Here is an excerpt from the January 2011 Issue of "To The Saving Of The Soul".
A year has passed since this newsletter was first published. Much has happened over the course of the year 2010 and the glory belongs to God for his direction and divine inspiration which led me to write the previous twelve issues. I am humbled and grateful to have been the channel through which the Word of God could reach those in need of spiritual food. The newsletter allowed me to touch many lives but as I continued to meditate upon the Word of God, it became apparent that God required more of me. He gave me a vision for the publication of a book that would help people to know him even more intimately. As a result of this vision, the Holy Spirit instructed me to revisit the twelve issues in the newsletter. This mission expanded into a fifteen chapter book titled Epignosis: The Biblical Call To Knowledge.
EPIGNOSIS (pronounced e-pē'-gnō-sēs) is a Greek word meaning precise and correct knowledge. It is used in the New Testament twenty times: fifteen times by the Apostle Paul, one time in Hebrews and four times by the Apostle Peter. In its usages it refers to things ethical and divine.
The Victory Series originates from the fourteenth chapter of the book which, through the grace of God, will soon be published.
VICTORY
As believers we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. Paul said he was persuaded that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord and listed several things that he believed could not separate us.
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 8:37-39)
It is important to note that there are persons who have accepted Christ and have fallen away; some have even blasphemed the Holy Spirit. The scripture makes it clear that there is no forgiveness for them (Hebrews 6:4-6 and Mark 3:28-29).
But being ‘more than conquerors’ (Greek—HYPERNIKAO, pronounced hü-per-nē-kä'-ō, to gain a surpassing victory) through Christ Jesus means that we are powerful beyond measure. A conqueror has already prevailed and we are more than one who has already prevailed. We are the ‘church’ (Greek—EKKLESIA, pronounced ek-klā-sē'-ä, an assembly of believers) and are to make the manifold wisdom of God known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places:
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,” (Ephesians 3:10)
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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About Me
- S. Morgan
- Fukuoka, Japan
- Christian blogger, KJV Bible apologist, legal researcher, teacher, learner, family man, writer, entrepreneur, born Jamaican, son of the soil, traveler... it's complicated. "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 (KJV)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
GOD’S RECIPE FOR ANSWERED PRAYER
Here is an excerpt from the December 2010 lesson.
PSALM 66 is the third Song of praise to the chief musician and is a threefold psalm. It contains nine admonitions to the world, reinforced by twelve acts of God and a gourmet recipe to answered prayer.
All ye lands (ERETS, pronounced eh'•rets, the entire earth, including earth’s inhabitants) are admonished to:
1. Make a joyful noise unto God (v.1). RUWA, pronounced rü•ah', to shout, raise a sound, cry out, to give a blast.
2. Sing forth the Honour of God’s name (v.2). ZAMAR, pronounced zä•mar', to sing, sing praise, to make music with instruments. KABOWD, pronounced kä•vōde', glory, honour, glorious, abundance, riches, splendour, reverence.
3. Make God’s praise glorious (v.2). TEHILLAH, pronounced teh•hil•lä', praise, song or hymn of praise, adoration, thanksgiving. KABOWD (same as above).
4. Tell God how terrible His works are (v.3). YARE, pronounced yä•rā', fearful, dreadful, reverential, honourable.
5. Come and see the works of God (v.5). RA’AH, pronounced rä•ä', to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out.
6. Let not the rebellious exalt themselves (v.7). CARAR, pronounced sä•rar', rebellious, stubborn, revolters, backsliders. RUWM, pronounced rüm, to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted.
7. Bless God (v.8). BARAK, pronounced bä•rak', bless, kneel.
8. Make the voice of God’s praise be heard (v.8). QOWL, pronounced kōle, voice, sound, noise. TEHILLAH, (same as v. 2). SHAMA, pronounced shä•mah', to hear, listen to, understand, obey.
9. Come and hear (v.16). SHAMA (same as v. 8).
Romans 14:22-23 says that we must have faith to ourselves before God. The fact of each individual’s faith is between that individual and God. One must know of a surety that anything one allows is in perfect accord with the Word of God because where there is doubt, there is sin.
James 1:5-8 says that if any of us lack wisdom we can ask God for it and God will give it to us. We must ask in faith without wavering because if we waver we would be double minded and unstable in all our ways.
I John 3:20-22 says that we can be assured and confident if our heart does not condemn us. This would mean that we are obedient to His word and are doing things pleasing to Him. It is only then that we will have confidence toward God and receive whatsoever we ask of him.
I John 5:14-15 says that the evidence of the confidence we have in God is established when we know that He hears us. When we know that He hears us we also know that we will have whatsoever we ask for. Be confident!
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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PSALM 66 is the third Song of praise to the chief musician and is a threefold psalm. It contains nine admonitions to the world, reinforced by twelve acts of God and a gourmet recipe to answered prayer.
All ye lands (ERETS, pronounced eh'•rets, the entire earth, including earth’s inhabitants) are admonished to:
1. Make a joyful noise unto God (v.1). RUWA, pronounced rü•ah', to shout, raise a sound, cry out, to give a blast.
2. Sing forth the Honour of God’s name (v.2). ZAMAR, pronounced zä•mar', to sing, sing praise, to make music with instruments. KABOWD, pronounced kä•vōde', glory, honour, glorious, abundance, riches, splendour, reverence.
3. Make God’s praise glorious (v.2). TEHILLAH, pronounced teh•hil•lä', praise, song or hymn of praise, adoration, thanksgiving. KABOWD (same as above).
4. Tell God how terrible His works are (v.3). YARE, pronounced yä•rā', fearful, dreadful, reverential, honourable.
5. Come and see the works of God (v.5). RA’AH, pronounced rä•ä', to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out.
6. Let not the rebellious exalt themselves (v.7). CARAR, pronounced sä•rar', rebellious, stubborn, revolters, backsliders. RUWM, pronounced rüm, to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted.
7. Bless God (v.8). BARAK, pronounced bä•rak', bless, kneel.
8. Make the voice of God’s praise be heard (v.8). QOWL, pronounced kōle, voice, sound, noise. TEHILLAH, (same as v. 2). SHAMA, pronounced shä•mah', to hear, listen to, understand, obey.
9. Come and hear (v.16). SHAMA (same as v. 8).
Romans 14:22-23 says that we must have faith to ourselves before God. The fact of each individual’s faith is between that individual and God. One must know of a surety that anything one allows is in perfect accord with the Word of God because where there is doubt, there is sin.
James 1:5-8 says that if any of us lack wisdom we can ask God for it and God will give it to us. We must ask in faith without wavering because if we waver we would be double minded and unstable in all our ways.
I John 3:20-22 says that we can be assured and confident if our heart does not condemn us. This would mean that we are obedient to His word and are doing things pleasing to Him. It is only then that we will have confidence toward God and receive whatsoever we ask of him.
I John 5:14-15 says that the evidence of the confidence we have in God is established when we know that He hears us. When we know that He hears us we also know that we will have whatsoever we ask for. Be confident!
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
WHERE SIN ABOUNDED (part 2)
Here is an excerpt from the November 2010 lesson.
Is there a formula for working out our own salvation after being born again? There is no formula, we simply need to have knowledge of the Word of God! God’s people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge of Him and His Word. As leaders a consequence of rejecting knowledge and forgetting God’s law is that God forgets your posterity.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)
God rejects us if we reject knowledge. God forgets the children if we forget the law of God. The only way to forget God’s Law is to reject knowledge. If we have knowledge, God cannot reject us, we will not forget His law and He will not forget the children. The scripture says we are responsible for training our children. When we have knowledge the blessing is two-fold: God remembers the children and they will not depart from our teaching when they are old.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
We need to know that God instituted Law as a means to show up sin to his people. A man was doing 120 kilometres (km) per hour in a 50 km zone and was stopped by the police. The policeman was in the process of writing the citation when the man who had been observing the road remarked, “Officer, with all due respect there are no speed limit signs on this road!” The policeman looked at him and with a hiss of the teeth tore up the citation he was writing.
When signs are erected the speed limit will be clearly defined. The presence of the signs will establish that a law exists. Similarly, without the written Laws of God issued to Moses, man would not have become cognizant of sin.
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Is there a formula for working out our own salvation after being born again? There is no formula, we simply need to have knowledge of the Word of God! God’s people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge of Him and His Word. As leaders a consequence of rejecting knowledge and forgetting God’s law is that God forgets your posterity.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)
God rejects us if we reject knowledge. God forgets the children if we forget the law of God. The only way to forget God’s Law is to reject knowledge. If we have knowledge, God cannot reject us, we will not forget His law and He will not forget the children. The scripture says we are responsible for training our children. When we have knowledge the blessing is two-fold: God remembers the children and they will not depart from our teaching when they are old.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
We need to know that God instituted Law as a means to show up sin to his people. A man was doing 120 kilometres (km) per hour in a 50 km zone and was stopped by the police. The policeman was in the process of writing the citation when the man who had been observing the road remarked, “Officer, with all due respect there are no speed limit signs on this road!” The policeman looked at him and with a hiss of the teeth tore up the citation he was writing.
When signs are erected the speed limit will be clearly defined. The presence of the signs will establish that a law exists. Similarly, without the written Laws of God issued to Moses, man would not have become cognizant of sin.
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
WHERE SIN ABOUNDED (part 1)
Here is an excerpt from the October 2010 lesson.
We need to know the categories of sin that consequently have held us in bondage and shake them not only from our lives but ancestrally as well. Shaking them entails repenting of each one and rebuking each one from the ancestry. A good place to start to identify some sins is (Galatians 5:19-21).
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, (Greek – MOICHEIA, sexual relations outside of marriage)
Fornication, (Greek – PORNEIA, includes homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality)
Uncleanness, (Greek – AKATHARSIA, also refers to lustful and profligate living)
Lasciviousness, (Greek – ASELGEIA, also unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness)
Idolatry, (Greek – EIDOLOLATRIA, includes partaking in sacrificial feasts)
Witchcraft, (Greek – PHARMAKEIA, administering drugs, poisoning, sorcery, magic)
Hatred, (Greek – ECHTHRA, enmity and the cause of it)
Variance, (Greek – ERIS, contention, wrangling)
Emulations, (Greek – ZELOS, fierceness of indignation)
Wrath, (Greek – THYMOS, passion, anger)
Strife, (Greek – ERITHEIA, self seeking pursuit)
Seditions, (Greek – DICHOSTASIA, division)
Heresies, (Greek – HAIRESIS, dissention arising from diverse opinions or aims)
Envyings, (Greek – PHTHONOS, also anything prompted by envy)
Murders, (Greek – PHONOS, also slaughter)
Drunkenness, (Greek – METHE, intoxication)
Revellings, (Greek – KOMOS, nocturnal, riotous, half drunken street procession)
and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
We need to know and acknowledge the evidence that establishes we are who God says we are and that people see before they even see us. These are the fruit of the Spirit which we demonstrate because we are spiritual and not necessarily to show that we are spiritual (Galatians 5:22-26).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is
Love, (Greek – AGAPE, affection, good will, benevolence)
Joy, (Greek – CHARA, gladness)
Peace, (Greek – EIRENE, a state of tranquility)
Longsuffering, (Greek – MAKROTHYMIA, patience, endurance, forbearance)
Gentleness, (Greek – CHRESTOTES, moral goodness, integrity)
Goodness, (Greek – AGATHOSYNE, uprightness of heart and life)
Faith, (Greek – PISTIS, conviction of truth combined with trust and holy fervour)
Meekness, (Greek – PRAOTES, also gentleness, mildness)
Temperance: (Greek – EGKRATEIA, the virtue of one who has mastery over sensual appetites)
against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
DOWNLOAD FILE
We need to know the categories of sin that consequently have held us in bondage and shake them not only from our lives but ancestrally as well. Shaking them entails repenting of each one and rebuking each one from the ancestry. A good place to start to identify some sins is (Galatians 5:19-21).
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, (Greek – MOICHEIA, sexual relations outside of marriage)
Fornication, (Greek – PORNEIA, includes homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality)
Uncleanness, (Greek – AKATHARSIA, also refers to lustful and profligate living)
Lasciviousness, (Greek – ASELGEIA, also unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness)
Idolatry, (Greek – EIDOLOLATRIA, includes partaking in sacrificial feasts)
Witchcraft, (Greek – PHARMAKEIA, administering drugs, poisoning, sorcery, magic)
Hatred, (Greek – ECHTHRA, enmity and the cause of it)
Variance, (Greek – ERIS, contention, wrangling)
Emulations, (Greek – ZELOS, fierceness of indignation)
Wrath, (Greek – THYMOS, passion, anger)
Strife, (Greek – ERITHEIA, self seeking pursuit)
Seditions, (Greek – DICHOSTASIA, division)
Heresies, (Greek – HAIRESIS, dissention arising from diverse opinions or aims)
Envyings, (Greek – PHTHONOS, also anything prompted by envy)
Murders, (Greek – PHONOS, also slaughter)
Drunkenness, (Greek – METHE, intoxication)
Revellings, (Greek – KOMOS, nocturnal, riotous, half drunken street procession)
and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
We need to know and acknowledge the evidence that establishes we are who God says we are and that people see before they even see us. These are the fruit of the Spirit which we demonstrate because we are spiritual and not necessarily to show that we are spiritual (Galatians 5:22-26).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is
Love, (Greek – AGAPE, affection, good will, benevolence)
Joy, (Greek – CHARA, gladness)
Peace, (Greek – EIRENE, a state of tranquility)
Longsuffering, (Greek – MAKROTHYMIA, patience, endurance, forbearance)
Gentleness, (Greek – CHRESTOTES, moral goodness, integrity)
Goodness, (Greek – AGATHOSYNE, uprightness of heart and life)
Faith, (Greek – PISTIS, conviction of truth combined with trust and holy fervour)
Meekness, (Greek – PRAOTES, also gentleness, mildness)
Temperance: (Greek – EGKRATEIA, the virtue of one who has mastery over sensual appetites)
against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
DOWNLOAD FILE
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Anatomy of God (part two)
Here is an excerpt from the September 2010 issue.
GOD: Spirit, Soul and Body
Numerous scriptures literally describe God. Each of the following words is taken from a scripture referring to a particular part of God’s anatomy.
God has a spirit [distinct from the Holy Spirit] (Psalm 143:10), mind (Romans 11:34), wisdom (I Timothy 1:17), intelligence and knowledge (Romans 11:33).
God experiences soul passions and emotions like grief (Genesis 6:6), anger (I Kings 11:9), jealousy (Exodus 20:5), hate (Proverbs 6:16), love (John 3:16), pity (Psalm 103:13) and pleasure (Psalm 147:11) to name a few.
God has body parts like loins (Ezekiel 8:2), arms (Psalm 44:3), hair (Daniel 7:9), head (Daniel 7:9), ears (Psalm 18:6), eyes (Psalm 11:4), feet (Exodus 24:10), tongue (Isaiah 30:27), lips (Isaiah 30:27), mouth (Isaiah 1:20), hands (Hebrews 1:10), fingers (Exodus 31:18) and heart (Genesis 8:21).
God also has voice (Revelation 10:8), breath (Genesis 2:7) and countenance (Psalm 11:7).
Ezekiel had a vision of God and described Him as having the likeness as the appearance of a man (Ezekiel 1:26). The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as being the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person (Hebrews 1:3).
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
DOWNLOAD FILE
GOD: Spirit, Soul and Body
Numerous scriptures literally describe God. Each of the following words is taken from a scripture referring to a particular part of God’s anatomy.
God has a spirit [distinct from the Holy Spirit] (Psalm 143:10), mind (Romans 11:34), wisdom (I Timothy 1:17), intelligence and knowledge (Romans 11:33).
God experiences soul passions and emotions like grief (Genesis 6:6), anger (I Kings 11:9), jealousy (Exodus 20:5), hate (Proverbs 6:16), love (John 3:16), pity (Psalm 103:13) and pleasure (Psalm 147:11) to name a few.
God has body parts like loins (Ezekiel 8:2), arms (Psalm 44:3), hair (Daniel 7:9), head (Daniel 7:9), ears (Psalm 18:6), eyes (Psalm 11:4), feet (Exodus 24:10), tongue (Isaiah 30:27), lips (Isaiah 30:27), mouth (Isaiah 1:20), hands (Hebrews 1:10), fingers (Exodus 31:18) and heart (Genesis 8:21).
God also has voice (Revelation 10:8), breath (Genesis 2:7) and countenance (Psalm 11:7).
Ezekiel had a vision of God and described Him as having the likeness as the appearance of a man (Ezekiel 1:26). The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as being the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person (Hebrews 1:3).
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Anatomy of God (part one)
Here is an excerpt from the August 2010 issue. This is a two-part lesson.
Jesus did a few things in these verses. He told her that worshipping God would cease in those two places. This does not mean that we must not gather for fellowship or worship (Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:20). He also said that the Samaritans didn’t know what they were worshipping because salvation belonged to the Jews. He further stated that the true worshippers worshipped God inwardly (as opposed to outwardly as it happened in the physical temples) and those inward worshippers were whom God desired for worship.
The adjective ‘true’ (Greek – ALETHINOS, real, true, genuine) refers to a thing (in this case worshipper) that not only has the name and resemblance (worshipper), but the exact nature (of true worship) that corresponds with the name (true worshipper) and corresponds in every respect to the idea (worshipping God) signified by the name. The direct contrast is that some persons will say they are worshippers of God, have a form of Godliness, but deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5).
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Jesus did a few things in these verses. He told her that worshipping God would cease in those two places. This does not mean that we must not gather for fellowship or worship (Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:20). He also said that the Samaritans didn’t know what they were worshipping because salvation belonged to the Jews. He further stated that the true worshippers worshipped God inwardly (as opposed to outwardly as it happened in the physical temples) and those inward worshippers were whom God desired for worship.
The adjective ‘true’ (Greek – ALETHINOS, real, true, genuine) refers to a thing (in this case worshipper) that not only has the name and resemblance (worshipper), but the exact nature (of true worship) that corresponds with the name (true worshipper) and corresponds in every respect to the idea (worshipping God) signified by the name. The direct contrast is that some persons will say they are worshippers of God, have a form of Godliness, but deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5).
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Sunday, July 11, 2010
BLESSED IS THE MAN
Here is an excerpt from the July 2010 lesson. Enjoy.
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3)
A tree planted by the rivers of water is in a very fertile spot. All the topsoil washed down from upriver by rainfall settles on the river banks. This is where the concentrate of soil nutrients is and he has all of it.
Photo credit: Bartlett Church.
The Hebrew word translated rivers is PELEG. It signifies a channel or watercourse that is flowing, fluctuating or bubbling up. This tells me that the source of this water is a powerful one. If it is constantly flowing, fluctuating and bubbling up then it is an unending, eternal source.
The Hebrew word translated fruit is PERIY. It has a three-fold meaning, signifying:
1. fruit or produce as of the ground;
2. fruit or offspring as of the womb; and
3. fruit as of actions.
Leaves wither for various reasons: too much water, not enough sunlight and infestation. Leaves that do not wither serve two very important purposes. They provide food for the trees they are on and they use carbon dioxide and water to provide oxygen that sustains other life around them.
How fitting an analogy. This MAN who is like this tree has an eternal source of nourishment. He is able to provide from the ground, from his loins and from his actions. He also indirectly but constantly affects and contributes to life around him. This is a portrait of a man who is a true reflection of God, a godly man.
Blessed is this man indeed!
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3)
A tree planted by the rivers of water is in a very fertile spot. All the topsoil washed down from upriver by rainfall settles on the river banks. This is where the concentrate of soil nutrients is and he has all of it.
Photo credit: Bartlett Church.
The Hebrew word translated rivers is PELEG. It signifies a channel or watercourse that is flowing, fluctuating or bubbling up. This tells me that the source of this water is a powerful one. If it is constantly flowing, fluctuating and bubbling up then it is an unending, eternal source.
The Hebrew word translated fruit is PERIY. It has a three-fold meaning, signifying:
1. fruit or produce as of the ground;
2. fruit or offspring as of the womb; and
3. fruit as of actions.
Leaves wither for various reasons: too much water, not enough sunlight and infestation. Leaves that do not wither serve two very important purposes. They provide food for the trees they are on and they use carbon dioxide and water to provide oxygen that sustains other life around them.
How fitting an analogy. This MAN who is like this tree has an eternal source of nourishment. He is able to provide from the ground, from his loins and from his actions. He also indirectly but constantly affects and contributes to life around him. This is a portrait of a man who is a true reflection of God, a godly man.
Blessed is this man indeed!
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
DOWNLOAD FILE
Saturday, June 5, 2010
You Believe in God, Then Believe God!
Below is an excerpt from the June 2010 issue of my monthly newsletter called: "to the Saving of the Soul".
The scripture says that faith, (Greek – PISTIS, pronounced pee stees), is the stuff, the material, the body and composition, the core and essence of the things that we hope for, which we have not yet perceived with our senses, and is the proof, confirmation, facts, substantiation, verification and support of these things, which we have not seen.
It was by this same faith that the elders listed in Hebrews 11 obtained a good report. It is also through this same faith believers understand that the Word of God framed the material worlds from the immaterial things. Faith is associated with us understanding the creative act of God because we need to understand what the Word of God did then and is able to do now. Faith comes to us when we hear the word of God.
We were justified by faith and we made peace with God through Jesus. Why aren’t we operating in faith with results? It was through faith that we accepted Christ and were reconnected to God.
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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The scripture says that faith, (Greek – PISTIS, pronounced pee stees), is the stuff, the material, the body and composition, the core and essence of the things that we hope for, which we have not yet perceived with our senses, and is the proof, confirmation, facts, substantiation, verification and support of these things, which we have not seen.
It was by this same faith that the elders listed in Hebrews 11 obtained a good report. It is also through this same faith believers understand that the Word of God framed the material worlds from the immaterial things. Faith is associated with us understanding the creative act of God because we need to understand what the Word of God did then and is able to do now. Faith comes to us when we hear the word of God.
We were justified by faith and we made peace with God through Jesus. Why aren’t we operating in faith with results? It was through faith that we accepted Christ and were reconnected to God.
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
DOWNLOAD FILE
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
What is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him (Part 2)
Below is an excerpt from the May 2010 issue of my monthly newsletter called: "to the Saving of the Soul".
Being ‘born again’ is a dynamic spiritual occurrence. It is not a physical feeling, a fleeting notion, a philosophical theory or a scientific postulation! It is a very real and defining experience within the core, spirit or heart of a human being. It is true immortality according to scripture!
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (I John 2:17)
When a chicken begins to form within an egg, development begins from the yolk where life is generated. When man accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour, he is similarly ‘born’ in spirit. Jesus is the ONLY way!
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
The spirit in man immediately regains a connection with God through the Holy Spirit who God sends to dwell within man’s spirit. New life is created because humanity is infused with divinity again (Ephesians 2:4-5). The Righteousness of Christ is imputed into and around man’s spirit.
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Being ‘born again’ is a dynamic spiritual occurrence. It is not a physical feeling, a fleeting notion, a philosophical theory or a scientific postulation! It is a very real and defining experience within the core, spirit or heart of a human being. It is true immortality according to scripture!
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (I John 2:17)
When a chicken begins to form within an egg, development begins from the yolk where life is generated. When man accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour, he is similarly ‘born’ in spirit. Jesus is the ONLY way!
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
The spirit in man immediately regains a connection with God through the Holy Spirit who God sends to dwell within man’s spirit. New life is created because humanity is infused with divinity again (Ephesians 2:4-5). The Righteousness of Christ is imputed into and around man’s spirit.
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Friday, March 26, 2010
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him? (Part 1)
Below is an excerpt from the April 2010 issue of my monthly newsletter called: "to the Saving of the Soul".
In the beginning God created (Heb. BARA—to bring something into existence from nothing that exists) the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). God then made (Heb. ASAH—to make something from materials that already exist) the firmament or atmosphere around the earth (Genesis 1:7) and subsequently made everything else in the earth (Genesis 1:9-25; 2:19-20). God created the spirit-man (Genesis 1:27), formed (Heb. YATSAR—to mould or squeeze into shape like a potter does) his body from the dust of the earth and infused the created spirit-man into the body He had made (Genesis 2:7). God ‘breathed’ (Heb. NAPHACH—to breathe out) the ‘breath’ (Heb. NESHAMAH—breath, respiration) of ‘life’ (Heb. CHAYIM – lives {plural, from CHAYAH—to live, revive or preserve alive}) into the body. By this act ‘man’ (Heb. ISH) became a living ‘soul’ (Heb. NEPHESH—a breathing, living, spirit-organism). The ‘breath of lives’ caused the body and spirit to function together. In all of this man was innocent, not knowing evil and connected to God spiritually.
God saw that man was alone so He took a rib from man’s side and ‘made’ (Heb. PANAH—built, skillfully formed {not ASAH, the ordinary word for made}) ‘woman’ (Heb. ISH SHAH—she man or womb-man) as a help for him (Genesis 2:21-22). Woman (she had not yet been named) was made from under man’s arm, by his side, not to be ahead of or behind him, not to be above or beneath him, but to be loved and protected by him and to be equal to him. She was not a mere physical help but an intellectual/spiritual help as well. The scripture says they were both naked and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:25).
In the Messianic Psalm 8 David entreats God, asking a very profound question!
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (v. 4)
David asks about two very different aspects of man. First, when David asked: “What is man…” his question referred to ‘man’ (Heb. ENOSH—mortal, weak, sickly) in his fallen state; man separated from God from birth. He asked God why He was still ‘mindful’ of this fallen man. Second, when David asked: “…And the ‘son of man’…” his question referred not only to Jesus the Messiah (Hebrews 2:6-9) but by extension to all ‘man’ (Heb. ADAM—created man) born again through Jesus the Messiah!
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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In the beginning God created (Heb. BARA—to bring something into existence from nothing that exists) the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). God then made (Heb. ASAH—to make something from materials that already exist) the firmament or atmosphere around the earth (Genesis 1:7) and subsequently made everything else in the earth (Genesis 1:9-25; 2:19-20). God created the spirit-man (Genesis 1:27), formed (Heb. YATSAR—to mould or squeeze into shape like a potter does) his body from the dust of the earth and infused the created spirit-man into the body He had made (Genesis 2:7). God ‘breathed’ (Heb. NAPHACH—to breathe out) the ‘breath’ (Heb. NESHAMAH—breath, respiration) of ‘life’ (Heb. CHAYIM – lives {plural, from CHAYAH—to live, revive or preserve alive}) into the body. By this act ‘man’ (Heb. ISH) became a living ‘soul’ (Heb. NEPHESH—a breathing, living, spirit-organism). The ‘breath of lives’ caused the body and spirit to function together. In all of this man was innocent, not knowing evil and connected to God spiritually.
God saw that man was alone so He took a rib from man’s side and ‘made’ (Heb. PANAH—built, skillfully formed {not ASAH, the ordinary word for made}) ‘woman’ (Heb. ISH SHAH—she man or womb-man) as a help for him (Genesis 2:21-22). Woman (she had not yet been named) was made from under man’s arm, by his side, not to be ahead of or behind him, not to be above or beneath him, but to be loved and protected by him and to be equal to him. She was not a mere physical help but an intellectual/spiritual help as well. The scripture says they were both naked and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:25).
In the Messianic Psalm 8 David entreats God, asking a very profound question!
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (v. 4)
David asks about two very different aspects of man. First, when David asked: “What is man…” his question referred to ‘man’ (Heb. ENOSH—mortal, weak, sickly) in his fallen state; man separated from God from birth. He asked God why He was still ‘mindful’ of this fallen man. Second, when David asked: “…And the ‘son of man’…” his question referred not only to Jesus the Messiah (Hebrews 2:6-9) but by extension to all ‘man’ (Heb. ADAM—created man) born again through Jesus the Messiah!
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Perfect Submission
Below is an excerpt from the Mar. 2010 issue of my monthly newsletter called: "to the Saving of the Soul".
Throughout the scriptures we see examples of submission. When Solomon was officially made King of Israel, all of Israel, including the chief ones, submitted to him (II Chronicles 29:23-24). In Psalm 81:13-16, Asaph told Israel that God called them to hear His reasoning and outlined the consequences of rebelling. He also set out some things that God would do if they submitted to Him. He told them God would: (1) subdue their enemies; (2) turn His hand against their adversaries; (3) subjugate the haters; (4) bless Israel eternally; (5) provide the best things in life for them; and, (6) satisfy them with good things. But they were still rebellious.
It is a fact that God chastens His rebellious children (Hebrew 12:6). Earthly fathers sometimes chastise, rebuke or whip (not physically abuse) a child at some point in the child’s life (Hebrews 12:9). The writer of Hebrews says we should not despise this neither should we faint (grow weary) when it occurs because if we are not chastised then we are bastards, outsiders and not family (Hebrews 12:8).
James addressed Christian Israelites who had backslidden (James 4:7). He told them that they needed to submit to God and resist the devil. He said when one resists the devil he flees from them. Paul addressed the Romans using the Israelites as examples (Romans 10:2). He told the Romans that Israel had “a zeal of God” but “not according to knowledge”. He further said they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own righteousness because they had not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3). The only way to walk in perfect love is to be in submission to God perfectly.
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Throughout the scriptures we see examples of submission. When Solomon was officially made King of Israel, all of Israel, including the chief ones, submitted to him (II Chronicles 29:23-24). In Psalm 81:13-16, Asaph told Israel that God called them to hear His reasoning and outlined the consequences of rebelling. He also set out some things that God would do if they submitted to Him. He told them God would: (1) subdue their enemies; (2) turn His hand against their adversaries; (3) subjugate the haters; (4) bless Israel eternally; (5) provide the best things in life for them; and, (6) satisfy them with good things. But they were still rebellious.
It is a fact that God chastens His rebellious children (Hebrew 12:6). Earthly fathers sometimes chastise, rebuke or whip (not physically abuse) a child at some point in the child’s life (Hebrews 12:9). The writer of Hebrews says we should not despise this neither should we faint (grow weary) when it occurs because if we are not chastised then we are bastards, outsiders and not family (Hebrews 12:8).
James addressed Christian Israelites who had backslidden (James 4:7). He told them that they needed to submit to God and resist the devil. He said when one resists the devil he flees from them. Paul addressed the Romans using the Israelites as examples (Romans 10:2). He told the Romans that Israel had “a zeal of God” but “not according to knowledge”. He further said they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own righteousness because they had not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3). The only way to walk in perfect love is to be in submission to God perfectly.
You may print the entire study from the link below or download it in PDF format:
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Friday, January 29, 2010
Heaven is a real place
Below is an excerpt from the Feb. 2010 issue of my monthly newsletter called: "to the Saving of the Soul".
So, “What is Heaven?” you ask! The scriptures say there are three heavens and define them as follows:
1. the clouds—the atmosphere around the earth (Gen. 1:6-9; Job 26:8; Matt. 24:30);
2. where the stars are—space (Gen. 1:14-19); and ,
3. Heaven—the actual place (II Cor. 12:1-4) that was created by God (Psalm 8:3); where He dwells (I Kings 8:30, 39, 43, 49); and, where His throne is located (Isaiah 66:1).
This ‘third heaven’ is the focus of our lesson. Paul was caught up there. He wasn’t doubtful of where he was; he was sure that he was in third heaven. What he was unsure of was whether he was there in body or out of body.
This Heaven is our inheritance. Christ will return and take us there to dwell in God’s presence. II Thess. 2:8-12 comes alive in these occurrences. When believers are caught up (raptured) and the Holy Spirit is taken out of the earth then the anti-Christ will be revealed.
The good news is that from the very beginning God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. He now calls you to himself by his written and preached Word. God’s desire is that no one should perish but that all come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).
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Hell is a real place (and is under your feet)
Below is an excerpt from the Jan. 2010 issue of my monthly newsletter called: "to the Saving of the Soul".
Does Hell exist? It is a fact of scripture that Hell exists as a real place and contains the spirits of all who have died a physical death and were outside of the family of God.
The scriptures teach that Hell is a place of immense activity. There is sorrow there (Psal. 18:5); there is fire there (Deut. 32:22); it is hidden from man but naked before God (Job 26:6; Amos 9:2); it is a place of power (Psal. 49:15; Hos. 13:14); all spirits there are fully conscious (Isa. 14:9-9-15; Luke 16:19-31); there are conversations there (Isa. 14:9-16; Ezek. 32:21); certain kings and chief ones of the earth are there (Isa. 14: 9-11); the inhabitants are stirred up at the coming of others (Ezek. 32:27-32); men recognize and correspond with each other (Isa. 14:16); and, it is a place where knowledge and memory exist (Isa. 14:10; Luke 16:19-31). It is evident from the scriptures that Hell is a very real place. Souls there experience emotions such as sorrow, regret and anxiety because they are fully conscious of their existence and possess memory of life above ground.
Enjoy and feel free to comment and ask to be put on the mailing list...
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