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 the  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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5 Ways Sin is Serious

Posted: 09 Nov 2009 03:23 AM PST

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.

 

 

 

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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!

 

 

 

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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

 

 

 

 

 

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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….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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…..