Wednesday, June 18, 2014
And if ye call him Father, which without respect of person judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your dwelling here in fear. Knowing that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation, received by the traditions of the fathers, But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb undefiled, and without spot.
1 Peter 1:17-19 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
In the name of Jesus Christ; Good morning and greetings.
Herein we see again that the only way to receive salvation is through the blood of the Lamb. Things of this world cannot purchase, nor redeem your soul unto the Father. They are as stated above corruptible, or to use a synonym, perishable. They will in time fade and decay. But the blood of Christ is eternal, it is without spot, without corruption.
Secondly, the traditions of our forefathers, can likewise not save us. Many of the laws as were followed, and are still followed today, are followed for the sake of being, for lack of a better expression, “because that’s the way it has always been”. Remember that Christ freed us from the curse of the Law, and the continuation along this path is both futile and counter productive.
In summation, neither material things, nor traditional things can be used, nor replace, the redemption by grace as offered by our Father.
Pray with me friends:
Heavenly Father I come to you this day, as a sinner. I confess my sins, and seek Your forgiveness. I accept Your grace and mercy by pleading the blood of the Lamb as a redemption of my soul. Amen.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind: be sober, and trust perfectly on that grace that is brought unto you, in the revelation of Jesus Christ, As obedient children, not fashioned yourselves unto the former lusts of your ignorance: But as he which hath called you, is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation, Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. (a)
1 Peter 1:13-16
1 Peter 1:13-16
Greetings in the mighty name of Christ Jesus
We are pleased to use for today’s commentary an excerpt from Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary it says it so much more in detail than this writer can only attempt to write or convey.
Wherefore, since you are so honoured and distinguished, as above, Gird up the loins of your mind. You have a journey to go, a race to run, a warfare to accomplish, and a great work to do; as the traveller, the racer, the warrior, and the labourer, gather in, and gird up, their long and loose garments, that they may be more ready, prompt, and expeditious in their business, so do you by your minds, your inner man, and affections seated there: gird them, gather them in, let them not hang loose and neglected about you; restrain their extravagances, and let the loins or strength and vigour of your minds be exerted in your duty; disengage yourselves from all that would hinder you, and go on resolutely in your obedience. Be sober, be vigilant against all your spiritual dangers and enemies, and be temperate and modest in eating, drinking, apparel, recreation, business, and in the whole of your behaviour. Be sober-mined also in opinion, as well as in practice, and humble in your judgment of yourselves. And hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Hope perfectly, or thoroughly, for the grace that is brought to you in or by the revelation of Jesus Christ; that is, by the gospel, which brings life and immortality to light. Hope perfectly, trust without doubting to that grace which is now offered to you by the gospel. The main work of a Christian lies in the right management of his heart and mind; the apostle’s first direction is to gird up the loins of the mind. The best Christians have need to be exhorted to sobriety. These excellent Christians are put in mind of it; it is required of a bishop (1 Timothy 3:2), of aged men (Titus 2:2), the young women are to be taught it, and the young men are directed to be sober-minded, (Titus 2:4, 6) A Christian’s work is not over as soon as he has got into a state of grace; he must still hope and strive for more grace. When he has entered the strait gate, he must still walk in the narrow way, and gird up the loins of his mind for that purpose. A strong and perfect trust in God’s grace is very consistent with our best endeavours in our duty; we must hope perfectly, and yet gird up our loins, and address ourselves vigorously to the work we have to do, encouraging ourselves from the grace of Jesus Christ.
It is a great favour to be called effectually by divine grace out of a state of sin and misery into the possession of all the blessings of the new covenant; and great favours are strong obligations; they enable as well as oblige to be holy. Complete holiness is the desire and duty of every Christian. Here is a two-fold rule of holiness: It must, for the extent of it, be universal. We must be holy, and be so in all manner of conversation; in all civil and religious affairs, in every condition, prosperous or reverse; towards all people, friends and enemies; in all our intercourse and business still we must be holy. For the pattern of it. We must be holy, as God is holy: we must imitate him, though we can never equal him. He is perfectly, unchangeably, and eternally holy; and we should aspire after such a state. The consideration of the holiness of God should oblige as to the highest degree of holiness we can attain unto. The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian’s life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way. The Old-Testament commands are to be studied and obeyed in the times of the New Testament; the apostle, by virtue of a command delivered several times by Moses, requires holiness in all Christians.
(a) Read also Leviticus 19:2, 20:7; 1 Peter 2:9
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:3 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
Greetings in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ
We start a new study today, so let us begin. Note the words “begotten us again”. This is to say, that we are new creations in the spirit, to be reborn anew, in the likeness that our God had originally planned for us. The first fruit of course is Jesus Christ, in who’s likeness we will become. When man fell from perfection we became both spiritually and physically corrupted by sin. Our bodies, age, breakdown, and we die. Spiritually, we give into the desires of the flesh and commit all divers of sin. However we now have a living hope, in the way of atonement, and likewise a living mediator who will act on our behalf. Praise God for His grace and mercy.
Friday, June 13, 2014
For we ourselves also were in times past unwise, disobedient, deceived, serving the lusts and divers pleasures, living in maliciousness and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when that bountifulness and that love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Not by the works of righteousness, which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of the new birth, and the renewing of the holy Ghost, Which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior, That we, being justified by his grace, should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a true saying, and these things I will thou shouldest affirm, that they which have believed God, might be careful to show forth good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:3-8
Good morning and greetings in the name of Christ
We have been reading these scriptures over the last few days, and as one can see, it promotes both the Gospel of Christ, that is of God’s plan of redemption, and likewise, the righteousness of doing good works in the name of God. It is for Him that we now live, and are by our choice of acceptance, His proxies here on this temporal plane.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Looking for that blessed hope, and appearing of that glory of that mighty God, and of our Savior Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purge us to be a peculiar people unto himself, zealous of good works.
Titus 2:13-14 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
Good morning in the name of Jesus Christ
Friends, note the word purge in the above scripture. According to Webster’s Dictionary (Editions 1828 & 1913) it is defined as; To cleanse, clear, or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure, heterogeneous, foreign, or superfluous. In our case, we come to God as sinners, whatever righteousness we believe to posses is naught but dirty rags in the eyes of God. So, in order to be, as written a peculiar people unto to Him, we must be cleansed of all our unrighteousness. This happens by the blood of Jesus who gave Himself for an atonement of our sins. Secondly, we must then begin to live life anew, casting away all forms of ungodliness, all carnality, that our former lives once contained.
It is understood by this writer that even so we are still imperfect, that is to say, our minds wander and tend to try to fill the desires of the flesh. Hence the Apostle Paul instructs us, in various scriptures, to keep our minds on more noble things, things that have good report, are of merit, and that also would glorify our Creator. Likewise by doing good in the name of Christ also keeps us away from our former selves. Remember friends our fight is in the spiritual realm, wherein we fight against the forces that would see us returned to that former life.
However, as we fight the good fight, we become more like Him, until such time as He returns for us, and redeems our bodies to be exactly like Him. For as is written we see only in part, what is in store for us.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
For that grace of God, that bringeth salvation unto all men, hath appeared, And teacheth us, that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly and righteously, and godly in this present world,
Titus 2:11-12
If the Gospel be then hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds, that is, of the infidels, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, which is the image of God, should not shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Good morning in the might name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer
This day we read two separate scriptures that are connected by those who would believe and accept the salvation offered by God and those who would reject it. Note that both refer to the present world. In the former, we read how one that believes should endeavor to live life in a Godly manner, rejecting all carnality that is exhibited by the those in the latter scripture.
These of the second group may have even been made aware of the Gospel, but the god of this age, the Devil has so blinded them with the passions of this world, that it is, as written veiled and hidden so that they cannot even see it.
Friends, if you are in this group, there is still time to have the light shine upon your blindness. God has sent His Son to open the eyes of the blind, take advantage of this offer, it is always available until such time as Christ returns. Pray with me friends:
Father, I confess my sins, please open my eyes to your word, your truth, and your Gospel. Make my heart, your heart, as I welcome you into it, by accepting the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ as an atonement for my sins. Amen
Monday, June 9, 2014
But speak thou the things which become wholesome doctrine,....In all things show thyself an example of good works with uncorrupt doctrine, with gravity, integrity.
Titus 2:1, 7 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
Greetings and good morning in the name of Christ
In Titus, we find that the Apostle Paul is exhorting the former, on how to be a good minister, a leader in the Christian church. However it behooves us to follow these instructions as well. For as previously written in other commentaries, the world watches us. They wish for us to be like themselves, as opposed to seeking the higher road. When we stumble, the finger pointers come out and say “ah ha they are no better than the rest, who are they to speak to me? Hypocrites!" While there may be some justification to their remarks, herein lies a difference. Those of us who are of the faith, seek forgiveness, and likewise seek to not repeat the offense. We do not and should not continue along that path. If the reader will recall the other day, we were admonished to walk circumspectly, that is to say, in a manner that will show caution, and thought before each step in all that we do. Let us therefore, walk in such a way, that shows by both word and deed, the love of Christ to all others.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Walk wisely toward them that are without, and redeem the season.
Colossians 4:5 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.
Ephesians 5:15 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
In the mighty name of Jesus; Greetings and good morning
Before we start, note the two words; circumspectly, and redeem, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary Ed. 1828 & 1913 and meditate upon them, by putting them into the context of today’s commentary.
Circumspectly - Cautiously; with watchfulness every way; with attention to guard against surprise or danger
Redeem - To save, (and by extension to accumulate a non-material object) (a), example - time - therefore to redeem time, is to use more diligence in the improvement of it; to be diligent and active in duty and preparation.
Over the past few posts we have been seeing a common thread that being for the Christian believer to walk and live in the spirit as required and defined by God. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to do so, and likewise gives reason to act in said manner.
Firstly, as mentioned previously the carnal world is watching, and watching continuously. It is looking to see the believer in the light of their own making, that is to say, acting in a worldly manner, or to use the vernacular, see if we slip up. We must jealously guard ourselves against this as much as we strongly can at all times. It is this writer’s personal opinion that they love to see it happen, as it brings one down to their level, that is to the following of the flesh, as opposed to them seeking a higher level, that of the Spirit. This is not to say the believer is elitist, in fact quite the opposite is true, for we are to be servants. This however brings us to the second point, which is the making the best use of our time and opportunities to bring the lost into the fold.
When those of the world see us acting in a manner that glorifies our Father, (in all that we do), they wonder about us. Sometimes, it is thought that they envy us, our peace, and strengths. We are not tossed to and fro (b), in the storms of life, as a rudderless ship upon the ocean, but are anchored firmly in our belief of God. It is during those times, that we should seek opportunity to let them know as to how we can be in such a condition. Sometimes all one does is plant a seed, and sometimes one might water, and at other times one might harvest, but all, are doing the work of the Savior.
(a) Parentheses mine
(b) Ephesians 4:14
Friday, June 6, 2014
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men
Colossians 3:23 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (a)
Colossians 4:2 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
Good morning and in the name of Jesus Christ, greetings.
It is felt that both the above verses should have effect on each other. In both we find service both unto God and people. Of which the former is our first Christian duty, to serve God and be His proxies here on this temporal plane, which then puts us wholly in the front of the eyes of the world, and those who are carnally minded, so that they might observe our behavior as Christians. In the latter verse, we are to continue to seek our Father through pray, and to pray for all people, all nations. As we pray for our family, and Christian brethren, we likewise ought to be praying for those that have yet to be saved. Do not be ashamed to pray openly in view of others, as this is likewise setting an example. One not need to use long elegant speeches within earshot of those who might see us, but simply to be thankful, and silently acknowledging our God, and Mediator Christ.
(a) Read also: Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:19; James 5:16
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Now therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on the bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel to another: even as Christ forgave, even so do ye. And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. (a) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful: Let the word of Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing your own selves, in Psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with a grace in your hearts to the Lord, And whatsoever ye shall do, in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God even the Father by him (b)
Colossians 3:12-17 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
(a) Read 1 Corinthians 13
(b) Read 1 Corinthians 10:31
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Where is neither Grecian nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond, free: But Christ is all, and in all things
Colossians 3:11 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
To all I bid greetings in the name of Jesus Christ
So often we hear the term of leveling the playing field, wherein each participant in an event has an equal chance of obtaining the prize, whatever said prize might be. Also we hear it in the workplace, in academia, and other walks of life, again with the notion that the individual must have an equal opportunity to present him or herself equally to reach a goal. Our very form of government was designed, (albeit not perfectly, as no man can create perfection), with such ideals in mind.
However we read above that Christ, is the ultimate in doing such; that is to say, creating all persons equally in the eyes of God. In the eyes of God, as Paul writes there is none that has a higher standing, than another. It is true that in the church, there are some given to be leaders, however, in the end, all stand before him. God, as Peter wrote, is not a respecter of persons. For by the death of Christ all walls, all partitions were removed between God, and us. That we may, as is written in scripture approach the throne of God in confidence.
So, it is that we should strive to emulate our Creator in so far as treating each other equally, as brethren in Christ. That our lives should be geared towards the goal of love and compassion for one another, and for all those that have yet to be saved. In particular the latter. Was it not Jesus who said that even the publicans love their own children; and which one of us would give a stone to our own if they asked for something eat? But we, as Christians, must go that extra distance and show a watching world a different way, a better way.
Additionally since Christ is our all in all, we are all and all in Him. We are one body, there is no part that is not integral, or useless. Each part is necessary in the total edification of all the saints in the body of Christ. Therefore let us, each of us, seek Him daily in all that we do, and do it for His glory.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth, fornication, uncleanness, the inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry. For the which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. Wherein ye also walked once, when ye lived in them. But now put ye away even all these things, wrath, anger, maliciousness, cursed speaking, filthy speaking, out of your mouth. Lie not one to another: seeing that ye have put off the old man with his works, And have put on the new, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.
Colossians 3:5-10 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)
Greetings in the name of our Redeemer Christ Jesus
What more can be said, that had not been said in the previous post? As mentioned, one must learn to put on the new man. Remember that at one time we walked with worldly desires of the flesh and walked with others that lived so. But now, now we are new creations. Reborn again in the original intent of our Creator.
The word mortified is defined variously, but all are applicable to how we must now conduct ourselves in the eyes of the world. (Source Webster’s Dictionary Ed. 1913 & 1828)
1. To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living body
2. To deaden desires
3. To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc.
4. To subdue; to abase; to humble; to reduce; to restrain inordinate passions.
5. To subdue or bring into subjection, the bodily appetites
Additionally, we find in Strong’s Concordance that the word is translated (from the Greek) as:
thanatoo (than-at-o') to kill (literally or figuratively):--become dead, (cause to be) put to death, kill
Friends, there is no need to remind those of you that have already humbled and submitted one’s self to redemption as provided by our Father as to how we must lead our lives. Again, we are being watched by the eyes of the world, let us lead by examples of God’s love and compassion, and by the spirit of His righteousness. However, this is now addressed to the lost. I will not sugar coat this, one must, subject one’s self to his authority in this matter by accepting Christ as Savior. Be redeemed friends, and enter into eternal rest with our Creator. Do not for one minute, one second, nay, one nanosecond, think that God will not do what He has said He will do, for He has sent out His word to all people, and that word will not return to him void. He will indeed come back and judge this world, it’s works, and it’s people. So take His offer, it is freely given, and you lose nothing, and gain everything. Would you pray with me:
Father, I am a sinner, I have read above about your word, and how my life reflects those that run with carnality. I want to change and become the creation you made, as opposed to what I am now. I accept your offer of salvation by confessing my sins, and accepting of the blood of Jesus Christ as atonement for my sins. Amen.
To read more on this topic; Matthew’s Bible Commentary, is very insightful, and well written as to create a better understanding of God’s word
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