8-29-2012 Vol. 6 Part 39 Book of Romans (Romans 10:16-21)

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8-29-2012 Vol. 6 Part 39 Book of Romans 

Psalms 78:1-16 A Contemplation Of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God. The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, Turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law, And forgot His works And His wonders that He had shown them. Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; And He made the waters stand up like a heap. In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, And all the night with a light of fire. He split the rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink in abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of the rock, And caused waters to run down like rivers. Father, we ask that you bless each and everyone that reads this message. Not only them, but their loved ones also. Comfort those that have lost loved ones and keep us safe as we go about our daily activities. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 10:16-21 NKJV

The Psalm above starts out speaking of children. Last week I noted how little children have great faith and they believe what they are told when they are 2 – 6 years of age without questioning. As parents we need to read and teach what God’s Word says. It is the perfect time to read and explain the parts of the Bible a young mind can understand. After all if they can learn to speak Spanish watching Dora then they can learn the Ten Commandments and what they mean. It will give the little ones a foundation for their life. In fact it is our duty to do this if we call ourselves Christians.

This week’s lesson Paul is explaining to his listeners/readers that hearing and reading the Word of God one should become a true believer. But not all do, in fact very few do. We as human beings are hard hearted and stiff necked when it comes to understanding God’s way, but ask us about sports statistic or where to find the best deal in shopping centers, and we can go on for minutes with an answer. It is too bad everyone can’t go on for minutes explaining the in-depth the meaning of the 1^st Commandment or how we offend God with the language we use. This lesson also deals with prophecy, anger, jealousy, love, grace, hearing God’s Word, God’s outstretched hand, and rejection.

Romans 10:16-21

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"

But they have not all obeyed the gospel; Who is Paul referring to? It’s the Jewish people of his time, but it also applies to the here and now. There were many that rejected Jesus of his time and there are many that reject Jesus today. Many people know who Jesus is, but don’t have that personal relationship with Him that they need for eternity. Many people want to deny the following verse that Jesus said, but the fact of the matter is that it is true based on the teachings of the Bible. It is our carnal mind that keeps us from believing what it says. We compare ourselves with other human beings and declare we are good. Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT; Here again Paul is quoting from the OT. It was prophesied in the OT by Isaiah that God’s chosen people would reject Jesus. Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? They not only reject Jesus, but they rejected God who led them out of Egypt. It just shows how wicked man is toward God. It is no wonder there is enmity in the mind of man toward God. Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. I’ve said this in the past about the Israelites of the OT and also of the NT it amazes me how the Jewish people rejected God and Jesus when they were eye witnesses to the miracles that were performed. How stiff necked and hard hearted they are toward God. This also pertains to the present times also. People in general just have a very hard time in trusting in Jesus. The carnal mind is something else when it comes to matters like these. The mind says no that can’t be, it must be some kind of magic trick. Don’t believe what you see, believe in yourself. The mind also says don’t believe what you can’t see either. So where does that leave an individual? It leaves a person flopping around in life like a fish out of water. You’re not liking what is going on in your life, or around you, and to stiff necked to turn to Jesus, because we as human beings think we have all the answers instead of trusting in Jesus.

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. What this verse is about is that one will come to God and become a believer if they hear and study the Word of God. If a person is diligently seeking Jesus the Bible is the one and only true source of information that one needs. We not only need to hear the Word, but also study it. The Bible is a resource that one can make a lifelong study of, because every time one picks it up and reads it, something new is revealed to the reader by the Holy Spirit. Reading the Bible daily is a must in a person’s life if their desire is to live for Jesus. This is a very simple thing to do with today’s smart phones. There are many resources to download like the Expositors Study Bible, KJV, NKJV, or commentaries like JSM or Albert Barnes. With these things on your smart phone one can read at work during breaks, waiting for a loved one at school or shopping, etc. So no one has an excuse for not having time to read the Bible. Just make sure what you download is a reputable source.

We can hear many things about God, Jesus, Heaven, etc. but if it is out of books other than the Bible then we can be deceived and led away from Jesus. Some denominations do this not intending to lead people away from the true Gospel, but they do with their publications of pamphlets, books, study guides, catechisms, doctrine, etc. The Bible or a good study Bible that explains every verse is all one needs to come closer to Jesus. Many other publications on the book shelves tend to be based on physiology.

18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "THEIR SOUND HAS GONE OUT TO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD." Paul is bringing back the thought or question to his Jewish kinsman that they have all heard about the Messiah from the prophets of old. He is reiterating what he stated in verses 14 and 15 of last week’s lesson. The message had been proclaimed of the coming of Jesus in OT scripture and preached to many, but still they refused to believe. Even today the Gospel is preached throughout the world and many still reject Jesus. This verse is taken from Psalms 19:4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun.

19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I WILL PROVOKE YOU TO JEALOUSY BY THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION, I WILL MOVE YOU TO ANGER BY A FOOLISH NATION."

But I say, did Israel not know; Paul is asking the Jewish people why they didn’t know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, after all Moses even prophesied the fact that Israel would reject Jesus. This verse is taken from Deuteronomy 32:21 They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation. If they were so self righteous and lived by God’s word, as they proclaimed they did, then they had no excuse for not knowing or recognizing Jesus as their Messiah. It is almost like Paul saying what is wrong with you people, why can’t you see the truth? Come on get with the program! How frustrated he must have been! This is so true today also.

I WILL PROVOKE YOU TO JEALOUSY; I WILL MOVE YOU TO ANGER; both of these phrases are referring to God speaking to the Israelites.

THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION; BY A FOOLISH NATION; What nation is Moses talking about here? It is not the Jewish nation it is the rest of the world, the Gentile nation. Anyone not being of an Israelite descent. The Apostles were commissioned to go out and spread the Gospel to all nations. It meant Jew and Gentile alike. The day of Pentecost kicked off this movement of preaching the Gospel to all nations and the true church of believers of Jesus Christ was formed. This provoked the Jewish people to jealousy because how could Gentiles proclaim knowing God? They didn’t have the OT scrolls only God’s chosen people the Israelites had those. They weren’t the chosen people. They didn’t live by the OT laws sent down by God. They were of heathen descent. The Jewish people were moved to anger by a foolish nation meaning the pagan world. This anger is what caused the persecution of the Christian church. Believers were hunted down and thrown in prison or killed. Because of this anger, all the Apostles with the exception of John were martyred.

Even today denominations claim to be the true church, but are deceived by the religion they practice. The true church consists of Born Again individuals, those that have had a Spiritual Birth and live for Jesus. These individuals are from many religious backgrounds, but only a remnant. One day these individuals will be in Heaven because of their faith, not because of their religion or self works.

20 But Isaiah is very bold and says: "I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME; I WAS MADE MANIFEST TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ASK FOR ME." Paul takes this verse from Isaiah 65:1 "I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, 'Here I am, here I am,' To a nation that was not called by My name. Paul is trying very hard here to get his Jewish kinsman to see the truth by quoting numerous scripture from the OT scrolls. He is using quotes from leaders of the past that the Jewish nation held very highly. All that was happening was foretold in the past by these prominent leaders, but still a veil covered their minds and they couldn’t see the scriptures unfolding in front of their very eyes. This verse is again referring to the Gentiles that found Jesus and believed. They weren’t seeking God like the Jewish people were, but God made Himself known to them and they were saved.

21 But to Israel he says: "ALL DAY LONG I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS TO A DISOBEDIENT AND CONTRARY PEOPLE." This verse is taken from Isaiah 65:2 I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, Who walk in a way that is not good, According to their own thoughts; This verse reaches out and touches my heart. How must God feel when people won’t accept the truth? All day long God has his hands outstretched, yet to no avail. Have you ever been in a situation where someone you love is struggling and due to pride will not accept your helping hand. They view your help as a handout instead of an act of love. It is out of love we want to help these individuals, but they don’t see it that way and as a result we have to stand by and watch these people suffer and struggle through life. What is really sad and heartbreaking is we hear these people moan and complain, but when we want to help they push us away.

This is exactly how God feels. Our God is a compassionate God and wants to help us, but many are to prideful and self righteous to accept Jesus as their Saviour. They can’t and won’t believe the truth. They have the same veil over their minds as the Israelites did. This way of thinking actually causes enmity between them and God, but they don’t realize this. They think they are good and in God’s good graces. Some day they will see the truth, but it will be too late.

I pray that all that have been reading these lessons have come to the conclusion that a religion or a person’s self works will not get them to Heaven. There is only one thing that will get you to Heaven and that is simple faith in what Jesus did on the Cross. Believing in this act of love, confessing one is a sinner, asking God for forgiveness, having the desire to turn from a sinful lifestyle, and asking Jesus to come into one’s heart to rule and reign will result in a Spiritual Birth.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

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."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Abimael?

Answer: Abimael was one of Noah’s numerous descendants, Abimael is listed as one of the grandsons of Shem through Shem’s son, Joktan.  Genesis 10:26-28; 1 Chronicles 1:20-22

This week’s Trivia: Who was Abinoam?

8-22-2012 Book of Romans (Romans 10:5-15)

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

8-22-2012 Vol. 6 Part 38 Book of Romans

Psalms 77:11-20 I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled. The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about. The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron. Father, we give you all the praise and thanks for all you do in our lives. We ask that you give us a simple child like mind to believe with. Open our ears so that we can hear your calling to us. I pray and ask that you touch the heart of each and every person that reads this message and as a result they give their heart to you Jesus. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 10:5-15 NKJV

This week’s lesson explains to us the simplicity of salvation. It is a simple child like mind that can hear something and believe it with their heart without question. How many times have you witnessed a little child make claim to something their parent has said and that child is immovable. Have you ever tried to reason with a little one that believes something their mommy or daddy has told them? You don’t get very far do you? They believe what is said by adults without questioning the fact. It is only when a child reaches the age of accountability will the child start questioning what adults say. It is this type of faith we all need in order to believe and be saved. We need to throw out our beliefs and man’s beliefs like Paul did and use a pure child like frame of mind to believe in every Word of God. Philippians 3:6-8 NLT I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.  7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ. It is that simple, but we as humans make it so difficult because we think we have to do something to earn salvation. Father God we pray that you make our minds simple and pure as a little child so that we can believe what your Holy Word says without question and experience you magnificent gift of grace, salvation.

Romans 10:5-15

5   For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "THE MAN WHO DOES THOSE THINGS SHALL LIVE BY THEM." Here again Paul is stating that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. A person has to keep each of the moral laws, the Ten Commandments flawlessly, as Jesus did in order to obtain salvation. This is impossible for human beings to do, due to the fallen nature of man. Paul quotes scripture from the Old Testament pertaining to the capitalized part of this verse. It is taken from Leviticus 18:5 You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the LORD. God is stating here that if one can keep each and every law perfectly, they will be granted eternal life.

6   But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, 'WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?' " (that is, to bring Christ down from above)

7   or, " 'WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

8   But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART" (that is, the word of faith which we preach). These three verses Paul is quoting from OT scripture so that his audience will realize that he isn’t making up what he is saying. It gives credibility to what he is speaking. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 "For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off.  12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'  13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'  14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

In verses 6 and 7 the phrases, “WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN”; “'WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS”, is an expression used in OT times. This expression was used among the Jews to denote any difficult undertaking. To say that it was high as heaven, or that it was necessary to ascend to heaven to understand it, was to express something of highest difficulty.

The fact of the matter was, and still is, that to understand the message of the Cross, was to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus our Saviour and to place our faith in this act of love that Jesus has done for us. It was that simple for the Jewish people and us, it does not require deep research, long journeys, religious ways, or painful toil. There is no need of crossing seas, and going to other lands, of looking into the profound mysteries of the high heavens, or the deep abyss, but they were near them and even us today. The truth has been plainly set before them and us, and is easily understood. The Word is very close at hand, it is on our lips and in our hearts and that Word is the very message about faith that is preached. The Word being Jesus Christ and the message of Faith, not of our Works.

9   that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME." One of the key words in these verses is, “confess”. Confession is defined as an open profession of faith (Luke 12:8); an acknowledgment of sins against God (Leviticus 16:21; Ezra 9:5-15; Daniel 9:3-12), or a neighbor whom we have wronged (James 5:16; Matthew 18:15). All the verses listed here make reference to someone speaking and not just thinking the words. It means, “to speak something in agreement with others that they speak or hold true”. Therefore confession or profession expresses our agreement or belief with what God holds to be true, and what he declares to be true. It denotes a public declaration or assent of words expressed by one’s mouth. A profession of belief and faith then denotes a public declaration of our agreement with what God has declared, and extends to all his declarations about our lost estate, our sinfulness, and need of a Saviour. It pertains to His doctrines; about His own nature, holiness, and law; about the Saviour and the Holy Spirit; about the necessity of a change of heart and holiness of life; and about the grave and the judgment; about heaven and hell. Normally when a moral person makes a statement verbally or out loud they mean what they say, it is from the heart, but not in all cases.

Many times throughout my life in supervising people a new policy may be introduced into the workplace and after the explanation I have gone around the room and asked each individual to profess out loud their agreement. I don’t know why but that open profession means more than just a head shaking up and down and this is why the Bible states one must confess with their mouth, meaning a verbal profession. Just like what Jesus stated in Matthew 18:15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. If we walk up to someone that we have an issue with and just stand there  in silence and think about the situation and turn around and leave, what good have we done? The heart and mouth have a direct relationship to each other. What proceeds from the mouth is what is in ones heart. Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. So simple, yet so difficult, if we openly confess Jesus is our Lord and Saviour and we believe God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.

The other key word is believe, defined by Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries; From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. We have to believe with our heart and not with our mind. Head knowledge is good and necessary to bring us to God, but when one reads and hears the truth, they must replace all the false doctrine in one’s heart with the truth of the Gospel and believe. As Paul stated in last week’s lesson he had to throw out the garbage that man has polluted his heart with and replace it with God’s Holy and True Word. If Paul could do it with the strong religious background he had, you can do it!

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

13 For "WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." These two verses don’t need any explanation, except that Greek should have been translated Gentile. What they say is what they mean. God will pour out His grace to all if they come to Him with a sincere heart. If a person believes that Jesus died on the Cross for them, was raise from the dead, and is seated at God’s right hand then they can call out to God, profess they are a sinner, ask forgiveness, repent of their lifestyle, and ask Jesus to come into their heart to rule and reign one’s life from that day forward.

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Paul is throwing out some questions here in order to stir some minds or to answer some questions before they are asked. The questions are directed at Jew and Gentile. The Jewish people have rejected Jesus as the Messiah and the Gentiles have their own pagan gods they worship, so how or why would they call upon Jesus to save them. As far as they are concerned they are right with God and that is where the next two questions come into play.

A person needs to hear the Gospel and what it truly means so they can understand what is being said even though Paul stated in chapter one, no one is without excuse of not knowing God, but a person needs more than just a head knowledge of God. Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

This is why it is so important for the Church (believers) to go out and preach the Gospel. This is why Philip went to the Ethiopian eunuch, because he was reading scripture, but couldn’t understand what he was reading. After Phillip explained to him the Gospel the eunuch understood and believed, and then he wanted to be baptized. Acts 8:29-37 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."  30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"  31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.  32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER; AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT, SO HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH.  33 IN HIS HUMILIATION HIS JUSTICE WAS TAKEN AWAY, AND WHO WILL DECLARE HIS GENERATION? FOR HIS LIFE IS TAKEN FROM THE EARTH."  34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?"  35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.  36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"  37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

As Christians we are to go out into the world and preach the Gospel so people can hear, understand, and believe. Without hearing the truth of the message of the Cross, then someone may be eternally lost. It isn’t up to just the denominational churches to preach to people, it is our Christian responsibility if we are truly saved to preach the Gospel. If we are truly saved we will have a desire to do this. Mark 16:15-20 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;  18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."  19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.  20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!" Paul is quoting Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

How is the Gospel of Jesus Christ sent into the world? It is sent in many forms; missionaries, TV, radio, internet, blogs, emails, etc. In some of these medias a vast number of people with many different skills are required and God calls these individuals to help support the preacher or means of spreading the Gospel. These individuals are just as important as the preacher in getting the Word out, because without these people it would not be possible. So spreading the Gospel comes in many forms and all are necessary and very important.

I must warn you though, not all that are out there preaching, are messages of the Cross. Many are messages of good feeling, prosperity, false doctrine, believing in self, works, etc. Some don’t even preach salvation through Jesus Christ. So beware and verify what is being preached with God’s Word. There are many wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

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."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Abihu?

Answer: Abihu was one of Aaron’s sons. Abihu was a priest who accompanied Moses to Sinai, but who later died with his brother Nadab when they offered unholy fire to the Lord. Exodus 6, 24, 28; Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3, 26; 1 Chronicles 6, 24:1-2

This week’s Trivia: Who was Abimael?

8-15-2012 Vol. 6 Part 37 Book of Romans (Romans 10:1-4)

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

8-15-2012 Vol. 6 Part 37 Book of Romans 

Psalms 77:1-10 A Psalm of Asaph. I cried out to God with my voice— To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? And I said, "This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High."  Father, we give you all the praise and thanks for all you do in our lives. Please touch our hearts with zeal to do your will. Strengthen us to speak boldly about your Gospel to others. Send the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts so we can understand your Word and put it into practice. Open our ears so that we can hear your voice. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 10:1-4 NKJV

What is zeal? Is it a good thing to have? Can we have zeal for the wrong purpose, but think we are doing good? Zeal is what this lesson is all about. Paul had both unrighteous and righteous zeal during his lifetime. Zeal can cause us to do wrong when we think we are doing right. Zeal is defined as; passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything. In general, zeal is an eagerness of desire to accomplish or obtain some object, and it may be manifested either in favor of any person or thing, or in opposition to it, and in a good or bad cause. Zeal can be a blind conductor of the will of a person. Many times a person’s enthusiasm will lead a person in the wrong direction that is not pleasing to God, but the person doesn’t realize they are offending God. This happens when we do not have a head knowledge of God’s Holy Word and what it truly means. Paul goes through these four verses and does an excellent job in explaining what this zeal can do to a person and lead them away from God instead of to Him.

Romans 10:1-4

1   Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. Paul starts out addressing his brethren (fellow believers) and then bearing his soul, and how his heart aches with the desire that his country men (Jews) would come out of their self righteousness and accept Jesus as their Messiah. Paul is writing to the Saints of the local church at Rome. The church existed of Gentiles that had accepted Jesus as their Saviour and probably a few Jews. Paul has expressed this heartfelt desire for his Jewish brothers and sister two times in his Roman writings. Verse one above along with Romans 9:2-3 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.  3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh.

Paul was a real soldier for Jesus and the Gospel. He worked with great zeal to bring the Gospel to Jew and Gentile. His heart ached for all the lost and worked and prayed passionately in hopes his readers and listeners would give their heart to Jesus. Paul didn’t want to see anyone die and go into the pit of Hell for eternity. With the desire that was within Paul’s heart, when Paul wasn’t writing or preaching, he was praying to God that his kinsmen the Israelites would see the light and be saved.

2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. With today’s introduction do you understand what Paul is stating here to his fellow saints? In a nutshell he is stating, “I know what enthusiasm they (meaning Jewish kinsmen) have for God, but it is a misdirected zeal”. How does Paul know this zeal that his Jewish brothers and sisters have? It is because he can bear witness to this zeal that he once had. The zeal of Jewish law and customs before he was touched by Jesus on the road to Damascus. He thought he was serving God in all that he was doing at that time, but as it turned out, it was a self righteous mindset that he had. He had the wrong knowledge or misdirected knowledge of what scripture means. The NLT Bible version states Paul’s testimony best concerning his misdirected zeal and knowledge that he had at one time in Philippians 3:3-9 NLT For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,  4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!  5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.  6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.  7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ  9 and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.

As you can see, Paul knows exactly how his Jewish brothers and sisters were thinking and rationalizing, because he thought the same way before he was saved by Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul was so sure the Jewish laws were right and must be followed, he made several claims in verses 5 and 6 above in his testimony:

First; he claims of being circumcised according to Gods command to the Israelites. Genesis 17:10-12 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;  11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.  12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.

Second; he points out his heritage that he is a Jew and descendant of Benjamin. Acts 22:3 "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.

Third; he was a student of the law and abided by it the best he could. The Pharisee’s were the strictest of the Jewish sects. They practiced the law with diligence. Acts 26:4-5 "My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know.  5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Fourth; Paul believed in his heritage, customs, rituals, laws so much that he hunted down Christians and put them in jail. He stood by and watched and condoned the stoning of Stephen. Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.  Acts 7:58-59 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

So Paul can make his claim in verse 2 above about having zeal for God, but without knowledge. The knowledge they had was of the Old Covenant and not the New Covenant. They truly believed they were doing right, but instead offending God by their thoughts and actions. The truth was reveal to Paul, his eyes were opened, he was no longer blind to the truth. He had a new knowledge given to him by Jesus. Do you have the right kind of zeal toward Jesus?

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. By rephrasing this verse in a fashion for us to understand what is being said, Paul is stating this; For they don't understand God's way of making people right with Himself. Refusing to accept God's way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.

What Paul has just pointed out to the people of his time and people of current times is that even today many are self righteous and cannot give up their religious customs and doctrine even when it is not based on God’s Holy and True Word. They are blinded to the truth and will not allow God to show them the truth so that they can be saved. It is their will they serve, and not God’s will. This is why Jesus heart aches, Paul’s heart ached, and every true believers heart aches for the unsaved. There is nothing a Born Again Saint can do to get a nonbeliever to believe, but to witness and share the Gospel. It is up to the individual to answer God’s calling to them. A head knowledge without heart readiness is a dangerous thing that will lead to one’s eternal destruction. Throughout the ages many a man has not submitted to God’s calling or will, but relied on their own knowledge. Only a remnant has responded to God’s calling to righteousness. Throughout history and even in current times mankind deems themselves wiser than God.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

Psalms 95:10-11 For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, 'It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.'  11 So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.’

Isaiah 1:2-3 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: "I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me;  3 The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master's crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider."

Romans 1:18-22  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Paul is stating here that Jesus fulfilled the totality of the Law, meaning the righteousness that the Law stood for could not secure ones salvation. It is only through believing in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for one and all that one can be saved. It is the knowledge of what Jesus did on the Cross for us and all we have to do is place our faith in the finished work of the Cross that one can become an adopted child of God. This fact we have already studied in Romans 8:3-5 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,  4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

What Jesus did in the form of human flesh no human being could or can do. Jesus kept the law perfectly which defeated Satan. There is nothing wrong with the Law of God, it is just, holy, and good. Romans 7:12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. The problem lies with man and his sinful inherited flesh. We have no ability to keep God’s Holy Law. If one is going to establish his own righteousness it means keeping 100% of God’s requirements 100% of the time according to the Law. To break the Law in one point is the same a breaking all the Commandments. James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

Therefore Jesus came into the world to do what we could not do, satisfy the requirements of the Law in order to win righteousness for those who would receive it as a free gift instead of trying to earn it themselves.

Jesus is the end of righteousness for all who believe. Do you believe? If so, then give God a big I LOVE YOU and THANK YOU for what He has done for you by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the Cross for you.

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."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Abidan?

Answer: Abidan was of the tribe of Benjamin. He was selected as one of the twelve princes who were to represent the twelve tribes and help with the census when Moses took a head count in the wilderness. Numbers Chapters 1, 2, 7, 10.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Abihu?

8-8-2012 Vol. 6 Part 36 Book of Romans (Romans 9:19-33)

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

8-8-2012 Vol. 6 Part 36 Book of Romans 

Psalms 74:13-23 You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the sea serpents in the waters. You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces, And gave him as food to the people inhabiting the wilderness. You broke open the fountain and the flood; You dried up mighty rivers. The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter. Remember this, that the enemy has reproached, O LORD, And that a foolish people has blasphemed Your name. Oh, do not deliver the life of Your turtledove to the wild beast! Do not forget the life of Your poor forever. Have respect to the covenant; For the dark places of the earth are full of the haunts of cruelty. Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed! Let the poor and needy praise Your name. Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; Remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; The tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually. Father, we give you all the praise and thanks for all you do in our lives. We ask that you comfort the families that have lost loved ones in Colorado and Wisconsin shootings. Send the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts so we can understand your Word and put it into practice. Open our ears so that we can hear your voice. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 9:19-33 NKJV

In past lessons we have touched on the fairness of God. The balance of this chapter deals with Gods fairness and we cannot argue with God because he is the creator, the supreme being, the one that sets the standards not humans. Just as children cry out to their parents, “that’s not fair” we also cry out to God our Father, “that’s not fair”. What happens when your children complain that isn’t fair? Who has the final say? The parent is the authority and the child is to submit to the parent. If the child doesn’t conform to the parents commands they will have to suffer the consequences. God is our spiritual father and we as his children are to obey Him and if we don’t then we suffer through some type of punishment. These punishments are handed down to us in a spiritual manner that we have a very difficult time recognizing since we are humans. This is where that free will that God has created us with steps in and takes over. That sin nature rears up and tells us to do what pleases our flesh. God’s fairness is for all and has been consistent in the past, present, and future. So let’s see how Paul teaches this truth to his listeners past and present.

Romans 9:19-33

19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" Paul poses a couple questions again before the questions are asked. With the Holy Spirit guiding him he is able to pose questions and answer them before his audience even has a chance to ask them. The question being in the minds of his audience is who has resisted God. This is the way our human minds work. We set standards for ourselves according to other people’s actions and what feels good to our flesh. In doing this we think we are good and doing His will, but in reality we are abiding by human standards, and many people fall into this category. This is where God finds fault with us, things like drunkenness, lying, cheating on spouses, unwed couples living together and having sexual relations, etc. Romans 1:24-32 NLT So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies.  25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.  26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other.  27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.  28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.  29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.  30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents.  31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.  32 They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" This is what this verse is saying. We as human beings invariably look to something or someone other than ourselves to blame for our actions and faults. Instead of us examining our lives according to God’s standards, we say I’m this way because God made me this way or I do these things because that is the way I am. When mankind does not know what God’s standards are, which is in His Holy Word, then they blamed God for making them that way. I have heard this many times and just last night on the news with this Chick-fil-A issue that is going on right now, a statement was made by one of the protester, “I’m just being a good person and living how God made me.” This gay person will have a rude awakening when he stands before Jesus and he judges him according to His standard, the Bible, and points to the doors of Hell, unless of course he repents and accepts Jesus as his saviour before he dies. Here again it is our free will to choose what lifestyle we will live here on earth which ultimately dictates where we will spend eternity.

21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? Paul compares God to a potter and it is up to the potter to do as he pleases with a lump of clay. This verse can confuse a person into thinking God chooses who goes to Heaven or Hell, but it is far from the truth. Let’s go back to the time of creation and read a couple verses that will put v21 into perspective. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. God created us in His image which was very good. We are good in relationship to His likeness and only in His likeness. Our lifestyle is what He doesn’t like. It is the fall of man that has corrupted us and with God’s hands He attempts to shape us into a being that will accept Jesus as our Saviour so that we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven. He calls us to holiness if we will listen, just like a potter forms something beautiful of clay. If we refuse to accept the call then we are like a vessel the potter forms to hold garbage.

22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction. What this verse is saying is that God has every right to show His anger and His power toward individuals (vessels) that are destined for Hell, after all he is all knowing and knows what the individuals outcome will be, but He is very patient with those who are destined for destruction. Our God is a merciful God and he has compassion for His created beings and doesn’t want to see anyone spend eternity in darkness. But when one leaves this earth, and if they have not accepted Jesus as their Saviour, His wrath will be poured out on them come judgment day.

23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, Just as v22 is addressing God’s wrath toward the unsaved, this verse is speaking of riches a Born Again individual will reap one day. A saved person’s eyes will be opened to God’s glory; they will have a revelation of a personal relationship with Jesus. God is like a potter and will form us into a Christ like person if we will allow the Holy Spirit the latitude to work within us. The last part of this verse, “which He had prepared beforehand for glory”, is referring to those that will accept Jesus as their Saviour by the calling of God our Father. It is that all knowing power of God that there is a place already prepared in Heaven for those that will respond to the calling. It does not mean that God picks and chooses who will go to Heaven. If that were the case then God’s word would contradict itself. It states plainly that “whoever believes” will not perish. John 3:16 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. Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

25 As He says also in Hosea: "I WILL CALL THEM MY PEOPLE, WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, AND HER BELOVED, WHO WAS NOT BELOVED."

26 "AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, 'YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,' THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD." Here again these 3 verses are referring to the calling of God to all. All of mankind is eligible to become adopted children of God, if only they will respond to His calling. The capitalized text is taken from Hosea 2:23; 1:9-10. Paul quotes these passages to substantiate what his is preaching. It isn’t anything new because it is stated in the OT.

27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: "THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL BE AS THE SAND OF THE SEA, THE REMNANT WILL BE SAVED. This verse is based on Isaiah 10:22. The prophets of old proclaimed this fact many times but no one would listen. People went on living their lives as they wanted to. Throughout all of time it has been mentioned that only a remnant of people will enjoy the happiness of eternal life. Even direct descendants of Abraham and Sarah were not saved. This is so true even today. Only God knows who is saved and who isn’t. Many say they are saved, but they only know Jesus with head knowledge and not that heart relationship. For the most part our present day religious denominations are leading people astray. They don’t want to preach the truth, because if they do they are afraid of offending someone. Isaiah 24:13 Throughout the earth the story is the same—only a remnant is left, like the stray olives left on the tree or the few grapes left on the vine after harvest. Romans_11:4-6; Ezra_9:8, Ezra_9:14; Isaiah_1:9, Isaiah_10:20-21, Isaiah_11:11, Isaiah_24:13; Jeremiah_5:10; Ezekiel_6:8; Micah_5:3-8

28 FOR HE WILL FINISH THE WORK AND CUT IT SHORT IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, BECAUSE THE LORD WILL MAKE A SHORT WORK UPON THE EARTH."  This verse is based on Isaiah 10:23. This verse is referring to the second coming of Jesus when he returns and destroys all people that don’t truly believe in Him. It will be done according to God’s holy righteousness and not according to mans standards. When Jesus died on the Cross He stated it was finished and it was finished in the aspect of Jesus defeating Satan. This made it possible for all who so desire to accept Jesus as their Saviour could, but at some point in time, which no one knows, Jesus is going to return and cleanse this earth of all people that aren’t saved and lock them up for eternity in the pit of Hell along with Satan and his band of evil doers. This will take place 7 years after the Rapture. Jesus will make short work of taking the lives of those that aren’t His by speaking it into existence just as at the beginning if time He spoke the earth into existence; Genesis Chapter 1.

29 And as Isaiah said before: "UNLESS THE LORD OF SABAOTH HAD LEFT US A SEED, WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WE WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE LIKE GOMORRAH." This verse is based on Isaiah 1:9, but all of Isaiah Chapter 1 is excellent to read slowly and think about what it is saying. Isaiah was speaking to God’s people and trying to get them to understand their lifestyle was evil in the Lord’s eyes, but they wouldn’t listen. Please read the chapter and apply it to your life and the religion you practice vs. what is required to become one of God’s children, being simple faith in Jesus and what He did for us on the Cross of Calvary.

30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; With verses 30-33 Paul is pointing out a simple fact that it is by simply believing and placing faith in Jesus they can become righteous in God’s eyes just like the Gentiles. Verse 30 he points out that the Gentiles had no god like the Jews did. All they were was worshippers of idols. They didn’t pursue righteousness like the Israelites did. They didn’t have a true God even though they knew about the Israelite’s God. When someone came along like Paul and explained to them who Jesus was and what he did for all mankind, they accepted it with simple faith and were saved.

31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Paul is pointing out here that the Jews were trying to get right with God, by trying to keep the laws, but never succeeded. All they had to do was place their trust in Jesus the Messiah, but they were too stubborn to listen because of their heritage and having the Old Testament Scriptures. They were trying to work their way to Heaven just like many of current times. They were stuck on the religion of their forefathers, parents, and the way they were raised as a child and couldn’t accept the truth to change their beliefs. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.

33 As it is written: "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STUMBLING STONE AND ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND WHOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME." Paul takes this verse from Isaiah 8:14. Isaiah is warning the people of his time that they would reject the Messiah because He would not fit their idea of what they wanted in a Messiah. The stumbling stone is Jesus Christ and the rock of offence of course is the Gospel. It’s simple faith and not works to make one righteous in God’s eyes. Here again our flesh gets in the way of God’s will and what is best for us. We always think we are smarter than God and do things our way instead of accepting the truth.

At this point in time and all that we have learned from Paul in his teaching of the Book of Romans, one must realize they cannot work their way to Heaven. Placing ones faith in religion and the doctrine of a religion will not save a person. If you are still bound and determined that your religion is the one and only true religion and that everything it teaches is true, then you are deceiving yourself. Now don’t take me the wrong way, because religion is very important just as the Ten Commandments. We need religion and the Ten Commandments to point us in the right direction, but invariably we start trying to do what a religious doctrine dictates in quest of Heaven or trying to be a good person by trying to keep the Ten Commandments, but in reality it is us trying to do things of our own capabilities to get to Heaven.

Catechism is defined as an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, especially as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers. Here is a few synonyms for the word catechism; background; book learning; brainwashing; drilling; coaching; culture; training; tutoring. So any religion that teaches from books/booklets and not the True Word of God, the Bible, then red flags should go up and what it teaches must be verified by God’s Word

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."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Abida?

Answer: Abida was the grandson of Abraham through Keturah. He is only mentioned in the genealogies. Genesis 25:4 And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Abidan?