Sunday, July 29, 2012

Time/Dimension


We have three dimension that most people are familiar with, height, depth and width. There is another we will look at which is time. Time as it pertains to space is unable to be seen; just as our Father is unable to be seen in the flesh by us. God is in a dimension we in the flesh are unable to look into.

Colossians 1:10-21

1:10 worthy G 516; appropriately (as becoming a Christian). Produce fruit and be blessed, don’t and you are on your own. The knowledge is His word, are you increasing in it?

1:11 strengthened G 1412; to enable. (Compare: Ephesians 1:19). It’s His power that strengthens us, are you tapping into it?

1:12 meet G 2427; to enable, qualify. Our Father has made us able to receive His goodness. The Light will always dispel the dark in your life.

1:13-14 redemption is key to being a Christian. He died for the opportunity to give us redemption. Through that blood shed on the cross we can have forgiveness from our sins.

1:15 this is why Jesus could say: “If you have seen me you have seen the Father”. (Compare John 14:9).

1:16 God created all things in heaven and earth through His Son Jesus Christ. All things were created for His pleasure (compare: Rev 4:11).

1:17 (compare: Hebrews 1:3). Give Him glory for His mighty work!

1:18 preeminence G 4409; to be first (in rank).  (Compare: Ephesians 1:22-23). He is the head of all things, don’t ever try and limit Him.

1:19-20 the sacrifice on the cross was enough!

1:21 we are children of the living God. If you believe on Jesus Christ and the work He accomplished, your sins are forgiven. You will then be ready to enter that place where time is no longer (heaven).

Hebrews 11:1-6/17-22

11:1 Faith is your ticket to heaven. We have never seen heaven or our Lord in the flesh, but through our faith we know they are real. When we believe we are prepared to enter into that dimension of time no more.

11:2-3 worlds G 165; an age. The word world is “aion” in the Greek language. It denotes a period of time or age. We must have an understanding of the 3 world ages in order to make sense of things.

11:4 the faith of Abel speaks to us through God’s word.

11:5 Enoch was doing the things that pleased God. In Enoch we see faiths walk at its finest.

11:6 do you believe this? If you don’t have faith to believe this then you are out of luck. He rewards those that seek after Him with diligence.

11:17-18 tried G 3985; to test. (Quoted from Gen 21:12). Abraham was already told that Israel would become as numerous as the stars of heaven through his son Isaac (compare: Gen 17). But he had the faith to do as God commanded him, no matter what.

11:19 Abraham believed that even if Isaac was killed, God could raise him up again.

11:20-22 by faith all these things were accomplished, and by faith they will all live eternally in heaven where time is no longer.

Romans 1:16-25

1:16-17 don’t be ashamed of the power that is able to bring salvation to whosoever will.

1:18-19 God is revealed through His perfect work. Read the word and learn of His ways.

1:20 the unrighteous people may not have heard God’s word but have seen His creation. They are without excuse; they should know that a mighty God exists.

1:21 we must give glory to the One deserving of it, God! Many today believe on their own wisdom.

1:22-23 these so called wise people don’t worship our Perfect Father, but the things He created.

1:24-25 worship the creator, not the creation! Don’t fall into that foolishness.

2 Corinthians 4:8-18

4:8-9 things may get rough from time to time, but we shall have the victory! Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13.

4:10-11 through our weakness Jesus shines forth! He is made manifest when we are weak.

4:12-13 eternal life works in us! We shall enter into that tome eternal, heaven.

4:14-15 when we pass on, we are resurrected into the vey Kingdom of God.

4:16-17 our flesh bodies were not meant to last forever, but our spirit man was. Our affliction here on earth cannot compare to the glory we can expect in heaven.

4:18 our eternal residence cannot be seen but we know it is real. It is a place where time is no longer.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Be of Good Comfort and Cheer


The word of God is perfect, and a roadmap for our lives. The phrases: “be of good cheer”, “be of good courage” and “be of good confidence” all come from the same words in the original language. God is in control and assures us of that fact continually. If you love and serve God, there is nothing for us to fear or worry about. We can be of good cheer and comfort because God is with us.

Haggai 2:4-9

2:4 strong H 2388; courageous, strong, fortify. The work to be accomplished is the work of God. He needs workers to work the fields, will you do it? (Compare: Matt 9:37).

2:5 there is no fear of troubles of this world when you love and reverence God. Be of good cheer!

2:6-7 (compare: Heb 12:26-27, Isa 13:13, Isa 24:18, Isa 9:6-7, Isa 60:18, Matt 24:29-30). There is only one who can satisfy the desire of all the nations, which is Jesus Christ. On the Lords day every knee will bow and tongue confess.

2:8-9 this will be true peace, without the outside influences of the evil things of the world.

Matthew 9:1-8

9:1-2 be of good cheer G 2293; courage, comfort, cheer.  This act by Jesus will ruffle the feathers of the Scribes (religious authority of the time). The Scribes are thinking only God can forgive sins.

9:3-4 Jesus knew what they were thinking and their thoughts were evil toward Him.

9:5-6 Jesus had the power to both forgive the sick man’s sins, as well as heal him.

9:7-8 we can be of good cheer as the man who was healed of the palsy and sins were forgiven. God has the power the power to forgive us of our sins and heal our bodies. Have confidence in our Father.

Acts 23:1-11

23:1 the Romans are watching as Paul addresses the Sanhedrin.

23:2 Ananias was the high priest appointed by the Romans, not God. He is a religious leader resorting to violence.

23:3-4 whited wall: (compare: Matt 23:27). White washed. Remember God did not appoint him, rather the Romans did. Paul will still respect the position anyway.

23:5-6 (compare: Ex 22:28). The Sadducees didn’t believe in a life after death. They believed once you died that was it. The Pharisees (of which Paul was one) did believe in life after death. Paul is using this against them, to take the focus off him. Paul was very intelligent.

23:7-9 Paul went from both parties fighting him, to one wanting him to be released. Use wisdom in all things! If you fight against God you will lose every time.

23:10 the Roman captain intercede on Paul’s behalf.  If you are serving God there is nothing to fear.

23:11 shortly after this 40 Sadducees swore an oath not to eat until they kill Paul (they never do). From the outside things could look a little dark and down for Paul; but the Lord said he was going to Rome and if God says something then it will happen. Be of good cheer, no matter what may be coming against us. God is on the throne, and that should give comfort and courage to all!

John 16:19-17:4

16:19-20 lament G 2354 Mourn. They would be sorrowful for His departure, but then rejoice for His resurrection.

16:21 the troubles faced are nothing compared to the joys of Jesus returning.

16:22-23 if you are in need of something to do the work of God, then ask and He will give it to you. He will never let us down.

16:24 real joy comes from seeing and doing the work of God, so lives can be changed.

16:25 He will lay it out plainly, so there will be no doubt.

16:26-28 God gave us the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to help and guide us (compare: John 14:26). We will never be left to fend for ourselves. Be of good cheer, be of good comfort!

16:29-30 many of these that are “sure” He is from God will abandon Christ on the cross.

16:31-33 we can be of good courage and cheer, even though troubles will come against us. Jesus overcame the world and He is in us and we in Him so don’t fear. We can overcome as well with Christ on our side. Be of good cheer, comfort and courage!

17:1-2 He was given the elect and whomsoever will. Are you a part of this?

17:3-4 this is how we gain eternal life; believe in God and the One He sent to save us all. Believe on Him and be of good cheer!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Revelation ch 10


In chapter 9 we learned the details of Satan’s return to earth. We learned how long he will be here (5 months), his names in the Greek and Hebrew (Abaddon/Apolyon), and the army that will come with him (locust army).  Chapter 10 can be looked at as an insert. We will learn of the thunders and mystery of God’s word.

Ch. 10

10:1 rainbow: this is the Shekinah Glory. (Compare: Rev 4:3). This is not one of the seven angels from before, but a different one. This is the Angel of the Lord.

10:2 a little book: compare Ezekiel 2:7-3:7. The feet on the earth and water show the dominion God has over all.

10:3-4 loud voice: compare Psalm 29. Thunders: the sound of thunder is the report of lightning hitting the earth. If you wait for the sound of the thunder it is too late, the lightning has already hit and done the damage. Remember Luke 10:18, Satan falls from heaven as lightning. We don’t need the thunders reported to us because we know where the lightning will hit. It will hit in Jerusalem (compare: 2 Thess 2:4).

10:5-6 hand G 5495; the right hand (power). Time no more: when the seventh trump sounds it is over. Once you hear the seventh thunder it is over, because the lightning will have already done the damage. Remember Rev 9:4; Satan can’t hurt those with the seal of God in their foreheads! Do you have the seal?

10:7 mystery of God: Amos 3:7, Matt 13:35-43. The mystery is what the 2 churches (that were found doing the right thing) were teaching in Rev 2:9/3:9, John 8:44. The kenites are the sons of Satan (tares).

10:8 taking the book requires us to do something! We have to take some initiative. John wasn’t made to do it, but it had to be done freely.

10:9 eat up: this is a Hebraism which means to absorb or receive knowledge. Belly bitter: it does this because of the bad things done by the children of God (Satan is wormwood which is bitterness).

10:10 sweet as honey: truth is always this way. This truth far outweighs the bitterness for those that stick with it.  

10:11 once we digest this book, we are to go and tell people about it. We that know the truth of God’s word are to not hide it under a bushel but let it shine forth.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Our Arbitrator


The word arbitrator in the Greek language means “a go between” or “intercessor”. We are very blessed to have one that stands between us and the world, fighting for us and keeping us safe. The Arbitrator is able to help us deal with the problems of this world, and if you are not partaking of this, you are missing out.

1 Timothy 2:1-6

2:1-2 exhort G 3870; to call aside for instruction. We as Christians are to be peaceable and loving. We are to pray and seek the best for all people, not holding bad feelings or hatred. Seeking the best for others will lead to a happy and peaceful life.

2:3-4 (compare: 2 Peter 3:9). It is God’s will that all would be saved. The truth sets us free from the troubles of this world.

2:5 mediator G 3316; a go between, intercessor. Keep focus on the word of God and have nothing to fear. The Mediator is there to step in between you and the problems of the world. The troubles of this world are growing more and more, this is why we need our Arbitrator more than ever.

2:6 ransom G 487; a redemption price. (Compare: Matt 20:28, Mark 10:45, Tit 2:14, Heb 9:12). Those that love and serve Him do not face the troubles of this world alone. We have an Arbitrator, His name is Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 8:1-13

8:1 our Arbitrator sits at the right hand of God! It should give us great comfort to know this is our help.

8:2-3 sanctuary G 39; Holy of Holies.  Christ offered Himself for us and that blood shed covers our sins, if we believe.

8:4-5 the tabernacle and all that was within, was intended to show man how to worship and communicate with God. The tabernacle was where man could come and atone for his sins. The new tabernacle is Jesus Christ.

8:6 (compare: Gal 3:19). The latter tabernacle is much better because it is heavenly or on high. The tabernacle of Moses served a purpose, but the tabernacle of Christ is much better. You have no reason to fear, you and your Arbitrator can handle the things of this world. Remember, Christ is at the right hand of God! Jesus can even get between you and Satan.

8:7-8 (compare: Jeremiah 31:31-34). That new covenant is our Arbitrator, Jesus Christ.

8:9 while God was communicating the law to Moses on Mount Sinai, the children of Israel were making an idol of gold (golden calf) to be their focus of worship. They failed miserably with the covenant God gave them. We must not do the same and fail the new covenant by not believing in Christ Jesus.

8:10-11 are the words of God written in your minds and heart? On the first day of the millennium, every knee shall bow and tongues confess Jesus Christ is Lord.

8:12 there is a condition; you must repent to be forgiven.

8:13the crucifixion of Christ brought in the new covenant. Have you partaken of it?

Hebrews 9:14-28

9:14 the traditions of men are dead works. Stay focused on the word of God, and be ready to stand against the lies of Satan. We have nothing to fear because we have the Arbitrator in our corner!

9:15 (compare: 1 Peter 1:4). Those that are called will help bring others into the promise of eternal life. We will help our brothers and sisters who are lost come to know that salvation that is for all.

9:16-17 if you are in someone’s will, you cannot collect until the death of that person. Jesus died for us so we can collect on our inheritance, which is eternal life.

9:18-19 the first testament was dedicated with the blood of goats and calves. The second testament was dedicated with the blood of Christ, the sacrifice for one and all times.

9:20-22 (compare: Ex 24:8). Our sins are covered by the blood of Christ.

9:23 patterns G 5262; examples. Our Arbitrator is in heaven, at the right hand of God.

9:24 He did this for us! Jesus paid the price for us all. We are to plant seed with the lost so to bring as many back to Him as possible.

9:25-26 He sacrificed Himself once and for all! He was perfectly innocent, but did it for us.

9:27-28 there is no reincarnation, our flesh dies one time. Our Arbitrator will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. He stands between you and the world, but we must do things His way.

Hebrews 12:1/22-25

12:1 patience G 5281; cheerful endurance, patient continuance. The word cloud here is speaking of the large number of people around them. Paul likens the struggles of these people to an Olympic foot race. In order to run and win you must unload the things that are slowing you down. The Arbitrator will go between you and the troubles of this world if you will let Him.

12:22 there will be a company of angels with Christ as He returns. This is speaking of the end.

12:23-24 perfect G 5048; complete. The blood of Abel’s sacrifice can’t cover your sins, but the blood of Christ can. He is our Arbitrator.

12:25 don’t refuse our Arbitrator. He sits at the right hand of God. He is able to go between you and the troubles of this world if you will let Him.