Wednesday, June 27, 2012

6-27-2012 Vol. 6 Part 32 Book of Romans (Romans 8:37-39)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.


Psalms 73:1-7 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.  Father, in the name of Jesus we give you thanks and praise for all you do in our lives. We ask for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of your word so that we can continue refining our lives for you, and become more Christ like with each passing day. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!
Romans 8:37-39 NKJV
Last week we left off with a four word sentence, “God is for me”. With the emphasis on each word it is a real refreshing phrase that can comfort and ease our anxiety with the hustle and bustle of daily life. It reminds me of these scriptures; Deuteronomy 3:22 You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.' Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." With God for us we need not fear daily trials and tribulations. A believer can put their trust in Jesus to fight and protect them against the evils of this world. By keeping our eyes focused on Jesus and our faith in what He did at Calvary, we can rest in Him.
Satan and his band of angels and evil spirits love to keep us busy so that our time is all consumed with things that take our eyes and thoughts off Jesus. Here is a partial list of 12 things Satan probably instructs his band of evil doers to keep us busy with:
·         Keep them busy with non-essentials.
·         Tempt them to over spend and go into debt.
·         Make them work long hours to maintain empty life styles.
·         Discourage them from spending family times for when homes disintegrate there is no refuge from work.
·         Over stimulate their minds with television and computers so they can’t hear God speaking to them.
·         Fill their coffee tables and night stands with newspapers and magazines so there is no time to read the Bible.
·         Flood their mailboxes with sweepstake promotions and get rich schemes to keep them chasing material things.
·         Put glamorous models on TV and magazines covers to keep them focused on outward appearances that way they will be dissatisfied with themselves and their mates.
·         Make sure married couples are too busy for physical intimacies that way they will be tempted to look elsewhere.
·         Emphasize Santa and Easter Bunny That way they will be diverted from the real meaning of the holidays.
·         Involve them in worldly causes so they won’t have time for eternal ones.
·         Make them self sufficient, keep them busy in their own works and strengths so they will never know the joy of Gods power that can work through them.
BUSY  =  B – Being U – Under S – Satan’s Y - Yoke
When these things happen to you each day, take a few minutes and divert your focus to Jesus and what He did for you and let His love for you comfort and calm the situation that you are dealing with. In fact turn it over to Him and ask Him to take control. Ask Him for His guidance in the situation. Then watch and see what happens, and at the end of the day reflect on the day’s activities. You might be pleasantly surprised how the situation turned out. God loves to help his adopted children, all we have to do is ask for his help. It is the same way for little children. At times they want to do things on their own, but may not have the capability of accomplishing what they want to do, so out of frustration they will ask for mommy or daddy’s help, and out of love the parent gives a helping hand. So often we try to do everything our self and it leads to frustration, if we would just develop the habit of going to our advocate, Jesus, our life situations would be resolved in a much healthier fashion.
This week’s lesson picks up where last week’s lesson left off. We will learn more about all the things we are protected from when in Christ. Deep down, everyone is tempted to be afraid of something. The past, the future, powerful people, supernatural forces, death, and many more. But a true believer considers only one thing; there is nothing more powerful than the love of God in Christ Jesus. So let’s see what we can learn with these verses.
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
“In all these things”; Paul is referring to the list in verse 35; tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword, and also to the list in verses 38 and 39; nor death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing. All items listed here, as children of God, we need not fear them. In fact a Born Again Christian does not fear them as long as they keep their faith in the finished work of the Cross. It is when we take our eyes off Jesus, the things of life will creep into a believer and fear rises up. It happened to Peter when he stepped out of the boat and started walking on the water. As long as he had his eyes (faith) on Jesus he was ok, but he was distracted by the wind (the world) and started to sink and then cried out to Jesus to save him. Matthew 14:29-30 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
An adopted child of God knows they don’t belong here on earth. Their true home is in Heaven with Jesus and they long for the time when they can go home. They see the world with a new set of eyes in fact they see people in a whole new way. Newly saved individuals have told me that people seem different all of a sudden, but they don’t know why. Every Spirit filled individual will experience this in some way, some more than others. I had one individual tell me everyone was like dead corpses walking around, because their faces were expressionless and pale. The reason for this is because they are spiritually dead, and have not had a spiritual birth. A great multitude of these people are good people, but haven’t been Born Again, therefore are spiritually dead and live their life for worldly pleasures and not for God. Jesus speaks of this in Luke. Luke 9:57-62 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, "Lord, I will follow You wherever You go."  58 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." (Saved individuals have no place here on earth to rest because they always have to have their guard up against the things of the flesh and the world.)  59 Then He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."  60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, (Spiritually dead bury the spiritually dead.) but you go and preach the kingdom of God." (If you want to follow me, put me first in your life above all other thing, meaning your flesh and pleasures of the world.)  61 And another also said, "Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house."  62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (If you want to follow me, grab the plow and keep putting one foot in front of the other and don’t look back to the past, things of the world. Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.)
“more than conquerors”; What does Paul mean? Don’t forget he is talking to believers of his time and also of our time. The phrase is actually the translation of one Greek word. That word is, “hypernikomen”. The middle part of the word “nikao” means to overcome. “Hyper” means over and above. With the two words together you get the meaning of, “over and above victory”. Believers are super conquerors, over achievers, and this is in the present tense. With our faith in Jesus Christ we have victory in all that the world can throw at us. As a true believer the love Jesus has for us cannot be removed. Nothing listed in the following verses can cause this to happen when we give our heart to Jesus. As long as our faith is in Jesus death and resurrection we are His.
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
“For I am persuaded”; At this point in Paul’s life he can attest to all the things listed in these two verses. He has had a very rough life as Jesus apostle. There is probably no one else in history that has endured what Paul did in taking the Gospel throughout the world. There was a shipwreck, stoning, and beatings, but Paul never once wavered under what Satan threw at him. He was a true soldier for Jesus and stood fast under pressure, because he knew God’s love would never abandon him.
“Neither death”; Being a true believer is not denying Jesus as your king and lord unto death. Shortly after the writings of the book of Acts, things turned ugly for the Christians. The Roman arenas turned to blood from Christians being thrown to the lions or subject to Roman spears. What cause this, the Roman emperors demanded they be recognized as a God and all people were to bow down to them. Those that didn’t were executed. Not all emperors demanded this because they recognized their human frailties, but Nero was the worse.
“nor life”; Life in those times were very troublesome for believer. Just with the ups and downs of normal life things were difficult, but being a Christian added a whole new dimension to living. It was probably harder to live for Jesus than it was to die for Him. Philippians 1:21-23 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
“nor angels”; Angels is referring to the fallen angels that joined in with Lucifer. These angels are powerful angels that carry out the orders of Lucifer in attempting to get followers of Jesus to turn their back on Him and enter back into the darkness of the world. Being a believer we are protected from these angels because Jesus has power over them. Jesus defeated Satan when He rose from the dead. Ephesians 1:19-21 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,  21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
“nor principalities”; Refers to satanic powers of the fallen angels. They have great power that is to be directed toward believers in hopes of winning them back to darkness of the world. Ephesians 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,  2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,  3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
“nor powers”; This again refers to the powers of the fallen angels.
“nor things present”; Referring to the power and principalities present today that inflict God’s children.
“nor things to come”; Satan and his band of followers are constantly planning and devising strategies in an attempt to win believers back and cause confusion and destroy God’s prescribed order of things.
“nor height nor depth”; Refers to the vast range Satan can roam in and cause havoc. He is prince of the powers of the air to the depths of Hell. He is in control of his band of followers that carry out his desires. Ephesians 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, Height or depth also refers to Satan’s plan of attack on a believer pertaining to its severity.
“Nor any other created thing”; Paul has included this statement to cover all of creation. God was not created therefore to give us assurance that his list is complete he included other created things.
“shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”;  So in conclusion to this chapter, we do not wrestle with humans things, but spiritual powers. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Satan, his Fallen Angels, and Demon Spirits cannot harm a child of God unless God allows it. God allows trials and tribulations in our live for a purpose, but in these struggles we are made better not worse. We come out of our troubles stronger than when we went into them. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Some of the struggles we go through seem unbearable at the time, but we need to evaluate them and see if God is trying to tell us something. We need to stay focused on what we can’t see, eternity. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,  18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
As a Born Again Saint we can rest easy and be assured that nothing created can remove God’s love from us as long as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. It’s believing in Jesus, His death and resurrection, that keeps us in God’s love and grace. If we as humans take our eyes off the finished work of Christ, and turn back to the ways of the world, then and only then will we be separated from God’s love because of our actions, but God will still love us and take us back through our repentance in a heartbeat. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."
Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who is Abi?
Answer: Abi was a well known eight century BC queen and queen mother. She was the daughter of Zechariah, the wife of Ahaz, and the mother of Hezekiah. 2 Kings 18:2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah.
This week’s Trivia: Who was Abialbon?

Saturday, June 23, 2012

6-20-2012 Vol. 6 Part 31 Book of Romans (Romans 8:31-36)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.


Psalms 72:12-20 For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, And will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; And precious shall be their blood in His sight. And He shall live; And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him; Prayer also will be made for Him continually, And daily He shall be praised. There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, On the top of the mountains; Its fruit shall wave like Lebanon; And those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed. Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. Father, in the name of Jesus we give you thanks for the rain you blessed us with this past week. We thank you for the love you have for us and we ask that you bless us with your grace. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!
Romans 8:31-36 NKJV
The verses in this lesson should give a saved individual great comfort in their salvation. I have heard saved individuals talk about their salvation and wonder if they have done something to anger God, because everything is quiet in their spiritual world, therefore they question their salvation. I have also experience these quiet times and don’t understand them. The only explanation I can give is maybe we have all that we can handle at the present time, and God knows that. He will only give us what we can handle. Maybe we are being prepped for something that is coming up in our life and it is a resting time to be in scripture study, and prayer. Maybe God is talking to us and we aren’t listening because our flesh is blocking His message. I don’t know why or what the answer is nor does anyone else.
If you have experienced any of these things, then these verses are especially for you. In the following verses there are two reasons why we need not question our salvation from Gods view point. First God gave His only Son for us. Second Jesus gave His life for us. God loves us so much that He allowed this to happen so why would He take our salvation away. The meaning of the verses in this lesson can be viewed as a love letter from God to you as a saved person.
As stated last week I believe there is only one thing that can strip us of our salvation and that is our flesh. Why, because it was our free will to take a hold of God’s extended hand of grace and come to him from His calling, and that free will is the only thing that would cause us to turn back to our sinful lifestyle. Do remember this, from my experience, that a truly Born Again person would have a very difficult time turning from God and going back to their old way of life after experiencing God’s grace and love, but it could happen. It is through salvation the truth is revealed to the person, that veil of deception is lifted. When a person is saved, they realize there is a Heaven and Hell, good spirits and bad spirits, right from wrong, and the Bible is a living document. After knowing the truth and God’s love I feel a horrific life event would have to happen for a truly saved person to turn their back on God, and if that happened it would be that sin nature that would be the cause. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Paul is posing another question that is similar to last week’s lesson. If we heeded God’s calling and reached out and took his hand then who can be against us? There is no one! God has us in his hand and no one can touch us. We can’t be plucked out of his hand by any person. God is all powerful and above all other powers. If He has you, you are safe and secure. There will be deception in the believers life, flesh will rear up, and decisions will have to be made, but with Jesus guiding light and if you heed his guidance, you will be led through the trial. When a person accepts Jesus as their saviour a transformation happens, and that being, Jesus is in you and you are hidden in Jesus.
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? He, meaning God, did not spare His only Son, but delivered Him up in order that each and every person on the face of the earth, could have a chance for eternal life if they so desire. There is no other definition of love, than this sacrifice that God and Jesus predestined for all. With this expression of love, why would God not freely give all things to his adopted children? After all Paul has already explained to us we are co-heirs with Jesus and being co-heirs we are entitled to everything that has been granted to Jesus. Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 2 Peter 1:3-7 NLT By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.  4 And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires.  5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,  6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,  7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. All we have to do is believe and keep our faith in Jesus and what he did on the Cross for us.
33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. With God being omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, then who can judge one of God’s elect? There is no other power in the universe more powerful than God. God has set and executed the rules with Jesus dying on the Cross to wash away our sins when we accept Him. God is the judge and the one that justifies. He is the one and only.
Who is Paul talking about when he mentions God’s elect? It is those that have accepted Jesus as their saviour. Paul isn’t talking about individuals that God selects into his kingdom, because God doesn’t select anyone, he calls them and it is up to the individual to accept His invitation of salvation. Many believe and get confused thinking God chooses certain individuals and not others, but as we studied last week that is not scriptural. The truth is that eternal life is for anyone no matter who they are, if they accept Jesus as their Saviour they become God’s elect. John 3:16
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Here Paul is raising the same type of question as the previous verse, and the answer is no one is to condemn others or God’s plan of salvation. No one has the right to judge and condemn; only God has this right. If we engage in judging and condemning others we are also guilty and will be judged for our actions. If we talk about someone in a negative way, we are judging that person. We are not to gossip and condemn others because that is up to God. Vengeance is to be given to God and let Him take care of the situation. Hebrews 10:30 For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE."
For the believer there is no condemnation and as believers we have a fourfold protection in Jesus and what He did for us.
Jesus died for us so we are protected by His death; Jesus took all the condemnation that we deserved. He is the peace offering for our sins. Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"),
We are protected by Jesus resurrection; when Jesus came back from the grave He proved His victory over sin and death. He was raise by God His father which demonstrates God was satisfied with the sacrifice of His Son as the only basis for our justification. His resurrection is the proof of our justification. Romans 4:23-25 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,  24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,  25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
We are protected by Jesus exaltation; Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. The exaltation of Jesus to God’s right hand symbolizes the honor, power, and authority given to Him. Philippians 2:8-9 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Psalms 110:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."
In the Old Testament there were no seats in the temple because the priests work dealing with sin was never done. But verse 34 tells us Jesus was exalted and He sat down, meaning God was satisfied with the sacrifice for sin that Jesus did. The work is done and never will there be a need for any other type of sacrifice. The priest job of repeatedly offering sacrifices for sin was eliminated forever. Hebrews 10:11-12 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
We are protected by Jesus intercession; Jesus very presence at the right hand of the Father is proof of the completed work of the Cross. With Jesus sitting at the Fathers right hand he is always there waiting for our beckoning call so that He can intercede for us to the Father. It was all part of God’s plan to have Jesus at His right hand and intercede for us. Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ and what He did on the Cross for all mankind. There is no other way to obtain God’s gift of grace but though Jesus and His intercession for us. If there was any other way to Heaven, or any other to intercede, then Jesus death was in vain. Hebrews 7:24-26 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.  25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.  26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Paul is speaking here of the love Jesus has for the believer, not the believer’s love for Jesus. There is nothing that will take Jesus love from us, but with our free choice we can remove our love from Jesus by turning to the lust of our flesh and the world. There is no situation, powers, or principalities that can remove the love Jesus has for us. Jesus loves everyone and wants to see everyone in Heaven because they are His creation, but the sad truth is many will not go to Heaven. Have you ever thought about what cause Judas to fall away? Some say he was saved and the lust of money drove him to betray Jesus. Some say he was never saved and that is why he betrayed Jesus. Since we can’t see the hearts of our fellow man then we really don’t know for sure. But he spent three years with Jesus, he knew who Jesus was, witnessed the miracles, and heard all the teaching right from Jesus mouth. So a person would think that he was saved. What cause him to fall, an outside force, a tribulation, a distress, a persecution, a famine, a nakedness, a peril, a sword, or lust of his flesh, money? It would have to be the lust of his flesh, because we have already learned that no outside forces can touch us as believers. God protects us! There is only one thing that will separate us from Jesus love and that is our flesh. Just as we accepted God’s calling by choice we can also reject His love. It isn’t any different than a man and a woman entering into a relationship resulting in marriage. It is each person’s choice to marry out of love for each other, but they can also fall out of love, and divorce is usually the result. It isn’t any different with a relationship with Jesus. That is why God’s word says to put on the armor of God daily in order to stand fast in the faith.
Paul experience all of these things, tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword, but never once faltered in his faith. All of these things were cause by outside forces, but Jesus love for him protected him.
36 As it is written: "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER." Paul is quoting a Psalm here in regard to their persecutions as followers of Jesus. Psalms 44:22 But for Your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep. The disciples were leading a tough life be followers of Jesus and proclaiming the Gospel. Many were led off and killed like sheep. No one would listen to or believe what they had to say, which is still true today. Other parts of the world today people are killed for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are fortunate so far living in the US, but I feel a time may be coming when people will be killed for preaching the Gospel in the US.
I leave you with this thought. Say these four words four times with the emphasis on a different word each time and let them speak to you.
GOD is for me!
God IS for me!
God is FOR me!
God is for ME!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."
Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who is Abagtha?
Answer: He was one of seven servants of the Persian King Ahasuerus that was ordered to escort Queen Vashti to the Kings presence.  Esther 1:10-12 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus,  11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold.  12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him. Since she refused you will have to get your Bible out and see what happened to her.
This week’s Trivia: Who is Abi?

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

6-13-2012 Vol. 6 Part 30 Book of Romans (Romans 8:29-30)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.



Psalms 72:1-11 A Psalm Of Solomon. Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king's Son. He will judge Your people with righteousness, And Your poor with justice. The mountains will bring peace to the people, And the little hills, by righteousness. He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear You As long as the sun and moon endure, Throughout all generations. He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, Like showers that water the earth. In His days the righteous shall flourish, And abundance of peace, Until the moon is no more. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth. Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before Him, And His enemies will lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles Will bring presents; The kings of Sheba and Seba Will offer gifts. Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him. Father, in the name of Jesus we give you thanks for all you provide us with. We ask that the call you give to all will be heard and acknowledged by them and they will reach out and take a hold of your outstretched hand. We also ask that you send the much needed rain for the crops and gardens. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!
Romans 8:29-30 NKJV
Today’s lesson is about predestination. These two verses are among those that are discussed the most among man. Many think that God picks and chooses who is going to Heaven or Hell. Some people go so far as reasoning that if they are going to Hell then what is the point of seeking God. They live their life then of sin, enjoying life while on earth, and a life of pleasing the flesh. If this were true and God has a stamp on each and every person on where they will spend eternity, then the Bible contradicts it’s self. This is one thing that doesn’t happen in the Bible and anytime a person thinks that, they have the wrong interpretation of a verse and needs to dig deeper and find the true meaning of the verse. How would this be a contradiction in the Bible? I’m glad you asked that question. If this was true and we were predestined then John 3:15-17 isn’t true along with a number of other verses. In John 3:15-17 it states that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life. Whoever means anyone walking the face of the earth can have eternal life if they so desire. John 3:15-17 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Matthew 18:11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. So let’s see if we can’t get a good handle on what Paul is telling us in these two verses.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
For whom He foreknew: “He” meaning God. “Foreknew” is referring to God’s all knowing wisdom and knowledge. God knew each and every one of us before the foundation of the world was even laid. He already knew who would choose to come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Does He have a stamp on each of us then? No it simply means with God knowing our each and every move before we do it, He knows the outcome. God is omniscient meaning; having universal knowledge or knowledge of all things; infinitely knowing; all-seeing; the quality of knowing all things at once. There is nothing we can hide from God.
He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son: Here is where the confusion starts. When people read predestined their minds automatically go to the meaning of only chosen people will go to Heaven. This phrase is referring to God’s plan of salvation for all who will believe. The plan was set in motion at the beginning of time. The plan was predestined not the people. It is up to people to make the choice where they will spend eternity, it is their free will, God has given each of us a will to choose. As I’ve stated before life is a test to see if we will give our heart to Jesus and live in His likeness, which brings us to the last part of the phrase, “conform to the image of His Son”. To conform to the image of Jesus means when a person has that spiritual birth they are transformed into the likeness of Jesus. They start living their life modeled after Jesus. They are changed from the inside out starting with their heart being circumcised. When God then looks at that person, He sees the likeness of His Son. That is what this verse is all about, Gods plan of salvation at the time of creation that was predestined to take place in the future.
That He might be the firstborn among many brethren: “He” in this part of the verse is referring to Jesus not God. “First born”, meaning Jesus and what He did on the Cross for us. It was the startup of the salvation plan. It was putting into motion the New Covenant. This is how Jesus is the firstborn among many brethren. After Jesus many accepted Him as their saviour. This is what brethren is referring to, true believers, Born Again Christians, Spiritual Birth, being saved, etc. Colossians 1:13-15 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Moreover whom He predestined: “He” meaning God. The key word here is “whom”, whom He predestined; meaning the plan of salvation, the conforming to His Son; whom he had the foreknowledge of knowing who would come to him. Here again Paul isn’t talking about God picking and choosing people. It is about the plan of salvation, Jesus dying on the Cross for our sin.
These He also called: With God’s infinite knowledge of knowing our hearts He calls us to Him. Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Without this calling we would continue living our life of corruptness, because all humans are born with the sin nature and fall short of God’s glory. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.
With God knowing our hearts and the fact that God has given us a free will, a calling by God is necessary. How is this calling done? It is through the Holy Spirit stirring a heart, by someone saying something and getting a person to thinking about what was said, or by someone witnessing and planting a spiritual seed, or by the acts or demeanor of a Born Again Christian and someone asking the question, what do you have that I don’t, you’re always happy and nothing bothers you. All of these happen by the power of the Holy Spirit and is part of the calling. This calling is an inward call through the Holy Spirit by God. The unsaved is also called by an outward call and that comes from pastors sermons on Sunday, going to a Bible study, reading scripture, etc. Even though it is an outward call, God has set it in motion for the individual. All the individual has to do is listen through their spiritual ears.
God has his hand out for all, but only a few will take it. Proverbs 1:24-33 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,  25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke,  26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,  27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you.  28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.  29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,  30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.  31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.  32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;  33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil."
Jesus cries out to those who are lost, He doesn’t want to see anyone perish. John 7:37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
Whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified: This last part of verse 30 is simply stating a chain of events that happens when God calls a person. First he is called; second he accepts (Not all will accept the invitation.) Jesus as his saviour; third the person is justified (Cleared of the sin debt.); fourth they are sanctified (Regeneration begins, the old life dies, and a new life starts.) till the day they die; fifth they are glorified (True believers, those living and those that have died, will receive a glorified body.) at the resurrection meaning the rapture.
When a person is called and they accept Jesus as their saviour the inherited sin debt is paid in full by the blood of Jesus, this is called justification. The sad thing about the calling is that God extends his hand to all, but not all will accept. As stated in the Proverb above there will be people who will refuse to accept God’s hand due to self righteousness, believing in mans teaching and not the Bible, living for the pleasures of the world, worshipping man made idols, just plain stubbornness because no one is going to tell them anything or what to do, etc. When these people stand before Jesus He will laugh at them and tell them Luke 13:27 ………………. I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.' There will be many disappointed people come judgment day due to the fact that many believe they are living a good life and will go to Heaven, but according to God’s standards will not. Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
 Man is evil in God’s eyes and will perish in Hell unless they are Born Again; Genesis 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. Jesus tells us we have to be Born Again in order to enter Heaven. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
What about the glorified statement Paul made? “These He also glorified”, speaks to me in two ways. First, because of the way Paul states it a person is glorified in God’s eyes when they accept Jesus as their saviour. When we have a spiritual birth we don’t receive a glorified body that we can see, but just like the blood that covers us and when God looks at us He sees Jesus in a glorified state. So when God looks at us while we are alive He sees no sin and we appear glorified to Him.
Second, when a person gives his heart to Jesus and they are saved, they will one day receive a glorified body at the sound of the trumpet when the Rapture happens. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
Some people believe if a person is saved they are always saved no matter how they live their life from that saving day forward. Personally I believe that if a person is truly saved they will continue living their life for Jesus. I think it would be very difficult for a truly saved person to lose their salvation because they have come to experience a personal relationship with Jesus and they know what the truth is, but I also believe a person can lose their salvation. The free will that prompted a person to reach out and take God’s hand is what would cause a person to reject God and go back to their old life style. It is the persons choice to do this if they so desire, but no one can pluck a saved person from God’s hand. John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.


For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."
Bill Wiesbrock


Last Week’s Trivia: Who is Abaddon?
Answer: Abaddon is found in the book of Revelation. Revelation 9:10-11 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.  11 And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon. As you can see Abaddon was an angel and king over the scorpions in the bottomless pit. The Greek name Apollyon means destruction or ruin.
This week’s Trivia: Who is Abagtha?

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

6-6-2012 Vol. 6 Part 29 Book of Romans (Romans 8:28)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.


Psalms 71:17-24 O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side. Also with the lute I will praise You— And Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; For they are confounded, For they are brought to shame Who seek my hurt. Father, in the name of Jesus we give you thanks for all you provide us with. We thank you for the good and the bad, because all things work together for good for your children. When trials come along we pray that we recognize the good that follows. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!
Romans 8:28 NKJV
This verse in today’s lesson is all about life and how it all works together. There’s two concepts here concerning nonbelievers and believers. A nonbeliever’s point of view is usually everything happens for a reason. A believer’s point of view is living by faith in a loving God who causes all of life’s puzzle pieces to fit together to form a wonderful complete picture. This verse is probably one that you hear the most during day to day life. Many times people will say God has a plan or it will all work out. When people say this they are referring to Romans 8:28. Many people may not realize they are quoting this verse but they are. This verse can fill a person with trust, thanksgiving, and steadfastness in Jesus when times get tough. It will give a person hope by trusting in Jesus to pull them through life’s trials and tribulations knowing that Jesus is in control and whatever the difficult time is, good will be the outcome even though we may not agree with it. We may not agree with it because we can’t see the whole jigsaw puzzle put together as a whole, we only see one little piece of God’s plan for us. A true believer will realize this as God’s plan for them and it will strengthen their faith and trust in God, whereas a nonbeliever may become angry and curse God for the outcome. We all have probably met someone that is angry with God for taking a loved one from them and they are bitter toward God. Maybe someone is angry with God for a promotion they didn’t receive at their place of employment. There are many situations where people get angry with God and some people with time will see why things turned out the way they did and then thank God, but there are others who hold a grudge all the way to the grave. These people are very difficult, and some you can’t talk to about Jesus, his love, and what life is all about. Some people all we can do is pray that God will change their hearts before they pass from this earth.
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. This verse starts out with “we know”. What is it that we know? What is Paul referring to? To get the meaning and who Paul is talking to or about, one must read a couple verses before and after verse 28.
Romans 8:26-30 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Paul is talking about Born Again Christians. What do these individuals know that self proclaiming Christian don’t know? A true believer places their faith in Jesus and are living a life under Grace. A true believer is under the direction of an infinitely wise Being. Their trust is in God and they know God is in control and all situations will turn out for good. They may not know how it will turn out for good, but their trust is in God no matter what the outcome. In times of tribulation they will make claims such as; it is in God’s hands, the outcome will be God’s will, I give the situation to God, I will accept whatever God gives me,  etc. Self proclaimed Christians will make statements like; I hope God know what He is doing, I guess God will take care of it, I don’t understand why God is doing this to me, what else will happen to me, if it isn’t one thing it’s another, I just got over that situation and now I have this to deal with, etc. Do you see what the difference is? A Born Again Christian’s faith or focus is in God will, whereas a self proclaimed Christian’s faith is in themselves and what they want to please themselves.
Being a true believer, how do we know “all things work together for good”? In a true believers life, good is the result of life situations, because God is in control and the believers faith is in the Cross of Christ. Sometimes God uses evil men to bring about good, just like He used Nebuchadnezzar. Albert Barnes has this to say about all things working together:
All things - All our afflictions and trials; all the persecutions and calamities to which we are exposed. Though they are numerous and long-continued yet they are among the means that are appointed for our welfare.
Work together for good - They shall cooperate; they shall mutually contribute to our good. They take off our affections from this world; they teach us the truth about our frail, transitory, and lying condition; they lead us to look to God for support, and to heaven for a final home; and they produce a subdued spirit, a humble temper, a patient, tender, and kind disposition. This has been the experience of all saints; and at the end of life they have been able to say it was good for them to be afflicted; Psalm 119:67, Psalm 119:71; Jeremiah 31:18-19; Hebrews 12:11.
Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible, e-Sword.
Psalms 119:67Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.
Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.
Jeremiah 31:18-19 "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: 'You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained bull; Restore me, and I will return, For You are the LORD my God.  19 Surely, after my turning, I repented; And after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated, Because I bore the reproach of my youth.'
Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
“Those who love God” are those that Jesus has placed a seal of his approval on. John 6:27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." They are people that stand out from the rest of society and sometimes society shuns them because they don’t condone things of the world. They are viewed as being different from everyone else and will not be seen in bars and night clubs. Often times they will be off to the side sitting and reading scripture, meditating on spiritual things, or praying. They are this way because they know the truth and have chosen to direct their life in this manner knowing a much better life is coming for them. James tells us; James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
Those who truly love God display a character of true piety (Piety in principle, is a compound of veneration or reverence of the Supreme Being and love of his character, or veneration accompanied with love; and piety in practice, is the exercise of these affections in obedience to his will and devotion to his service. Piety is the only proper and adequate relief of decaying man.). Afflictions to a true believer are considered a blessing, but to nonbelievers a hardship. In nonbelievers, afflictions most often produce complaining, instead of peace; rebellion, instead of submission; and anger, impatience, and hatred, instead of calmness, patience, and love. A true Christian welcomes these trials to strengthen their roots in Jesus Christ, while a sinners heart is often times hardened.
“To those who are the called” is referring to those of us that are called by God and have accepted Jesus into our heart. All people are called, but not all come to Jesus. God knows everything and even before the foundation of the world was laid God knew you and whether you will give your heart to Him or reject Him. When we are called, the Holy Spirit starts working on us with convictions of things in our lives. It is our part to heed the direction of the Holy Spirit, but so often our flesh gets in the way and hinders the Holy Spirit. Without this calling by God we as humans would never come into His glory on our own. Our flesh and self-righteousness would block the thought from ever coming into our mind. So if in the past or right now, do you feel you have been called by God? If so, what have you done about it? Have you blown the thought off? Has your flesh hindered the working of the Holy Spirit? Are you still living as usual? If you feel you are being call now, I encourage you to listen very closely and accept Jesus as your Saviour. If you feel you have had a spiritual calling in the past then seek God and ask Jesus to come into your life as your personal Saviour. Don’t ever feel it is too late. Jesus save alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, gamblers, thieves, etc. every day when they repent and cry out to God. If they can do it then you can do it. His mercy endures forever. Matthew 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."
“According to His purpose” is referring to God’s will and not our will. God called us to do his will, to put our trust in Him for all things, to be thankful to Him for loving us so much that He called us. God has a purpose for each and every one of us. Sometimes it is hard to understand what it is we are suppose to do and the reason for that is because self rises up and takes control of our life. It becomes a battle for most, but some figure it out rather quickly, in it being faith, in what Jesus did for us on the Cross and giving it all to Him. Does this mean that some people don’t have the struggle anymore trying to figure out what God wants them to do? No because we are not perfect and we never will be. What I mean is with time and seasoning, a true Christian will come to recognize the voice of our Saviour. Their heart, mind, and ears become tuned to Gods purpose for them. When a person is Born Again, their purpose becomes God’s purpose. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
In closing all things work together for good in a true Christians life. Take some of the patriarch’s lives for example. Job lost his property, livestock, his ten children, and his health, but God blessed him far beyond what he originally had.
Jacob thought he had lost Joseph, Reuben was disgraced, Judah was dishonored, Simeon and Levi had broken his heart, Dinah was defiled, Simeon was in prison, beloved Rachel was dead, famine threatened the family, and Benjamin was commanded to go to Egypt. Through all these hardships Jacob did not lose faith and God brought him through it all.
Jesus; In the life of His own Son, God took the most absolute evil that Satan could devise and turned it into the greatest conceivable blessing He could offer to fallen mankind, eternal salvation from sin. Jesus was delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, crucified, and put to death. The only way Jesus could have submitted to the Father in the face of death was to know that God’s absolute good purposes were ruling over all.
Romans 8:28, is one of the great verses in the Bible, and can fill the believer with trust, thanksgiving, and steadfastness when it is embraced and relied upon in every circumstance of life.
Trust: Isaiah 46:9-11 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,  10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'  11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.
Thanksgiving: Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:18  in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Steadfastness: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
As a child of God we have the privilege of thankfully trusting in God for all things instead of luck or fate. We can live our life every day never fearing the future and what’s around the next corner. It is a wonderful way to live having a personal relationship with Jesus our Saviour, and knowing when He is finished with us serving Him here on earth we will be with Him eternally in Heaven. What peace, comfort, and joy this brings to a child of God on a daily basis.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."
Bill Wiesbrock
Last Week’s Trivia: What part did Rahab the harlot of Jericho play in Jesus life?
Answer: If you have followed the genealogy of Jesus you would discover that she is listed in it. You can form your own opinion, but here is what I discovered in researching this question, really makes you stop and think. (Matthew 1:5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,) You ask, how can a harlot be in Jesus blood line? Normally we think of a harlot as a prostitute, but the word has multiple meanings as you can see below.
1. A woman who prostitutes her body for hire; a prostitute; a common woman.
2. In Scripture, one who forsakes the true God and worships idols. Isaiah 1 (Isaiah chapter one is all about this definition. Isaiah 1:21 How the faithful city has become a harlot! It was full of justice; Righteousness lodged in it, But now murderers.)
3. A servant; a rogue; a cheat.
The same holds true for adultery. There is spiritual adultery and what we normally associate adultery with, cheating on a spouse. So based on what scripture says, was she an idol worshipper and not a prostitute? She owned her own house and some commentaries claim she was an inn keeper. (Joshua 2:1 Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho." So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there.) I also think she was a believer in God Almighty and forsaken the gods of her country, therefore God sent the two spies to rescue Rahab just like he rescued Lot’s family and Noah’s family. (Joshua 2:11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.)
This week’s Trivia: Who is Abaddon?