Author Archives: SOLIDROCK

ARE YOU AFRAID ?

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ARE YOU AFRAID ?

 

TRUE CHRISTIANS ARE GIVEN SECURITY FROM FEARS.

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Psalms 27:1  « A Psalm of David. » The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

 

FEAR IS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

GOD GIVES YOU OPPORTUNITY TO EITHER BE AFRAID, OR TO TRUST HIM.

Judges 7:3-7 “Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.  So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.”

TRUE BELIEVERS CAN CHOOSE TO FEAR.

JOB FEARED CONSTANTLY, AND OBVIOUSLY, HIS DAILY LIFE WAS NOT ONE OF PEACE. FEAR CAN SET YOU UP FOR LOTS OF MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS.

Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

SOMETIMES WE REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE AFRAID, SO GOD GIVES US INSTANCES WHERE WE SHOULD CHECK AND SEE IF WE ARE TRULY AFRAID.

–A GENERAL CONDITION WHICH COVERS EVERYTHING THAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO US,. SICKNESS, DEATH, FINANCIAL NEEDS, LACK OF NECESSITIES, ETC.

Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

–WHEN PEOPLE COME AGAINST YOU, WHETHER BY WORDS, OR PHYSICAL ATTACK.

Psalms 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

–BY DREAMS AND NOT ACTUAL EVENTS, OR BY VERY REAL THINGS, LIKE WEAPONS AGAINST US.

Psalms 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

–FEAR OVER BAD NEWS. FROM A DOCTOR, A BANKER, AN EMPLOYER, AND ANYTHING CARRIED IN THE NEWS MEDIA.

Psalms 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

–AN HONEST FEAR, OR AWE OF THE LORD.

Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

WE ARE TOLD THAT OTHERS HAD TO DEAL WITH SITUATIONS OF FEAR, AND THEY OVERCAME THEM THROUGH FAITH IN THE LORD.

–Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
–Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
–Psalms 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

GOD’S COMFORT IS WITHOUT LIMITATIONS OF TIME.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.  And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

AFRAID THAT GOD WON’T DO RIGHT. MANY HAVE IN MIND THAT GOD WILL NOT HONOR HIS WORD.

Matthew 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

BEING AFRAID MAKES US ACT FOOLISHLY SOMETIMES.

PETER DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID HE WOULD SAY THE WRONG THING. HE DID, ANYWAY.

Mark 9:5-7 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

“Are You Afraid ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
061516

Without The Resurrection

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Without The Resurrection

 

1. THERE WOULD BE NO HOME FOR OUR SOUL AND SPIRIT.

A. IT IS TRAGIC TO SAY GOD IS WRONG. THERE IS NO HOPE WITHOUT HIS PROMISES.

  • PEOPLE WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION HAVE TO BE SAD, YOU SEE.

Acts 23:8  “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”

(***Biblical joke… In New Testament times, the Sadducees were a group of religious Jews who did not believe in an afterlife of any kind – that when you die, that is all there is.  Without this hope of eternal life, physical resurrection or even heaven, they must have been “sad, you see”.)

  • GOD MADE THE HOUSE FIRST, AND THEN BREATHED LIFE TO DWELL INSIDE IT.

Genesis 2:7  “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

2. THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH THAT WHICH IS PHYSICAL.

The rich man could not communicate with those in the body unless he had a body. But, his souls and spirit could feel pain, just like a body does.

Luke 16:23-24  “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

3. THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD.

BECAUSE HE PROMISED A NEW BODY. HE SET THE EXAMPLE BY RISING FROM THE DEAD. HE GIVES SPECIFIC PROMISES WHICH WE CAN COUNT ON.

PREACHING FROM JESUS, THE PROPHETS, AND THE APOSTLES ALL SAY THAT THERE IS A RESURRECTION.

  • THE PROPHETS.

Luke 20:37  “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
1 Corinthians 15:12  “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?”
1 Corinthians 15:13  “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:”

JESUS SPECIFICALLY SAID HE WOULD RISE FORM THE DEAD BODILY.

Matthew 16:21  “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
Matthew 17:23  “And they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.”

  • THE TOMB WAS EMPTY. IF IT WAS JUST A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, THE BODY WOULD STILL BE THERE.

Matthew 28:6  “He is not here: for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:7  “And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”

JESUS LEFT US EVIDENCE THAT HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE.

Luke 24:36-40  “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”

 

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

WHY DON’T CHRISTIANS TODAY DESIRE THE RESURRECTION LIKE EARLY CHRISTIANS DID ?

**THIS DESIRE WAS NOT JUST FOR THAT GENERATION WHICH EXPERIENCED THE LORD WALKING WITH THEM ON THE EARTH. IT IS EXPRESSED BY GOD’S PEOPLE UNTIL RECENT TIMES.

TODAY, PEOPLE ARE TOO BUSY TO WALK WITH HIM. THEY HAVE THEIR KIDS, THEIR GRANDKIDS, THEIR DOCTORS, THEIR GARDENS, THEIR PETS, THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR JOBS. THEY HAVE TIME TO SPEND WITH THEIR RELATIVES, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO COME TO KNOW JESUS BETTER. THEY SAY THOSE THINGS KEEP THEM BUSY. THEY DON’T HAVE THE TIME.

BUT THEY MAKE TIME FOR THEIR INTERNET CHATS AND EMAILS. THEY MAKE TIME TO VISIT ONE ANOTHER. THEY MAKE TIME TO SEE DVD’s WHICH ARE NOT MORALLY UPLIFTING. THEY MAKE THE TIME TO SEE DOCTORS, LAWYERS, AND BUSINESSMEN. BUT, THEY CAN’T MAKE THE TIME TO WALK WITH JESUS AS ALL PAST GENERATIONS OF CHRISTIANS HAVE DONE.

YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE TIME ! THEN, THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS WILL BE IMPORTANT TO YOU. IT WILL COMFORT YOU. THAT IS HOW THIS CHAPTER ENDS. BUT, IF WE ARE TOO BUSY TO APPRECIATE WHAT JESUS DID, WE HAVE NO COMFORT AND NO EXPECTATION.

 

“Without The Resurrection”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
032716

ARE YOU STRONG IN THE LORD ?

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Are You Strong In The Lord ?

 

2 Chronicles 25:11   “And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.”

Daniel 10:19 “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”

 

1. THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR HIM.

Colossians 1:11 “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”

2 Timothy 4:17 “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

2. WHEN WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS AND TURN TO GOD, WE ARE MADE STRONG BY OUR FAITH IN HIM.

Hebrews 11:34  “Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”
2 Corinthians 12:10  “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

3. WE CAN LOSE OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD WHEN WE DECIDE TO DO THINGS OUR OWN WAY, AND NOT HIS.

Judges 16:19-21  “And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”

4. GOD PROVIDES THE RESOURCES SO WE CAN BE STRONG.
COMPLETE FAITH IN THE PERSON OF OUR LORD.

Hebrews 6:18  “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

NOURISHMENT FROM THE WORD OF GOD.

Hebrews 5:12  “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”
Hebrews 5:14  “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

POWER FROM HIS SPIRIT.

Ephesians 3:16  “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;”

5. THERE ARE GOOD RESULTS WHEN WE DEPEND ON GOD AND NOT OURSELVES.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Ephesians 6:10  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”

“Are You Strong In The Lord ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
030616

 

Deliberately Dense

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“Deliberately Dense”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
032016

THE PARADE

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THE PARADE

 

1. THERE WAS ONLY ONE FOCUS OF ATTENTION: JESUS.

In parades, there are usually many floats, many bands playing, celebrities, and movie stars. In this case, all eyes were upon Jesus, and the parade was all about Him.

A. JESUS WAS THE ONE WHO HAD ALL THAT THEY NEEDED.

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Luke 19:30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
Luke 19:33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
Luke 19:35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

B. JESUS WAS SHOWING HIS GREAT POWER BY RIDING IN ON A COLT THAT HAD NEVER BEEN RIDDEN BEFORE.

HE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD CONTROL THE EVENTS THAT HAPPEN TO YOU. HE MAKE ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD. WHAT WAS JESUS PROVING BY RIDING ON THE COLT INSTEAD OF ITS MOTHER WHO WAS PROBABLY TRAINED ?

  • HE HAD POWER OVER ALL THINGS. THIS DISCIPLES SAW THIS, BUT NOW IT WAS TIME FOR EVERYONE TO SEE.

Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him.
Luke 8:25 And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him.

C. JESUS HAS THE POWER TO DIRECT YOUR LIFE.

HE ALONE CAN MAKE YOU A SUCCESS FOR ETERNITY. MAN CAN ONLY HELP OUT A LITTLE BIT. ***The scientists predict that most of Florida will be under water because of global warming. They say this will happen in about 200 years. But, they can’t even predict the weather just a day in advance !  A WILD COLT CAN EASILY GET HURT. HE CAN TRY TO JUMP FENCES THAT ARE TOO HIGH FOR HIM. HE CAN RACE AROUND AND BREAK A LEG IN A HOLE IN THE GROUND THAT HE DIDN’T SEE. YOU NEED JESUS TO GUIDE YOU EVERY STEP IF THE WAY !

  • THESE WERE PEOPLE WHO KNEW WHAT JESUS HAD DONE. WERE THE LEPERS THERE ? THE BLIND MEN ?

Luke 19:37 And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
Matthew 4:24 And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them.
Matthew 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew Himself from thence: and great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all;
Matthew 15:30 And great multitudes came unto Him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and He healed them:
Matthew 19:2 And great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there.

 

2. THEY WERE HAPPY TO HAVE JESUS THERE.

A. THEY WERE ADMITTING THAT THEY KNEW WHO JESUS WAS. THEY KNEW HE WAS THE KING.

Luke 19:37-40 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

B. THIS WAS A PARADE FOR HOPE, BUT THERE WAS ANOTHER PARADE.

ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE CITY WAS ANOTHER PARADE. IT WAS BY THE ROMANS. THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND ALL WHO WANTED TO CONTINUE THEIR AUTHORITY UNDER THE ROMANS MARCHED WITH THEM. “cavalry on horses, foot soldiers, leather armor, helmets, weapons, banners, golden eagles mounted on poles, sun glinting on metal and gold.” The sound of “marching feet, the creaking of leather, the clinking of bridles, the beating of drums” would have had a sobering effect on all those who saw this parade. THIS WAS A PARADE OF OPPRESSION. THERE ARE ALWAYS OTHER THINGS PEOPLE CAN DO WHEN JESUS CALLS OUT TO THEM. THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS THAT PEOPLE CAN DO ON SUNDAYS. BUT, IF WE WANT GOD’S BLESSINGS, WE FOCUS ON JESUS, AND PUT OTHER PARADES ASIDE.

C. IT WAS A SAD TIME FOR JESUS.

HE KNEW THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE WOULD NOT TURN TO HIM TO BE SAVED. EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW WHO HE WAS.

Luke 19:41-42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

JESUS CARED FOR THOSE PEOPLE. HE SEEMED TO IGNORE ALL THE PALMS, AND SAW THROUGH TO WHERE THEY REALLY NEEDED SOMETHING–FORGIVENESS AND ETERNAL LIFE ! DON’T BE FOOLISH LIKE THOSE PEOPLE WHO REJECTED HIM. BE SAVED TODAY !

 

3. THEY NEEDED JESUS TO SAVE THEM.

A. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO JUST LOVE A PARADE.

***Many people today love Christian music. They love to worship in church. They love to show their Bible to others. But, when they are asked to stand up for Jesus, they back down like cowards. THEY ARE THERE WHEN IT IS EASY TO WORSHIP JESUS AND BE FAITHFUL TO HIM. BUT WHEN PEOPLE ARE PRESENT WHO DON’T LIKE JESUS, THEY STAND BACK AND WON’T SAY ANYTHING FOR THE LORD.

B. WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN THE TEACHERS AND THE POLICE AND THE TAX COLLECTORS, AND THE FALSE RELIGIONS SAY TO BACK DOWN AND QUIT TALKING ABOUT JESUS ?

***Where was this crowd when Jesus was being condemned ?

Mark 15:11-14 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

 

“The Parade”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
030616

ARE YOU SPIRITUAL

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Are You Spiritual

 

Romans 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 

1 Corinthians 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 

1. A SPIRITUAL PERSON THINKS ABOUT SPIRITUAL THINGS.

THEY ARE NOT OVERWHELMED WITH WORLDLY THOUGHTS.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

2. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS A DISCERNER.

THEY JUDGE WHETHER SOMETHING IS RIGHT OR WRONG RATHER THAN JUST FOLLOWING THE CROWD.

1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

3. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

THIS INVOLVES DEALING WITH UNSEEN FORCES THAT WOULD HINDER THE WORK OF GOD.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

4. A SPIRITUAL PERSON CONFIRMS WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY.

1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

5. A SPIRITUAL PERSON HAS SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND USES THEM FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSES.

1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

6. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT RESTORING A BROTHER IN CHRIST RATHER THAN DWELLING ON HIS FAILURES.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

7. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS A MUSICAL PERSON. THEY SING, THEY PLAY.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

8. A SPIRITUAL PERSON DOES THE WORK OF A PRIEST. INTERCESSION, SACRIFICES, OFFERINGS, ETC.

1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

9. A SPIRITUAL PERSON HAS DEEPER UNDERSTANDING.

SURFACE STUFF DOES NOT IMPRESS A SPIRITUAL PERSON. THEY ANALYZE AND COME TO CONCLUSIONS THAT GOD GUIDES THEM INTO.

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

 

“Are You Spiritual ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
031616

WHAT WE DO NOT SEE

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What We Do Not See

2 Corinthians 4:18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen  are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

1. THE UNSEEN HELP FOR US ALL.

A. BLESSINGS WE NEED.

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

B. THE PROMISES OF GOD FULFILLED TOTALLY. AN EXAMPLE IS THE PROMISE OF A NEW BODY.

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

C. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. UNSEEN, BUT PRESENT DAILY.
  • HEALING. STIRRED THE WATERS AT BETHSAIDA.  John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • MINISTRY TO ENCOURAGE AND LIFT. TEMPTATION OF JESUS. Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
  • PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS. ELIJAH—FOOD. I Kings 19:5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
  • BRING JUDGMENT—SODOM. Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • BRING PHYSICAL DELIVERANCE—BRINGING LOT & GIRLS OUT OF SODOM. Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
  • KEEPING MAN FROM A WORSE FATE. (ACCIDENTS, ETC. ?) KEPT ADAM FROM GARDEN. Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • CARRIED MESSAGES FROM GOD. DANIEL. Daniel 8:15-17 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
  • CARRY OUT DECREES OF JUDGMENT. REVELATION. Revelation 15:6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
  • TO BRING SOULS TO THEIR PLACE OF JUDGMENT. Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; —AND THIS IS FUTURE, TOO.— Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

 

2. WE MUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD TO ACCEPT THE UNSEEN.

A. WE HAVE NOT SEEN JESUS. He was before our time.

John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

B. WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE FATHER.

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.

C. WE HAVE NOT SEEN GOD’S WRATH OR THE RAPTURE, BUT WE KNOW IT WILL COME.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

3. WE MUST DEPEND UPON HIS WORD TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNSEEN.

A. THAT IS THE BASIS FOR OUR FAITH.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

“What We Do Not See”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
031316

THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING RIGHT

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The Importance Of Doing Right

 

MANY PEOPLE DON’T THINK THAT WHAT YOU DO IS IMPORTANT.   THEY CONTEND THAT WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND THINK IN YOUR MIND WEIGHS MORE WITH GOD.  NOT SO.

IT BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO THE LORD. THEN YOU CAN HEAR HIM, BE COMFORTED, STRENGTHENED, LED, AND FILLED.

IT HONORS GOD’S STANDARDS, AND SETS YOU UP AS A GOOD EXAMPLE. SOME DON’T WANT TO BE EXAMPLES. OK, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN ? YOUR BROTHERS, SISTERS ? WILL YOU LEAVE THEM WITHOUT AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW ?

GOD BRINGS JUDGMENT AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL, AND ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD EXAMPLES.

1 Corinthians 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. This man was a leader, was saved, but thought that sin what he did was important.

  • WE KNOW THAT THE WORLD WILL TRY TO GET US TO DO WRONG.

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EXAMPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK. BECAUSE CHURCHES HAVE FAILED GOD, THEY WILL BE JUDGED IN THE LAST DAYS.

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God ?

IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, THERE ARE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES. ISRAEL, IN DANIEL’S TIME WAS TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY, MADE TO BE SLAVES.

Daniel 9:10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.
Daniel 9:13-14 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

IT IS A LIFESTYLE THAT IS BLESSED BY GOD.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

IT PURIFIES THE SOUL WHEN WE DO RIGHT. IT PROVIDES FOR A CLEAN MIND AND GOOD FEELINGS THAT GO ALONG WITH THAT.

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, IT WEAKENS OUR CONSCIENCE, AND RESULTS IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG BEING DESTROYED.

Amos 3:9-10 Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof. For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

  • THIS IS ANTICIPATED IN THE LAST DAYS. DON’T BE A PARTY TO THIS !

1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

  • IT HONORS GOD, AND GOD IS PLEASED WITH OBEDIENCE.
BECAUSE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS REQUIRES IT.

1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

BECAUSE OF THE JUDGMENT FOR THE BELIEVER.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

BECAUSE OF JUDGMENT FOR THE UNBELIEVER.

YOUR WORKS WILL NOT SAVE YOU. BUT, BY ANY ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE, YOU HAVE SHOWN THAT YOU DO ACCEPT THE AUTHORITY OF GOD OVER YOU. THEREFORE, THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. ONLY ONE HOPE–RECEIVING THE PAYMENT WHICH JESUS MADE FOR YOU.

YOUR WORKS ONLY SERVE TO CONDEMN YOU.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

“The Importance Of Doing Right”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
031316

 

 

NOT HEARING GOD’S VOICE

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NOT HEARING GOD’S VOICE

 

WE HAVE STUDIED THIS BEFORE, BUT WHEN PEOPLE ASK, “HOW CAN I HEAR GOD ?”, IT IS A GOOD REMINDER TO REVIEW THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.

GOD CONSIDERS OUR HEARING HIM TO BE A BIG DEAL.  HE MENTIONS IT OVER AND OVER.

Revelation 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

1. GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT.

* When you have a lot of screens open on your computer, it tests the capabilities of the machine. When it reaches it’s limit, it cannot hear the commands given by the keyboard or the mouse. It is frozen, cold.

A. TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE. IT WILL BLESS YOU.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.; that thy profiting may appear to all.

B. DON’T ALLOW YOUR LIFE TO BE FILLED WITH UNIMPORTANT THINGS.

Paul sorted things out, and labeled all things that do not profit the Lord.

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

C. TAKING ON MORE THAN YOU GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE.

*GOD WILL NOT PLACE MORE ON YOU THAN YOU ARE ABLE.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

2. SQUASH THE DISTRACTIONS.

A. ALLOWING TOO MANY VOICES TO BE HEARD AT ONCE. MUST STOP ALLOWING IT !

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

B. OVERWHELMED BY YOUR OWN VOICE AND GOALS.

ESPECIALLY CONCERNING IS THAT FOR THE CHRISTIAN, THIS IS ALLOWING THE OLD NATURE TO RULE. REJECTED FIRST ANSWER, KEPT ON PLEADING WITH GOD. WAS DISTRACTED BY THE MEN, THE MONEY, AND HIS OWN HEART’S DESIRE. DIDN’T READ GOD’S TRUE WILL CORRECTLY.

BAALIM.

Numbers 22:12, 19-22. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.  … Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

—Simply put, it means that you really don’t want to hear.  You want to do what YOU want to do, and that is what you think you hear from God. The results of this are foretold.

Luke 6:47-49 Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

C. THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS TO DO.

BUT, DO YOU FULFILL WHAT GOD WANTS FIRST ? DOES GOD GET TOP PRIORITY ALL THE TIME ? IT MAY BE THAT ONE TIME WHEN HE ISN’T MOST IMPORTANT THAT YOU NEED TO HEAR HIM THE MOST.

2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

APOLLOS—Will come at a convenient time. He had other things to do.

1 Corinthians 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

D. NOT ENOUGH DEDICATION TO STUDY THE WORD.

 

3. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT CONDITIONS.

A. SOME CANNOT RECEIVE ANSWERS.

Matthew 13:9-12 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

B. YOU HAVE TO HAVE SPIRITUAL ROOTS TO HEAR.

Matthew 13:19-21 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

C. MUST RECEIVE THE SIMPLE SOUNDS FIRST—LIKE GETTING SAVED.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

“Not Hearing God’s Voice”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
030916

WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO ?

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WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO ?

 

THERE IS A NEED TO KEEP CONSCIOUS AWARENESS OF YOUR PURPOSE AND GOALS IN LIFE.

John 21:21-22  Peter seeing Him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?  Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.

 

1. HOLDING ONTO THEM REQUIRES CONTINUAL EFFORT.

Jude 1:3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

A. THE DEVIL WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.

And he uses people, demons, or whatever he can to do it.

MARK 8:33 But when He had turned about and looked on His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind Me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

B. THE FLESH WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.

Will find it easy to forget them, or put them on a back shelf. God wants us to be about His Work ! We have to do whatever it takes to remember that ! Notes, reminders, daily ! IT TAKES LABOR–WORK–TO STAY ON COURSE FOR GOD.

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

–IF WE BACKSLIDE, IT BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO HEAR FROM GOD.

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

C. FAMILY MAY OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD. THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT TO REJECT WHEN THEY PULL YOU AWAY FROM GOD.

—Some family members actually oppose themselves ! But, we must help them.

2Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Matthew 10:33-37 But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

D. THE LOST—EVEN FRIENDS—WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.

Should we be shocked, surprised ? No.

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.

WERE THERE FRIENDS WHO TRIED TO KEEP THE DISCIPLES FROM FOLLOWING THE LORD ? WHAT ABOUT RELATIVES OF THE DISCIPLES ? WHAT ABOUT THE WORLDLY FRIENDS OF MATTHEW ? THE PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE WHO MUST HAVE RIDICULED DR. LUKE.

 

2. KEEP THE VISION WHICH COMES FROM GOD. MAN’S VISION WILL DISTRACT, TAKE YOU AWAY.

A. SOMETIMES FAR FROM IT.

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

B. OUR OWN WILL MUST YIELD TO GOD‘S PURPOSE—A DAILY REQUIREMENT.

Whenever our own will gets in the way. Must be HIS purpose !

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

C. THE FLESH TRIES FUTILE COVER-UPS.

A sacrifice is not a substitute for God’s calling.

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

3. PRESERVE THEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT APPEARS PHYSICALLY.

2 Corinthians 5:7 “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”

A. SIGHT CAN BE DISCOURAGING.
B. SIGHT CAN BE DECEPTIVELY POSITIVE.

 

“What Shall This Man Do ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
030616