Showing posts with label Covenant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Covenant. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
God Made an Agreement with our Fathers
KJV Thy Offsprings on Earth are Blessed, Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant - agreement which God made with our fathers, He spoke unto Abraham, And in thy offspring- seed shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed. Acts 3:25
Friday, April 19, 2024
Everlasting to Everlasting
Exhortation to bless God for His mercy. He will bless children's children to those who keep His covenant & commandments. KJV Psalm 103:17,18
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Jesus, Mediator of a better Covenant - Hebrews 8:1-8
In essence, we have just such a high priest right along side of God, conducting worship in the one true sanctuary built by God. The assigned task of a high priest is to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and it's no different with the priesthood of Jesus.
If we were limited to earth, he wouldn't even be a Priest. We wouldn't need him since there are plenty of priests who offer the gifts designated in the law.
These priests provide only a hint of what goes on in the true sanctuary of heaven, which Moses caught a glimpse of as he was about to set up the tent-shrine. It was then that God said "be careful to do it exactly as you saw it on the mountain."
But Jesus priestly work far surpasses what these other priest do, since his working from a far better plan. If the first-plan the Old Covenant had worked out, a second wouldn't have been needed. But we know the first was found wanting, because God said.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible
If we were limited to earth, he wouldn't even be a Priest. We wouldn't need him since there are plenty of priests who offer the gifts designated in the law.
These priests provide only a hint of what goes on in the true sanctuary of heaven, which Moses caught a glimpse of as he was about to set up the tent-shrine. It was then that God said "be careful to do it exactly as you saw it on the mountain."
But Jesus priestly work far surpasses what these other priest do, since his working from a far better plan. If the first-plan the Old Covenant had worked out, a second wouldn't have been needed. But we know the first was found wanting, because God said.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Circumcision Event Remembered - Acts 7:1-8
Then the Chief Priest said, what do you have to say for yourself?
Stephen replied, friends, fathers, and brothers, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was still in Mesopotamia, before the move to Haran, and told him, leave your country and family and go to the land I'll show you.
So he left the country of the Chaldees and moved to Haran. After the death of his father, he immigrated to his country where you now live, but God gave him nothing, not so much as a foothold. He did promise to give the country to him and his son later on, even though Abraham had no son at the time. God let him know that his offspring would move to an alien country where they would be enslaved and brutalized for four hundred years. 'But,' God said, I will step in and take care of those slaveholders and bring my people out so they can worship me in this place.
Then he made a covenant with him and signed it in Abraham's flesh by circumcision. When Abraham had his son Issac, within eight days he reproduced the sign of circumcision in him. Issac became father of Jacob, and Jacob father of twelve 'Father,' each faithfully passing on the covenant sign.
This High Priest was Caiphas, the same High Priest who had earlier questioned and condemned Jesus.
Stephen launched into along speech about Israel's relationship with God. From Old Testament history he showed that the Jews had constantly rejected God's message and his Prophets, and that this council had rejected the Messiah, God's Son. He made three main points (1) Israel's history is the history of God's acts in the world; (2) People worshiped God long before there was a temple; (3) Jesus death was just one more example of Israel's rebellion and rejection of God.
Stephen wasn't really defending himself. Instead, he took the offensive, seizing the opportunity to summarize his teaching about Jesus. Stephen was accusing these religious leaders failing to obey God's laws - the laws they prided themselves in following so meticulously. This was the same accusation Jesus had leveled against them. When we witness for Christ, we don't need to be on the defensive. Instead we can simply share our faith.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible and The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Stephen replied, friends, fathers, and brothers, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was still in Mesopotamia, before the move to Haran, and told him, leave your country and family and go to the land I'll show you.
So he left the country of the Chaldees and moved to Haran. After the death of his father, he immigrated to his country where you now live, but God gave him nothing, not so much as a foothold. He did promise to give the country to him and his son later on, even though Abraham had no son at the time. God let him know that his offspring would move to an alien country where they would be enslaved and brutalized for four hundred years. 'But,' God said, I will step in and take care of those slaveholders and bring my people out so they can worship me in this place.
Then he made a covenant with him and signed it in Abraham's flesh by circumcision. When Abraham had his son Issac, within eight days he reproduced the sign of circumcision in him. Issac became father of Jacob, and Jacob father of twelve 'Father,' each faithfully passing on the covenant sign.
This High Priest was Caiphas, the same High Priest who had earlier questioned and condemned Jesus.
Stephen launched into along speech about Israel's relationship with God. From Old Testament history he showed that the Jews had constantly rejected God's message and his Prophets, and that this council had rejected the Messiah, God's Son. He made three main points (1) Israel's history is the history of God's acts in the world; (2) People worshiped God long before there was a temple; (3) Jesus death was just one more example of Israel's rebellion and rejection of God.
Stephen wasn't really defending himself. Instead, he took the offensive, seizing the opportunity to summarize his teaching about Jesus. Stephen was accusing these religious leaders failing to obey God's laws - the laws they prided themselves in following so meticulously. This was the same accusation Jesus had leveled against them. When we witness for Christ, we don't need to be on the defensive. Instead we can simply share our faith.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible and The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Abram Called and Blessed ... Genesis 12:1-3
God promised to bless Abram and make him great, but there was one condition. Abram had to do what God wanted him to do. This meant leaving his home and friends and traveling to a new land where God promised to build a great nation from Abram's family. Abram obeyed, walking away from his home for God's promise of even greater things. God may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him. Don't let the comfort and security of your present position make make you miss God's plan for you.
Abram moved out in faith from Ur to Haran and finally to Canaan. God then established a covenant with him. Not only would this nation be blessed, God said; but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram's descendants. Israel, the nation that would come from Abram, was to follow God and influence those with whom it came in contact. Through Abram's family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, all people can have a personal relationship with God and be blessed beyond measure.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible and The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Abram moved out in faith from Ur to Haran and finally to Canaan. God then established a covenant with him. Not only would this nation be blessed, God said; but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram's descendants. Israel, the nation that would come from Abram, was to follow God and influence those with whom it came in contact. Through Abram's family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, all people can have a personal relationship with God and be blessed beyond measure.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible and The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Sunday - Circumcision - Genesis 17:1-14 - 9/10/17
The Lord told Abram, I am the Almighty God, walk before me. He has the same message for us today. We are to obey because he is God - that is reason enough. If you don't think the benefits are worth it, consider who God is - the only one with the power and ability to meet your every need.
Twice before God had mentioned his agreement (Genesis 12 & 15). God was bringing it into focus and preparing to carry it out. He revealed to Abram several specific parts of his covenant. (1) God would give Abram many descendants; (2) many nations would descend from him; (3) God would maintain his covenant with Abram's descendants; (4) God would give Abram's descendants the land of Canaan.
God changed Abram's name to Abraham ("the father of a great multitude") shortly before the promised son was conceived. From this point on the Bible always calls him Abraham.
God was making a covenant, or contract, between himself and Abraham. The terms were simple: Abraham would obey God and circumcise all the males in his household. God's part was to give Abraham heirs, property, power, and wealth. Most contracts are even trades: we give something and in turn receive something of equal value. But when we become part of God's covenant family, the blessings we receive far outweigh what we must give up.
God required circumcision (1) As a sign of obedience to him in all matters. (2) As a sign of belonging to his covenant people. Once circumcised, there was no turning back. The man would be identified as a Jew forever. (3) As a symbol of "cutting off" the old life of sin, purifying one's heart and dedicating oneself to God. (4) Possibly as a health measure.
Circumcision more than any other practice separated God's people from their heathen neighbors. In Abraham's day, this was essential to develop the pure worship of the one true God.
Reference summary used from The Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Wheaton, IL
Twice before God had mentioned his agreement (Genesis 12 & 15). God was bringing it into focus and preparing to carry it out. He revealed to Abram several specific parts of his covenant. (1) God would give Abram many descendants; (2) many nations would descend from him; (3) God would maintain his covenant with Abram's descendants; (4) God would give Abram's descendants the land of Canaan.
God changed Abram's name to Abraham ("the father of a great multitude") shortly before the promised son was conceived. From this point on the Bible always calls him Abraham.
God was making a covenant, or contract, between himself and Abraham. The terms were simple: Abraham would obey God and circumcise all the males in his household. God's part was to give Abraham heirs, property, power, and wealth. Most contracts are even trades: we give something and in turn receive something of equal value. But when we become part of God's covenant family, the blessings we receive far outweigh what we must give up.
God required circumcision (1) As a sign of obedience to him in all matters. (2) As a sign of belonging to his covenant people. Once circumcised, there was no turning back. The man would be identified as a Jew forever. (3) As a symbol of "cutting off" the old life of sin, purifying one's heart and dedicating oneself to God. (4) Possibly as a health measure.
Circumcision more than any other practice separated God's people from their heathen neighbors. In Abraham's day, this was essential to develop the pure worship of the one true God.
Reference summary used from The Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Wheaton, IL
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Sunday ... Re-Created To Live In Harmony - Galatians 3:26-4:7 -2/5/17
In Roman society, a youth coming of age laid aside the robe of childhood & put on a new toga. This represented his move into adult citizenship with full rights & responsibilities. Apostle Paul combines this understanding with baptism. By becoming Christians & being baptized, they were becoming spiritually grown up & ready to take on the privileges & responsibilities of the mature. You have laid aside the old clothes of the Law, & now you are putting on Christ's new robe of righteousness.
Jewish males greeted each new day by prayer, Lord, I thank you that I am not a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. The role of women was enhanced by Christianity. Faith in Christ transcends these differences & makes all believers one in Christ.
The original covenant with Abraham was intended for the whole world, not just for his descendants. All believers partake of this covenant & are blessed as children of Abraham.
The apostle Paul uses the illustration of slavery to show that before Christ came & died for sins, people were in bondage to the Law.
Thinking they could be saved by it, they became enslaved to trying - & failing - to keep it. The Good News is that we who were once slaves are now God's very own children with an intimate relationship with him. Because of Christ, there is no reason to be afraid of God. We can come boldly into his presence, knowing he will welcome us as his family members.
True Christianity: Christians are those who believe inwardly & outwardly that Jesus' death has allowed God to offer them forgiveness & eternal life as a gift. They have accepted that gift by faith & are seeking to live a life of obedient gratitude for what God has done for them.
Christianity is both private & public, heart-belief & mouth-confession. Our relationship to God & the power he provides result in obedience. Having received the gift of forgiveness & eternal life, we are now daily challenged to live that life with his help.
When the fulness of the time was come "God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. For centuries the Jews were wondering when their Messiah would come - but God's timing was perfect.
Jesus was born of a woman - he was human. He was born as a Jew - he was subject to God's Law & fulfilled it perfectly. Thus Jesus was the perfect sacrifice because, although he was fully human, he never sinned. His death bought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so we could be adopted into God's family.
Under Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to his father's property. "Abba" is an Aramaic word for father. It was used by Christ in prayer in Mark 14:36. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God's resources. As God's heirs, we can claim what he has provided for us - our full identity as his children.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Jewish males greeted each new day by prayer, Lord, I thank you that I am not a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. The role of women was enhanced by Christianity. Faith in Christ transcends these differences & makes all believers one in Christ.
The original covenant with Abraham was intended for the whole world, not just for his descendants. All believers partake of this covenant & are blessed as children of Abraham.
The apostle Paul uses the illustration of slavery to show that before Christ came & died for sins, people were in bondage to the Law.
Thinking they could be saved by it, they became enslaved to trying - & failing - to keep it. The Good News is that we who were once slaves are now God's very own children with an intimate relationship with him. Because of Christ, there is no reason to be afraid of God. We can come boldly into his presence, knowing he will welcome us as his family members.
True Christianity: Christians are those who believe inwardly & outwardly that Jesus' death has allowed God to offer them forgiveness & eternal life as a gift. They have accepted that gift by faith & are seeking to live a life of obedient gratitude for what God has done for them.
Christianity is both private & public, heart-belief & mouth-confession. Our relationship to God & the power he provides result in obedience. Having received the gift of forgiveness & eternal life, we are now daily challenged to live that life with his help.
When the fulness of the time was come "God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. For centuries the Jews were wondering when their Messiah would come - but God's timing was perfect.
Jesus was born of a woman - he was human. He was born as a Jew - he was subject to God's Law & fulfilled it perfectly. Thus Jesus was the perfect sacrifice because, although he was fully human, he never sinned. His death bought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so we could be adopted into God's family.
Under Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to his father's property. "Abba" is an Aramaic word for father. It was used by Christ in prayer in Mark 14:36. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God's resources. As God's heirs, we can claim what he has provided for us - our full identity as his children.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Never Again ... 9/22/2013
Ararat . Covenant with Noah . Noah . Genesis/Bereshith . ark . Isaiah . cold & heat . summer & winter . seedtime & harvest . Sunday School Lesson
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Genesis 9:8-17 (Background Scripture: Genesis 6:9-9:28; Devotional Reading: Isaiah 54:9-14)
Ararat (Armenia), mountainous region in Armenia, resting place of the ark, Genesis 8:4
Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-8)
Noah (rest), son of Lamech (Genesis 5:29, builds the ark (Genesis 6:14), enters it (Genesis 7), goes from it (Genesis 8:18)
Genesis 9:8-11
Verse 8 ... Scripture; Books & Authors; Speakers & Hearers
Verses 9,10,11 ... Miracles; Miracles In Water; Deluge/Flood Not to Be Repeated
(Genesis 6:9-9:28; 8:20-22; 9:1-7; 6:18 ... Reference Scriptures from Sunday School Book)
Verses 12-15 ... Works Of God: Preservation; Maintains the Usual Course of Nature, Rain; Rainbow
(Genesis 2:5; 2:10; Habakkuk 3:9-11; II Peter 3:3-13)
Verses 16,17 ... Works Of God; Preservation; Maintains the Usual Course of Nature, Rain; Rainbow
(Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Romans 8:3; I Samuel 8:14; 22:7; 27:6; Esther 8:1; Genesis 12; 15; 17; 21; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36; Genesis 2:5-6)
Monday - September 16, 2013 - An Invitation to Covenant with God - Genesis 6:11-22
The wickedness of the world which provoketh God's wrath, & causeth the flood. Noah findeth grace. The order, form, & use of the ark.
Tuesday - September 17, 2013 - Doing All the Lord's Commands - Genesis 7:1-10
Noah, with his family, & the living creatures, enter the ark
Wednesday - September 18, 2013 - Preserved in the Ark - Genesis 7:11-24
The beginning, increase, & continuance of the flood. All flesh destroyed
Thursday - September 19, 2013 - Waiting for the Waters to Subside - Genesis 8:1-12
The water's asswage. The ark rested on Ararat. The raven, & the dove.
,
Friday - September 20, 2013 - A Sacrifice Pleasing to God - Genesis 8:13-22
Noah, being commanded, goeth forth of the ark. He buildeth an altar, & offereth sacrifice, which God accepted, & promiseth to curse the earth no more
Verse 22 ... 'cold & heat' 'summer & winter' 'seedtime & harvest'
Saturday - September 21, 2013 - God's Covenant with All Humanity - Genesis 9:1-7
God blesseth Noah. Blood & taking a person's life are forbidden
Sunday - September 22, 2013 - Remembering the Everlasting Covenant - Genesis 9:8-17
God's covenant, signified by the rainbow
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, & KJV Topical Edition Bible
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Genesis 9:8-17 (Background Scripture: Genesis 6:9-9:28; Devotional Reading: Isaiah 54:9-14)
Ararat (Armenia), mountainous region in Armenia, resting place of the ark, Genesis 8:4
Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-8)
Noah (rest), son of Lamech (Genesis 5:29, builds the ark (Genesis 6:14), enters it (Genesis 7), goes from it (Genesis 8:18)
Genesis 9:8-11
Verse 8 ... Scripture; Books & Authors; Speakers & Hearers
Verses 9,10,11 ... Miracles; Miracles In Water; Deluge/Flood Not to Be Repeated
(Genesis 6:9-9:28; 8:20-22; 9:1-7; 6:18 ... Reference Scriptures from Sunday School Book)
Verses 12-15 ... Works Of God: Preservation; Maintains the Usual Course of Nature, Rain; Rainbow
(Genesis 2:5; 2:10; Habakkuk 3:9-11; II Peter 3:3-13)
Verses 16,17 ... Works Of God; Preservation; Maintains the Usual Course of Nature, Rain; Rainbow
(Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Romans 8:3; I Samuel 8:14; 22:7; 27:6; Esther 8:1; Genesis 12; 15; 17; 21; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36; Genesis 2:5-6)
Monday - September 16, 2013 - An Invitation to Covenant with God - Genesis 6:11-22
The wickedness of the world which provoketh God's wrath, & causeth the flood. Noah findeth grace. The order, form, & use of the ark.
Tuesday - September 17, 2013 - Doing All the Lord's Commands - Genesis 7:1-10
Noah, with his family, & the living creatures, enter the ark
Wednesday - September 18, 2013 - Preserved in the Ark - Genesis 7:11-24
The beginning, increase, & continuance of the flood. All flesh destroyed
Thursday - September 19, 2013 - Waiting for the Waters to Subside - Genesis 8:1-12
The water's asswage. The ark rested on Ararat. The raven, & the dove.
,
Friday - September 20, 2013 - A Sacrifice Pleasing to God - Genesis 8:13-22
Noah, being commanded, goeth forth of the ark. He buildeth an altar, & offereth sacrifice, which God accepted, & promiseth to curse the earth no more
Verse 22 ... 'cold & heat' 'summer & winter' 'seedtime & harvest'
Saturday - September 21, 2013 - God's Covenant with All Humanity - Genesis 9:1-7
God blesseth Noah. Blood & taking a person's life are forbidden
Sunday - September 22, 2013 - Remembering the Everlasting Covenant - Genesis 9:8-17
God's covenant, signified by the rainbow
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, & KJV Topical Edition Bible
Friday, May 31, 2013
Books of Ezra & Nehemiah ... 6/30/1203 - 7/25/2013 .. Sunday School Lessons
Ezra 3,6,8, Nehemiah 8,9,12,13, Sunday School Lesson, Jews, Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, Joshua, high priest, Cyrus, Temple, Darius, Joshua, Babylon, Ezra's prayer,Confession, Religion, restoration, Law, Feast of Tabernacle, Levites, Covenant, Jerusalem, dedication,abuses
My Sunday School Lesson is coming from the Books of Ezra & Nehemiah starting June 30,2013 - August 25, 2013.
These books were regarded in ancient times as one.
They may be divided into four parts: 1. Ezra 1-6 describes the first return of the Jews under Sheshbazzar or Zerubbabel and Joshua, the high priest, in the first year of Cyrus (536 B.C.), and the rebuilding of the temple (516 B.C.)... 2. Ezra 7-10 narrates the second migration from Babylon under Ezra, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimaus (458-457 B.C.), and includes Ezra's prayer and confession.
Nehemiah 8-13 describes the combined efforts of Ezra & Nehemiah to effect the restoration of religion,including the solemn reading of the Law, the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, the confession of the Levites, a list of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and other cities, the dedication of the walls, and the removal of certain abuses.
Sunday - June 30, 2013 - Celebrating What Is Meaningful - Ezra 3:1-7
Commencement Of The Rebuilding Of The Temple (Ezra 3:1-4:24)
Sunday - July 7, 2013 - Finding Joy in Restoration - Ezra 3:8-13
Sunday - July 14, 2013 - Celebrating with Joy - Ezra 6:13-22
Completion Of The Rebuilding Of The Temple (Ezra 5:1-6:2)
Sunday - July 21, 2013 - Preparing for a Journey - Ezra 8:21-23
Return of More Jewish Exiles Under Ezra (Ezra 7:1-8:36)
July 28, 2013 - Generous Gifts - Ezra 8:24-30
Sunday - August 4, 2013 - Great Rejoicing - Nehemiah 8:13-18
The Reading & Exposition Of The Law (Nehemiah 7:73b-8:18)
August 11, 2013 - Admitting Shortcomings - Nehemiah 9:2,6-7, 9-10, 30-36
The Renewal Of The Covenant (Nehemiah 9:1-1039)
August 18, 2013 - Taking Pride in Accomplishment - Nehemiah 12:27-36;38,43
The Dedication Of Jerusalem's Walls (Nehemiah 12:27-43)
August 25, 2013 - Getting It Right - Nehemiah 13:15-22
Nehemiah's Second Period of Administration (Nehemiah 13:1-31)
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible & Zondervan Bible Commentary
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