All posts by shaan

Heavens Light 6-2-10 1 Thessalonians 4:15-5:11 The Rapture and the Day of the Lord – Part 1

 

1 Thessalonians 4:15-5:11

The Rapture and the Day of the Lord

 Mark 13:27

“And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds,  

 from the farthest end of the earth, to the farthest end of heaven. NASB 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:15 – 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. NASU

A. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord – Now Paul is about to make a statement of incredible magnitude, “for this we say to you,” and he wants to assure his readers that this pronouncement is not his own, but in fact the Lord is the author of it. Calvin points out that what is about to be said is “incredible to the human mind and also promises what is above the power and choice of men, he premises that he does not bring forward anything that is his own, or that proceeds from men, but that the Lord is the author of it. It is probable, however, that the ‘word of the Lord’ means what was taken from His discourses.” Consider the supernatural nature of such an event as the Second Coming of Christ coming to resurrect those who are “asleep” in Him and to gather them with His living saints in the sky by an amazing appearance in the clouds. This is in fact an incredible statement. Here Paul makes specific reference to “the word of the Lord.” Some argue that Paul is giving an authoritative prophetic utterance of knowledge here while others maintain he is simply quoting a saying of Jesus, either from one of Jesus sermons or from an actual Gospel account such as Mark or Matthew’s record of the Olivet Discourse. Regardless of which of these may be true, the Lord Himself did give extensive teaching about His coming ‘parousia’ in the Olivet Discourse and in many other places as well which are recorded for us in the Gospels. In fact several commentators believe this is a direct reference to the Olivet Discourse, specifically the passage in Mark 13:24-27 and Matthew 24:30-31. I certainly do believe this myself. An analysis of this passage alongside of the Olivet Discourse reveals remarkable similarities (see attached chart on Text Comparison 1 Thess 4 and Matt 24).

Mark 13:24-27 – 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,  25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.  27 “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth, to the farthest end of heaven. NASB

Matthew 24:29-31 – 29 “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken,  30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. NASB

Not only this but it is very apparent that resurrection of dead saints along with translation of living saints is a key feature in the Second Coming, one must acknowledge that this feature exists as a key component of the Second Coming in every passage that speaks of it, whether or not it gives further details about this feature or not. In one context the writer my have in view a specific feature of the Second Coming such as the destruction of the wicked and unbelieving (2 Thes 1:7-10), or of the establishment of the Kingdom on earth (Rev 20:1-10), but that does mean then that the Second Coming does not include key features which are spoken of in other passages where the writer has that feature in view. Rather, we get a much clearer picture in our minds of all of the events which culminate at the Second Coming, and the order in which they do, as we piece together all the different passages which refer to it. And even though there are many passages which give many features and chronological order of events, the Second Coming is an event of such magnanimous proportions and supernatural intervention into the natural order of events that it we cannot get a perfect picture nor can we comprehend the whole nature and sense of what will happen, but will instead “marvel at” His glorious appearing with much wonder and awe (2 Thes 1:10).  In summary, Paul’s specific reference to “the word of the Lord” in my view is a reference to the Olivet Discourse, either a direct quotation from Paul’s memory or his paraphrase of an Olivet passage. Regardless of the validity of my position on this, we understand that Paul is making the point that what he is about to say, he says as a direct quotation of God’s Word and by God’s authority, whether that be a previously recorded quote or not.

B. that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep – This statement by Paul actually continues into verse 16-17, where Paul further clarifies his meaning. It is clear from this verse however that Paul expects th Lord to return during his lifetime, or at the very least expects living believers to live in light of that expectation. This is clear from the words that “we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord.” This clearly shows that the Lord is coming and that there will be those who are “alive and remain until the coming of the Lord.” But Paul’s main point in this verse is to show that the believers who have “fallen asleep in Jesus, v-14,” are going to precede those who are “alive and remain.” The meaning here is, that they who would be alive at “the coming of the Lord” Jesus, would not be changed and received up into glory before those who were in there graves were raised up. This is his design in the words “will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” This point is very clear therefore, that is, at the Second Coming of Christ He will gather together His elect, and there will be a resurrection of dead believers which will precede the translation of living believers into the air to meet Christ when He comes. This is also clear from other passages.

John 11:25-26 – 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? ”  NASB

1 Corinthians 6:14 – 14 Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power.  NASB

Romans 8:11 – 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.  NASB

1 Corinthians 15:50-54 – 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. NASB

2 Corinthians 4:14 – 14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. NASB

Mark 13:26-27 – 26 “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.  27 “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth, to the farthest end of heaven. NASB

 

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. NASU

A. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God – Now Paul begins to describe the parousia or coming of the Lord he mentioned in verse 1:10, 2:19, 3:13 and the preceding verse 4:15, as the term “For” connotes. As he has expectantly told them, “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven.” His meaning here is plain, this will not be some spiritual appearance or some esoteric revealing in the minds of enlightened people but rather a powerful inbreaking of the King of Heaven into the physical realm of time and space. “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven,” and He will do so “with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God.” Here notice He comes “with a shout,” or in the Greek a command. One cannot dismiss the account of Lazarus being raised from the dead, or the Lord’s words speaking of the resurrection of the dead in John 5:25-29, in regard to this resurrection as His powerful voice does in fact raise those who are “in Him” from the dead.

John 5:25-29 – 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall live. 26 “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; 27 and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28 “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, 29 and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. NASB

The loud command of the Lord will be accompanied by the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God.” The scene here is one of a general commanding his troops into the heat of battle. The Second Coming of Christ is often seen in Scripture as the triumphant conquering King coming to take what is rightfully His and to destroy those who oppose Him. Further, the Second Coming is in many places accompanied with angels and trumpets, the trumpets being a common feature in ancient middle eastern battle scenes. Note here then that the Lord is coming with His powerful angels, including “the archangel” himself. The word archangel is the Greek archaggelos, meaning a chief angel. Note the angel’s role in many end times passages. 

Mark 13:26-27 – 26 “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.  27 “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth, to the farthest end of heaven. NASB

Matthew 16:27 – 27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds. NASB

2 Thessalonians 1:7 – 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, NASB

This trumpet however is “the trumpet of God” and this term gives it the utmost significance, relating it to the most significant trumpets in Scripture. The trumpet in the Bible is usually used for the gathering of God’s people for a significant event, feast, battle or otherwise. Here Christ’s first order of business at His coming is the gathering of His people, together with His powerful angels and a loud trumpet call. 

1 Corinthians 15:50-52 – 50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. NASB

Matthew 24:30-31 – 30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. NASB

Notice in the above two passages, key passages on the Second Coming and resurrection, the accompaniment of both angels and trumpets.

 

Moreover, it should be noted that as many orthodox doctrinal statements testify, the Second Coming of Christ will be personal, bodily and visible. These facts are important because up until the Second Coming Christ’s presence is only spiritual, and non-visible. Therefore in many places the Bible speaks of the revealing or appearing of Christ as He shall appear personally and in the body.  This is most clearly indicated by our text, “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven.”

Hebrews 9:27-28 – 27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, 28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. NASB

1 Timothy 6:14-15 – 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time  He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords; NASB

2 Timothy 4:1-2 – 4 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: NASB

1 Peter 1:7 – 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  NASB

Not only will He come personally and bodily, but He will come visibly so that His coming is witnessed by the entire world. This coming is said to be with power and great glory as He will be feared and marveled at by both the unbelieving world and those who have eagerly awaited His coming.

Revelation 1:7 – 7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen. NASB

Mark 14:62 – 62 And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” NASB

Matthew 24:30 – 30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. NASB

Matthew 16:27 – 27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds. NASB

Mark 13:26 – 26 “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. NASB

 
 
 
If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 5-21-10 The Deadly Sin of Adultery Part 3

Folks,
 
In concluding a series of posts on the sin of Adultery, here are two posts from Desiring God on the matter. I hope and pray this will strengthen your faith and hatred of sin.
 
In Christ’s Love,
Shaan

5 Ways Sin is Serious

Posted: 09 Nov 2009 03:23 AM PST

(Author: John Piper)

In Psalm 51, as he laments and repents of his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah, David confesses at least five ways that his sin is extremely serious.

1. He says that he can’t get the sin out of his mind.

It is blazoned on his conscience. Verse 3:

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.

Ever before him. The tape keeps playing. And he can’t stop it.

2. He says that his exceeding sinfulness is only against God.

Nathan had said David despised God and scorned his word. So David says in verse 4,

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.

This doesn’t mean Bathsheba and Uriah and the baby weren’t hurt. It means that what makes sin sin is that it is against God. Hurting man is bad. It is horribly bad. But that’s not the horror of sin. Sin is an attack on God—a belittling of God. David admits this in striking terms: “Against you, you only, have I sinned.”

3. He doesn’t justify himself.

David vindicates God, not himself. There is no self-justification. No defense. No escape. Verse 4:

…so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.

God is justified. God is blameless. If God casts David into hell, God will be innocent.

This is radical God-centered repentance. This is the way saved people think and feel. God would be just to damn me. And that I am still breathing is sheer mercy. And that I am forgiven is sheer blood-bought mercy. David vindicates the righteousness of God, not himself.

4. He intensifies his guilt by drawing attention to his inborn corruption.

Verse 5:

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Some people use their inborn corruption to diminish their personal guilt. David does the opposite. For him the fact that he committed adultery and murdered and lied are expressions of something worse: He is by nature that way.

If God does not rescue him, he will do more and more evil.

5. He admits that he sinned not just against external law but against God’s merciful light in his heart.

Verse 6:

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

God had been his teacher. God had made him wise. David had done so many wise things. And then sin got the upper hand. For David, this made it all the worse. “I have been blessed with so much knowledge and so much wisdom. O how deep must be my depravity that it could sin against so much light.”

So in those five ways at least David joins the prophet Nathan and God in condemning his sin and confessing the depths of his corruption.

Amazing Grace in the Wreckage of Adultery

Posted: 19 Oct 2009 04:21 AM PDT

(Author: Jon Bloom)

In staff devotions recently we were in Proverbs 6. Solomon warns his son against the devastation of adultery. In verses 32-33 he writes,

He who commits adultery lacks sense;
he who does it destroys himself.
He will get wounds and dishonor,
and his disgrace will not be wiped away.

For Solomon, every warning against adultery must have been haunted by the memory of his father and mother, David and Bathsheba. Imagine what he must have felt. He was the product of a marriage that never should have been.

He watched the royal family, in the middle of Israel’s golden age, implode because this union that brought him into existence had come into existence. God “put away” David’s sin (2 Samuel 12:13), determining to bear its condemnation himself (Romans 3:25-26). But he did not remove from David its wounds and disgrace.

Yet, out of the wreckage that was David’s family, emerges Solomon. By choosing him, of all the sons, to assume the throne and to write holy Scripture, God is saying something stunning: he really can work all things, including devastating sin, for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

The destruction of adultery is very real. Its disgrace is lasting. It is to be avoided at all costs. But it still is not more powerful than the grace of God.

To those who, like David, have fallen, take heart. If you have repented and trust Christ, he has borne all your condemnation. And though you view with painful and appropriate regret the damage your adultery caused, keep your eyes open. It is like God to bring something unexpectedly and amazingly good from it. Because the grace of God is stronger than the sin of man.  

 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 5-9-10 The Deadly Sin of Adultery Part 2

David’s Sin of  Adultery with Bathsheba

and the Consequences that Followed

Psalms 51:1-4

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness;

According to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me.

4 Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, And done what is evil in Thy sight, So that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak,

And blameless when Thou dost judge. NASB

 

King David of Israel is one of the most beloved of all of God’s saints, he like all of us was human and had tremendous failures before the Lord. Below is an acoounting of a portion of his life of great difficulty. Although David did finally repent and was forgiven by God, his choices brought about devastating circumstances in his life and family. The effects of sin are extremely destructive and terribly painful! Hear the Word of the Lord and consider carefully your choices long before you make them! Do not be foolish, God will not be mocked, a man shall reap what he sows! If you have committed such sins, be quick, hasten to the throne of God to find mercy! Run, as the torrent of consequence follows quickly behind you! Make it right soon dear friend, lest you be swept away!

 

Please get your bible out and read through this tragic story!

 

2 Samuel Chapter 11:1 – 1 It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. (NKJV)

A.     Matthew Henry writes – 1-5 Observe the occasions of David’s sin; what led to

it. 1. Neglect of his business. He tarried at Jerusalem. When we are out of the way of our duty, we are in temptation. 2. Love of ease: idleness gives great advantage to the tempter. 3. A wandering eye. He had not, like Job, made a covenant with his eyes, or, at this time, he had forgotten it. And observe the steps of the sin. See how the way of sin is down-hill; when men begin to do evil, they cannot soon stop. Observe the aggravations of the sin.

2 Samuel Chapter 11:2 – 2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. (NKJV)

A.    he saw – David saw. The lust of the eyes swept this man’s life and his family into misery for many years to come. This one temptation, which could have been easily overcome by the way which the Lord afforded to escape it, was the shame of the throne of Israel as well as the following:

1.      The offense against God and His love and anointing of David’s crown

2.      The shame of Bathsheba

3.      The heartbreak and betrayal of Bathsheba at the death of Uriah

4.      The betrayal of one of David’s “30 mighty men,” and dear friend,  Uriah the Hittite

5.      The death of Uriah the Hittite v-2:17

6.      The death of the men that fought at Uriah’s side v-2:17

7.      The death of Bathsheba and David’s firstborn son

8.      The shame of Tamar, David’s daughter, at Amnon’s rape

9.      The death of Amnon, son of David, murdered by his brother Absalom

10.  The shame of David’s crown, when Absalom lay with David’s wives

11.  The shame of David’s deposal from the throne in Absalom’s rebellion

12.  The death of Absalom

13.  No doubt countless other sins in the implementation of the above

All of these were either a direct or indirect result of David’s adultery and subsequent murder of Uriah, his valiant friend. They came to pass by the hand of the Lord at the prophecy of Nathan, 2 Sam 12:10-12. These great tragedies could have been avoided by the simple putting to death of the lust of the eyes toward Bathsheba. One sin reaps a whirlwind of death and misery. The way of adulteress leads down the paths of death!

2 Samuel Chapter 11:1-27 – Read this section.

A.    The progression of sins in this section is tragic and profound. It is a lesson to us all of the tremendous danger and impact of sins. Sin reaps sour wages, every time! It promises something pleasing for the moment, but steals and kills and destroys in the end. It can lead to very great and terrible destruction if it is not stopped.

B.     Her we see that even a great man of God can fall under the spell of sin and

temptation. Here we learn to flee from sin, as fast as we can run, and never

ever afford it an opportunity in our lives. Even the strongest and most valiant

men of God can be destroyed, even their families torn by savage wolves as a

result. Sin has deluged the entire human race, let us now flee from it, trusting

God for power, strength and a refuge!

2 Samuel Chapter 12:1-6 – Read this section.

A.    It is notable that David’s anger burned against the man in the story, being

seemingly oblivious to his own sin. Oh how we are blinded by sin! We stand

with planks in our eyes critically punishing those around us because of the

specks in their eyes. David’s anger burned, but HE WAS THE MAN!

Oh God grant us humility! Let us cast off foolish judgment and render

according to righteousness.

2 Samuel Chapter 12:7-15 – Read this section.

A.    Nathan’s mouth was God’s sword to cut David to bits. The woe of the prophets is a fearful dread! May we find ourselves blameless that we may escape it!

B.     Although God did not take David’s sin to his eternal account v-12:13, (because of Christ), David suffered earthly consequences which were far reaching. His sins were wretched and reprehensible. Just how vile were they? This can be estimated in the consequences that followed.

2 Samuel Chapter 12:15-23 – Read this section.

A.    The second death in a long list of them, David’s son.

Prov 5:3-5 – For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, And smoother than oil is her speech; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,  Sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of Sheol.

2 Samuel Chapter 13 – Read this section.

A.    Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom kills Amnon. Shame and disgrace, the jewels

on the crown of death! Let us take heed here, lest we fall!

2 Samuel Chapters 14-17 – Read this section.

A.    David is deposed from the throne by his own son’s rebellion. And then his son lays with his wives in broad daylight in fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy v-16:22. Then to top it off, Absalom seeks David’s life. Oh what sorrow and shame must have pierced David’s heart! Here we see the far reaching affects of what began as one simple sin of idleness. Here we may estimate the power of our great enemy SIN!

 

 
If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 4-27-10 The Deadly Sin of Adultery Part 1

 

Adultery and its Deadly Consequences

Proverbs 2:16-19

It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth

and ignored the covenant she made before God.  

For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.

None who go to her return or attain the paths of life. NIV

 

 

It seems that in today’s American culture the marriage and family are under attack like never before. Of course this is to be expected from the unbelieving, Christ rejecting world. But what is even more alarming is the utter disregard for “holy matrimony” and the sacred vows of marriage even within the church. It seems that nothing is sacred anymore, not even the most profound and intimate commitments we make in our lives. The really tragic thing about it all is people’s utter disregard for God in all of this. He will not hold the guilty unpunished! Here are a few verses from the bible about the sin of adultery.

 

Here the word of the Lord all you people and take heed that you not fall into this deadly trap!

 

A ticket to hell

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – 9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. NIV

 

Leviticus 20:10 -10 “‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife — with the wife of his neighbor — both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.

 

It is a great sin against God

1 Corinthians 6:14-20 – 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”   17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. NIV

 

Hebrews 13:4-5 – 4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. NIV

 

Exodus 20:14 – 14 “You shall not commit adultery. NIV

 

Malachi 3:5 – 5 “So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty. NIV

 

It is an attractive sin, she is very seductive

Proverbs 6:23-35 – 3 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, 26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.  30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. 31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. 32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. 33 Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away; 34 for jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. 35 He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.  NIV

 

It has tremendous consequences

Proverbs 5:1-23 – My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 4 but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.   6 She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not. 7 Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. 8 Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, 9 lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel, 10 lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man’s house. 11 At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. 12 You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! 13 I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. 14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.” 15 Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. 16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? 17 Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. 18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 A loving doe, a graceful deer — may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. 20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife? 21 For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. 22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. 23 He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.  NIV

 

Her seduction is smooth and sweet, but the end is death!

Proverbs 7:5-27  5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. 6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11(She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 14 “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose   23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. NIV

 

 
If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 4-3-10 By Grace – Through Faith – In Christ – Plus Nothing PART 2

 

By Grace – Through Faith – In Christ – Plus Nothing

Part 2    

 

Romans 5:19

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners,

even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. NASB

 

In Christ

Jesus Christ is a great Savior. Consider with me the text in Romans 5:8-10…..Notice here that it is crystal clear that salvation comes through the person of Jesus Christ, and is on the basis of His life and death only.

Romans 5:8-10 – 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. NASB

Here in this text we see three very important points. We are, according to the Bible here…

·        Christ died for us so we are justified by His blood

·        Saved from the wrath of God through Him

·        Reconciled to God through the death of His Son

Now here Paul is discussing the demonstration of the “love of God” and tells us that it is seen in the fact that while we were “sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ did NOT die for good people who were already righteous before God, but rather He died for the “helpless and ungodly” (v-6), and the “sinners” (v-8), who were under “the wrath of God” (v-9), and who were God’s “enemies” (v-10). Moreover, He did “die for us” and because of this we have been “justified by His blood.” That means His death, (the shedding of His blood), brings “justification for us.” And this he says, saves us “from the wrath of God through Him.” Notice we are saved from the wrath of God “through Him.” It is through Jesus, and His death, the shedding of His blood that we are saved. Furthermore, it is from the “wrath of God” that we are saved, yes even from God Himself that we are saved. Make no mistake about it, there is a Heaven to have and a Hell to shun. You need a Savior to save you from the wrath of God, and you need one real bad. The good news of the Gospel is, all you need to do to be saved is believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ! Look at verse 10….It is through this faith in Christ that you can be “reconciled to God.” Yes and amen, we can have our relationship with God restored and we can be at peace with Him, forever. But look again how this comes to us verse 10…. “through the death of His Son.” Make no mistake about it family, it is crystal clear in this passage that salvation, justification and reconciliation all come IN CHRIST ALONE.

 

And this brings us to our last point, that salvation is by grace, through faith, in Christ…..

 

Plus Nothing

This is to say that Christ’s life and death are sufficient means to save us. Nothing needs to be added to Jesus life and death to save us from God’s wrath and reconcile us to God. Jesus death on the cross was a sufficient price to cancel the debt of our sin and redeem us from the curse of the Law. As the old hymn says, “it is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.” The fact that our sins have been canceled by the sacrificial death of Jesus is only half the story. Jesus also lived a perfect life of obedience to the Law which is imputed to us and our righteousness before God. In Theology we call this the active and passive obedience of Christ for believers. In His passive obedience He died in our place for the debt which was due to our sins and paid the redemption price in full. But in His active obedience He lived a perfect life which is now granted to us as our righteousness before God. Look with me at the passage in Romans 5:19.

Romans 5:19 – 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. NASB

Now this passage again makes it crystal clear what our righteousness is before God. In no uncertain terms Paul describes it as “the obedience of the One.” It is through the obedience of Christ that we are declared righteous in the sight of God and right here in Romans 5:19 that is as clear and bright as the noonday sun!

 

So here is your answer family when you kneel down in your prayer closet to pour out your heart before God and you wonder if it is right between you and Him…..“the obedience of the One.” Or when you stand before God on the great Day of Judgment and God asks why He ought to let you into His glorious Heaven…..“the obedience of the One.” …..Or when that old Devil comes pounding on your door laying some huge guilt trip on your back because your such a sinner and telling you that you have done nothing acceptable to God and asking how God could ever forgive you of the terrible things you have done….God forgives me for “the obedience of the One.”

 

Here is the answer….

 

“My faith has found a resting place, From guilt my soul is freed;

I trust the ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument, I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.”

 

Now that is the Christian Gospel and that is the good news!

 

Jesus is a great savior…..AMEN.

 

 
If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
 
Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php
 
 
If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org
 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 4-3-10 By Grace – Through Faith – In Christ – Plus Nothing PART 1

By Grace – Through Faith – In Christ – Plus Nothing

Part 1

 

Romans 5:19

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners,

even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. NASB

 

By Grace

 

When we say that salvation is by grace alone, we mean it is something that is given to us by God. It is a free gift and cannot be merited or earned. In biblical terms, grace is the unmerited favor of God. God’s grace is the origin of salvation and it is free. All elements of salvation are an unmerited gift from God. He is the One who elects, predestines, calls, justifies, sanctifies and glorifies. In short, salvation is wholly the work of God, from first to last, its origin and completion is His work. Therefore, salvation is “not merited” by any work of mankind nor can it be, in any sense, merited or earned by anything we can do. We cannot work for or buy salvation.

 

God isn’t going to let you into Heaven because you were a good person or did many good things in your life. That is simply not true. By His standards you are not a good person, you are a sinner deserving of everlasting banishment from His good presence. You are lawless and disobedient, unholy and profane, defiled and unbelieving and you have provoked Him to anger 1000 times. In fact it is a miracle of God’s amazing patience that He lets us take another breath or lets this planet spin one more day. Therefore the last thing that the Bible is saying is that somehow we can merit, or earn the good favor of God, or that we can work for, or buy salvation in any way, shape or form. Rather, salvation is the “free gift” (Rom 6:23) of God, “not of works” (Eph 2:9), and justification is a “gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). Look with me at Romans 5:1-2….

Romans 5:1-2 – 5 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. NASB

Here Paul points out that we have been “justified by faith.” By simply believing in what Christ has done, and trusting in and relying upon Him, we receive justification in the sight of God. This Paul says, gives us “peace with God.” In this “justification,” we have “peace with God.” This he says, is “through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.” What Paul is saying is that it is because of Jesus Christ and what He has done that we now “stand in the grace” of God. We stand in the favor of God, saved from His wrath, all of our sins forgiven, and abiding in eternal life, because of what Christ has done in earning our favor with God. Grace comes to us on the basis of what Christ has done for us and in our place. Salvation by grace means salvation by the free gift of God. Salvation is a free gift by God’s grace. Look with me at verses 5:15-17….

Romans 5:15-17 – 15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. NASB

Here Paul tells us in crystal clear terms that the grace of God comes to us a “free gift.” Now if it is a “free gift,” that means you cannot buy it and you cannot earn it. Moreover, he explains that through this “free gift” (v-15) we receive “justification” (v-16) and “righteousness” (v-17) through “the free gift” of God’s grace. Therefore, the Gospel holds out a salvation which is a free gift of God’s grace. Because salvation, and here in this context, “justification” and “righteousness,” is a free gift, then it is said that salvation is “not of works lest anyone should boast” (Eph 2:9). In other words, the Gospel holds out a salvation which comes to us by God’s free grace only and that it cannot be bought or worked for, but rather is a free gift. Now this is good news, and it is very clear right here in Romans 5, and it is what we mean that salvation is by grace.

 

Through Faith

That brings us to our next point, that salvation is received through faith….Look with me at Romans 3:20-24….

Romans 3:20-24 – 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; NASB

Here Paul is again discussing “the righteousness of God” (which is “right-standing” with God) and “justification” before God. Notice first that he says that this “righteousness” is “apart from the Law.” That means it is not through the Law that one is justified before God because as verse 20 states, “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” The Law doesn’t justify us, it shows us plainly that we are law breaking sinners. But God’s “righteousness has been manifested,” and that “apart from the Law.” Here we ask then, what is the “righteousness” that “has been manifested” and how can it be apart from God’s Holy Law which is His standard for righteousness? Paul’s point comes shining through in verse 22… “even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe;”…Here he points out that “the righteousness of God” is received “through faith in Jesus Christ,” and this is for “all those who believe.” Then in verse 24 he tells us what the “righteousness” is that “has been manifested.” It is “the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Christ’s redemption, His perfect life of obedience to the Law, and His sacrificial death to pay the debt and penalty of sin is the “manifested righteousness of God.” Now this is good news. The Gospel holds out “right-standing with God” and “justification in His sight,” “through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe.” We receive or appropriate the righteousness and justification by simply believing (or having faith) that Christ has merited it for us. Summarizing this passage then, we see that it is not by obedience to the Law that we can be righteous or justified in God’s sight (v-20), but rather through faith and believing that Jesus is God’s righteousness for us (v-22), that we are made right with God.

 

This also means then that salvation is not on the basis of good works but rather on the basis of faith in Christ, (whose work alone is sufficient for righteousness in God’s sight). This is why when Jesus was asked by the crowds in John 6:28-29….

John 6:28-29 – 28 “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  NASB

The Apostle Paul also makes this crystal clear when he summarizes the Romans 3 passage in verse 28 in unmistakable terms….

Romans 3:28 – 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. NASB

 

To be sure, we must qualify that the kind of faith that saves people is NOT just a mere profession of believing in Christ, but is one that proves itself true by repentance from sin. If one truly is broken and sorrowful about their sins, for which Christ had to die, then they will prove their repentance by their deeds (Acts 26:20) and their faith will bear the fruit of good works, because faith without works is dead (James 2:14). Salvation doesn’t come because of the good works, but true saving faith produces good works in our lives and causes us to see the reality of true faith.

 

Salvation therefore is the gift of God by grace and is received through faith. The Gospel announces salvation from God’s wrath, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life through simply believing in the person and the work of Jesus Christ the righteous One. Now this is good news.

 

Now most important of all in this matter is the fact that the person and work of Christ alone is the basis on which this salvation is available. This is why we say that salvation is by grace, through faith, IN CHRIST….

 

 
 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

 

Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

 

 

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 3-22-10 The Gospel is Objective Reality – Christ Alone IS our Righteousness

 
 

    The Cross – The Work of Jesus Christ

The Atonement – Seeing and acting as if Christ is our Righteousness

Philippians 3:9

and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law,

but that which is through faith in Christ,

the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, NASB

 

The Gospel is Objective Reality

This is to say that the righteousness which was merited by the life and death of Christ is outside of us, immutable and fixed. Our right standing with God does change or shift with our feelings, circumstances or performance, but is in fact that which rests solely on the merits of Christ and His perfect righteousness. He Himself is our righteousness and sanctification, therefore our right standing with God is “in Christ” and always steadfast, unchanging and adequate.

1 Corinthians 1:30 – 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, NASB

If you are “in Christ,” you have trusted in what He has done by His perfect life and death, and not in your own works or performance. On the contrary, our performance was a huge failure and by it we merited God’s holy wrath and deserve to die as a rebel and enemy of God. But Christ is our righteousness and we have believed in Him. Therefore our faith has laid hold of Jesus and His perfection and our righteousness before God is not subject to anything except that fixed reality that Christ IS righteous. The righteousness which we possess is a foreign righteousness, which is NOT our own, but is Christ’s and is complete and adequate.

Philippians 3:9 – 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, NASB

Our faith is placed in an historical fact which has happened and is accomplished. That is, that Jesus Christ lived a perfectly righteous life in my place, and that He died to absorb the wrath of God for me and these He both accomplished completely and perfectly. The resurrection is proof of the fact that it was accepted by the Father and that He did indeed triumph over sin and death. The grave could not hold Him because the effectual power of His life and death does “much more abound” over sin and death. Therefore the life and death of our Lord is an historical fact which is then outside of us and objective. It is not subject to any other thing which can change its merit or value, but is in fact a reality which stands, fixed in the heavens, unmovable and complete. Because of this objective reality we confess that our salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This is to say that we are saved because God is rich love toward us and gives us favor which we have not merited, but rather in Christ ONLY we have favor with God and this is applied to us by simply trusting in what He has done for us!

Ephesians 2:8-9 – 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. NASB

Therefore we can derive from this objective reality a sound and tremendous assurance of God’s love and favor for us. God only designs that which is good for the Christian and tends to our benefit and blessing. Even the worst circumstances of our lives work together for our good because God “causes all things to work together for good.” If God would not spare His own Son, but would give Him in sacrifice to justify us, will He not also graciously give us all things? What more could God do to prove His love and favor for us?

Romans 8:31-34 – 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? NASB

What then shall we say in response to this? How should we face our daily life in regard to this reality of God’s love and favor for us! We should live our life in view of what God has done, and live in the fullness of the blessing He has worked with a devoted life of love toward God and thanksgiving for His marvelous grace!

 

A response worthy of Christ

When we live our life in view of the cross, and allow it to define our lives, it changes the whole context in which we respond to the circumstances and relationships in our life. Consider once again the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians….

Galatians 2:20 – 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. NASB

“I have been crucified with Christ” says Paul. What he means to say is that just as Jesus died to put away sins, we die to sins in regard to our behavior and live in the resurrection of Jesus life by faith. We are to consider the heavenly reality of our death to sin and our life is now purchased and defined by Christ’s death to sin and righteous obedience to God. In Colossians he tells us then to seek this heavenly reality in our thinking and be transformed in our behavior because of the reality of what Christ has done.

Colossians 3:1-4 – 1 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

“Seek the things which are above.” That is, allow the heavenly purpose of God’s love in Christ to change the way we view our life, relationships and circumstances. We do this because, he says, “we died and our life is hidden with Christ in God.” We died to sin when we embraced Christ and His cross, therefore Paul tells us, to consider ourselves dead to sinful behavior.

Colossians 3:5-11 – 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. NASB

He then goes on to describe how this knowledge of what Christ has done should change the way we view our relationships and it defines the context of how we respond to others in light of the knowledge of the cross.

Colossians 3:12-4 – 12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Here Paul describes how the knowledge of the “things above v-2,” changes the context in which we view our relationship to others. If Jesus died to give His life as a sacrifice for us, surely we can view others with “compassion, kindness, humility gentleness and patience!” If Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross for our forgiveness, surely we can now “bear with one another and forgive each other.” This, he says, is “just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you!” In other words, Jesus life and death on the cross becomes an example to us of how we treat others and express His heavenly love and virtue through our relationships now in our daily life. He describes Christ’s love as if it were a garment to “put on” and tells how we are to let His peace “rule in our hearts” and to do this while being “thankful!”  Further we are to teach and admonish one another along with songs of praise and this also with “thankfulness in your hearts to God!” Our entire life, all our actions he says, are to be done “giving thanks through Him!” Let us therefore see how Christ’s cross is the wellspring of God’s virtue in our daily life!

 
 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. 

 

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

 

Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

 

 

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 3-11-10 Principles of a Husband’s Love

Principles of a Husband’s Love

 

A husband’s godly character is the basis for all right relationships and the foundation for God’s peace in the home.

 

A husband’s gracious and accepting disposition is the basis for a wife and family’s security in the home. We cannot allow our attitude toward our wives to be swayed by her submission to our authority or by her worthiness of our love. We are to love with the steadfast love of Christ which is gracious and gives favor in spite of our worthiness.

 

Ephesians 5:25 – 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; NASB

 

Husbands love your wives….. Husbands have a divine calling to meet the needs of their wives, just like they care for their own. You wouldn’t deprive yourself of food or clothing. Nor would you ignore your own spiritual and emotional needs, would you? We are therefore to meet these same needs for our wives. You wouldn’t starve yourself, so why then would you starve your wife of affection? Husbands need to meet not only their physical needs, but their emotional needs as well.

·        The most important thing to most wives is a daily time of intimate communication with their husbands.

·        Woman have a need to feel appreciated and accepted as do men. A husband must verbalize his appreciation and acceptance of his wife.

·        Husbands need to praise their wives! They must know that we adore them!

·        The most beneficial thing a father can do for his children is to love his wife.

·        A husband’s love should not be controlling and binding, but generally speaking it should be freeing, encouraging and uplifting.

 

What should a husbands Christ-like love look like?

 

Sacrificial – Christ was willing to give everything He had for the well being of His bride the church. He gave “Himself.” Even His very life He did not withhold from her. Here is an example of the degree to which a husband should love and care for his wife. Husband’s should be willing to die for the protection and support of their wives. Are you a sacrificial husband?

Gracious – Christ loves and gives regardless of merit. In fact, Christ gives to those who do not deserve it. Jesus gave His life in the midst of our rebellion. Oh that we would love so freely as our precious Christ! Husbands are to grant their wives honor, she is your partner, bone of your bone, the love of your life! Give all that you have for her joy, has not Jesus done this for you? Are you’re a gracious husband?

Romans 5:8 – 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. NAS

Patient  – Husbands should be patient with their wives, allowing them time for Christ to be formed in them. Oh that we were as patient as Christ! His patience is endless for the objects of His love. His love is truly unfailing. When a husband is impatient with his wife, his love fails. Husbands must be patient with their wives, remembering the patience of Christ with them.   Are you a patient husband?

1 Corinthians 13:7-8 – 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails;  NAS

Kind – Jesus is kind to the church with a benevolent disposition which always seeks the comfort and blessing and joy of His church. He seeks her highest good, and her joy – no matter the cost. Husbands should speak kindly to their wives. Husband should practice kindness. This is the example of Christ.  Are you a kind husband?

Romans 8:28 – 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. NAS

Meek & Gentle – Christ’s love is gentle. Although He is “God very God” and has the command of angels, He stoops to wash the feet of those He loves. He speaks gently and possesses meekness toward all. Husbands must be gentle with their wives. They are precious gifts from God, made of “sugar and spice and everything nice.” They ain’t your huntin buddies! A godly husband treats his wife tenderly. Are you a gentle husband?

Matthew 11:29-30 – 29 “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.  30 “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”  NASB

Sincere – Christ has a sincere and genuine love for His bride. He loves in deed and in truth(1 John 3:18), not with a mask on the outside and grumblings in His heart. If a husband has an insincere love, although he will try to cover up his wicked heart and play the part, on the outside it will be quite obvious that his love is hypocritical for he will have a true lack of affection and devotion to his wife’s joy. This will be destructive to the marriage indeed! Husbands must have a sincere and non-hypocritical love for their wives.

Romans 12:9-10 – 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; NASB

Selfless & Serving – Christ’s love does not seek its own, but rather the benefit of its object. Jesus did the “work of love.” He demonstrated His love in the washing of His disciples feet. He was willing to humble Himself and serve the ones He loved. He offered His back to be torn, He offered His hands to the nails. This was none to His own benefit, except the joy that it brought His beloved. Are you a selfless and serving husband?

Love is a choice  Love is primarily an act of the will. Here it is a verb, “Husbands, love your wives” and it requires action. Although it produces deep and profound emotions and affection, love is a commitment rather than a feeling, otherwise it could not be commanded. Here husbands are commanded to love their wives. God is not demanding an emotion from us but rather an action motivated by the will.

Colossians 3:19 – 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them. NASB

Husbands should “not be embittered against their wives,” this is very destructive. Consider the attitude of Christ toward His church. Although she falls short of His favor in her practice, in position before Him she is “holy and blameless” and “in all of her glory.” A husbands contempt towards his wife tears her down, it does not edify her or grant her the healing she needs. Instead he should “nourish and cherish her.”

Ephesians 5:28-30 – 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. NASB

 

Ephesians 5:26-27 – 26 that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. NASB

A. that He might sanctify her – Why is it that Christ loves the church? He will stop at

nothing to make us holy, even give His own flesh for crucifixion, if it will purify us. And all of this “that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.” Now a husband is to seek this holiness in His wife at all costs, and why? Because it is the example that was given of Christ, more than that, that she might be a “in all her glory,” for she is a fellow heir of the grace of life.  Any godly man has a great desire for his wife to be holy and pure. He seeks the holiness of his wife and marriage, even as he seeks the holiness of himself. It is his highest goal in glorifying God.

Purifying – Christ’s love is a righteous love. It always seeks the holiness of its objects, for holiness is the very essence of His character and His great desire for His beloved. Husbands should have a holy zeal to purify their wives and families. This, for the husband, is a relentless pursuit. Are you a purifying husband?

Galatians 4:19 – 19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.

Protecting – Jesus has given us the greatest protection of all, the hope of eternal life.

He has secured for us an eternal salvation, indeed we are in for an eternity of blessing and

fulfillment. Wives should feel secure in the love of their husbands. Husbands, it is

your responsibility to be sure your wife has a sanctuary in your love. She must know

that she is loved unconditionally and accepted by you at all times. You must

communicate your love and affection to your wife! Are you a protecting husband?

Matt 11:28-30 – 28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.  30 “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”

B. having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word  – So how does a husband purify his wife? He being the head and spiritual leader in his home, continually holds the Word out before her. Purifying his own life, in order to lead her by example, he keeps bringing the Word before her that she might be transformed by the renewing of her mind. Prayer and scripture reading should be regular practice in the home, at the husbands lead. The husband is to set standards and give wisdom and guidance according to God’s will for his family. He is Prophet, Priest, and King in his home. Christ fills these three offices to the church. The Prophet sees, hears, and speaks the Word of God, the Priest mediates between God and family, the King rules the home through servant leadership and lovingkindness. Not in the sinful human character, but in the gracious character of Christ.

 

Hungry for more…..go here…

 

http://www.heavenslight.org/marriageFamily.html

 

 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. 

 

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

 

Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

 

 

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 2-13-10 God is GOD Part 2

God is GOD

 Part  2

Revelation 15:3-4

Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. 4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou alone art holy; For all the nations will come and worship before Thee,

For Thy righteous acts have been revealed.” NASB

 

 

1 Chronicles 29:12 – 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. NASB

 

A. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.  – God in His Sovereignty, dispenses as He pleases to all the peoples of the earth. Here the Scriptures says that God is the one who gives riches to the rich, honor to the honorable, and it is because He is the Ruler of all. Here the Scripture explicitly states that God has the power and the might to raise up or exalt someone, or give them strength. Obviously the inverse is true, if God decides to abase someone and make them weak, that is His prerogative. This is in fact resounded in the Scriptures in many places. God rules His creation, including the earth and men and angels by a mighty Providence. God is Sovereign over the prosperity and the poverty of everyone!

1 Samuel 2:7-9 – 7 “The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. 8 “He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, And He set the world on them. 9 “He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail. NASB

Exodus 4:11 – 11 And the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? NASB

Isaiah 45:7 – 7 The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these. NASB

In fact, God is Sovereign over the life and death of every creature. Man’s days are determined by God, He has set the limit and they cannot be exceeded. No one lives unless God decrees it and no one dies unless God decrees it. He is the Author, Giver, and the Sustainer of every living thing. He holds in His hand the lives of His beloved ones and that of His enemies also! Even Satan the father of lies, the destroyer, owes his next breathe to the Almighty!

Job 14:5 – 5 “Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with Thee, And his limits Thou hast set so that he cannot pass. NASB

Deuteronomy 32:39 – 39’See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; And there is no one who can deliver from My hand. NASB

1 Samuel 2:6 – 6 “The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. NASB

Job 12:9-10 – 9 “Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, 10 In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? NASB

Matthew 10:29-30 – 29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. NASB

The Scripture plainly declares that God Sustains and maintains all things which He has created.

Hebrews 1:3 – 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. NASB

Job 34:14-15 – 14 “If He should determine to do so, If He should gather to Himself His spirit and His breath, 15 All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust. NASB

 

Consider how gracious and benevolent God really is. Here He has a planet full of rebels and wicked sinners who profane His name and reject His authority everyday that goes by. Mankind takes His name in vain…..imagine this….they have made the name of God into a curse word! They worship all kinds of vain things and defame the name of God at every turn….they kill and murder their fellow man who have been created in his image and they mistreat and hurt and perform all kinds of immoral and indecent acts against one another to the point of unbridled passion…they steal and rob and covet and curse and maim, and hate, and profane every good thing that He gives so graciously……they spurn His wisdom and His teaching, which He has so patiently given…..they destroy the earth and the sky and trees and the seas……they drug their own children because they are too lazy to discipline them, and they even kill their own little babies because it is an inconvenience to love them and raise them because they cant abstain from their unbridled passion and lust for sex…..they heap abuse upon God’s people who love Him and stone and kill the prophets He sends to them…..and they kill the people of God even though God’s people have come to rescue them from all the folly of their great sins…by telling them how to be saved and reconciled to God…..this is a great irony indeed….!

 

Consider then, the kindness and patience of God in letting this globe turn even one more time! Indeed God is patient and kind…..beyond our comprehension…..

 

Therefore dear friends, knowing all these great things about Almighty God, what then should be our response to Him? How now shall we live, seeing that we have a great God who is in Heaven who is Sovereign and Providential over our lives…..look with me again at the text, verse 13…..

 

1 Chronicles 29:13 – 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. NASB

 

A. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. – Now here is a proper response to the knowledge of God’s Sovereignty, and of His great Providence and benevolence to us……. It is to acknowledge His greatness and power, and to humbly thank Him for WHO He is and that whatever we have has been given to us by Him. This why we are continually encouraged in the Scripture to be thankful….to honor God and His benevolence by being thankful in hearts….genuinely and gladly thankful for His goodness and His mercy to us…..

 

In closing let us consider Psalm 100 and its encouragement to us on how we should respond to our great God for all He is and all he has done for us!

 

Psalm 100:1-5 – 1 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing. 3 Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, And His faithfulness to all generations. NASB

 
 
 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. 

 

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

 

Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

 

 

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life

 
 
 
 
 

Heavens Light 2-13-10 God is GOD Part 1

God is GOD

 Part 1

Revelation 15:3-4

Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. 4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou alone art holy; For all the nations will come and worship before Thee,

For Thy righteous acts have been revealed.” NASB

 

 

There was a day in the public culture in America that when someone spoke about God there was a general understanding of who or what God is and what the term meant in general. Sad it is……. that day has long since past. For many people in our culture, God does not even exist at all.

 

But even for those who still believe in  God, to the twenty-first century mind God is little more than an abstraction, an impersonal force, or if a Being at all, One far removed from this world and having little or nothing to do with our daily life.

 

Man therefore is a God unto himself. He is a “free agent” and therefore the regulator of his own life and circumstances. Such was the Devil’s lie at the beginning – “You shall be as God” (Gen.3:5). And a great lie it is, for man is not a God, and man does not regulate his own affairs apart from the Providence of God.

 

But this great deception has not just affected the public culture alone, but has had a huge impact on the way that we understand God in the evangelical Church. More than this, because of the great failure on the part of Church leaders in not properly presenting the fundamentals of our faith through clear exposition and teaching from Scripture, the biblical understanding of God is largely obscured if not completely redefined in the minds of many in the church. There has been a huge downgrade of theology and doctrine concerning God and His nature in the American Church in the last two hundred years. This has plunged the American Evangelical Church into a serious state of ignorance and robbed her of the glory of God and the greatest treasure she possesses, God Himself.

 

Therefore I would like to address once more by way of reminder to us a few basic attributes of God, specifically focused on His Godhood.

 

AW Pink comments on this topic…..

 

“The Godhood of God! What is meant by the expression? This: the omnipotency of

God, the absolute sovereignty of God. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that God is God. We affirm that God is something more than an empty title: that God is something more than a mere figure-head: that God is something more than a far-distant Spectator, looking helplessly on at the suffering which sin has wrought. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is “King of kings and Lord of lords.” We affirm that God is something more than a disappointed, dis-satisfied, defeated Being, who is filled with benevolent desires but lacking in power to carry them out. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is “the Most High.” We affirm that God is something more than One who has endowed man with the power of choice, and because He has done this is therefore unable to compel man to do His bidding. We affirm that God is something more than One who has waged a protracted war with the Devil and has

been worsted. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is the Almighty. To speak of the Godhood of God then, is to say that God is on the Throne, on the Throne as a fact and not as a say so; on a Throne that is high above all. To speak of the Godhood of God is to say that the Helm is in His hand, and that He is steering according to His own good pleasure. To speak of the Godhood of God is to say that He is the Potter, that we are the clay, and that out of the clay He shapes one as a vessel to honor and another as a vessel to dishonor according to His own sovereign rights. To speak of the Divine Despot doing “according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him what doest Thou?” (Dan. 4:35). Therefore, to speak of the Godhood of God is to give the mighty Creator His rightful place; it is to recognize His exalted majesty; it is to own His universal scepter.”

 

In order to address this topic I would like for us to turn to a passage in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, where we see some basic theological statements describing God in the prayer of King David. In the context of this passage, the people of Israel have generously responded to God in giving much treasure toward the building of the first temple in Jerusalem, a plan that was first in the heart of King David, but later carried out by God’s decree, by Solomon David’s son. It is in celebration of this fact that David offers up His prayer to God.

 

Notice with me some of the key aspects of God’s nature here. He is highly exalted and forever blessed or praised. God is Almighty, a being of immense and transcendent power, He is all-powerful or omnipotent. He is Self-Existent, and He is Sovereign and He is Providential…… He is gracious and He is benevolent. God is a Being of infinite proportions and highest Authority and so He is said to be God over “Heaven above and the Earth below.”

 

Simply stated, God is GOD!

 


1 Chronicles 29:10-13

An Exposition – God is GOD

 

1 Chronicles 29:10-13 – 10 So David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. NASB

 

1 Chronicles 29:10-13 – 10 So David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever.

 

A. David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever.

 

Notice David “blessed the Lord.” This is to say he lifted up his voice and praised God. He gave God the glory due His name and praised Him “in the sight of all the assembly.” But this is a statement of fact, that is, God is “blessed, forever and ever!” This is to say that God will be forever praised and highly exalted as God. All His creatures will bow the knee and give Him the glory due His name, or they will be banished from His presence forever, a terrible fate indeed. He is the center focus in Heaven for all eternity, and we will forever ENJOY and ever spend the eons of all ages lifting up the high praises of God and celebrating the majesty and beauty of His glorious person. This is the purpose for which we were made, and the reason for which we were called by God and saved from sin; and also, by the way, the most fulfilling enterprise that we as human beings can engage in. Make no mistake, it will be our JOY and PRIVILIGE as it will take the endless ages for us to see and appreciate all of the immense riches of God Almighty through Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

1 Chronicles 29:11 – 11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. NASB

 

A. 11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty – What words can describe the greatness of God and His power? Surely we cannot describe the greatness of God because He is infinite and we are finite. Listen to the verse as it speaks of His greatness……His IS the power and glory and victory and majesty……

God is the source of all power

Jeremiah 32:17– 17’Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee, NASB

God’s is the glory – this is to say that God is so intense in His perfection and virtue and goodness, that it causes His being to shine forth with a brightness brighter than the sun….and for Him to be famous and renown in all creation….who will NOT glorify God and exalt His majesty?….

Revelation 15:3-4 – Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. 4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou alone art holy; For all the nations will come and worship before Thee, For Thy righteous acts have been revealed.” NASB

His is the victory…..He will always prevail with victory against His enemies –

Isaiah 42:13 – 13 The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies .  NASB

The dignity of His majesty is the most regal and beautiful, stately and splendid, magnificent  grandeur of all.

Psalms 96:4-9 – For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. NASB

 

B. indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD – The Scripture plainly declares that God created all things and is the Possessor of everything. Since God is the creator of all things, He also is the rightful owner and proprietor of all things. He possesses everything and therefore has a Sovereign Right or prerogative to do as He pleases.

Deut 10:14 – 14 “Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it. NASB

Job 41:11 – 11 “Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.  NASB

Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. NASB

Psalm 89:11 – 11 The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine; The world and all it contains, Thou hast founded them. NASB

Here God is pictured as RULER or DESPOT……He is the great KING and the heavens and earth are His dominion….. God rules and does as He pleases with anything and everything that He has made. God is totally free to do whatever He pleases.

Daniel 4:34-35 – For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 “And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’ NASB

Psalms 135:5-6 – 5 For I know that the LORD is great, And that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. NASB

 

C. and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. – The Scripture plainly declares that God is the highest authority and that He is the One who establishes all other authority in heaven and earth. This is to say that God is Sovereign or the Supreme Authority…..

Romans 13:1 – 1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. NASB

God is highly exalted above everything that is. Therefore God exalts Himself above us and everything and commands that we worship Him, because it is right and proper to do so.

Exodus 20:2-3 – 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. NASB

Consider how appropriate this is? Would it be right for some other being to occupy God’s great seat of authority? Would it be proper for a creature to somehow be exalted above the One who created it? Indeed this cannot be, otherwise He would not be God. This is why idolatry is the great sin of mankind, as we seek to give improper place to some thing other than God who should properly be exalted in our view as King and Sovereign over us! This is high treason against the greatest majesty that exists!

 

Who can speak of what a great sin that unbelief in God truly is? Who can describe the folly and shame that this represents? Shall we slap the hand that feeds us? Shall we rail with clinched fist against the One who holds our life’s breathe in His hands? This is why God exalts Himself above us and commands that we worship Him, because it is right and proper, it is in reality the highest good of the creature to worship and praise the creator!

 

More than this, it is the most loving thing for God to do…..because only when we finally relate to God properly, through our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel, bowing the knee to His authority through repentance and Faith….only then can we live and be saved from death….in fact this is eternal life, John 17:3 “that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent…..you cannot live until you come to God through Christ, and if you never do, you will die and forever abide in death….

 

In fact God warns us that we must humble ourselves under His mighty hand for He has fixed a day of reckoning for all those who reject His authority…..

Isaiah 2:11-12 – 11 The proud look of man will be abased, And the loftiness of man will be humbled, And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. 12 For the LORD of hosts will have a day of reckoning Against everyone who is proud and lofty, And against everyone who is lifted up, That he may be abased. NASB

 

But not only is God Sovereign, but He is Providential….that is, He exercises providence over all things in order to achieve His own ends….look with me again at verse 12…..

 

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. 

 

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

 

Or read about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

 

 

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

 
If you would like to be added or add someone to this email list, just reply with “sign me up” and the address you want it sent to. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
 
 
Shaan Sloan
Heritage Christian Fellowship – ABQ
505-3485092
The Lord is the Strength of My Life