standards God had set forth. So are they now on some
higher plane that they are going to be capable of doing what they could never do
before? Of course not!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next we see that this church had suffered for their
salvation. In these days it cost you something to be saved. If they turn their
back on what they believed now then all of that suffering would be for nothing.
“Did you suffer in vain?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul now asks in verse five, “What about the miracles that
were done among you?” Paul had preached among them the gospel. Paul was an
apostle, and as such had performed miracles among them. Did Paul do this by the
power of the Holy Spirit or by the Law?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The truth is that the reason these men were able to perform
miracles was because God was giving them signs to prove their message was true.
You have to understand that the people that Paul preached to were in many cases
Jews who keep the rituals of the Law. Now a missionary was telling them that
what they had done for generations was null and void. This was hard to swallow
therefore God would allow them to perform miracles to prove their message was
coming from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is not the case today. In fact it seems that most of
these sign gifts began to fade with the fading of the apostles, and with the
writing of the New Testament. This does not mean that we are not seeing
miracles performed every day. God is still performing miracles within lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you really believe the miracles in the bible?” a skeptic
asked a new Christian who had been a terrible drinker. “Of course I do!” the
believer replied. The skeptic laughed. “Do you mean that you really believe
that Jesus could turn water into wine?” he asked. “I sure do! In my home He
turned wine into food and clothing and furniture!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These people knew all of these things. They had trusted
Christ. They had believed the report of Paul. They had seen the miracles. In
spite of all of this they were contemplating turning back to the Law. No wonder
Paul asked “What has gotten into you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, that is my question to you today. Those of you who are
thinking of leaving the truth that changed your life. Are you willing to turn
your back on the truth?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the remainder of the chapter Paul will use the example of
Abraham to show them once again that they are saved by faith and faith alone.
In our next blog we will look at these verses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-48459123824354062672013-06-11T10:39:00.000-04:002013-06-11T10:39:06.392-04:00The unsung hero of the church<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last night was the first night of vacation bible school at my
home church. It is always fun to get together with a group of kids and teach
them about Jesus. It’s also a lot of stress and work to get everything together
for vacation bible school. You have to paint signs, decorate the church,
prepare lessons, decide on stunts and skits, and fix snacks. With all these
things on my mind I laid in bed last night thinking about the workers in our
church and all they do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Over the last twenty years I have been a part of a local
church. My opinion of church works has been cultivated somewhat. Let me explain
what I mean. When I was a younger Christian I was very enamored by those men
and women in the church who seemed to be giants. These were men who preached
great sermons, groups that sung great songs, and individuals that seemed to
always be doing something that you could point to and say, “Wow!”. I would look
up to these people, and many times rightfully so. They were my heroes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWqir03f0-k/Ubc2a6PkQpI/AAAAAAAAAok/QLXetgyQxVs/s1600/Unsung-Hero11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWqir03f0-k/Ubc2a6PkQpI/AAAAAAAAAok/QLXetgyQxVs/s320/Unsung-Hero11.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the last several years I have changed some of my opinion.
In the last several years I have started to notice, and look up to those church
members that silently work in the church without ever getting attention or
glory. It has become my opinion that the backbone of the church is a group of
silent Christians who love God and faithfully serve Him. These are men and
women that do things that never get noticed by others, but without their work
the church would fall apart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought about my own ministry. God has allowed me to lead
the youth program in my church. Each Wednesday night we take the children and
teach them separate from the adults. This is a wonderful blessing, but it is a
job that I do not do alone. Every Wednesday night three other adults go down
stairs with me and the kids. These three individuals don’t ever seem to get the
pat on the back, but they are invaluable. Without them the work could not be
done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It has become my opinion that we will be shocked when we
stand before God on the Day of Judgment. I think we will be shocked because there
will be men and women who the world has never heard of, but God has heard &
saw their faithful labor. While they did not receive the pat on the back for
their labor here, these men and women will receive rewards at the hand of
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus taught this principal in Matthew 6. He taught us to
give, pray, and fast in secret. Those that work in the open receive their
reward when everyone sees them, but those that work in secret will receive
their reward from Christ. I can also think of a few Christians who think that
they have to be in charge of everything that takes place, and makes sure
everyone knows that they are the one that did it. According to Jesus in Matthew
6 that person receives their reward at their own hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So if you are the silent church member, who cleans the
church, prays for the preacher, fixes a snack for a child, or paints a sign for
VBS this blog is for you. You are more important than maybe you realize. God
notices your labor of love, and one day will reward you for your labor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-84698928675069481002013-06-05T09:30:00.000-04:002013-06-05T09:30:20.465-04:00The Fight for Faith. A Journey through Galatians (Chapter 2 b)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkf9Vji9CI4/Ua88gmUJdGI/AAAAAAAAAoI/mff0HDMmJSg/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkf9Vji9CI4/Ua88gmUJdGI/AAAAAAAAAoI/mff0HDMmJSg/s320/images+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Galatians Chapter 2</span></span></b></span></b></div>
<div style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></b></div>
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Paul’s experience in Antioch</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The church in Antioch was
different from the one in Jerusalem in that it was a mainly a Gentile church. I
want to explain something before we move forward that I think is important. It
was the tradition of many churches in this day to have a feast before they
celebrated the Lord’s Supper. (You might remember that Paul had to fuss at the
church in Corinth because of the way they were acting at this feast.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In any case these people would get
together and eat. It seems that there were two tables at the feast. One was the
Gentile table and the other was the Jewish table. The difference being that the
Gentile table had things on it like meat that had been offered to idols. It
also had things like pork and other animals that Jews did not eat. The Jewish
table would be kosher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There was absolutely nothing wrong
with the things that these Gentiles were eating. In Jesus Christ they had the
liberty to eat what they pleased. The Jews however were not able to break away
from the days when they were in bondage to the Law of Moses, and because of
this weakness they could not enjoy their liberty. The reason I know that the
Gentile table was okay was because that is where Paul ate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Well one day Peter comes to visit
the church in Antioch. At the feast Peter is presented with something that he has
never really had before, Gentile food. I believe Peter was one of those who
were still living in a certain amount of bondage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In my mind I can picture Peter
trying pork chops and bacon for the first time in his life. I bet he loved
them. Who doesn’t love bacon? Everything is better with bacon. Peter is really
enjoying himself eating with Paul and the Gentiles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The problem is that one day some
of the Jews came down to visit, and when they showed up Peter stopped eating
with the Gentiles and returned to the Jewish table. He was ashamed of the liberty
he had been enjoying thereby setting a double standard before these believers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">By returning to the Jewish table
he was saying that living in the liberty of Christ was wrong. When this
happened Paul says that he confronted him face to face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Before I move on and we beat up on
Peter too much let me ask you a question. How many of us are truly living
examples of what we know as bible doctrines? Peter stood up for this type of
living in Acts 15. After his experience in Acts 11 at the house of Cornelius he
was called on the carpet before the Jews and he defended himself. The problem
here is that Peter’s freedom was threatened by Peter’s fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Peter was a very impulsive man. One
moment he is cutting off a soldier’s ear for trying to arrest Jesus and the
next he is denying he even knows Jesus. Peter could walk on water one moment
and be drowning the next. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For Peter to fear was one thing
but for his fear to be brought out in the public was another. If Paul had not
confronted him these false teachers could have used this as an example of proof
for their false teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is funny how people teach and
preach that a man or woman must keep the law or live without sin in order to
maintain their salvation. The reason this is funny is because outside of Christ
no one has ever been able to keep the law. These Jews were teaching a works
salvation, but they were not able to keep the law themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Knowing that a man is not
justified by the works of the law.”</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This includes the Law of Moses as
well as any other legal system. If a person says that you have to join a
certain church, speak in tongues, be baptized or any other work in order to
obtain salvation they are preaching a false doctrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In Hebrews we are given a record
of Christ offering his own blood upon the mercy seat in heaven. Let me point
out a verse to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: yellow;">“When he had by himself purged
our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Hebrews 1:3</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The fact that Jesus sat down after
presenting his blood tells us that the work was finished. If there was more
work to be done then Jesus would not have sat down, he would have kept working.
When Jesus died for you He did everything necessary to purchase your salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Paul even says that “we” had to
leave the law in order to be justified by Christ. The “we” in this verse are
the Jews. The Jews had to turn from their works to faith so that they could be
saved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Paul finishes with a pretty
clear statement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: yellow;">“for by the works of the law
shall no flesh be justified.”</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The word “justified” means to
declare a person right. Let me give you a definition of this word.
“Justification is the act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner
righteous in Jesus Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We are declared right by Jesus
Christ. The wonderful thing about Christ is that when He saves us He not only
removes our sin, but He also adds His righteousness to our account.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If God could have saved us by any
other means then He would have done so. The fact is that the death of Christ
was the only way for us to be justified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the garden Jesus prayed “if it
be possible let this cup pass from me.” There was no other way therefore He
willingly laid down his life so that you can live. That was enough for God and
it should be enough for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the next chapter we will be
given a biblical example of a man who was saved apart from the works of the Law.
This man simply placed his trust in God. By doing so God placed righteousness
on his account.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-50889698798922106412013-05-30T13:31:00.000-04:002013-05-30T13:31:33.567-04:00The Fight for Faith. A Journey through Galatians (Chapter 2 a)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r25Q7eU8Yk/UaeLl7Q59WI/AAAAAAAAAno/5yTJRihT81I/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r25Q7eU8Yk/UaeLl7Q59WI/AAAAAAAAAno/5yTJRihT81I/s320/images+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 27px;">Galatians 2</span></span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Paul in Jerusalem</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In chapter two the main theme is
the oneness of the gospel. Today there seems to be different teachings when it
comes to the gospel. One church will preach one gospel with one way to Christ,
and the church down the street will preach another gospel with another way to
Christ. The trouble with this is that there can only be one gospel, and there is
only one way to Christ. Someone must be right and someone must be wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This controversy is something that
Paul had to deal with in this early church. Was Paul’s gospel right or was
these legalistic Jews gospel right? We will see in this chapter that the gospel
Paul preached was right, and he was willing to confront those that opposed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beginning in verse one Paul retells the story of Acts chapter
15. In Acts 15 we see a council taking place in Jerusalem. At this council the
apostles meet together with one topic on their mind. They wanted to determine
if all of them were preaching the same message, and if God was saving in other
area by faith in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul tells us that when he attended this council he took
Titus with him. The reason this is so important is because Titus was a Greek.
At this council Titus was “exhibit A” and became an example of a person saved
apart from keeping the Law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From the way this chapter progresses it would seem </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">that there
were some false believers coming into the churches where Paul preached and
spying on him. They had noticed that this young man Titus had professed Christ,
but Paul at no time after his conversion compelled him to be circumcised. This
was a topic these false believers brought up over and over trying to discredit
Paul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Circumcision was a rite of passage
under the Mosaic system. Circumcision actually began with Abraham in Genesis
17. For a person to submit to circumcision meant that they were submitting to
the entire Jewish law. What the Jews forgot was the circumcision was an outward
expression of an inward experience. The same is true today with baptism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Paul states that when he took
Titus to the apostles in Jerusalem they did not compel Titus to be circumcised.
They did not listen to these false believers. Under the leadership of the Holy
Spirit these men rightly decided that they had no right to place someone under
the bondage of the Law. In Jesus Christ there was liberty and they were not
going to take that away from Titus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If a person had to be circumcised
to be saved then that meant Titus was lost. The fact is however that Titus had
been saved by the grace of God, and by grace alone. There was no need to impose
on him, or any other believer for that matter, something that Christ had
delivered him from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You may not see the importance of
all of this. Let me bring it out in this light. These men were living in the
very early days of the church. They did not have a complete copy of the New
Testament. They were preaching things that were not only new to the congregation,
but new to them as well. God was revealing new things to his men, and those men
in turn were revealing these new things to the people. The reason that these
men got together was to confirm that what they were being revealed to was the
same as what everyone else had been revealed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Today we don’t need a revelation
from God. We have a bible that teaches us completely the will of God. If we
want to know the mind, will, or plans of God we simply have to read His word.
These men did not have this luxury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">No doubt it was a time of great
rejoicing when they compared notes and saw that they were preaching the exact
same thing and that God was blessing their works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the end of chapter three we see
this principal put into action through an experience in Antioch. In our next blog we will look at an experience that took place between Peter and Paul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 18px;">If you enjoy these blogs then leave a comment and tell a friend to read as well. I'm on Twitter, @drjoshuasharp, if you want to follow me there.</span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-64079404348157048992013-05-13T10:25:00.000-04:002013-05-13T10:25:12.995-04:00The fight for faith. A journey through Galatians.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dITMDoNdnBg/UZD22X-VAII/AAAAAAAAAk8/cswq7Hl-VZo/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dITMDoNdnBg/UZD22X-VAII/AAAAAAAAAk8/cswq7Hl-VZo/s1600/images+(1).jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Galatians Chapter 1</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You and I live in a world that is rapidly leaving the
principals of the scriptures and turning to false doctrines. In the scriptures
God has laid out a plan for salvation, but many are guilty of teaching and
preaching that God’s plan isn’t enough. Throughout America men stand in pulpits
and teach and preach to their congregations that the death of Jesus Christ just
isn’t enough for salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was the problem in the Galatian church. This church was
founded by the apostle Paul on his first missionary journey. They heard the
truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, placed their faith in this message, were
saved, and as a result saw their lives changed. This was a wonderful time in
their lives. The trouble is that sometime after Paul left a group of false
teachers came into the church and began to distort what Paul had taught. These
men did not deny the gospel they just taught that the gospel wasn’t enough.
Their message was that in order to be saved, or to be right with God, a person
had to not only accept Jesus by faith, they also had to keep the Law of Moses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This message of the gospel plus something is one that is not
new to us. Today men preach the gospel plus baptism, the gospel plus a work of
grace, the gospel plus good works. Just like the people of America today these
people in Galatia were very fickle and were contemplating following after these
false teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me give you an example of the way these people acted. In
the book of Acts we read that when Paul came to Galatia the people wanted to
make him a god. The bible also tells us that the day after they wanted to make
him a god they stoned him. They easily went from one extreme to another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul begins this epistle by stating his apostleship. The word
“apostle” means “one who is sent on a commission.” Jesus had several disciples
which literally means “learners” but he chose twelve apostles. After stating
his authority as an apostle he gives a quick greeting then gets into the meat
of the epistle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul begins his argument by presenting the gospel message. It
is this message that these Judaizers are trying to change. Paul shows us the <span style="color: #00b050;">person</span> of the gospel which is Jesus Christ. Paul shows
us the <span style="color: #00b050;">price</span> paid for the gospel in Jesus
giving his life. We even see the <span style="color: #00b050;">purpose</span> for
the message which is to deliver sinners from bondage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice that Paul states plainly in that Jesus Christ gave
himself for our sins. There is nothing that a person can do to add value to
this sacrifice. When a person gives themselves, as Christ did, they have given
everything they can. When you give yourself you are giving your time, talents,
everything you have. This is what Jesus did for you and me. To try to add
something to this is to tell Jesus that He was not enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because of the sacrifice of Christ you and I can be delivered
from this present, evil world. The finished work of Christ proves its worth
when a person accepts Christ and they are delivered from evil. Through Christ
people are delivered from drugs, alcohol, pornography and all manner of sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Also notice that Paul says that the gospel is God’s will. God
willed His Son to come to this earth and die on the cross for you and me. Jesus
willingly laid down his life for our sins. Now God is willing that you and I
accept His Son, be delivered from this evil world, and walk according to the
will of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a message that these people had heard, accepted and
founded their church on. Now however they are contemplating turning away from
these truths. Paul marvels that they have been removed from the truths of the
gospel. The verb used in this verse indicates that they were in the process of
deserting the gospel, but that they had not fully turned away yet. These people
were in the process of leveling liberty and returning to legalism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think it is worth pointing out that the gospel is broken
down into two categories. We have the truths of the gospel which are the death,
burial and resurrection of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And
that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These facts are hard to argue with, or at least they were in
Paul’s day. There were over 500 witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. It
would prove difficult to argue with 500 people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The second part of the gospel is the interpretation of the
gospel. It was the interpretation of the gospel that the church was struggling
with. After Paul left the region a group of Jews came to this Galatain country
and presented them with a false doctrine. These Jews would tell the people that
Paul was right in teaching them about the facts of the gospel, but that Paul’s
message didn’t go far enough. They taught that while it was true you should
trust Christ you should also keep the Law of Moses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr. Weirsbe said this. “You cannot mix grace and works,
because the one excludes the other. Salvation is the gift of God’s grace,
purchased for us by Jesus Christ on the cross. To turn from grace to law is to
desert the God who saved us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This heresy is still with us today. Many teach and preach a
message of grace plus something. Some preach grace plus good works. Some preach
grace plus baptism. In each one of these examples people are trying to add to
the finished work of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice what Paul said to the jailer in Philippi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and
thou salt be saved, and thy house.” Acts
16:31</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Peter said to the Sanhedrin:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is
none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I want to say that the grace of God is sufficient for salvation!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not only were these people guilty of departing from the truth
of the gospel, but they were actually guilty of perverting the gospel message. The
word pervert means to go from one extreme to another. In Acts, Luke used the
word to speak of the sun being turned into darkness. James used this word to
describe laughter being turned into mourning. To add something to the gospel
means that you make the gospel the opposite of what it really is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is such a terrible thing that Paul issues a double
warning. His warning was that if any man was to preach a message different than
the one he had preached, then that person should be accursed. To make the
warning even stronger he states that if an angel from heaven were to appear to
you and preach something other than the gospel message then that person should
pronounce the angel accursed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Adding something to the grace of God is what is known as “legalism.”
The reason that so many people love legalism is because the gospel places man
on a very low level. The gospel says that a man is a low down dirty sinner and
there is nothing they can do about it. The gospel says that we are incapable of
helping ourselves and therefore we need a savior. Legalism on the other hand
says that if a man works hard enough he can overcome his faults. Legalism tells
us that there is a little good in each of us and we simply need to cultivate
that good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul knew what he was talking about because he tried to do
this same thing. Before he was Paul the apostle, he was Saul the Pharisee. As
Saul he tried to work to the best of his ability to please God. After his
salvation he said this about that part of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss
for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the Excellency
of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of
all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:7-8</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Friend there is no way that you can work hard enough to satisfy
God. Paul found this out in his own life. Paul went about from town to town
preaching that the only way a person can be saved by the grace of God is by
placing their faith, and faith alone, in the finished work of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> As we move on through
the epistle Paul will offer great examples of justification by faith. We will
see the example of Abraham, the friend of God, the father of faith. We will
even see the example of how the gospel changed the lives of the people in this
church. I pray that you read along with me as we move forward, that you open
your heart to the scriptures, and that you accept Christ by faith if you have
not already done so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-49013090199026692602013-02-14T09:50:00.002-05:002013-02-14T09:50:39.225-05:00An Amazing Love<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I woke up this morning with two thoughts on my mind. One I was
thinking about my wife and how I couldn’t wait to spend Valentine’s Day with
her. Secondly I was thinking about the love that God has shown to me over the
years. With this on my mind I told my wife Happy Valentine’s day and began to
pray while getting ready for work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llQby1j7YUI/URz5ZWBf4nI/AAAAAAAAATk/sKcighQvtpo/s1600/I_Love_You_by_xXBeastOfBloodXx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llQby1j7YUI/URz5ZWBf4nI/AAAAAAAAATk/sKcighQvtpo/s200/I_Love_You_by_xXBeastOfBloodXx.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a lot of things that I will never be able to
understand, but God’s love is at the top of that list. I’m not saying that I can’t
understand why God loves people, although that’s tough to grasp. What
specifically astounds me is that God would love ME! You see, I know me and that
is what makes this love so amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I may not understand God’s love for me but I’m sure glad that
He does. God loved me so much that He was willing to give up the most precious
thing to Him, His Son, in order to have fellowship with me. God loved me so
much that He came looking for me. I was a fourteen year old kid, minding my own
business and God came looking for me. That is such an amazing love. What is
even more amazing is that He continues to love me. Don’t forget that I know me.
I know the stupid stuff I do, say and think. Yet God still continues to love
me. That’s pretty amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did I do, or am I currently doing to deserve this love?
Nothing! God just loves me. But because Jesus loves me it makes me want to love
others. Because He loved me it makes me want to be the best Christian I can be.
Just like the fact that my wife loves me makes me want to be the best husband I
can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have never experienced the love of God then you are
really missing out. God’s love is so wonderful and it is open to all who will
accept it. God loves you just the way you are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-74197481957522703802013-02-01T10:23:00.000-05:002013-02-01T10:29:13.999-05:00Their Trouble<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Song of Solomon</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: red; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 18px;">Chapter 2</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the last several verses of chapter two we will talk a lot
about the seasons of the year. These verses will mainly talk about winter and spring.
I’m sure each of us has heard at least one comparison between the changing of
seasons and the Christian life. Just like there are four seasons to the year,
there are four seasons to the Christian life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s take a minute and see these seasons, or the changes
this couple has gone through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Summer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The summer is the hottest part of the year. This would be the
time when she first moved into the palace. In the Christian life this is the
time when we are first saved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When she first gets to the palace they are talking about
flowers, or harvest season. No matter what time of year you are saved, that is
harvest time in your life. Your life is the harvest. Things are exciting. New
life, new love and new living have come your way. So it was with this couple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fall<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After the summer comes the fall. After she talked about the
flowers, she began to talk about trees. The thing that make my part, east
Tennessee, of the country so beautiful in the fall are the trees. People will
travel from all around to see the leaves on the trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fall is beautiful at first because things are bright and
colorful. The reason that the leaves change however is because they are dying.
After they turn orange and red, they turn brown and fall off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This happens to all of us. There comes a time in our lives
when cold wind blows, we grow cold on God and we begin to dry up spiritually.
Maybe we become cold and critical of others. We dry up on the inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8sKYaN_HGE/UQvcsjdASBI/AAAAAAAAAS0/iEJhTij8f-E/s1600/seasons-salesperson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8sKYaN_HGE/UQvcsjdASBI/AAAAAAAAAS0/iEJhTij8f-E/s320/seasons-salesperson.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This happens in a marriage as well. We can lie and say that
we have been on a honeymoon for 50 years, but that simply is not true. Each of
us experience times when things are not as “warm” as they used to be. This
begins to happen in our happy couple in the scriptures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Winter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course winter follows fall. Have you ever been to the
point in your life where everything just seems dead? You may not realize it but
you are in the winter season of your life. “This Sunday school is just so dead
lately.” “This church is just so dead.” Some of us even begin to wander if the
sun will ever shine in our lives again. We long for the warmth of the
relationship we once had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m afraid that too many give up in those times. They abandon
God, the church and their bible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In our society one in two marriages ends in divorce. In the
hard times of a marriage many are just simply giving up. They decide there is
no use to go on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I want to encourage you. If you are in the winter part of
your life, just hold on, spring is coming. The flowers will bloom again in your
life if you will just hold on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Obviously this woman is in the winter part of her life. Their
marriage is going through the winter. From these next verses it seems that she
has gone back down to the vineyard. I don’t know why. Maybe she went to check
on her family. Maybe she only meant to stay a few days. But hours have turned
to days and days turn into months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zq2q3dSZK4g/UQvcqtZ19ZI/AAAAAAAAASs/0GI81J9_IEA/s1600/marital-problem-300x157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zq2q3dSZK4g/UQvcqtZ19ZI/AAAAAAAAASs/0GI81J9_IEA/s400/marital-problem-300x157.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This woman stays at the vineyard so long that she begins to
get used to being away from Solomon. She is sleeping in her old bed. In fact
that is where we find her in verse eight. She has learned that she can get
along without him, but we will see that he cannot get along with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you read verse 8 this woman is lying in her bed when she
hears something that she has not heard in some time. She hears the voice of her
beloved. Notice what she says in this verse. <i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“He cometh leaping
upon the mountains.”</span></i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mountains divide people. These mountains are a wonderful picture
of the things that separate us. Maybe we are separated from God. Maybe we are
separated from our spouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whatever it is that is separating her and her beloved must be
big in her eyes. She describes them as “<b>mountains</b>.”
I want you to notice that the things separating them are mountains in her eyes,
but they are not a problem for her beloved. He comes “<b>leaping</b>” on the mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Each of us has been in this winter part of our life. We have
grown cold on God. We have grown cold in our marriage. In those times we look
and say, “There are just too many problems.” “There is just too much standing
between us.” Please keep in mind that the things that look like mountains to
you, God will come leaping on. <b>Nothing
is too big for God!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you remember the story of the disciples on the water? The
wind and waves were over their head. They just knew they were going to be
consumed by this storm. Just when they think they are going down Jesus comes
walking on the water. The waves that were over their heads were under His feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In verse 9 Solomon has come to look for her. She has heard
his voice, now she sees him. She can’t see him good at first because he is
behind the wall, but he moves closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then he presses his face up to the glass. He peeps at her
from behind the lattice. Here she is, away from her love, in the winter of her
life, but he does not forget about her. He comes looking for her. In fact he
was willing to come all the way back down to the vineyard to find her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes God has to go a long way to find us. In fact there
have been times when he had to come all the way back to the place where he
first saved us. But he is willing to do that in order to bring us back home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In verses 10 through 13 Solomon speaks to her. He tells her
to rise up. She has been in the vineyard for way to long. It was time to come
back home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice that he does not fuss at her. He had every right to
point his finger and confront her. He could have said, “I have saved you. Taken
you away from this place and moved you into my palace. I loved you and this is
how you repay me.” Instead he says <i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Rise up, my love, my fair one,
and come away.”</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I also want you to notice that while her feelings may have
changed, his feelings have not changed. He is still using the same words he
used in chapter one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How about
you today? Today may be the last day of winter in your life. Today could be the
day that God allows the flowers to bloom in your life again. Maybe you are cold
spiritually. Maybe your marriage has grown cold. God could come leaping on the
mountains in your life today. Today could be the day he says:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 24.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 24.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">“</span></i><i><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">Rise
up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain
is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of
birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;”</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Solomon warns in verse 15 about the small foxes. Although
their relationship is back together, they must set up safe guards so this does
not happen again. The foxes are the things that come into our lives and spoil
our relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When a relationship is just becoming fruitful again we must
be careful. At this turning point it is easy for something to come along and
spoil all that has been accomplished. Notice that many times it is a small
thing that has to be guarded against. A fox is a small animal, but it will ruin
a vine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In our relationship with God and in our marriage we have to
put up guards. Maybe today you restore your relationship with God. Maybe you
and your spouse restore your marriage. Be careful because a little thing will
want to creep in and destroy that new fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The chapter ends with a wonderful statement and a terrible
mistake. She is now able to say something that she has not been able to say in
some time. <i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“My beloved is mine, and I am his:”</span> </i>That is a
wonderful statement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She also makes a terrible mistake. This mistake will take us
into chapter three. In my next blog I will explain the mistake and the result
of making the mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm on twitter @drjoshuasharp</span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-44866329348686207992013-01-18T15:21:00.003-05:002013-01-18T15:21:42.790-05:00The Importance of Communication<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Song of Solomon</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Chapter 2</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this blog I want to teach through the first portion of
chapter two. These verses may seem a little hard to follow at times. It may be
hard to follow the terms in which they express their love. I will try to help
with these things, but more than all these things I want you to notice the
communication between these two. They are not just taking for granted that the
other knows how they feel. They are embracing their feelings, and sharing their
feelings. Too many times we assume in our relationships. We assume the other
knows what we feel. We assume the other know what we are thinking. We assume
the other knows what we need for the relationship. It would do all of us good
to learn the art of communication again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Their Talk<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isn’t it funny how that when people begin to fall in love
flowers are usually involved. There are many different ways to express ones
feelings. Flowers are a choice for many. A flower can mean; I love you, I’m
thinking about you, or even I’m sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfeNXLgh5sQ/UPmuAV6TebI/AAAAAAAAASE/g1c4Xu8KiAk/s1600/RoseOfSharonWhite-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfeNXLgh5sQ/UPmuAV6TebI/AAAAAAAAASE/g1c4Xu8KiAk/s320/RoseOfSharonWhite-full.jpg" width="318" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The same is true for these two. In these verses they talk
about both roses and lilies. Verse one begins “<i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">I am the rose of
Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.</span></i>” I am told that Sharon was one
of the most beautiful valleys because of its amazing flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is some debate as to who is actually talking in verse
one. While many use this verse to picture Jesus Christ, most agree that the
bride is the one talking in verse one. I will not put a great deal of emphasis
on who is speaking and neither should you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some say this is the voice of Solomon. This would then be a
picture of Jesus Christ. Notice that these flowers in verse one is found in the
valley. This reminds us of the words of Christ who said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“For I am meek and lowly in heart.” Matthew 11:29</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Lord is the man from heaven, yet He willingly left the
glory of heaven and came to this earth. He dwelt here in the valley among
mankind, and even died a lowly death as a man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While upon this earth our Lord made reference to himself on
different occasions. He tells us that He is the <span style="color: #0070c0;">bread
of life.</span> To be the bread of life means that He is something necessary.
He is needful to sustain us and keep us going. He said that He was the <span style="color: #0070c0;">true vine.</span> In the vine He is something which
speaks of glory. He gives us the glory of the Lord. As the <span style="color: #0070c0;">rose of Sharon</span> He is not something necessary, but
something to be admired. He is something of beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Others believe that the speaker of verse one is the bride.
You will recall in chapter one this woman had a very low estimation of herself.
She proclaimed “I am black”. This was her opinion of herself when she first got
to the palace. She notices that she stood out and was different than the other
women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If she is the one speaking then something has changed between
chapter one and chapter two. What is it? The thing that has changed is that she
has gone into the chamber of Solomon. She is now beginning to see herself
through the eyes of Solomon instead of through her own eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In chapter one she is an outcast, she is different, and she
is black. However in chapter two she is beautiful, she is valuable, she is a
flower. So many times we look at our lives and we proclaim, “I am black.” Each
of us fails God from time to time. We should never lose sight of the fact that
while we may fail, in the eyes of God we are beautiful. In God’s eyes you are
as lovely as a flower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kizntIKmJQ/UPmuCBtLy9I/AAAAAAAAASM/JtZyY1qR78c/s1600/dsc_0145-desert-lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kizntIKmJQ/UPmuCBtLy9I/AAAAAAAAASM/JtZyY1qR78c/s320/dsc_0145-desert-lily.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In verse two she is the lily among the thorns. Solomon is
telling her that when he looks at all the other women of the palace all he sees
is a bunch of thorns compared to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the desert it would not be uncommon to find a thorny shrub
surrounded by lilies. The fresh green leaves of the lily would be a great
contrast to the desert shrub. Solomon is saying that her beauty stands out in
contrast to all of the other women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever considered that this world is a desert place?
God wants His church to stand out and be different than the world. We should be
a beautiful lily in a thorny world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In verse three she responds by telling Solomon that if she is
a lily then he is an apple tree. He is productive, flourishing and fruitful.
She is telling him that he is sweet to the taste, something to be desired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Oh taste and see that the Lord he is good”</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not only is he pleasant in her mouth, but he is like a shade
tree. He is refreshing. She can relax and rest around him. This is wonderful
picture of Christ. In Christ we find refreshment when we are worn. In Christ we
find rest and relaxation from the storms and battle of this life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His Table<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After their dialog in the beginning of the chapter the woman
tells us that Solomon has brought her into his banqueting house. Some
understand this woman to say that Solomon takes her into a new or different
house. This banqueting house was not another house, but a house within his
home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God sometimes does this for us. Each week we gather together
in the house of God. All of us are present and accounted for within the house
of God. There are occasions however when God, while in His house, will take us
to the banqueting house. In these times God allows us to taste His goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought about Mephibasheph and how David brought him into
his house, and allowed him to eat at his table continually. Just like this
woman, Mephibasheph did not belong at the kings table. She was “black”, and
Mephibasheph was a “dead dog.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you picture as one of the servants rolls Mephibasheph up
to the kings table. I can picture them pushing him up to the table and the
table cloth covering his crippled legs. At David’s table no one mentioned his
crippled legs. David never brought up his crippled legs. Even Mephibasheph did
not mention his legs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isn’t it wonderful to know that while we are black with sin,
crippled by a fall, and are nothing more than a dead dog, God still allows us
to feast at His banqueting house? He is the lover of our soul, and loves us in
spite of ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She also says that he has placed a banner over her. This
banner was like a flag. In this day armies would carry a flag, or banner. Today
countries march under a flag. The flag show allegiance. It lets others know
where our loyalties lie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She is happy having a banner of his love fly over her. She
wants to be associated with his love. She is not ashamed of the relationship
she is in with Solomon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She not only wants to be identified with his love, she
doesn’t want to lose his love. She cries out, “<i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">stay with me
flagons</span></i>.” I mentioned this verse in my first Song of Solomon blog
post. Do you remember what a “flagon” is? It is a cake made from pressed raisins.
It is something that she would enjoy and not want to run out of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She tells Solomon that she is, “<i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">sick of love</span></i>.”
Notice that she is not saying that she is sick of being in love. Rather she is
telling us that she is lovesick. Do you remember what it feels like to be love
sick? I dare say that each of us have went through a period of time when we
were so in love that it made others sick just to be around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His Touch<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first part of this chapter ends with the happy couple
lying in bed cuddling each other. They are lying in bed and he is embracing
her. This is what we would call “cuddling.” She is so sick in love that he has
to hold her up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wonder how often we cuddle ourselves up to God. Do we spend
alone time with Him? Do we spend time communicating him? Are we sick in love?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She has no desire to change the situation they are in. She
says, “<i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Don’t wake him up</span></i>.” She is content and happy
to lie in his arms for now. I would venture to say that if we ever fell in love
with Christ, we would say the same thing. We would always want His arms of
protection around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can listen to this lesson taught live <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/new/search?q=thoughts%20of%20theology">here.</a></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-54836048423571979622013-01-10T09:35:00.001-05:002013-01-10T09:35:15.275-05:00It's My Birthday<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">It’s My Birthday</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today is a pretty special day for me. If you are reading this
on Thursday the 10<sup>th</sup> then it is my birthday. Thanks to the goodness
of God I am 34 years old, and hopefully have many more years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryegDnfp_pc/UO7RQ3XVo_I/AAAAAAAAARw/aLx6uIdrg5A/s1600/thinking-man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryegDnfp_pc/UO7RQ3XVo_I/AAAAAAAAARw/aLx6uIdrg5A/s200/thinking-man.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not sure why I do this but on my birthday I tend to
reflect back on the past years. This is what I did while driving, and praying
on the way to work this morning. If you will hang on for a second I would like
to share with you some of the things that crossed my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was a kid I had two goals. One was to be a
professional baseball player and the other was to be a courtroom lawyer. I
wanted to either hit homeruns for the Braves or put bad guys away in the
courtroom. Well neither one of these things came to pass, but that does not mean
that my life is a failure. It simply means that God had other plans for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I didn’t understand it all back then but the decisions that
God helped me to make have made me the man I am today. I may not have played
big league baseball (trust me I wasn’t good enough) but God has blessed me with
three of the greatest blessings I could ask for. God has given me a wonderful
wife, two great children and a ministry that I enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember how nervous I was when I quit my high school
baseball team. I told my coach that I had to work and pay for my car insurance.
The truth was that I was dating a real hottie, who would later become my wife,
and I wanted to spend all of my free time with her. I remember how scared I was
when my wife told me that she was expecting our first child, but looking back
that was one of the best days of my life. I remember moving my church
membership to the church where I am currently a member, but I knew God wanted
to use me there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DR6Ep2xBRw/UO7ROG1tE-I/AAAAAAAAARo/3QMPZhpTXGw/s1600/birthday-boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DR6Ep2xBRw/UO7ROG1tE-I/AAAAAAAAARo/3QMPZhpTXGw/s320/birthday-boy.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All of those things were scary at the time, but looking back
they were some of the best decisions I have ever made. It’s funny how different
things look when you are looking back on them instead of worrying about what
lays ahead. In each of those situations God knew what He was doing, and He was
faithful in each one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This makes me think of decisions that I currently am making.
(I really don’t like change very much.) Looking back on these things does not
make the decisions I make today any less scary. It does reassure me that while
I may not know what’s going on, God does. With the benefit of time I know that
someday I will look back on myself as a 34 year old man and see things that I
am unable to see today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How about you? Some of you may think, “You are just 34 and
are still a baby.” Some of you may think, “Dude, you are 34. You are so old.”
Well, whether you are 20 or 80 you still make decisions that will impact the
rest of your life. Maybe you are making one of those decisions today. If so let
me give you some advice. Pray. Trust God. Know that one day this thing will be
a milestone that helped mold you into the person God wants you to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-41549024094566544172013-01-03T11:16:00.002-05:002013-01-03T11:16:16.486-05:00Intimacy, Inability and Inadequacy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Song of Solomon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Chapter 1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The way the Song of Solomon begins it can be a little hard to
understand. The reason for this confusion is that chapter one does not start
with the beginning of the story. We notice two things that are confusing. One,
in this chapter we see a great celebration, but we are not told why the people
are celebrating. Secondly, we see a woman in the palace that apparently does
not belong. The reason I know she doesn’t belong is because everyone is staring
at her. How did she get there? To understand these two things we need to turn
to chapter eight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the
vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand
pieces of silver.” Chapter 8:11</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this verse we are told that Solomon owned a vineyard and
has leased it out to tenant farmers. It seems that the woman in the palace in
chapter one, is on the farm in chapter 8. Obviously her family was tenant
farmers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We will soon see that this woman was being abused by her
family. Her siblings are making her do
all of the work in the vineyard. She is spending so much time outside working
that it has affected her appearance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JA24UcbYizk/UOWupkaQoZI/AAAAAAAAARY/bCxe1ACKWEo/s1600/Bible_SongofSongs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JA24UcbYizk/UOWupkaQoZI/AAAAAAAAARY/bCxe1ACKWEo/s320/Bible_SongofSongs.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Someone may ask, “How did Solomon meet this woman?” It seems
to me that at some point Solomon decided to go down and check on his vineyard. It
also seems that when he did this he disguised himself as a shepherd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way
forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’
tents.” Song of Solomon 1:8</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You may wonder, “What did Solomon know about being a
shepherd?” Well, have you forgotten who his father was? I can picture Solomon
going through some old trunks up in his attic and finding his father’s old
shepherd clothing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once disguised he goes to check on his vineyard. When he gets
down to the vineyard he discovered this young woman is the only one working.
More than likely he goes over and starts a conversation with her. Over the next
several days they start to become close. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, the day comes that Solomon must leave, and he tells
her to come with him. I can almost hear her say “How can I come with you, you
are just a shepherd? What would Solomon think if I went with you?” At this
point Solomon removed his shepherd clothing and reveals the fact that he is
Solomon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(What a wonderful picture of Christ and his bride. When
Christ came to this earth he did not come as a king, but as a shepherd. Each of
us fell in love with the shepherd before we fell for the king.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now we understand why this woman is in the palace. Solomon
has brought her home, made her his bride and is throwing this grand
celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Their Intimacy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beginning in verse two we see the close relationship these
two share. She is the first to speak and immediately makes her intentions
known. In verse two she asks him to kiss her. This request shows us the
intimacy between these two. A kiss is a sign of a close personal relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice also that the word kiss in verse two is in the plural
form. She wanted more than just one. This woman is not afraid to let it be
known the way she feels about Solomon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The child of God should not be satisfied with God just
kissing them with salvation. We should want so much more than that. I don’t
know where we get the idea that God only wants to bless us with salvation. God
doesn’t just save us and leave us to ourselves. God wants to be part of our
lives every day and at every moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice the way she describes these kisses. She tells us that
this kiss was <span style="color: #c00000;">sensitive</span>. She wants him to
kiss her with his mouth. This kiss was <span style="color: #c00000;">superior</span>.
The woman says that her lovers kisses are better than wine. They were better
because of their:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #4bacc6; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Price</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> – His love was free and wine was
costly.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #4bacc6; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Taste</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> – The more a person drinks wine the
more they desire it. The problem is the more wine you consume the worse you
become. Likewise, the more we taste the goodness of the Lord the more we will
desire it. God’s love will never harm you though.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #4bacc6; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Results</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> – You hear all the time about a
parent abusing their children because of wine. People lose their lives because
of drunk driving. God’s love will only do you good. It will cause you to even
do well to others.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not only was his kiss <span style="color: #c00000;">sensitive</span>
and <span style="color: #c00000;">superio</span>r, but in verse three we learn
that it was <span style="color: #c00000;">sweet</span>. His kiss was like the
savor of good ointments poured forth. When we think about the life of Christ
ointment is a good description.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I want to point something out before we move on. Notice that
this woman has not been in the palace long and she already wants a kiss. A lot
of people feel like you have to be saved for many years before you can
experience the goodness of God. This simply is not true. The moment you become
God’s child you are able to experience this type of relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice also that she does not care who is around. She wants
the attention of Solomon and does not care who knows it. I wish we would learn
to say within ourselves, “I don’t care who is around, I want the Lord to kiss
me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her Inability<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In verse four the bride gives her second request. She wants
Solomon to draw her. She is in love and desires close fellowship with Solomon.
She is also aware of her inability to obtain this fellowship. Even so, you and
I are not able to reach a level of close fellowship with Christ on our own. If
we ever fellowship with Him it will be because He draws us to Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent
me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe she is sensing a distance beginning to form between her
and her love. She does not want a distance to form between them so she asks him
to draw her. I want to point out that she does not ask him to draw her because
she is lazy or indifferent. She is helpless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice three things she says that she will do if drawn:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Run – We see many today who are
running before they are drawn. You will never be able to run for Christ until
you have been drawn by Him. Notice also where she is going to run. She is going
to run after him. That should be our desire.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rejoice – We cannot even rejoice if
we have not been drawn. We can rejoice in our flesh, rejoice in ourselves, but
to rejoice in Christ we must be drawn.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember – To remember can be a
blessing and a curse. If we remember the days we spent in sin without being
drawn it can cause us harm. Only once we have been drawn close to Him can we
properly look back over our lives.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At this point in the story Solomon has brought her into his
chamber. This is a place of his secret love. This is like the cleft of the rock
God hid Moses in. It is like the most holy place in the tabernacle. In this
secret place she makes a confession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her
Inadequacy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In verse 5 &6 she gives a confession. “I am black.” She
is saying that she does not look like all the other women in the palace.
Because of her position as a tenant farmer the sun has darkened her skin. In
this day a woman desired to be fair skinned. To have a tan was a bad thing. She
is ashamed of her skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I would like to point out that she is confessing what
everyone already knows. Everyone in the palace already knows that she is dark.
She felt the need to confess this anyway. Many of us make the mistake when we
sin of saying, “Everyone already knows it anyway. God already know about it.”
While this may be true, there are certain things that we need to confess
anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Solomon knew that she was “black” yet he still wanted her in
his chamber. God knows the failure that I am, that I have been. God know the
wrongs that I have done. If you knew me like God knew me you probably would not
want to read this blog. God knows, but He still wants me in his palace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In her eyes she is like the tents of Kedar. The tents of
Kedar were made from the skin of black sheep and goats. They were weather
beaten, worn and dark. These tents make us think of her pilgrimage. Her journey
has resulted in her not being everything she wanted to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the eyes of Solomon we see a different picture. Solomon
says that she is like a curtain. This speaks of royalty, luxury and beauty. You
may see me as black. I may see me as black, but in the eyes of my heavenly
Solomon I am of beauty and value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Solomon responds to her confession in verse nine by telling
her that in his eyes she looks like a horse. Please don’t think this is a crude
example. (Please don’t call your wife a horse.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember that this woman has just confessed that she has a
very low estimation of herself. These horses were very valuable. Solomon is
saying “You may not think you are valuable, but I think you are of great
value.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At this time in history Solomon had just purchased several
horses from Egypt. He chose these horses, paid a great price for them. Even so,
Christ chose each us. He paid a great price for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Notice that he does not compare her to just any horse, but to
the horses in Pharaoh’s chariot. He is saying there is something royal about
her. He thinks of their relationship as going places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Solomon not only compares her to a horse in verses 15 &
16 he tells her that while she may be “black” in her own eyes, she is “fair” in
his. Many times we are black with sin, but in the eyes of God we are white and
clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As this book will progress we will see that this woman is far
from perfect. She will make mistakes and do things she will later regret. In
all of these ups and downs we will see a consistent love on the part of
Solomon. Aren’t you glad that God’s opinion of you isn’t your opinion of you?
So many times I am disappointed in who I am and what I do, but God sees me
through different eyes. He sees me as one who is covered in the blood of Christ
and has had the righteousness of Christ applied to my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can watch this lesson taught live at </span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/new/search?q=thoughts%20of%20theology">this link</a></span></div>
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I'm on twitter @drjoshuasharp</div>
</div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-52317039406506204662012-12-10T08:56:00.001-05:002012-12-10T08:57:42.147-05:00The Book No One Talks About<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The Song of Solomon</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">I would like for you to notice that this book is in reality a
song. This however is not just any song; this is the “Song of Songs.” According
to <i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">1 Kings 4:32</span>,</i> Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and
1,005 songs. We are not given a record of most of Solomon’s songs, but we are
given this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">If I was to ask you what the greatest song ever written was,
what would you answer? Maybe “Amazing Grace?” According to this verse the
greatest song is Solomon’s song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Let me illustrate the greatness of this song. In the book of
Ecclesiastes several times the phrase “vanity of vanities” is mentioned. This
is reference to the vanity of the world. There is no vanity like the vanity of
this world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">In Israel there was a place behind the veil in the temple
referred to as the “holy of holies.” There was no place quite as holy as that
place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">In the book of Revelation, Jesus is called the “King of kings”
and the “Lord of lords.” There is no king; no lord like Jesus is king and lord.
Even so there is no song quite as great as Solomon’s song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">This small book, or song, is one of the most neglected books
in the entire bible. Some claim that this book is too hard to understand, and
some go as far as to say it does not belong in the canyon of the scriptures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">I will say this. This book is not for the carnally minded.
This book can certainly be misunderstood, and mistreated if not properly
understood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">There are many different reasons that this book is so
neglected. Let me mention the three main reasons given for avoiding the Song of
Solomon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;">It is
difficult to know who is talking.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">” In one verse the bridegroom will
speak and in the next the bride will speak using almost the same words. Because
this book is a little difficult to follow most simply avoid it altogether.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">This book isn’t like one of the epistles of Paul. Paul wrote
in letter form. He began with a greeting, moved from point to point and closed.
Because of this difficulty most will not even attempt to study this short book. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">I would like to point out that it is not as important whether
Solomon or the Shulamite is talking. The important thing is that God is
speaking to us through His word. God has given us a wonderful treasure, and
those that avoid it are missing out on the blessings of God.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;">This book
is too intimate.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">” The fact is that this is a record of two people who
are madly in love with each other. They do the things an in love married couple
does. Some of the things mentioned here could be embarrassing for some to read
in a mixed congregation. In fact years ago the Jews would not allow their young
men to read this book before the age of 13. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I would like to say that </span><b style="line-height: 115%;">ALL</b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
scriptures are given by inspiration of God. Surely you do not think that God
would allow something inappropriate in His word. The truth is that we watch
things on television that are far more graphic than the words recorded in this
book. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">God speaks in terms that we can understand. This book upholds
the beauty of a loving marriage. It is also a wonderful picture of Christ and
his church. God would not allow anything in the scriptures that would be
inappropriate for us to read.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;">I don’t
understand the illustrations.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">” Some of the illustrations used in this
book are a little different that the ones we use today. For example in chapter
two the bride says to Solomon, “Stay with me flagons.” What in the world are
“flagons?” A flagon is sweet cake. She is basically saying that Solomon was
something sweet and she didn’t want to run out. In chapter four Solomon tells
her that her hair is like a flock of goats and her neck is like a tower. A
little study will reveal the meaning of these verses, and we will soon
understand the beauty of these words.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Instead of avoiding this book God intends for us to embrace,
and learn from this story. This book sets for 4 wonderful principals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5TI2NoWeVQ/UMXoCOzO5tI/AAAAAAAAARA/5B3o1M942iY/s1600/82222346.EpbP7kOt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5TI2NoWeVQ/UMXoCOzO5tI/AAAAAAAAARA/5B3o1M942iY/s320/82222346.EpbP7kOt.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;">The love between a
husband and a wife.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Today society knows a lot about sex, but very little about love. Our school
teaches our children how to have safe sex, but not how to wait until they have
married the one they love. The Song of Solomon will teach us about true love.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">I believe that each of us can learn from the examples in this
book. Let’s not kid ourselves into thinking we have a perfect marriage or relationship.
I will be honest in saying that I struggled in studying this book. God
impressed some things upon my heart. With an open mind and heart maybe we can
learn from this couple.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;">The love between Jehovah
and Israel.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> This is a
principal found many times in the Old Testament. And it is pictured for us here
in this book.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;">The love between Christ
and His church.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> This
book reminds me of <i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Ephesians 5</span></i> which
teaches us the same principal in a compact form. While I do not believe a
person should attempt to find hidden meaning in these verses (which many do). I
do believe however that we see a type in these scriptures of the love between
Christ and his bride the church. This is something we will be paying a lot of
attention to over the next several weeks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4bacc6; line-height: 115%;">The love between Christ
and individuals.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Christ
not only wants to have a relationship with the church, He wants a relationship
with you. Let us never lose sight of the fact that the church is made up of
individual believers. It was not a collective group that Christ died for, but a
bunch of individuals. God wants you. He loves you. He wants a relationship with
you.</span></div>
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Over the next several weeks we will go through this short
book. With the help of God, and an open heart we will learn how to better love
our Savior. We will also learn how to better love our spouse.</div>
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To watch this lesson taught live follow the link: <span id="goog_1450198471"></span><span id="goog_1450198472"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1450198468"></span><span id="goog_1450198469"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.ustream.tv/new/search?q=thoughts%20of%20theology" target="_blank">http://www.ustream.tv/new/search?q=thoughts%20of%20theology</a></div>
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You can follow me on twitter @drjoshuasharp</div>
<br />Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-46921053446862289902012-09-06T15:14:00.001-04:002012-09-06T15:14:06.987-04:00What will heaven be like?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you ever wondered what heaven will look like. Maybe you have wondered what we will do once we get to heaven. Some have even wondered if heaven is a real place.</div>
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Last Sunday I began a series of lessons about heaven. A member of the church I attend recently had a mother pass away. While thinking about his mom he also began to wonder about heaven. This member called me and asked if I would teach sometime about heaven. Little did I know this would be one of the more difficult lessons I have ever prepared for (it has also been one of the funnest).</div>
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In this series I will try to answer questions like, "Will I still be married in heaven?" "Will I still be a parent in heaven?" "Is heaven just going to be worshiping all the time, or is there more to it than that?"</div>
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These topics are hard to tackle, so I desire your prayers. I have posted a link below if you would like to listen in to the first lesson.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25137483">http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25137483</a>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm on twitter @drjoshuasharp</div>
Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-50062488266396712652012-08-07T14:02:00.001-04:002012-08-07T14:02:09.171-04:00Can you love God but not love others?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmLPz3gN09Q/UCFXXuIHr7I/AAAAAAAAAPU/KZaJoxpnASI/s1600/love+god+and+love+others%5B6%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmLPz3gN09Q/UCFXXuIHr7I/AAAAAAAAAPU/KZaJoxpnASI/s200/love+god+and+love+others%5B6%5D.gif" width="163" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is
it possible to hate another Christian and at the same time love God? Well, the
short answer to this question is no. That’s right. I am saying that it is not
possible to hate a fellow Christian and love God at the same time. Consider
this verse:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“If a man say, I love God, and hateth
his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath
seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
verse seems very simple. What many people do not realize is that love, in the
life a Christian, is an awesome responsibility. In this same chapter John gives
a wonderful history of love from God to man, man to God, and finally man to
man. Lets’ take a second and look at the order of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">The
Origin of Love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“In this was manifested the love of
God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that
we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he
loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John
says that in the death of Christ, God’s love was “manifested.” The word
manifested means “to come out in the open, to be made public.” Under the old
covenant God was hidden behind the veil of the temple. Under the new covenant
God has revealed His love openly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
sending of Christ into the world was not prompted by man’s love and desire for
God. Instead the coming of Christ was prompted by God’s love for mankind. Two
reasons are given for the coming of Christ. In verse nine Christ came so that
we could live through him. Second Christ came to be our propitiation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
word “propitiation” has been used before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 John 2:2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
word “propitiation” means a “mercy seat.” In the Old Testament this word meant
to cover or atone for. Christ is like the mercy seat in the tabernacle. It was
to the mercy seat that the high priest came yearly to offer sacrifices for the
sins of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus
is our mercy seat. He has paid the price for redemption in His own body.
Christ’s death was not an accident, his death was an appointment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Who was delivered for our offences,
and was raised again for our justification.”
Romans 4:25<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
truth is, that many people assume God saves people based on love. While it is
true that God does love, He does not saved based on love. God can’t just let
someone into heaven because He loves them. God is too holy to allow that. Therefore
Christ had to come. Because God does love, Jesus was born to pay the penalty
for our sins, and make a way for us to come to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Notice
that all this was not done because we loved God. God loved us long before we
ever loved Him. God does not even love us because we are lovable. God loves us while
we are sinners. The person that states “God would not send anyone to hell
because God is love” will find themselves mistaken. Because God loves He made a
way for us to be saved, but be assured that a person who does not accept the
work of Christ will spend eternity in hell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">The
Order of Love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought
also to love one another.” 1 John 4:11<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now
that God demonstrated His love to us, it is our turn to display love. This is
the natural order of things. God loved us, we have fellowship with God, and
therefore we love others. Notice that displaying love is not a duty, but a
privilege. We have been given God’s love, therefore we love. When we realize
what Christ did for us, we should be willing to love others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How
did I say that Christ loved? Did Christ love us because we loved Him first? No,
God’s love is not selfish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For if ye love them which love you,
what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?” Matthew 5:46<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Notice
what Christ said about love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I ye love me, keep my
commandments.” John 14:15<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“This is my commandment, that ye love
one another, as I have loved you.” John
15:12<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
is serious business. John is mentioning this over and over. It is terribly
important that we are demonstrating God’s love in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2U3nImVGWz4/UCFXhiDjAKI/AAAAAAAAAPc/x9YowIrRO_E/s1600/LoveThyNeighborAsThyself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2U3nImVGWz4/UCFXhiDjAKI/AAAAAAAAAPc/x9YowIrRO_E/s400/LoveThyNeighborAsThyself.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
truth of the matter is that others cannot see the love of God in our heart.
Maybe God has saved you, changed your life and you are in love with Him. Your
neighbor isn’t able to see your heart. You must display that love for it to do
your neighbor any good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
wonder how many people have determined not to go to a church because some member
is not displaying the love of God. I would hate to think that someone would
refuse to come to my church because they saw me as hateful, angry or miserable.
What good am I doing this world if I go around bitter and angry all the time?
The answer is none.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Unfortunately
we live in a day when many church members feel that it is there job to correct
everyone around them, pick fights on some social network, and talk bad about
others on Facebook for everyone to see. I understand that I’m not going to make
many friends by pointing this out, but the truth is that all these things are
hurtful to the cause of Christ. You will not win anyone to Christ in these
ways. God help us to display Christ’s love in every area of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John
finishes the chapter by stating:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And this commandment have we from
him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 John 4:21<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Are
you in the habit of loving others? Why not, God commanded you to?<o:p></o:p></span></div>Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-6500005731655534782012-07-31T16:22:00.000-04:002012-07-31T16:26:10.715-04:00What Motivates You?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have been
teaching through the book of 1 John recently. This is an epistle that I have
taught from before, but this time though something has really jumped out. In my
recent lessons the theme of “love” has jumped off the pages of the scriptures.
I want to take just a moment and point out a portion of these teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In chapter three John begins by talking about the love that
God the Father has toward His children. The love that the Father has for His
children is a strange kind of love. The love of God is different than the love
we are used to. You and I are capable of loving those that love us, but have a
hard time loving our enemy. Our love is a selfish love. We many times love so that
we can be loved back. John will explain that the love of the Father is
different. God loves us, even thought we don’t love Him. God’s love is not a
selfish love as demonstrated by Christ giving His life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPab6BpIauQ/UBg_LbWG_9I/AAAAAAAAAO8/21g5XKjThag/s1600/God+is+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPab6BpIauQ/UBg_LbWG_9I/AAAAAAAAAO8/21g5XKjThag/s320/God+is+Love.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The love of God is where everything begins. Without the love
of God there would be no sun the sky, no beautiful flowers that bloom. Most
importantly without the love of God there would have never been a plan of
salvation. Salvation began in the heart of God. God’s love does not however
stop with salvation. The love of God is manifest in the life of the child of
God. The love of God is manifest even in His coming as we will see in verse
two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love is one of the greatest motivating factors in the world.
When a man and a woman love each other they are willing to do almost anything
for the other person. Do you remember all those things that others thought was
silly, but you did them anyway because you were “in love”? Your love for your
children will cause you to do things you normally would not. I have two girls
at home and have certainly played games that a man normally would not play
because I love them. But the love of God is greater than both of these loves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This amazing love should be a motivating factor in the life
of a child of God. When we consider the love that God has demonstrated in the
past, and consider the love He is currently showing to us, it should motivate
us to live for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God does not bully anyone into living for Him. Those that
teach and preach an angry religion are not teaching and preaching the truth of
the scriptures. Jesus said <i>“If you love
me keep my commandments.”</i> While it is true we should be willing to keep the
commandments of Christ, it is not true that God is beating you over the head to
do so. Let me share an illustration with you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A bridegroom was very nervous about his upcoming wedding. One
day he and his fiancée were discussing the wedding plans with the pastor. The
man asked “May I see the vows for the service?” The pastor handed him the paper
and he read them carefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This will never do” the young man told the pastor. “There’s
nothing written in there about her obeying me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His fiancée smiled, took his hand, and said, “Honey, the word
obey doesn’t have to be written in a book. It’s already written in love in my
heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God has bestowed His amazing love into our lives and as a
result we should desire to live for Him. Do you realize that when a lost person
sins they are sinning against the law, but when a child of God sins they are
sinning against love? The love of God in our hearts should cause us to live
godly lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A group of teenagers were having a party. Someone suggested
that they go to a certain restaurant for a good time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’d rather you took me home.” Jan said to her date, “My
parents don’t approve of that place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you afraid your father will hurt you?” one of the girls
asked sarcastically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No” Jan replied, “I’m not afraid my father will hurt me, but
I am afraid I might hurt him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the way sinning works in our lives. We don’t live a
godly life because we are afraid God will hurt us, but because we may hurt Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What motivates you? Do you find the Christian life burdensome
and grievous? If so then maybe you need to fall in love with Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-33391311877195981612012-05-15T08:15:00.001-04:002012-05-15T08:15:27.175-04:00A Promise and a Problem<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">A Promise and a Problem</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The apostle John wrote several
books in the New Testament. The last books he wrote were the epistles of 1, 2,
and 3 John. When John wrote these epistles he was dealing with a church not so
different than our churches today. The epistle of 1 John was written to the
people of Ephesus. In its glory, under the early ministry of Paul, this church
was on fire for God. They were seeing multitudes saved, false religions thrown
down, and cities turned upside down. At this point in history the fire is dying
out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
John is writing to the children
and grandchildren of these early church members. These descendants were not as
“on fire” as their ancestors were. In fact when Christ spoke of this church in
the book of Revelation He complains that they have left their first love
(Christ).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">A Promise</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In an effort to help this church
John writes the epistle of 1 John. In the first chapter John states two reasons
for writing this book. John states in verse three that he is writing so that
they might have fellowship with God, and in verse four he says that he is
writing that their joy would be full.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The promise in verse three is one
of the most wonderful in the entire Bible. It is the promise that you and I can
have fellowship with God. What a wonderful thought that mankind can fellowship
with the God of the universe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In verse three the word
fellowship means to share something in common. For example my wife and I have
fellowship with one another because we share some things in common. We both
love each other. We love our children. We love our home. We have common goals
for our marriage, and our future. The same should be said for the church. We
should have fellowship with one another. A church should share a common love
for Christ, and each other. A church should share common goals and visions for
their future. A marriage or a church that does not have fellowship will soon
fall apart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">A Problem</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I think about this wonderful
promise of fellowship with God a problem immediately comes to mind. Here is the
problem. Amos asked this question in his book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This is what is known as a
rhetorical question. The answer is obvious. No, two cannot walk together if
they are not in agreement. Therefore we have to determine how a sinful man can
have fellowship with a holy God. Man has been asking himself this question for
many years. In answer to this question mankind has devised three methods to
attain fellowship with God. John discussed these three methods in 1 John
chapter one. I would like for you to consider them quickly with me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;">Method #1 “I will bring God down
to my level”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto
you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we
have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the
truth.” 1 John 1:5, 6<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Light produces life, beauty,
wonder and radiance. Darkness produces everything that is opposed to light. If
God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all, then how are we to have
fellowship with Him? In the mind of man one of two things has to happen. One,
we must bring God down to our level. Second, we must arise to God’s level. Both
of these methods end in failure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is impossible for you to be
walking in the darkness of sin and at the same time have fellowship with God.
If this is your story then John says that you are a liar. Many times when
people are guilty of sin they are also guilty of trying to hid their sin from
other people. Think about David after he sinned with Bathsheba. He tried over
and over to cover his sin and act like nothing was wrong in his life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
None of us are perfect, but God
does not want us walking in open sin. To claim fellowship with God while
walking in sin is to attempt to bring God down to your level. God cannot be
brought down to your level.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;">Method #2 “I will arise to God’s
level.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us.” 1 John 1:8<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This may even be worse than the
first method. To be a liar is one thing, but John says that if you believe you
have no sin you don’t even know what truth is. This is even worse than being a
liar. A liar knows the truth, but chooses to ignore the truth. The person who
does not believe they sin doesn’t even know the truth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I feel sorry for people who teach
and believe that they must live in sinless perfection in order to obtain, or
maintain salvation. This is an impossible task. Notice that John says that if
you believe you have no sin you are deceiving yourself. The person who feels
that they do not sin is not fooling anyone other than themselves. Trust me,
your spouse, your family, your coworkers and your neighbors know that you sin.
The only one you are fooling is yourself. Method 2 also ends in failure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;">Method #3 “I will confess my
sins.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<i>“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Greek word translated
“confess” in this verse means “to say the same thing.” It simply means that
when God reveals sin in your life, you look at that sin from God’s perspective
and proclaim “Lord, you are right that is sin and it is wrong.” That is
confession.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When you are willing to take
sides with God against yourself, then God is willing to forgive you of those
sins and clean you up. Sin is terrible and God hates it. God cannot fellowship
with someone who is walking in open sin. When we confess our sins however God
will clean us up and accept us into fellowship with Him. Method 3 is a success.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What is your opinion of sin? None
of us are perfect. All of us sin. The question is what you do about that sin.
Do you ignore it? Do you act like you don’t sin? Or, do you confess sin? Only
when you are willing to confess the sin in your life will you be able to
experience fellowship with God.</div>Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391102434640873198.post-84526638481638101802012-04-30T09:01:00.000-04:002012-04-30T09:01:12.643-04:00A new earth and a new city!<br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Revelation 21</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will remember in John chapter 14 the Lord began to
prepare His disciples for the time when He would leave them and return to
heaven. The Lord told them that He had to go away, but that one day He would
return to get them so they could be with Him again. You will also remember the
famous words of the Lord where He said, </span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“In my Father’s house
are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a
place for your, and if I go to prepare a place for you I will come again and
receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NKTfG54S7o/T56MkVeD3KI/AAAAAAAAAKA/6nEzLafiAns/s1600/NewJerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NKTfG54S7o/T56MkVeD3KI/AAAAAAAAAKA/6nEzLafiAns/s400/NewJerusalem.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many assume that Christ went to prepare a mansion or home.
As we learn in this chapter, Christ did not go to prepare a mansion but a city.
This chapter reveals the work of Christ, the place He promised to prepare for
His bride. Imagine how wonderful this city will be. If it took the Lord six
days to create the earth in which we live today, how wonderful will that city
be which took 2,000 years to prepare?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A Renovation by fire<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Immediately after the destruction
of Satan and his armies, John writes: <i>"I saw a Great White Throne and
Him that sat on it, from whose face the Earth and Heaven fled away; and there
was found no more place for them."</i> Then John goes on to describe for
us the judgment of the wicked dead.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After this judgment John declares,
<i>"I saw a new Heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."</i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This transformation was predicted
by our Lord in <i>Matthew 24:35</i> when he said, <i>“Heaven and earth shall
pass away.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As this change comes John tells us
that it is happening, but he does not tell us how it is coming to pass. But
Peter does.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Peter 3:7-13</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The fact that these two are
talking about the same event is clear for Peter tells us that it occurs during
the judgment and perdition of ungodly men. This no doubt is the Great White
Throne judgment.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At first glance when reading these
verses one would think that we are being told that the entire earth and heaven
is being done away with by the fire. This is not so if you study further. The
present earth and the present heaven are simply to be renovated by the fire. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The exterior surface of the earth
will be completely changed and all that sin brought into the world will be done
away with. When man sinned, the earth brought forth thrones, disease, gems and
so on. All of this will be destroyed.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just as the flood of water did not
change the framework of the earth, the earth’s framework will not change when
it is baptized with fire.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No doubt as the earth’s surface
begins to burn and melt away the intense heat will cause the gases in the
earth’s atmosphere to explode. This is what Peter describes when he says the
earth will pass away with a “great noise.” The end result will be that all
animal life will be destroyed, all vegetable life will be destroyed and the
earth’s surface will be totally altered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Lord promised the meek would
inherit the earth and that the children of Israel will dwell in the earth
forever. If God's people are to dwell on the earth forever, then the earth must
abide forever. God will never totally do away with the earth. He will simply
purify it and make it a suitable place for His people to dwell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make,
shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name
remain.” Isaiah 66:22</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On this new earth there will be no
more sickness. Health will be preserved by the tree of life. The new earth will
never see the heavens angry with blackness, no flashing with thunderbolts of
Divine wrath. No more hail or devouring floods and tornados. Many believe that
the earth will again bring forth mist to water the face of the ground as it did
in Eden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On this new earth there will be no
more death. For the apostle Paul tells us in <i>I Corinthians</i> that death,
the final enemy, will be destroyed. This will truly be a day when we can cry
out <i>“O death where is thy victory, O grave where is thy sting?”</i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The new earth will not have a sea.
Now that does not mean there will not be any bodies of water, for we know that
there will be rivers that flow from the temple, simply that there will be no
great bodies of water.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Think about it, this new earth
where there will be no more sin, sorrow, sickness or dying is only available to
those who have trusted in the shed blood of Christ. John declared that this is
only possible to those who are “over-comers”. How do we overcome?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is
the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” I John 5:4<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Revelation of a City<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As John begins to view this city
he is amazed. In these verses we see that John is amazed at the sight of the
city. John describes it as being like a precious stone clear as crystal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then John tells us that the city
had a wall all the way around the city, and on each of the four sides of the
walls three gates. In Bible times walls around the city were used for
protections, but there will be no protection needed in this city. This wall
will no doubt be for an eternal reminder that God protected us while we were
upon earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lluXnZ23O5I/T56M1kw3oHI/AAAAAAAAAKI/WOI211k3FCU/s1600/Revelation21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lluXnZ23O5I/T56M1kw3oHI/AAAAAAAAAKI/WOI211k3FCU/s400/Revelation21.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The cities gates were named for
the twelve tribes of Israel. Angels stood at the gates to welcome all who possessed
the right to enter in. Just as the walls are inscribed with the names of the
twelve tribes of Israel the foundations are inscribed with the names of the
twelve apostles of the Lamb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Next John is amazed by the size of
the city. As the angels measure the city John records the sizes. We learn that
the city is a perfect cube for its length, width and height are equal. The city
is 12,000 furlongs, which is 1,500 miles. If you were to place this city on the
current United States of America it would reach from the northern most part of
Maine to southern most part of Florida, and from the eastern seaboard to
Colorado. The wall is 216 feet high for the measure of a cubit is the distance
from a man’s elbow to the point of his finger or approximately 18 inches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lastly, John is amazed by the
beauty of the city. First, the wall of jasper pictures Christ in His glory
surrounding His saints. Next, the city of pure gold pictures the righteousness
of God’s holy nature. And then the colorful precious stone pictures the
attributes of Christ as well as aspects of His redemptive work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On earth God always had a dwelling
place, a temple or tabernacle where men could come and visit with Him. Such a
place is no longer needed, for God is now dwelling with man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Revelation 22</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This final chapter of the book of
Revelation concludes our sightseeing tour of the New Jerusalem. It also gives
us one final warning that only those who are prepared may enter into this
wonderful place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We Will Have Real Bodies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These first two verses in chapter
22 establish the fact that in our new glorified bodies we will still enjoy
eating. This only makes since, for the Bible teaches us that when we shall see
Him, (Jesus), we will be like Him. And since Jesus ate in his glorified body so
shall we.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And he took it, and did eat before them.” Luke 24:43<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We will also drink in our new
body. We will drink from the water that flows from the river that comes from
the throne of God. The waters of the rivers today are certainly not crystal
clear, most of the time they are muddy or contaminated. But this wonderful
river we shall drink from is crystal clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Notice that the source of this
water is not another body of water. We are told in chapter 21 that the new
earth will not have any seas. This water flows from the throne of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Bible teaches us that we will
eat of the fruit of the tree of life. These trees will bear forth twelve
different kinds of fruit, a different fruit each month. The Bible then goes on
to tell us that the leaves of the trees will be for the healing of the nations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You will remember when Adam sinned
in the Garden of Eden, that God drove them from the garden and placed an angel
guardian at the gate. The reason for the angel to guard the gate was so that
Adam could not enter into the garden and eat of the tree of life, for if he did
he would live in his sinful state forever. Now we are given access to the tree
that Adam could not eat from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many misunderstand this verse
where it says that the leaves are for the healing of the nation. You must
remember that there will be no sickness in this new city, so these leaves are
not to heal sickness. They are rather to be used to preserve the health of the
nations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We Will Realize God Like Never Before<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Can you imagine a time when we will
forever look upon the face of the Lord, and then to see him looking at us? Many
times we feel like the apostle Paul when he said that <i>“now we look through a
glass darkly, but then face to face.”</i> Many times we pray and read our Bible
and we see the Lord, or He makes himself real to us, but there is coming a day
when He will be more real to us than ever, the day when we shall see Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Bible then says that we will
have His name written upon our foreheads. During the tribulation hour the
followers of Antichrist had the number of his name upon them, the 144,000 had
the seal of God upon their heads, and now in the New Jerusalem we will have the
name of our Lord forever inscribed upon our forehead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Are You Ready?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In verse six the angel tells John
that the things he has seen will come to pass “speedily.” And now in this verse
Jesus proclaims that He will come “speedily.” The word used “speedily” in these
verses does not speak of time, hours or minutes. It speaks of events taking
place in a rapid succession once they begin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In other words once these things
come to pass, the things will fall into place so suddenly that one should make
preparation before they begin. Things will come to pass so quickly that one
will not have time to prepare, once the events begin to unfold. Therefore we
are told, <i>“Blessed are they which keep the commandments of this book.”</i>
Or blessed are you if you are prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You will remember that when God
had finished giving a revelation to Daniel He told him to seal up the book for
the time was not at hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to
the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be
increased.” Daniel 12:4<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John however is forbidden to seal
up the book for the time is at hand. The word used in this verse “time” means
an opportunity, moment or season. Therefore the time for the revealing of
prophetic scripture is come. It is time for people to learn what will shortly
come to pass. It is time for us to get our head out of the sand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We should learn the prophetic
truths about the times of the church dispensations and know that the coming of
Christ is at hand. We should also know that once the events begin they will
quickly come to pass. If we know we will prepare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some will hear the message that
the rapture of the church, the judgment of God and the Great White Throne
Judgment, will soon come to pass and therefore they will prepare by asking
Christ into their heart to save them. Others however will continue to harden
their heart and reject Christ. What you do with Christ is totally up to you,
but make no mistake about it you must decide. Many do not realize that doing
nothing with Christ is the same as rejecting Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God’s time clock is ticking.
Things are quickly coming to pass. No doubt the next great event on God’s time
clock or time line is the rapture of the church. It could be today. Are you
ready?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have said before and I will say
it again, the rapture of the church is a signless, timeless event. There is
nothing that needs to be fulfilled before Christ can come. It could be today.
Once it happens things will begin to spin so quickly you will not know what hit
you, if you are not prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We read of the 10 virgins in the
book of Matthew. In this story we are told how that 5 of them are prepared and
had oil, but 5 were not ready. The five that were not ready frantically begged
for oil, and sought to buy oil at the midnight hour when the cry came, but then
it was too late. Don’t wait until it is too late. Make preparation today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Dr. Joshua Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14555525432347715288noreply@blogger.com0