Tag Archives: God’s Character

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

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

GOD’S HELPING HAND

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GOD’S HELPING HAND

 

When God lifts you, He takes you up and away from someplace.  It is always better than where you have been.

I know most people think of God doing that at death.  But, the Bible has many more accounts of God lifting us while we are living our lives right here on earth.

***There are times when we get help by using whatever weak power we have left, and at other times, God wants us to just stop our efforts, and watch as His hand comes down and pulls us up.  –The case off Peter walking on water.  He began to sink.  There was an alternative to that, wasn’t there ?  He could have started swimming back to the ship.  After all, he was a fisherman, raised on the water, and probably knew how to swim.  But, he chose to cry out to the Lord.  It was the right thing for him to do at the time.

 

WHEN TORN BY SPIRITUAL BATTLES–GOD LIFTS US UP.

Psalms 30:1 «A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.» I will extol thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

THIS WAS TO BE SUNG AT THE DEDICATION OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID.  IT DEALS WITH THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE, AND THE ENEMIES OF GOD.

 

WHEN HURT BY CONVICTION, GUILT AND SHAME, GOD WILL REACH DOWN AND LIFT US UP.

Psalms 102:10   Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.

WE ARE CHASTEN OUT OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US.

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN LIFT US TO GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE.

Ezekiel 3:14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. 

Ezekiel 11:1 Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD’S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.

 

GOD CAN LIFT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CHASTENED.

1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up.

 

GOD CAN LIFT THOSE IN POVERTY.

1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and He hath set the world upon them. 

Psalms 113:7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 

Psalms 147:6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.

 

GOD LIFTS US UP WITH THE BLESSINGS ONLY HE CAN GIVE.

JOY AND PEACE AND A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

Luke 24:47-53  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things.  And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them.  And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.  And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:  And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

 

HE WILL LIFT PEOPLE TO JUDGMENT.

HE WILL LIFT THEM IN RESURRECTION, BOTH SAVED AND LOST.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.  

THE SAVED TO THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST.

THE LOST TO THE WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.

John 12:34 The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

“God’s Helping Hand”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
030616

WALKING WITH THE LORD

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WALKING WITH THE LORD

 

SOME SAY THAT IT CAN’T BE DONE TODAY.   THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST,  THE DISCIPLES WALKED WITH JESUS.  THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST, WHEN JESUS WAS ON EARTH, PEOPLE COULD HAVE THAT PRIVILEGE, BUT NOT TODAY.   JESUS HAS TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT IN ORDER TO WALK WITH HIM… NOT SO !  LOOK AT THIS–

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Genesis 5:22  And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

Genesis 5:24  And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Genesis 6:9  These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

COULD HE BE SEEN ?  WAS HIS PRESENCE ALWAYS PHYSICAL ?   IF NOT, CAN THIS SAME PRIVILEGE BE GRANTED TO PEOPLE TODAY ?

 

1. WALKING WITH HIM IS TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.  

1 John 1:6  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

1 John 1:7  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.

WHAT IS FELLOWSHIP ?  IT MEANS ONE THING WITH ONE PERSON AND ANOTHER TO SOMEONE ELSE.   GOD’S DEFINITION IS THE ONE THAT COUNTS.

FELLOWSHIP IS TURNING OUR ATTENTION ON GOD, NOT EVERYONE ELSE.  (Rejecting the distracting appeal of idolatry).

2 Corinthians 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

 

FELLOWSHIP CANNOT BE OBTAINED IF WE DWELL IN UNBELIEF.  IF WE ARE TO WALK WITH JESUS, WE MUST FOLLOW HIS WORD.

John 5:8  Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 

John 5:11  He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 

John 5:12  Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

 

FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD MEANS NO TIME FOR EVERYTHING.  YOU WILL HAVE TO DROP FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER THINGS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE ROOM.     YOU CANNOT BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE.   YOU CANNOT FULFILL ALL THAT YOU WANT TO DO.   TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS, YOU MUST DENY YOURSELF.

Mark 8:34  And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

 

IF A PERSON FAILS TO FOLLOW, THEY NO LONGER HAVE FELLOWSHIP.

Matthew 19:21  Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.

WAS PETER HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS WHEN HE FOLLOWED FROM A DISTANCE ?  NO !

Matthew 26:58  But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

 

 

2. BY PUTTING YOUR ATTENTION ON JESUS, YOU WILL LEARN THINGS THAT YOU WOULD MISS BY SIMPLY READING.

YOU SEE THE REAL STANDARDS.  IT IS DIFFICULT TO REALLY TELL MUCH ABOUT A PERSON BY HEARING THEM IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT.  YOU WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW THEIR STANDARDS WHEN IT ISN’T AROUND CHURCH.  YOU SEE WHAT THE PERSON’S DESIRES REALLY ARE.

HOW CAN WE APPLY JESUS TRUE DESIRES TO OUR LIVES ?

  • SEEK & SAVE THE LOST.  Mt 18:11  “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”
  • JERUSALEM.  YOU WILL GET CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAEL.  Luke 13:34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”
  • HIS HURT OVER UNBELIEF.  John 11:35  “Jesus wept.”  (You don’t see such emotions while doing your own thing).

HIS FRUSTRATIONS OVER…

  • PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T COME TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS ABOUT GOD.  “HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN WITH YOU ?”  John 14:7-11  “Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.”
  • PEOPLE WHO OUGHT TO HAVE FAITH, WHO DON’T EXERCISE IT.  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.”
  • PEOPLE WHO SHOULD  BE TRUSTING GOD, BUT TRY TO REASON THINGS OUT LOGICALLY AMONG THEMSELVES.  Mark 8:16  “And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.”

 

3. YOU GET TO SEE WHAT GOD DOES.

A child often has no idea what the parent does at work unless they go there and walk with him.  The same is true to the Christian life.

  • WALKING WITH JESUS IS ESSENTIAL TO RECOGNIZING AND DEFEATING DEMONIC ACTIVITY.

DEMONS OBEY.  Luke 4:36  “And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”

  • WALKING WITH JESUS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHERE AND HOW TO PLACE OUR ACTIONS OF LOVE.

HIS COMPASSION.

  • THE HUNGRY CROWD.  Matthew 15:32  “Then Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
  • THE  CHILDREN THAT OTHERS REJECTED.  Mark 10:14  “But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

 

4. YOU GET TO SEE HIS ASSOCIATIONS.

THE PEOPLE WHO WALK WITH HIM SEE MORE. UNLESS YOU ARE WALKING WITH HIM, YOU MIGHT NOT SEE THEM.  **SOME SAY, “I’M THE ONLY ONE SERVING THE LORD.”

Acts 9:26  And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

YOU SEE WHO ISN’T WALKING WITH HIM, BUT PUT THEIR OWN DESIRES AND WAYS AHEAD OF HIS. THEY SIMPLY WON’T BE THERE.

1 John 2:19  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt  have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

 

“Walking With The Lord”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
022816

 

EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE

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EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE… OUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

HOW DO WE GET THIS KNOWLEDGE ?  GOD REVEALS IT IN VARIOUS WAYS.

Romans 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

BY HIS SPIRIT.

1 Corinthians 2:10-11  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.

BY WHAT HE REVEALS THROUGH HIS POWER AND EXPERIENCE.

Philippians 3:10  That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;

 

1. EXPAND YOU KNOWLEDGE BEYOND THE LOW AND SMALL KNOWLEDGE THAT PEOPLE HOLD TODAY.

How can you serve God without some greater power than you had before getting saved ?  If that is true, how does a Believer get it ?  We know that the work of Satan is more focused because there are fewer and fewer Christians.  If that is so, then the work of the Holy Spirit is also intensified in the Last Days through fewer people.  Look what He was able to do with a few little fish.

A. GROW IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE CAPABILITIES OF GOD THROUGH YOU.   START SMALL AT FIRST, THEN GROW IN IT.   ***Like getting new car.  don’t max out things to begin with.  Learn capabilities little by little.  THEN, you can be confident it will do what you expect.    

Mark 8:7  And they had a few small fishes: and He blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.  

This would be the only miracle that some of them would see.  Did they go away with their knowledge of God increased ?  Yes.  But, many today do the same thing, and never grow in their knowledge of God’s power.

B. MANY RELIGIOUS PPL HAVE A HEAD-KNOWLEDGE, but no personal experience with the pwr of God.

Mark 12:24  And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? 

C. THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD ONLY FLOWS THROUGH THOSE WHO ARE “CONNECTED.” YOU CAN BE ! 

John 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.

 

2. EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IS UP AHEAD. .

A. LEARN FROM YOUR EXPERIENCES. GOD GAVE YOU A LONG TERM MWEMORY.  THAT HAD A PURPOSE.  GOD DOES NOT GIVE LONG TERM MEMORIES TO SOME OF HIS CREATURES BECAUSE THEY DON’T NEED IT.  YOU NEED IT.  YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM YOUR EXPERIENCES.  LEARN FROM THEM.   SOME PEOPLE GET MARRIED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES EVERY TIME.  THEY ARE LIKE BUTTERFLIES.   THEY DON’T HAVE A LONG TERM MEMORY.

Genesis 30:27  And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

B. LEARN WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU LEAVE THIS EARTH.

Luke 16:26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

C. INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GOD. HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT HIM ?  IS THAT KNOWLEDGE GROWING ?  IT SHOULD BE IF YOU ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO HIM AND WHAT HE DOES.

Colossians 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

D. RECEIVE KNOWLEDGE THAT COMES FROM, GOD, AND THINGS WORK BETTER. LIKE GETTING A WHOLE NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM TO FIND PROBLEMS AND FIX THEM.

Colossians 3:10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

E. LIFE IS MORE THAN WHAT MOST KNOW IN THIS MATERIALISTIC WORLD. ** SOME LIVE TO GO SHOPPING.  SOME LIVE TO GET PAYCHECK SO THEY CAN SPEND IT.

Luke 12:23  The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

F. DISCIPLES LEARNED THE NATURE OF THE RESURRECTION THROUGH THE WITNESS OF JESUS. TODAY, WE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD, AND THEIR TESTIMONIES AS GOD REVEALED THEM THROUGH HIS SPIRIT.

Acts 4:33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

 

“Expanding Knowledge”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
022416

 

 

DOCTRINE THAT FLOATS

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Doctrine That Floats

 

FAITH MUST FLOAT ABOVE THE STORMS

2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

***SOME PEOPLE THINK DOCTRINE IS NOTHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT.  BUT, THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS DOCTRINE, AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT !  FORGIVENESS FROM GOD IS DOCTRINE.  AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT !   HEAVEN IS A DOCTRINE.  AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT !

 

1. IMPORTANT DOCTRINE MAKES GOOD SENSE. LIKE WEARING A LIFE PRESERVER IN THE STORM. IT HELPS PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND CARRY OUT THE PLAN OF GOD.

Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

 

A. THE DOCTRINE JESUS TAUGHT WAS WITH POWER AND IT AMAZED PEOPLE. IT CHANGED LIVES, NOT JUST DID MIRACLES AND TELL INTERESTING STORIES.

Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for His Word was with power.

B. GOD’S DOCTRINE DOES AMAZING THINGS.

Acts 13:10-12  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.  Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

C. GODS’ PEOPLE FOLLOW THE UNCHANGING DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH WHICH JESUS GAVE US. WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE DOCTRINES OF MEN WITH THE SAME DEGREE OF RELIABILITY.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

2. GOD’S PEOPLE REJECT DOCTRINES THAT DON’T COME FROM GOD.

A. WE ARE TOLD TO TAKE A STAND FOR WHAT IS TRUE.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

B. THE LAST DAYS WILL BE FILLED WITH BAD DOCTRINE.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

C. WHERE DO WE GET OUR DOCTRINE ?

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

3. FALSE DOCTRINE SINKS PEOPLE. IT IS OFTEN BECAUSE PEOPLE DON’T KNOW BETTER, OR THEY ARE ANGRY AT GOD.

A. PEOPLE WHO ACCEPT FALSE TEACHING REGARDING JESUS DON’T KNOW GOD.

2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

B. PEOPLE WHO ARE SHIPWRECKED SPIRITUALLY HAVE ABANDONED THE TRUE DOCTRINES OF GOD. 

1 Timothy 6:3-5  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

C. GOD IS AGAINST THOSE TO REJECT HIS TRUTHS. EVEN IF THEY CALL THEMSELVES THE CHURCH.  CALLING YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN IS NOT A PROTECTION FROM THE JUDGMENT OF GOD WHEN YOU HOLD BASIC BELIEFS CONTRARY TO WHAT GOD SAID.   ***GROUP CALLED “CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.”  THEY ARE NEITHER CHRISTIAN NOR SCIENCE.

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 

Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN REJECTING GOD’S DOCTRINE ?  HE SAID THAT YOU NEEDED TO BE SAVED.  HE SAID THAT YOU NEEDED TO PUT YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST AND REPENT OF YOUR SINS.  IF YOU PUT THAT OFF, YOU PUT OFF GOD.  YOU PUT OFF HIS DOCTRINE.   YOU ARE SHIPWRECKED.   YOUR LIFE WILL GO UNDER, AND YOUR SOUL WILL GO DOWN.

YOU NEED SALVATION.  

YOU CAN OBTAIN IT TODAY !

 

“Doctrine That Floats”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
022116

 

 

POWERFUL WORDS: “SALVATION”

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This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Powerful Words

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THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE.   EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.

SALVATION

 

1. SAVED FROM WHAT ?

– FROM THE WRATH OF GOD. 

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  

    AND WHY IS GOD ANGRY ?  HE IS ANGRY AT PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT RESPOND TO HIS OFFER OF A FREELY GIVEN FORGIVENESS AND A CLEAN GARMENT WASHED BY HIS LOVE.    

Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

   NEED TO BE SAVED FROM THE JUDGMENT BY GOD UP AHEAD.

       SOME JUDGMENTS OCCUR ON EARTH.  SOME CALL IT KARMA.  

1 Timothy 5:24  Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 

      –EVEN NATIONS WILL BE JUDGED ON EARTH.  BUT, THAT DOES NOT AVOID THE GREATER JUDGMENT TO COME.   ISRAEL AND EVERY NATION HAS BEEN JUDGED BY GOD AT SOME TIME FOR DISOBEYING HIS CLEAR LAWS.  

2 Chronicles 34:21 Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

    –PERHAPS THE MOST NOTABLE EVENT WAS WHEN GOD JUDGED THE ENTIRE EARTH IN THE DAYS OF NOAH.  THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH IS FOLKLORE.  IT IS SOMETHING PROVEN BY MAN’S SCIENCE THAT HAS FINALLY  MADE ITS WAY FROM INSISTING THAT THE EARTH WAS FLAT TO FINALLY ACCEPTING THE BIBLE’S TEACHING OF A ROUND EARTH, AND THAT CONTINENTS WERE ONCE ONE GIANT CONTINENT THAT WAS BROKEN APART.

 Genesis 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

 

Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

 

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.

 

       ALL PEOPLE WILL BE JUDGED AFTER THEY LEAVE THIS EARTH. 

Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

 

 

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

 

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 

  IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE IN DIVINE JUDGMENT ?  SINCE THERE IS JUDGMENT NOW, WHY NOT A FINAL JUDGMENT OF A PERSON’S LIFE LATER ? 

 Hebrews 10:26-27  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

 THERE ARE NATURAL EVENTS WHICH REVEAL THAT DIVINE JUDGMENT IS A REALITY.  IT IS KNOWN AS “CAUSE AND EFFECT.”   IF YOU CONSTANTLY POLLUTE THE WATER, THERE ARE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES.   IF YOU TAKE TOO MANY PIECES OF PIE AFTER DINNER, THERE ARE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES.  ALL NATURE BEARS WITNESS TO THIS PRINCIPLE.  

BUT, IT GOES FURTHER THAN THAT.  IT SPEAKS OF OUR LIVES.   WHAT IF WE DO THINGS WHICH GO AGAINST THE ORDER WHICH GOD ESTABLISHED ?  THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES.   GOD WILL BRING THOSE TO PASS AFTER YOUR LIFE HERE. 

Hebrews 10:26-27  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

 MEN WILL NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO ESCAPE JUDGMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE BROUGHT TO IT BY THE ANGELS.   

Matthew 13:40-43  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT A LOVING GOD WOULD SEND PEOPLE TO HELL ?

 

GOD REVEALS WHAT HE WILL DO.  WHO BETTER TO BELIEVE THAN  GOD HIMSELF ?  

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

    –JESUS OFTEN WARNED ABOUT COMING JUDGMENT.   

John 5:28-29  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

  

IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH, AND THAT THERE IS A LITERAL HEAVEN WHERE PEOPLE CAN GO ?

 

  ***WE NEED PEOPLE WHO HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS TO BE WITNESSES OF IT.

  • JESUS TESTIFIED OF IT.  TODAY, THERE ARE COUNTLESS EYEWITNESSES OF BOTH HEAVEN AND HELL BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE BROUGHT BACK THROUGH CPR FROM BOTH OF THOSE PLACES !

  JESUS TAUGHT BY CITING ACCOUNTS OF WHAT HAPPENED TO REAL PEOPLE. 

Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

 

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;

  •      –JESUS SPEAKS OF JUDGMENT OVER THE BEHAVIOR OF A PERSON. 

Matthew 25:41-43  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

 

2. EVIDENCE OF THE NEED FOR SALVATION.

EVERYONE HAS DONE WRONG AT SOME POINT.  THE BIBLE EXPLAINS THIS.  

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

EVEN THE BEST OF PEOPLE HAVE COMMITTED SIN.  

—DAVID. CONSIDERED TO BE A SAVED, RIGHTEOUS MAN, DESCRIBED AS “A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART…” EVEN HE SINNED AND KNEW THAT HE DID.  .

2 Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.   

 

2 Samuel 24:17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.

–THE CONDITION OF SIN HAS AFFECTED ALL PEOPLE. 

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

 –WE ARE ALL CONSIDERED BY GOD TO BE SINNERS.   AND OUR SINS BEGIN EARLY. 

Psalms 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

ANY REMAINING CONSCIENCE THAT A PERSON HAS TESTIFIES THAT THEY HAVE SINNED. 

Romans 2:15  Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

WE ALL KNOW OF THINGS THAT IF WE HAD TO DO THEM OVER, WE WOULD.  WHAT IS THAT ?   A KNOWLEDGE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE DONE GOOD AND DIDN’T.   OUR OWN CONSCIENCE TELLS THAT WE COULD HAVE DONE GOOD AND BLEW IT. 

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

 

WHY WOULD GOD SEND HIS SON TO SUFFER AND DIE IF EVERYONE WAS GOING TO BE BETTER OFF AFTER THEY DIED ?

    –FACT: THEY WOULD NOT BE BETTER OFF !  WITHOUT THE PAYMENT FOR SINS, WE ALL ARE DOOMED TO HELL !  THEREFORE, WE ALL NEED SALVATION !   HOW DOES IT COME ?

  • BIBLICAL SALVATION MEANS THAT THERE ARE NO MORE SINS APPLIED TO US.
  •  THEY HAVE BEEN COVERED BY CHRIST. (“ATONEMENT” MEANS “COVERING”)  

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

  •   THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY BY CHRIST. 

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  •  THEY HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST. 

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

  •   YOU HAVE BEEN REDEEMED OUT OF THE HAND OF SATAN, AND BORN INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

 JESUS CAME TO SAVE US FROM OUR SINS AND PROVIDE TRUE SALVATION !

Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.  

 

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

 

“POWERFUL WORDS: ‘SALVATION’ ”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
020716 & 021017

 

POWERFUL WORDS: “HOLY”

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This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Powerful Words

Listen to PART 1
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Listen to PART 2
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THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE.   EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.

HOLY

 

Leviticus 10:8-11  “And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,  Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:  And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;  And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.”

 

ONE PROBLEM TODAY IS THAT WE HAVE MADE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOLY AND UNHOLY.

FIRST TIME THE WORD “HOLY” IS USED IN THE BIBLE. 

Exodus 3:5  And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE DEFINES “holy” AS…

06944 שׁדק  qodesh ko’- desh

AV-holy 262, sanctuary 68, (holy, hallowed, … ) things 52, most 44, holiness 30, dedicated 5, hallowed 3, consecrated 1, misc 3; 468

1) apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness

1a) apartness, sacredness, holiness

1a1) of God

1a2) of places

1a3) of things

1b) set-apartness, separateness

  •   A SPECIFIC DAY CAN BE HOLY.  FIRST DAY SET ASIDE FOR THE PASSOVER IS HOLY.    Exodus 12:16  “And in the first day there shall be an holy <06944> convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy <06944> convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.”

 

  •   CLOTHING CAN BE HOLY.    Exodus 29:29  “And the holy <06944> garments of Aaron shall be his sons’ after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.”

 

  •   MATERIAL OBJECTS CAN BE HOLY.    Exodus 30:25  “And thou shalt make it an oil of holy <06944> ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy <06944> anointing oil.”

 

  •   GOD IS SET APART AND IS HOLY.   Exodus 15:9-13  “The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.  Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.  Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?  Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.  Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.”

 

  •   GOD’S NAME IS HOLY.  IT MUST NOT BE TAKEN OR USED IN THE SAME WAY AS OTHER NAMES.    Isaiah 57:15  “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

 

  •   THE PLACE WHERE GOD DWELLS IS MADE HOLY BY HIS PRESENCE.   YOU ARE SET ASIDE FOR GOD’S USE ONCE THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU.   DON’T TRY TO JUSTIFY ANYTHING ELSE.   YOUR BODY IS HIS TEMPLE !     1 Corinthians 3:17  “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”  1 Corinthians 6:19  “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own ?

   

THE WORD “HOLY” AND ALL THAT IT INVOLVES IS IMPORTANT.  

As we have seen in Scripture, “HOLY” means to be separate, distinct from all else, and set apart as sacred.”

 

This is important in every day life.  Vitally important.  Imagine what would happen in the following situations…

  • If your doctor just removes a rapidly spreading cancer from one patient, and then used the same scalpel on you, it would not be nice. 
  • If your husband  went to the kitchen, and took your new expensive food mixer, and decided to mix a bucket of paint with it, you can imagine the implications of it.
  • If a man pours transmission fluid into the oil intake port of his car.
  • If a woman was pumping gasoline for the first time, and she put diesel fuel into her car which ran on gasoline.
  • A woman brought some scraps out to her small herd of pigs.  She was scraping the bowl into the dirty pig pen when one of the pigs bumped her leg, and she dropped the wooden spoon into the feeding frenzy of muddy pigs.  She left it there for a while, then went out there after an hour and retrieved her wooden spoon, and used it to mix the soup for the family that night.

 

SOME THINGS ARE DESIGNED FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE.  WHEN THEY ARE USED FOR SOMETHING ELSE, THEY BECOME POLLUTED, AND ARE NO LONGER USEABLE FOR THEIR ORIGINAL PURPOSE.  THEY HAVE LOST THEIR HOLINESS.

  

  •   GOD HAS MADE THE JEWISH PEOPLE HOLY.   SET ASIDE TO SEE HOW GOD WORKS WITH HUMAN BEINGS.   Deuteronomy 14:2  “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”

 

CAN SOMETHING, OR EVEN PEOPLE THAT WERE ONCE HOLY LOSE THAT HOLINESS ?  HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN ?

  •   ISRAEL CUT OFF BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF.   Romans 11:17 “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;   Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:”

 

  • CAN A PERSON THROW AWAY HIS HOLINESS ?  Hebrews 10:29 “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”

 

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO RESTORE SOMETHING THAT ONCE WAS HOLY BUT LOST ITS HOLINESS ?   ONLY A MIRACLE.  AND ONLY GOD CAN PULL IT OFF.

  • GOD HAS MADE A PEOPLE THAT ARE NOW HOLY.     1 Thessalonians 5:27  “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.”

 

  • WE ARE HOLY BY OUR OWN CHOICE.  WE MAKE THE DECISION TO HAVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES, OR TO BE HOLY TO THE LORD ALONE.   1 Peter 1:15-6  “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”   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.”

 

  • SOME OF GOD’S CREATION IS HOLY.  ANGELS ARE.   Luke 9:26  “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

 

  •   YOUR BEHAVIOR IS SUPPOSED TO BE HOLY.  IT SHOULD BE SET ASIDE FOR GOD’S GLORY.    WHATSOEVER YOU DO !   2 Peter 3:11  “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,”   Colossians 3:23  “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

 

  •    PEOPLE MUST MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICE TO FOLLOW GOD’S PLAN OF HOLINESS OR NOT.  Revelation 22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

 

  • YOU ARE CLEANSED BY FAITH WHICH RESULTS IN OBEDIENCE.   Luke 17:14  “And when He saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”

 

  • YOU ARE CONTINUALLY CLEANSED BY BEING IN THE WORD OF GOD, HEARING IT AND OBEYING IT.   John 15:3   “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”

 

   There is Power in the Word of God !  When you trust God, repent of your sins, Jesus cleans you.  Simply by Him speaking the Word, it is done !

 

“Powerful Words: ‘HOLY’ ”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
012416 & 012716

 

THE FALSE JESUS

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The False Jesus – 1-17-16 Sunday Evening
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WHAT WOULD JESUS DO ?

THIS LACK OF UNDERSTANDING COMES FROM THE CHURCH’S FAILURE TO FAMILIARIZE THE SAINTS OF GOD WITH GOD’S WORD. PLENTY IS KNOWN ABOUT JESUS, BUT THE DEVIL HAS MANIPULATED SOME VERY CLEAR TEACHING ABOUT JESUS AND TURNED IT INTO A THEOLOGY WHICH IS DIRECTLY OPPOSED TO GOD’S WORD.

1. JESUS WARNS OF SIN, JUDGMENT, AND HELL.

 

THE FALSE JESUS NEVER SAYS ANYTHING NEGATIVE.

Matthew 5:29-30 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

RICH MAN AND LAZARUS.

Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

2. JESUS GIVES US SALVATION, HOPE AND JOY.

 

THE FALSE JESUS PRESENTS THE FALSE PROSPERITY GOSPEL OF PERFECT HEALTH, WEALTH, AND HAPPINESS ABOVE ALL.

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.

ZACCHAEUS. HE GAVE AWAY HIS FORTUNE, BUT RECEIVED THE JOY OF THE LORD.

Luke 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

3. JESUS WAS HATED AND DESPISED.

 

THE FALSE JESUS IS LOVED BY EVERYONE AND ACCEPTED BY ALL.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

 

Luke 19:14 But His citizens hated Him, and sent a message after Him, saying, We will not have this Man to reign over us.

 

John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

4. JESUS HATES SIN AND REVEALS THE TRUTH.

 

THE FALSE JESUS NEVER CORRECTS YOU OF YOUR SIN, AND WOULDN’T WANT TO OFFEND YOU.

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
John 16:8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Luke 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Luke 11:46-47 And He said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them .

5. JESUS GIVES COMMANDMENTS WITH AUTHORITY.

 

THE FALSE JESUS GIVES SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER.

1785 εντολη entole en-tol-ay’ = comandment
AV-commandment 69, precept 2; 71
1) an order, command, charge, precept, injunction
1a) that which is prescribed to one by reason of his office
2) a commandment

John 14:15 If ye love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:21 He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 15:10 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.

6. JESUS CAN BECOME ANGRY AND CARRY OUT JUDGMENTS.

 

THE FALSE JESUS WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING TO HURT PEOPLE.

–THE REAL GOD WARNS PEOPLE

Ezekiel 33:7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

–JESUS REVEALED HIS ANGER TOWARD SIN SO THAT ALL MIGHT SEE.

Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Mark 3:5 And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

HE REFUSED TO DO MIRACLES IN NAZARETH. MANY NEEDED HEALING. MANY WANTED PRAYERS ANSWERED. HE DID NOT GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANTED BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF.

Matthew 13:58 And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

7. JESUS WANTS US TO SERVE HIM.

 

THE FALSE JESUS SAYS THAT HE EXISTS TO SERVE US.

Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

8. JESUS WANTS US TO DENY OURSELVES AND LIVE FOR HIM.

 

THE FALSE JESUS WANTS US TO LOVE OURSELVES AND SO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BE HAPPY.

–NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY TO LOVE YOURSELF. THE BIBLE NOTES THAT IT IS NATURAL FOR A PERSON TO LOVE THEMSELVES, BUT THIS IS NEVER A COMMAND. HOWEVER, IT DOES TELL US HOW OUR LOVE IS TO BE DIRECTED —

  • FIRST: LOVE GOD.

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

  • SECOND: LOVE THE BRETHREN.

Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned <5387> one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”;  (“affectioned” <5387> literally means = cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children)

 

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

HOW ??? IT COMES THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

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:

  • THIRD: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.

LUKE 10:27-29 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And He said unto Him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

  • FOURTH: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.

Matthew 5:43-44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

 

 

“THE FALSE JESUS”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
011716

THE CHURCH THAT GOD BUILT

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The Church That God Built – 1-13-16 Wednesday Evening
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1. THE CHURCH IS FOR THE SAVED, NOT THE LOST.

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

–BEHAVIOR.

1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

–THE CHURCH IS ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO GOD’S SYSTEM. BISHOPS, ELDERS, PASTORS, EVANGELISTS, ETC.,

2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. «The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.»

Titus 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. «It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.»

–IT IS FOR BELIEVERS TO WHOM SPECIAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN.

Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

–EVERY MEMBER HAS A GIFT AND A DUTY.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

–THE CHURCH SHOULD STRIVE TO BE WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE.

Ephesians 5:27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

2. THE CHURCH IS TO BE WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE.

–THE PILLAR OF TRUTH.

1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

–THE MESSENGER OF THE GOSPEL AND ANCHOR FOR THE BELIEVERS.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3. THE CHURCH IS ALL ABOUT JESUS. HE IS TO HAVE THE HIGHEST AND COMPLETE PRAISE.

Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church: Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.

–SOME PEOPLE WANT TO STEAL THE ATTENTION FROM THE LORD.

3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

–WORSHIP IS TO SURROUND AND FOCUS UPON JESUS.

Hebrews 2:12 Saying, I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.

4. THE GATES OF HELL CANNOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

HOWEVER, TAKEN WITH OTHER SCRIPTURES, THIS REQUIRES THE CHURCH TO BE OBEDIENT TO CHRIST.

 

 

“THE CHURCH THAT GOD BUILT”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
011316