"So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

Mark 2:23-28

"So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath." Mark 2:28

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 2:23-28, looking at the third of three divisions - v28.  Excerpts from the commentary for v28: 

• "Jesus once more puts Himself in the place of and with the authority of God. As the Lord of the Sabbath, He determines what is lawful and unlawful on the Sabbath day. He makes the call, and there is no higher authority."
• "The Pharisees relied on their own traditions for guidance, and in doing so, they missed the Lawgiver entirely. For Christians, He is our anchor of spiritual authority in all things.
• "In sum, “Jesus says . . .” settles all issues. As God, He is Lord of the Sabbath! We do not get to choose whether we will allow Him to be such. It is a fact, regardless of our permission." 

Believers must recognize that Jesus is Lord over all details in the universe (see Colossians 1:15-17), and He knows every hair on our heads (see Luke 12:7a). An excellent resource to better understand God's sovereignty is John Piper's book Providence - which shares how God reigns over nature, Satan and demons, kings and nations, life and death, sin, conversion, etc. - everything under the sun!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You reign over all the details of my life, over all creation, etc. and You are so good to me.  Thank You for my salvation and for the mercies that never end and are new every morning.  I am not deserving - my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Mark 2:1-12

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 2:1-12, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary.  Observations from the text using the Sword Method:

• What do we learn from the passage about God?:  Spreading the Good News is important - just as He did in chapter 1, we see Jesus teaching others (v2).  Jesus has compassion and He heals (vv4-5, 10-12).  He has power and authority (vv10-11) - Jesus reigns over all (see also Colossians 1:15-17).  Jesus also understands scripture - as He is the divine author (see John 1:1)!
• What do we learn from the passage about people: We must demonstrate faith trusting Jesus that He can heal others both spiritually and physically.  We must have compassion for others just as Jesus did - notice how the paralytic's friends were desperate to get Jesus to see and heal him (see vv3-4).  We must understand that we have sins of the heart or sins, God sees all of our sin (Leviticus 19:17) - notice how God understood the thoughts of the scribes (vv6-8).  We must love others as God loves us.  We must also recognize God for who He is - as God not only has power to forgive sins but over everything. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey?: Sins to avoid: questioning the authority of God or not fearing God. Promises to claim: Jesus forgives my sins and His mercies never cease and are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Examples to follow: According to our role at home and in the church, we must teach God's Word. We must also demonstrate compassion to serve others in need. Commands to obey: Love and forgive others as Jesus loved us.

Just as the paralytic's friends were desperate for healing for him, we must also be desperate for the spiritual healing as we are all broken, sinful and in need of a Savior.  Jesus is this Savior.  He will forgive and save, pour out mercies ceaselessly that are new every morning, and He will live in your heart changing you from the inside out to become progressively more like Him every day.  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6)." 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your rich mercies and grace that are inexhaustible, and of course of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

 Mark 1:23-28

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. Mark 1:23-26

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:23-28, which is the text for the second division of the text Mark 1:21-28. Excerpts from the commentary - which poses the question "[w]hy should Jesus have absolute lordship in your life?":

• Yesterday's post provided the first reason from the first division Mark 1:21-22, and 27: because of His teachings.
• This second division provides the second reason: because of His power over demons.  
• As the commentary explores what we should understand about demons, it shares: "[t]hey have authority and can promote disunity, propagate false doctrine, inflict disease, cause mental difficulties, and hinder Christian growth....Demons can oppress but not possess believers."
• "The demon is chiefly concerned with Jesus’ intentions....[the demon] recognizes the threat that Jesus is to their authority and power.
• "Confessing Jesus as the “Holy One of God” is perhaps an attempt to gain some power over Jesus by claiming to know His name. It is more likely, however, a recognition of His deity, His sonship, and the great antithesis that exists between an unholy, unclean spirit and the Holy One of God."
• "The kingdom of God goes head-to-head with the forces of evil at the first public ministry of the Son of God. It is a “no contest” event with an immediate and devastating knockout! The “binding of the strong man” has begun (3:27). The demons are forced to acknowledge, grudgingly, what the Father declared in verse 11!"
• "[Jesus] commands [the demon], “Come out!” It only takes a few direct words from an absolute authority! No spell or incantation is necessary. He says the word and they obey."
• "The disturbance of men and demons by the Servant King of God has begun. Life will never be the same! Demons are expelled, and broken people are made whole. This is God’s kingdom. This is what the great King can do. This is why He should have absolute authority in your life, my life, and every life." 

Evil has existed since the beginning of time in the Garden of Eden where the serpent successfully tempted Adam and Eve (Genesis 3).  Yet we can take comfort that God is provident over evil, and while we may not understand the purpose of evil in a specific set of circumstances (Isaiah 55:8) at a point in time, we know that God ultimately defeats Satan and evil.  See also this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com to help us better understand why evil exists. Believers also know that He provides the "full armor of God" of God to protect us against Satan's schemes - see also Ephesians 6:10-18a.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that reigns over all the details of my life and in creation - You don't need me nor need me to do anything.  Yet You love me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to save me and You pour out mercies ceaselessly every morning.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. ...And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."

 Mark 1:21-22, and 27

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. ...And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." Mark 1:21-22, and 27

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:21-22, and 27, which is the text for the first division of the text Mark 1:21-28. Excerpts from the commentary:

• The commentary urges all of us, believers or not, to see Jesus as absolute authority in our lives.
• "All of us have a source of authority in our lives that will determine how we think and live. For some it is reason—I live the way I live because I think. For others it is experience—I live the way I live because I feel. Still others rely on tradition—I live the way I live because we have always done it this way. Finally, someone might look to revelation for their authority—I live the way I live because God says so."
• For those who do see Jesus as their absolute authority, "we understand it to take the form of a proposition and a person—a written Word and a living Word. The written Word we call the Bible. The living Word we know as Jesus. One we love. The other we love and worship. The written Word points us to the living Word, and that One has the right to demand complete and absolute lordship in our lives. Why should Jesus have absolute lordship in your life? Mark 1:21-28 provides two of many reasons."
•  The first of these reasons - because of his teachings - is found in this first division vv21-22 and v27. 
•  "The people immediately saw a contrast between the teachings of Jesus and those of “the scribes.” The scribes, also called “teachers of the law,” were skilled in the exposition of the Torah, the law of Moses. This much-respected and celebrated group of scholars traced their origin back to Ezra (Ezra 7:6,11)."  The scribes were "greatly respected, "however, they stood in opposition to Jesus and His ministry. Jesus will not challenge the legitimacy of their office, but He will call out their legalism, hypocrisy, and pride."
• "Mark is careful to contrast the authority of Jesus with the scribes’ lack thereof (vv. 22,27). The scribes derived their authority from the “tradition of men” (see 7:8-13). By quoting the fathers of Judaism, they rested on the famous and respected teachers who had preceded them. Not so with Jesus. Like the prophets His authority came directly from God, His Father (1:11)."      

Jesus is the Son of God and He is the King of Kings.  He reigns over all of creation and over all matters - see Colossians 1:15-20.  He has complete providence over all the details of my life, and He knows everything about me, including my sin.  Despite knowing everything about me from before I was born, He came for me, dying on the cross to save me, loving me while I was an enemy and hostile to Him - as I was a slave to my sin.  He saved me from eternal damnation and gave me life to the full now and for eternity.  Amazing grace indeed!  I follow Jesus because He is the One True God and because His teachings - the Word of God, the Bible - is His Word for me to know Him and to know how to please Him. I seek to please Him because that is why we all exist - to bring Him glory.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is full of grace and compassion for us.  Thank You for my salvation and for Your Word that You provide for me to know You and to please You.  Thank You for the Holy Spirit that is with me and guides me.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

[T]hey were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

Mark 1:27

[T]hey were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” Mark 1:27

I continue my study of The Character of Jesus.  For this morning, I focus on chapter 4: The Strength of Jesus where I highlighted in my Kindle version the following excerpts:

• "When you think of [Jesus] do you think of some one thin and gaunt, weak and pallid? Not so did he seem to the people of his day....When Jesus presents himself to be baptized, a remarkable thing happens. John had called men to repentance, he had faced the greatest men of his day without flinching, he had baptized the great and small, the high and low, the rich and poor, the learned and ignorant; but when this man from Nazareth appears, John falters and draws back and says: "I cannot baptize you. I have need to be baptized by you." Such was the impression which Jesus made upon the intrepid reformer from the desert." 
  
• "He teaches...as one having authority and not as the scribes. There is something in his voice that pierces and cuts and thrills, a tone that they have never heard before. It is the note of authority, the note of strength."
  
• "There is a sick man in the synagogue, and Jesus heals him, and again the people are surprised because God has given such power to a man."
• The impression of Jesus in his day is one of "authority, mastery, power, leadership; he is a man of strength."
• "He drew men to him....Wherever he went he was surrounded by a crowd...Every city through which he passes is turned upside down by his presence. Only a man of strength draws to him great masses of men."
• Repeatedly in the Gospels we see how people were amazed at or spoke of Jesus' authority and power. Luke 7:1-10 is one such example where the Roman centurion knew of Jesus’ authority and asked Jesus to heal his servant - and Jesus did. 
• Other men of power in Jesus' day respected Jesus' power - men such as Nicodemus and Pilate. "Pilate is afraid of him, he draws back from him, he wrings his hands in uncertainty, he washes his hands, he tries to get rid of this man. He feels that there is a power in him unlike any power he has ever come in contact with before."
• "But if you would have the finest proof of his power, you can find it in the intensity of the hatred and in the intensity of the love which he excited."
• "He kindled a devotion that is superior to anything that has ever been known in this world....He called forth a kind of reverence that has never been granted to any other man who has ever lived. He was so mighty that when men thought of him, they thought of God."
  

Another great example comes from Matthew 8:28-34 where Jesus' power was on full display and we see how the townspeople were confronted with a difficult choice to love Jesus or their wealth and they chose their wealth.  RE: this text, see this short John Piper podcast on DesiringGod.com.

Jesus reigns! See also Colossians 1:15-17.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is so full of grace for me.  You don’t need me and despite how I was an enemy of You, You still saved me! Thank You Jesus for how You save and how You give me the Holy Spirit to equip me and to counsel and guide me. I am not deserving of how You save, counsel and guide.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me grow in my faith and love You with all of my heart soul and mind-and love others as You love me.  Give Lisa and myself energy and wisdom.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church and others.  Help me understand, apply, and be obedient to Your message for me today and every day.

 

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

 Malachi 4:1-6

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2

I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I start a focus on an unassisted review of Malachi 4:1-6.  Here, the message from Malachi builds on God's warning for those who do not fear Him (see post yesterday). V1 describes this ominous warning: "the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." For those who fear God, vv2-3 offers hope and also shares how they will see justice for the wicked.  We can take comfort that God knows all of our deeds, including our sin and the sin of those evildoers and wicked people who do not fear God.  We may feel that we languish in obscurity, faithfully straining to be obedient to God's Word and to fear, love and please Him.  Yet God sees our faithfulness while also seeing wickedness - believers will be rewarded and the evildoers and wicked will suffer in eternal damnation (Hell). V4 reminds us to hold fast to God's Word and for obedience to His Word.  See also Hebrews 12:1-2.  Vv5-6 shares how God will send Elijah before Judgement Day and how there will be an opportunity to repent and turn to the Lord before final judgement is rendered.  Believers hold fast to the faith!

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who reigns and sees all - including my sin, my obedience, and the sin of the wicked and those who do not fear You.  You have saved me from eternal destruction and You will deliver justice perfectly.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Your words have been hard against me, says the LORD. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”

 Malachi 3:13-15

“Your words have been hard against me, says the LORD. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’” Malachi 3:13-15

I return to my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I start a focus on a commentary-assisted review of Malachi 3:13-18. The commentary for this text provides two divisions as well as a main idea, an introduction and conclusion - today I focus on the main idea, introduction and the first division.

Excerpts from the commentary's main introduction and for the text's first division:

• Main Idea: "God’s commitment to His covenant demands a response from His people, and those who fear God are set apart as His treasured possession."
  
• Introduction - The Fear of God: Believers are reminded that God's promises always come true and these promises equip us to weather all trials and suffering.  We are also reminded that we belong to God, are sealed by Him with our salvation and this is the core promise to which we should remain anchored. We are referred to Luke 24:36 where after his death and resurrection Jesus appears to His disciples sharing "peace to you" encouraging the disciples (and us) to be free from fear and anxiety. We are commanded to live in reverent fear of God - this should be out of respect of who He is and how He reigns over all - we should certainly be obedient to Him.  This reverent fear should not however, drive us to be afraid of God Himself as He encourages us to approach Him confidently (Hebrews 4:16), knowing He wants us to be in relationship with Him.  
  
• The Wicked Respond in a Spirit of Legalism, Expecting Reward for Obedience (3:13-15): God sees a heart problem with His people and the commentary describes how God sees those who are following Him, and those who have wandered from Him.  V13 shares how those who have wandered see obedience as "vain" or useless.  However, God sees through this because their obedience was not a result of reverent fear of God but instead out of a feeling of obligation, and expecting something in return.  We should all remind ourselves that we deserve death for our sin (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  God wants us to treasure and love Him above all and it is out of this love where we week to please Him through our obedience.  Our heart condition and our motives are most important.  See Romans 12:1 where God does not want us to go through the motions, but He wants all of our lives to reflect a love and worship of Him. The commentary then defines both license and legalism - both of which reflect an inaccurate understanding of what God seeks from us. "License is the idea that, since we’ve been saved by grace through Christ, we are free in the Spirit to do as we please and indulge whatever we want, even if it opens the door for sin. These individuals see the promise of God’s forgiveness as justification to do whatever they want. The law seems useless....On the opposite swing of the pendulum from license is legalism—putting fences around the law to protect yourself from breaking it."  The commentary points us to scripture that warns us about both license and legalism: see Matthew 23:23-24, 5:17 then shares that "[t]he people of Israel in Malachi’s day did not understand this, and therefore they saw the law as burdensome."  We are encouraged to know God as deeply as we can (through spiritual disciplines) and as we deepen our knowledge of God we grow in relationship with Him and seek more and more to become more like Him, submitting our lives to Him.  This of course prevents us from wandering.   
  

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My Prayer: Father God, what an incredible God You are that You free us from the law, give us Your Son Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Your Word so that we can know You, love You, and please You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings....my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[I]n this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus...both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

Acts 4:27-28

 [I]n this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus...both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. Acts 4:27-28

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I complete the devotional by reading reason #50: To Show That the Worst Evil Is Meant by God for Good.  The devotion opens by sharing that "the most profound thing...about suffering and evil...is that...Christ entered into it and turned it into good....The heart of the Bible is not an explanation of where evil came from, but a demonstration of how God enters into it and turns it for the very opposite—everlasting righteousness and joy."  Scripture examples abound, as Piper points us to Genesis 50:20, and 1 Samuel 8:19, 12:19, where we read about how Joseph's suffering was meant by God for good, and how Israel sought an earthly king (Israel felt God was insufficient), was given one (Saul), recognized the err of their ways, but despite all of this we know that through the line David the King of Kings arrives. Piper writes that the "most astonishing thing" about evil and suffering is the method preordained and used by God to bring about victory over evil and suffering.  Jesus' death itself was evil, brutal, violent, and induced unimaginable suffering.  Yet Piper reminds us how scripture shares how "God was in it."  See Acts 2:23, 4:27-28.  Piper then shares that "[t]here is no greater sin than to hate and kill the Son of God. There was no greater suffering nor any greater innocence than the suffering and innocence of Christ. Yet God was in it all."  See Isaiah 53:10 and 5.  The devotion closes with Piper sharing that "God meant to show the world that there is no sin and no evil too great that God cannot bring from it everlasting righteousness and joy. The very suffering that we caused became the hope of our salvation."  Rejoice that we have a God that is able to use all of our circumstances, including evil - for good.  Recognize that God's thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8) are not our own and we can trust Him as our Lord and Savior. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who reigns over all - including suffering and evil.  You defeated suffering, sin and evil through Your death on the cross.  You equip us to handle what suffering and evil we experience in this life and in Heaven there is more suffering, sin or evil - what a glorious place this will be!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light.

Zechariah 14:4-9

On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. Zechariah 14:6-7

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 14:4-9, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  The text continues to unfold God's message to His people through Zechariah regarding a prophecy of end times.  V4 refers to on that day, consistent with preceding text on how this day refers to the Battle of Armageddon.  V4 describes how Jerusalem will be split in two and v5 shares how God's people will flee the earthquake described as similar to the earthquake during King Uzziah's reign (see Amos 1:1).  Revelation 16:18 also describes an earthquake, which of course will be "such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake."  V5c then shares how God will come, "and all the holy ones with him."  V6 then describes the new creation (see also Revelation 21) that will result after God's final victory over Satan.  The day is described as unique - known to the Lord - but of course unique and unseen by earthly bodies.  V8 describes living waters that flow east and west from Jerusalem - these living waters seem reminiscent to the waters in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2) implying how with the New Creation in Revelation, God's people are restored to the state in which they lived before the Fall.  V9 concludes the text for this division by sharing how God reigns over all and how He will be one and "his name one."  Once again, believers can take great comfort knowing that God has already won the victory over sin and death and that we are saved and He is saving a place for us in the New Creation!  Take comfort and rejoice!

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My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing Father You are that You love and care for me, protect me, give me comfort, guide me, provide for me, and You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this amazing grace!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.]

Zechariah 12

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.] Zechariah 12:1

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 12:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, the commentary portends the text in the second and third divisions as prophecy of Jesus' second coming, which interestingly enough is - per the commentary - prophesied more often in the Old Testament than the New Testament.  With v1, the commentary describes how the text serves as a "foundation for everything that God calls His people to be and do rests in the fact that God made us....He has the sovereign and absolute right to rule over us and even to judge us."  In the New Testament, Colossians 1:15-17 shares how God reigns in all things.  Revelation 20:12-15 shares how all will be judged according to their deeds and if we are not saved and in the book of life we will be eternally damned. We are encouraged to be reminded that we are accountable to God - and to live in reverent fear of Him - see also this post from John Piper here.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing God You are that You saved me - You made and formed me, and You know everything about me, including my sin.  You saved me in spite of my sin and how I was hostile to You and an enemy of You.  Thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.]

Zechariah 12

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.] Zechariah 12:1

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 12:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, God gives Zechariah a message to deliver about Israel's future.  But before Zechariah is to give this message in detail, God wants to ensure Israel is aware of who He is so that there is no mistake about that He reigns and is provident of all.  This has both negative and positive implications.  For those who reject God, they are literally playing with fire as their ultimate destination is eternity in Hell. For those who believe, we must understand that just because God is full of grace and He forgives, we must not go on sinning (see the end of Romans 5 and 6:1 in particular).  Instead we must have reverent fear of God and this fear should be seen as a preservative to keep us from sin. At the same time, Zechariah 12:1 should be see as an all powerful God able to do anything and if He intercedes (Romans 8:34) for us and fights for us (Exodus 14:14), He is all that we need.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who reigns, advocates, forgives, and fights for me. Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of the grace You pour out for me and for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply You message for me today and every day.  

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

Zechariah 6:1-15

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” Zechariah 6:15

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 6:1-15, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  Here Zechariah's visions from the Lord continue as he has a vision of four chariots coming out from mountains of bronze, and these chariots are being led by four horses of different colors - all traveling to the four winds of heaven.  Their purpose was to patrol the earth - suggesting protection for Israel and God's people.  God's Spirit is at rest in the north country.  As the vision continues, the Lord calls for specific exiles - Heldai (mentioned once in scripture - 1 Chronicles 27:15, during the period when Solomon is charged to build the first temple), Tobijah (also mentioned once in scripture - 1 Chronicles 17:8 during the reign of Jehoshaphat when the Book of the Law was taken throughout the land for instruction of the people), and Jedaiah (who is mentioned not just in 1 Chronicles, but also in Ezra and Nehemiah - which focus on the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem by God's people who have returned from exile) to return from exile to make a crown and set it upon Joshua (same Joshua from Haggai and earlier chapters in Zechariah).  Joshua is once again anointed as special in his role to lead the temple reconstruction effort and God's people - although once again we should be reminded that he was not a particularly extraordinary man but used by God nonetheless.  Joshua will sit on the throne.  God's hand in the reconstruction effort will be undeniable - see v15.  Believers do not deny that God exists, is real and reigns over all, and that He sent His Son sent to seek and save the lost, and that His Son Jesus died on the cross for the sins of all humanity so that we can have forgiveness of sins now and eternal life. Yet many doubted and denied God during the time of the temple reconstruction and many still do.  Similar to when the temple reconstruction took place, believers are to be a light such that it is undeniable that God exists and reigns, etc. We exist to glorify God.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - giving me hope in my daily battle with sin.  Thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed!  I am not deserving of such hope.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’”

 Zechariah 1:1-6

So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’” Zechariah 1:6b

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:6b, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b). The first two divisions share Zechariah's warning to God's people to not be like their ancestors, who did not repent from their wicked thoughts and ways - this led to their captivity and exile. Zechariah then shares how God's people repented and acknowledged God's justice was appropriate given their sin.  This is an important message for all believers - God reigns in all circumstances - good and bad.  He is in charge - see also Colossians 1:15-17.  God also has a plan for all of us and for believers "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).  Sometimes it is hard to see how suffering is good - yet we need to see how our circumstances are part of God's plan and how it is "working together for good." See also 2 Corinthians 12:7 where Paul shares how God did not remove the "thorn in his side" because it was serving a purpose - to keep him "from becoming conceited" (mentioned twice in same verse).  We cannot take our eye off our singular purpose - to love and glorify God and to love others as God loves us - these are the two greatest commandments and all the other commandments hang on these (see also Matthew 22:37-40).  When something is happening in our lives we must see God at work.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a just and holy God who is perfect in all ways - and You reign and work in all things for good.  Thank You Jesus for using all circumstances for good and for the love and mercy that never ceases.  I am not deserving.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.     

Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers?

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? Zechariah 1:4-6a

I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a unassisted review of Zechariah 1:4-6a, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  Here, the Lord seeks for us to remember - and in this case for negative reasons.  Don't do what God's people have repeatedly done.  Throughout redemptive history as portrayed in the Old Testament, God's people repeatedly turned away from God, sinned and were wicked in God's eyes.  God hates sin.  One of the many broad themes of the OT is the cycle of sin and God's wrath, and we see this very early on in Genesis 3 where among other means of punishment after the Fall, Adam and Eve are sent out from the garden of Eden.  Consistent with yesterday's message, God continues to emphasize here that He reigns, is all powerful and all knowing, hates sin, and seeks obedience.  He also loves His people and does not want to punish them but will if He needs to get our attention. Once again, fear should serve as a preservative to keep us close to God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, once again, I am reminded of Your amazing grace in that while I was still hostile and an enemy to You, You saved me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving - not by a long shot.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 1:3

I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  The introduction to this chapter of the commentary shares "[t]he hope of the gospel is that lost people can be found and that distant and wandering believers can come back to the Lord....Jesus calls us to return when we wander far from Him."  The commentary then shares how believers are not immune to straying from God and it points out how believers still struggle with divorce, pornography, racism, lack of tithing, etc.  Zechariah and his family are described in v1 - Berechiah - his father, and Iddo - his grandfather.  These names in Hebrew are defined with Zechariah's name meaning "the Lord Remembers," Berechiah's as "the Lord blesses," and Iddo's as "in time" with the combination of these names describing how the Lord remembers and blesses as His set time.  God gave Zechariah a message to encourage His people who had returned from Babylonian captivity and exile to continue in their efforts to rebuild the temple - yet due to various factors work stopped.  Haggai delivered a similar message. The commentary describes God's people as being complacent and discouraged in their fellowship with God - and God became very angry.  Zechariah exhorts God's people to a "renewed closeness of the Lord," and the commentary outlines three divisions, each of which provide a motivation to return to the Lord.  The first division or motivation provided by the commentary is God’s Righteous Wrath Calls Us to Return to Him.  In v2 Zechariah share how angry God was the people's ancestors and their lack of faithfulness and resulting sin.  We are referred to Psalm 78:10-11 that describes God's people and their spiritual state prior to Babylonian captivity and exile. Zechariah implores God's people to see the God they are spurning - the Lord of hosts - He who reigns over all, creator of Heaven and Earth and all of its inhabitants.  We are reminded that yes God is love, compassion, mercy, etc. but he is just, we are commanded to love Him (most important commandment), and scripture is clear that the "wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23).  As such, when we sin and especially when we spurn God we should be clear that God has every right to be angry.  He may be slow to anger (Nahum 1:3) but a righteous and just God does get angry with us when when we sin. The commentary shares: "[w]hen people deliberately take the path of sin and rebellion, when we determine to distance ourselves from Him, we experience God’s anger, His righteous wrath, just as the Jewish people did in their history. God is angry at sin in my life and in your life. And when we rebel against Him, we place ourselves into His anger zone."  We should be very careful straying from God and a reverent fear of God should drive us into His arms - John Piper refers to "fear as a preservative," helping us understand that God may love us but at the same time He is just and all powerful and can mete out His wrath and judgement just as easily as He can love. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord God You are an awesome God who loves and save - thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace.  I am not deserving of such incredible love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD,“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.

Zephaniah 3:1-8

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD,“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed. Zephaniah 3:8

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a unassisted review of Zephaniah 3:1-8, which is the text for the second division of the commentary's chapter covering Zephaniah 2:4-3:8.  The commentary further breaks down this second division into eight subdivisions. Turning from chapter 2 where Zephaniah shares God's warning to Judah's sinful neighbors and how He is going to pour out His wrath upon them, chapter 3 begins with a warning for both Judah and her neighbors.  V1 describes how Jerusalem is rebellious and defiled, and v2 describes how she listens to no voice, accepts no correction, does not trust in the Lord, and does not draw near to her God.  These verses alone are quite harsh, and while believers may think they do not describe themselves, to a certain degree this may be correct, but all of us are unclean and in need of a Savior because WE ALL SIN and need a SAVIOR.  Jesus is this Savior!  The message is clear: listen to God (read and study His Word), draw near to Him, pray to God (be in relationship with Him and talk to Him), accept His correction (view difficult circumstances in light of what He is doing to mold You or bring about His plan), and trust in God (have no fear or anxiety).  Vv3-4 describe the corruption of Judah's officials, including her priests.  V5 highlights how God is righteous, just, and faithful.  V6-7 then pivots to how God's anger burns against both Judah and her neighbors.  We are exhorted to live in reverent fear of God as He reigns.  V8 then declares a warning to repent and be ready, for when God pours out His wrath during the last days, His wrath will be terrifying indeed but those who are repent, believe in Him and are ready will be spared. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who lives in my heart and life - protecting me from sin and sinful influences.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide refuge and protect.  My sin does though continue and I know there is more work for You to do.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts,‘The LORD will not do good, nor will he do ill.’

Zephaniah 1:12-13

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts,‘The LORD will not do good, nor will he do ill.’ Zephaniah 1:12

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is a commentary-assisted review of the fourth division per my commentary: vv12-13.  Excerpts from the commentary:

• In these verses, "Zephaniah now turns his attention on the agnostics" in Judah as any claim to be neutral with God means the same as rejecting Him.
• "God’s judgment for these individuals who deluded themselves into thinking that they lived in neutrality, but actually worshiped at the feet of their own comfort and pleasure, was to destroy their gods."
• "This is ultimately God’s good work to reveal to us the lie of non-worship. We can claim not to know what is right or wrong, and we can claim not to worship, but the truth is that every person will worship, and every person will pursue what they think is right, and every one of us will be accountable for those choices that we make."
• The antidote for this neutrality or complacency is two fold: (1) "Those who are buried under the weight of their apathy or agnosticism must begin by acknowledging what God’s people have been confirming for years: God is." (2) "Secondly, our acknowledgment of God must be accompanied by the sacrifice of our other gods. We must abandon those gods in our pursuit of Him. This will almost always be a challenging and difficult task. Jesus, anticipating how important this would be and how difficult it might prove, said this: “And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell” (Mark 9:47)."
• "Finally, radical severing of the old gods and an embrace of Yahweh runs counter to our typical expectations of lethargy toward God and spiritual activity. It is the exact opposite of that, as a matter of fact. It is spiritual energy. Many times that may be exactly what we need to walk faithfully with God."

Amen! We cannot be neutral or complacent - God reigns, is in control and we must acknowledge that without Him we are nothing - and with Him we have everything, most importantly freedom from the sting of sin and death.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome great God who loves me and who saves me from the sting of sin and death...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me, for my sloth, for my gossip, etc.  Please help me turn from and repent of such sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude

I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.  For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.  Jude 3-4

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a commentary-assisted review of Jude 3-4 which is covered by the second chapter of my commentary.  Per the commentary:

Main idea: "Because of the constant threat of false teachers and enemies of the gospel, Christians must continually defend and obey the Christ-centered, Christ-exalting faith that has been passed on through the true Church."

Excerpts from the introduction:

• "Jude writes his epistle to warn the church about spiritual terrorists [apostates], spiritual subversives who stealthily crept inside the church with WSDs (Weapons of Spiritual Destruction)."
• These apostates are those who have "corporately, theologically and spiritually they have left and followed after false and destructive teaching. [They have] received the truth, rejected the truth, ridicule the truth, and eventually will attempt to replace the truth." See also Adrian Rogers Snakes in the Garden.
• "Sadly, this strategy of infiltration by the devil’s deceivers is even in full swing within the camp of evangelicalism."
• "There is today a great need for evangelicals to heed the words of Jude and “to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all” (v. 3). There is a fight for the faith, a struggle to preserve and pass on what has been delivered to us, and it is time to step up."
  

Divisions:

1. Know What You Believe (3): The word contend from v3 is derived from the Greek word when translated to "fight or struggle with intense effort."  It is not intended to be easy. "He understood clearly the rebellious nature of the human heart and the moral havoc that reigns from a rejection of Christ’s lordship. Because of the tendency of the human heart to wander, Jude knew that the faith would need to be explained and defended continually. This is not a time for cowards or the weak hearted. This is not a time for the timid or thin-skinned. This is not a time for retreat, compromise, or surrender. The faith must be earnestly defended." We are reminded that the gospel is complete and nothing needs to be added or subtracted - it is perfect.  It is dangerous to believe that it needs to "evolve".   The commentary lists 12 "non-negotiable" re: scripture: (a) The inerrancy and infallibility of Holy Scripture, (b) The full and eternal deity of Christ, (c) The miraculous virgin birth and sinless life of Jesus the Messiah (d) The historical creation of man and woman made in God’s image, (e) The sanctity of all life from conception to natural death, (f) The sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman, (g) The sinfulness of all human persons, (h) The substitutionary death of Christ for sinners, (i) The bodily resurrection of Christ from the grave Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, (j) The exclusivity of the gospel of Jesus Christ for sinners, and (k) The return of Christ and the assignment of all people either to eternal blessedness in heaven or eternal condemnation in hell."
   
2. Know How to Live (4): We are cautioned to beware of those who deceive the church, distort God's grace, and those who deny Jesus. In the closing words of the commentary for the text today we are referred to 2 Timothy 2:23-26 which the commentary describes as "contend[ing] for the faith without being contentious about the faith."

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My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for my faith and for giving me the full armor of God, and for scripture in particular which serves as a "lamp unto my feet" as You enter my heart, transforming me into more of Your image, helping direct me and avoid sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

James 4

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16

This morning, I pause my study of 1 Corinthians to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at pride and arrogance, including how pride and arrogance manifests itself in the world and believers can battle such evil.  John Piper refers us to C.S. Lewis from Mere Christianity and how Lewis warns us against looking down on others because we won't be able to see "above" us where God reigns supreme in our all details of the universe and all of its inhabitants.  Similarly, Piper warns us from flippantly talking our plans with a view that God plays no role in such plans. Piper concludes the devotion by sharing that "James says that not believing in the sovereign rights of God to manage the details of your future is arrogance. The way to battle this arrogance is to yield to the sovereignty of God in all the details of life, and rest in his infallible promises to show himself mighty on our behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9), to pursue us with goodness and mercy every day (Psalm 23:6), to work for those who wait for him (Isaiah 64:4), and to equip us with all we need to live for his glory (Hebrews 13:21). In other words, the remedy for pride is unwavering faith in God’s sovereign future grace." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that holds all the details of my life and the lives of my loved ones in Your hands - and You are so full of grace that You provide, Your mercies are new, and You never leave or forsake me.  You of course save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of any of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14

After a long pause, I return to my study of 1 Corinthians, picking up with unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 10:14-22. Here Paul warns believers about the influences of idolatry, and he uses the Israelites in the wilderness (vv6-11) as an example.  Paul does not want us to succumb to such temptations and he points us to God as faithful (v13) in His ability to help us escape idolatry in our efforts to flee.  A line-by-line review of the text for today:

• v14: leaning on God, we should flee from idolatry
• v15: as a setup to the verses that follow - vv16-22, Paul appeals to our powers of reason to follow his thoughts using once again the Israelites as an example
• v16: the communion we share - eating of bread and drinking of wine (see 1 Corinthians 11) - is something where we share in the body and blood of Christ
• v17: "because" there is only one bread, all who partake in the bread are of the same one body
• v18: likewise, those in Israel in the wilderness who ate the sacrifices are all of the same body
• v19: many Corinthians felt that because idols were not real allowed them to be sinful with regard to eating food offered to idols, implicitly embracing idolatry
• v20: Paul warns us to avoid to idolatry by partaking in pagan worship through close association with others that do so
• v21: Paul is even more clear by stating that we cannot worship both God and demons - be clear about the choices you make and how they associate you with idolatry/sin
• v22: avoid provoking/testing God - He of course reigns and will deal with us harshly lest we provoke God like the Israelites in the wilderness did

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - providing me with the full armor of God to protect me in my battle against sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and grace. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.