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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

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

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

 

WITHOUT DIVINE PURPOSE

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WITHOUT DIVINE PURPOSE

We are speaking about a life that fails to actively submit to doing Divine purpose.  Living a life that is without purpose, or without even knowing that there is a Divine purpose.

 

IMAGINE IF A MAN WAS SET DOWN BY HELICOPTER IN A CITY, AND JUST LEFT THERE.   WHAT WILL HE DO ?  MOST MEN WILL SEEK TO FIND SOME WAY TO PRESERVE THEIR OWN LIVES.   FIND FOOD.  FIND SHELTER.

BUT, THE CHRISTIAN IS ALWAYS DROPPED INTO THIS WORLD WITH A GREATER MISSION–TO PUT GOD FIRST !  WE HAVE A PURPOSE BEYOND MERELY SURVIVING.

 

WHAT ARE WE WITHOUT THE PURPOSE WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN FOR OUR LIVES ?

1. THE PURPOSE OF GOD IS A LIFE-LONG PURPOSE.

  • SOLOMON DIDN’T TAKE THAT SERIOUSLY. HE MADE IT A ONE-SHOT EFFORT.

1Kings 5:5  And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto My name.  See I Kings 11:1-8

  • NOT ALL RELIGIOUS PURPOSES PLEASE GOD. HE SHOULD BE GIVEN EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS.

Isaiah 1:11  To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

  • KING SAUL SACRIFICED AND WORSHIPED, BUT DISOBEYED GOD.   DID HIS RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES NULLIFY HIS DISOBEDIENCE ?  NO.

1 Samuel 15:21-26  But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.  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.  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king. ¶  And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.  And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.

 —————————————–

SERVICE TO GOD SHOULD BE YOUR PURPOSE, NOT DOING SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD OR TO AVOID OFFENDING PEOPLE.  WHAT DID JESUS TELL HIS DISCIPLES TO DO ?  DID EVERYONE LIKE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ?  NO.   SO, DID JESUS TELL THEM TO SAY NOTHING ?   OR, TO TRY AND KEEP THE PEACE BY MAKING NEUTRAL STATEMENTS ?

  THIS IS WHAT JESUS SAID…

GO… TEACH… BAPTIZE.

NOT MAKE YOURSELF ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING TO EVERYONE.  BY TELLING THE TRUTH, YOU ALWAYS RISK REJECTION.  YOU ALWAYS RISK HAVING PEOPLE NOT WANT TO BE AROUND YOU ANY MORE.   BUT IT IS BETTER TO HAVE GOD PLEASED WITH YOU THAN PEOPLE ! 

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.

  •  PART OF OUR DIVINE PURPOSE MAY BE LAYING DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN.

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  

IF YOU CAN’T STAND UP FOR THE BRETHREN YOU SURELY WON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THEM.   HONOR THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST IN THE BRETHREN.   DON’T ALLOW OTHERS TO TEAR THEM DOWN.  STAND UP FOR TRUTH.

  • IT MAY INVOLVE SUFFERING FOR THE LORD.  THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE OBSERVE AND GIVE GOD GLORY WHEN THEY SEE A GODLY PURPOSE FOCUS ON THE LORD RATHER THAN THEMSELVES.

 

2. THE DEVIL WILL ALWAYS TRY TO PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.

When I was in high school, everyone was trying to get me to do things which were not the purpose of God. Even pastors were pointing me in the wrong direction.

  • EZRA. From the secular world.

Ezra 4:5  And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

 IF YOU TELL THE TRUTH SOME PEOPLE WILL SAY THAT YOU ALWAYS ARE AGAINST THEM WHEN THAT IS FURTHEST FROM THE TRUTH.

1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

 WE OFTEN SPEAK OF PETER’S FAILURE TO WALK ON WATER. BUT, IT IS SOMETHING THAT HE DID AT THE CALLING OF GOD.  THE DEVIL TEMPTED HIM TO FAIL.

Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. 

HE WANTED TO FULFILL THE PURPOSE OF GOD BY HIS OBEDIENCE AND FELL.   WHAT HAPPENED THEN ?   JESUS LIFTED HIM UP, AND HIS FAITH WAS INCREASED EVEN BY THE NUMBER OF STEPS WHICH HE MADE ON TOP OF THE WATER.

**HAVE YOU EVER FAILED AT SOMETHING YOU THINK GOD WANTED YOU TO DO ?

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

THINK OF THE NUMBER OF STEPS THAT YOU TOOK BEFORE YOU SANK.  THE FACT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO GET EVEN THAT FAR SHOULD ENCOURAGE YOUR FAITH AND CHALLENGE YOU TO TRY AGAIN.  BEING FAITHFUL TO THE AUTHORITY OF GOD –even after we fail–IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MOVE AHEAD TO SUCCESS.

HOW DID PAUL GET TO THIS POINT IN HIS LIFE ?   BY SUCCEEDING EVERY TIME HE TRIED ?  NO.  AND CERTAINLY NOT BY QUITTING ONCE HE FAILED.   HE CAME TO THIS POINT BECAUSE EACH FAILURE HAD A LITTLE SUCCESS IN IT, AND HIS FAITH KEPT GROWING.

 

3. ABOVE ALL IT IS GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE FOR YOU TO BE SAVED AND SERVING HIM ACCEPTABLY !

Galatians 1:3-4  “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,  Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”

1 Timothy 2:1, 3-6  ” I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

2 Peter 3:9  “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Hebrews 12:28  “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”

 

 

“Without Divine Purpose”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
020316

 

 

THREE FORGOTTEN WORDS

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RECENTLY THE PRESIDENT OF LARGEST CHRISTIAN PROTESTANT DENOMINATION SAID THAT THERE ARE THREE THINGS NOT BEING PREACHED TODAY.

 
1. THE WORD ‘LOST’.

A. THOSE WHO ARE NOT FORGIVEN BY GOD.

The Bible tells us that anyone who is not forgiven by God is lost.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Psalms 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant; for I do not forget Thy commandments.

B. THEY ARE DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE. WE ALL HAVE BEEN THERE. LOSTNESS IS DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE.

–THE PRODIGAL SON.

Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

HE WAS AWAY FROM HIS FATHER. HE CHOSE IN FAVOR OF A LIFE OF SIN. HE WAS USED BY OTHERS AND NOT GOD. HE WOULD PERISH IF HE DID NOT REPENT.

–THE LOST PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.

Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

PEOPLE WHO ARE BROKEN (PERHAPS THROUGH HEART-ACHES, ATTACKS FROM THE DEVIL, ETC.), PEOPLE WHO ARE DRIVEN AWAY FROM GOD (SOME THROUGH FALSE DOCTRINES, FALSE CHRISTIANS, FALSE TEACHING IN SCHOOLS, ETC.), AND THOSE WHO ARE WEAK (PERHAPS FROM BEING BEATEN DOWN SO MUCH, PERHAPS THROUGH BEING WEAKENED BY THE WORLD’S VIEWS ON LIFE).

2. THE WORD ‘PREPARE.’

The return of the Lord is an important prophecy of Scripture.

  • BE READY AND USE THE GIFTS OF GOD.

1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • BE WELL ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH.
  • BE ESTABLISHED IN GOD’S WORD.

James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

  • DON’T BE MARGINAL, OR WEAK IN YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD.. YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT IN THESE DAYS !

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

  • YIELD TO GOD’S DESIRE FOR YOU TO BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

3. THE WORD ‘REPENT.’

GOD CALLS HIS CHURCH TO REPENT.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Revelation 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

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

 

“Three Forgotten Words”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
112215

THE FORGOTTEN COMMANDMENT

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11TH COMMANDMENT = “BRING THEM.”

NOT ‘LOVE.’  THAT WAS COVERED BY THE FIRST 10 COMMANDMENTS.  GOD DID NOT SAY, “INVITE THEM.”  HE SAID “BRING THEM !”  IT IS A COMMAND, AND NOT A SUGGESTION.

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

 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.  

John 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:  

 

 1. IT IS A COMMAND THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TO JESUS.

THE CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE TO BE BROUGHT—ALL NEEDY. NOT NECESSARILY WITH GOOD MANNERS, WITH GOOD MORALS, OR GOOD THINKING.

Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

A. EVERYONE IS LEADING PEOPLE TO SOME ONE, EVEN IF THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT LEADERS. MANY END UP BRINGING PEOPLE TO MORE AND MORE SIN—BECAUSE THEY ARE INVOLVED IN IT THEMSELVES.

Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

B. GOD HAS CHOSEN THE CHURCH AS ONE THAT BRINGS THEM.

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.

Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

—BRING THOSE WHO ARE NEEDY.

Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

—BRINGING THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY SAVED TO A NEW LEVEL OF USEFULNESS.

Numbers 11:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

2. IT IS A TEAM EFFORT BY THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

A. IT RELIES ON THE POWER OF GOD.

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.

B. IT DEPENDS ON THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD.

Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

3. IT IS A COMMAND EVEN IF NO ONE ELSE DOES IT WITH YOU.

A. GOD WANTS TO RECEIVE YOU AS A VERY PRECIOUS PERSON.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

B. GOD WANTS TO MAKE YOU A NEW PERSON.

 

”The Forgotten Commandment”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
110115

WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST

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There was a man who joined a mail-order wholesale club.  He paid his $99 for the year, and then took advantage of the free shipping on everything he bought.  He saved a lot of money, and was very pleased with his membership.  Then, he got a letter from the club that started off this way– “DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE AS A CLUB MEMBER?”  He read on to find out that included in his membership fee was free movies, free recipes, help making travel arrangements, free TV and movies of his choice, free books, and a lot more.  He was shocked.    In the same way, many Christians don’t know all that they have in Christ.

 

 
1. WE HAVE GUARANTEES–THE PROMISES FROM GOD, WHO CANNOT LIE.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:

Without that absolute faith, we don’t have access to the other blessings. How do we get it ? By learning about Him.

A. WE HAVE THE GUARANTEE THAT WE CAN PARTAKE IN THE DIVINE NATURE. WE HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

B. BECAUSE WE ARE GIVEN THESE PROMISES, WE SHOULD RESPOND BY LIVING A BETTER LIFE NOW.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

THE GREATEST GUARANTEE IS ETERNAL LIFE !

2. WE HAVE BENEFITS BY BEING BORN INTO GOD’S FAMILY.

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

**Too many ppl put all their hopes on whatever they can get right now.

Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

WHAT ARE THESE BENEFITS ? AN INHERITANCE. WHAT TYPE ?

WHEN ISAAC WAS OLD AND ABOUT TO DIE, WE HAVE THE INCIDENT WHERE JACOB STOLE THE BIRTHRIGHT. IT INCLUDED BLESSINGS OF MATERIAL THINGS AND SAFETY. BUT, ESAU COULD HAVE ALSO HAD A GREAT INHERITANCE. HE CARRIED HIS FATHER’S DNA. HE CARRIED HIS FATHER’S LOVE FOR GOD. HE CARRIED THE TEACHING HE RECEIVED AS A CHILD. HE INHERITED THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY LIVING FROM HIS FATHER. WERE THEY NOT MORE A BLESSING THAN A THOUSAND SHEEP ? GOD PROVIDED IT FOR HIM, BUT IN BITTERNESS HE LEFT IT BEHIND.

***There was a very poor farming family in Georgia. They depended on the profits from the harvest each year to pay for their land and house. One day the father died, and left behind one son. At the funeral, one of his schoolmates was there and tried to comfort him. The friend, after trying to give words of comfort, said, “I’m sorry about your dad not having enough money to help you pay your bills and keep the farm.” The son replied, “My dad left me the greatest inheritance I could get. He taught me how to live and get through troubles and hardship and still be happy. So, I’ll make it with or without the farm.”

WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE THAT YOU CANNOT GET BY HAVING MOHAMED, BUDDHA, OR OTHERS AS OUR FATHER. THEY COULD NEVER GIVE US THE IMPORTANT THINGS THAT JESUS GAVE US.

 

3. GOD GIVES US A KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE.

***How important is it to know what is ahead ? If you knew what was ahead, would you take the same school courses you did ? Would you have married the same person you did ? Would you have children ? Would you have received the Lord as your Savior earlier ?

John 16:13 Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.

***THINK of what you could do if you knew the future—your health, your financial situation, world conditions. In your relationship with the Holy Spirit, God makes you aware of all necessary things.

 

4. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO GOOD AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Who provides us opportunities ? God. But, how many go by without us responding, or even recognizing them.

5. WE HAVE SOMEONE WHO CAN GO BEFORE GOD.

BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN STAINED WITH SIN, WE ARE NOT WORTHY TO GO DIRECTLY.  BUT, JESUS NEVER SINNED AND HAS BECOME OUR INTERCESSOR, OR MEDIATOR AND HIGH PRIEST.

Hebrews 4:14-15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

6. WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (BECAUSE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST).

Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Ephesians 2:18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

**To most people, if you told them that, they wouldn’t care.

WHATEVER WE REALLY NEED IS PART OF GOD’S PROMISE

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

  • TO SACRIFICE
  • TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS—REDEMPTION—NOT JUST FOR SALVATION, BUT BEING BOUGHT BACK FROM THE POWER THAT SNARES US.  

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

  • TO RECEIVE A RENEWED STRENGTH
  • TO MAKE COMMITMENTS

7. WE HAVE A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE GOD.

Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Put your hand over your heart. Feel it beating. It is beating because God gave you the time you have right now. The minute your time is up, it will stop beating, and you will go to your eternal destination. Every heart-beat you felt was a gift from God. Each one. That makes you indebted to God, because with Him, you wouldn’t have that heartbeat.

 

”What We Have In Christ”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
101815

Q&A: “Born of water?”, “Woman in Rev. 12?”, “Doctrines of devils?”, “Red/Blood Moons?”

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***At Solid Rock Bible Church, if you have a question about the Bible, doctrine, faith or anything related to your spiritual walk with God, we have a “Question Box” where you can deposit those questions.  Pastor Ed then researches each one and give answers from the Word of God to help you grow in your faith !

***************

 QUESTION:   

“What does being “born of water” actually mean ?”

***************

ANSWER:

John  3:5-8  “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

“Born of water” = physical birth.  When a child is born from a mother’s womb this is the physical birth, or water birth.

“Born again”  or “Born of the Spirit” = salvation.  When a person places their faith in Jesus, repents of their sins and is made a new creation.

***************

 QUESTION:   

“In Revelation 12, who is this woman that is spoken of in verse 12 and why was the serpent trying to drown her ?”

***************

ANSWER:

WHO IS THE WOMAN ?

 REVELATION 12:12-17   Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.  And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.  And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.  And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.  And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The “Woman” is Israel, the Jewish people.

Revelation 12:4  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 

Verse 4 refers to the devil as the dragon, and we remember how he tried to destroy Jesus when He was a child.

Revelation 12:5-6  And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

The “man child” is Jesus, and while Mary was the woman who gave birth to Him, this verse is referring to the people of Israel as a whole, not just the individual.  We see this where it mentions she fled into the wilderness, referring to the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation.

 

WHY IS THE SERPENT TRYING TO DROWN HER ? 

Satan hates Israel.  During the Tribulation, Israel is the only people who trust in Jesus the Messiah.  Therefore, he makes war with her.

 JEWS KILL THE ANTICHRIST.

Revelation 13:14  And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

sword=  3162 μάχαιρα machaira makh’-ahee-rah

1) a large knife, used for killing animals and cutting up flesh

2) a small sword, as distinguished from a large sword

 

THE ANTICHRIST WILL BE ASSASSINATED.

Zechariah 11:16-17  For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.  Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

 

 

BECAUSE JEWS ASSASSINATE THE ANTICHRIST.

Mark 13:14-20  But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:  And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:  And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.  But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!  And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.  For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.  And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***************

 QUESTION:   

“Exactly what is the ‘doctrine of devils’ ?  Can you name them specifically so we can recognize them immediately when we’re confronted with them ?”

***************

1. EXACTLY WHAT IS DOCTRINES OF DEVILS ?

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;

 DECEPTIVE DOCTRINES. Can’t be deceptive unless similar to the real thing.

  –These are lies.

John 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 

SO, ALMOST ANY DOCTRINAL LIE COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO SATAN STARTING IT.

 

2. CAN YOU NAME THEM SPECIFICALLY SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE AND CONFRONT THEM ?

 

  • THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL.    Gets people away from their purpose and the true identity of god.  they make him Santa Claus instead of the Almighty Creator.

 

  • DENY THAT JESUS IS THE ONLY MESSIAH, THE ONLY SAVIOR.

1 John 2:22  Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

 

  • ANOTHER JESUS.   ANOTHER WAY OF SALVATION.

2 Corinthians 11:4  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

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

 

  • THE DOCTRINE THAT SAYS YOU CAN HATE OTHERS, BUT LOVE GOD IS A DOCTRINE FROM THE DEVIL.

1 John 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

 

  • THE DOCTRINE OF SINLESS PERFECTION IS OF THE DEVIL.  (Others can see your sin, but you can’t).

1 John 1:10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

 

  • THE DOCTRINE THAT SAYS MAN WROTE THE BIBLE AND DO NOT ATTRIBUTE ITS WRITING TO GOD.

1 John 5:10  He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

 

THIS IS A SMALL NUMBER OF THE MANY LIES SATAN HAS THROWN AT THE WORLD TODAY.

***************

 QUESTION:   

“Is the blood moon a sign ?”

***************

ANSWER:

Luke 21:25  And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Signs and the moon will play a part in the Last Days, but that doesn’t automatically mean they are God’s signs.  God’s signs typically are not a naturally occurring events.  A Red or Blood moon is a naturally occurring event which is predictable and charted.  It is not a universally seen thing all over the world at the same time.  A true sign from God would be the star the wise men saw – it was not a naturally occurring event, was different than anything that had ever happened before, or since.

Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Signs from God tend to be much bigger than what man can come up with.

Luke 21:11   And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

 

 

”Q&A – “Born of water?”, “Woman in Rev. 12?”, “Doctrines of devils?”, “Red/Blood Moons?” ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
092715

 

WHY DO WE NEED SALVATION ?

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1. BECAUSE WITHOUT GOD WE ARE HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

WE CAN SEE THE RESULTS OF DOING THINGS WITHOUT GOD. FAMILIES WHICH DON’T PUT GOD FIRST INHERIT HUGE AMOUNTS OF PROBLEMS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN, RANGING FROM DRUGS, BOOZE, MURDEROUS FRIENDS, RUN-INS WITH THE LAW, SICKNESSES WHICH CANNOT BE EXPLAINED, AND MANY MORE. JUST BECAUSE A PERSON CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN DOESN’T MEAN THAT HE IS, OR THAT HE FOLLOWS CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES. MOST PEOPLE TODAY WHO CALL THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS LIKE THE IDEA OF GOING TO HEAVEN, BUT HAVE NO COMMITMENT TO PUT GOD FIRST.

Colossians 1:14-17 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

“CONSIST” = literally means “ARE HELD TOGETHER”.  Jesus is the one that holds families together. If you are half-hearted, don’t expect Him to reward that.

2. BECAUSE WE DIE. WE SEE DEATH ALL AROUND US.

Even if you are already saved and are resurrected at the Rapture, you will have to leave this old body behind. It will be completely changed as you ascend.

IF YOU LIVE LONG ENOUGH, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A LOVED ONE DYING. IT IS OBVIOUS.

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

A man once gave a testimony that as a church reader was reading Genesis 5, he thought how boring this passage was. It was just a list of different people, and how long they lived, who their kids were.  He was young, and had never thought about himself dying. Suddenly, as he was listening he realized that one thing each person listed had in common was that they all died.  Some lived longer, some had more children, but they all died.  He understood that God was speaking with him about death and his need to get ready.

Genesis 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
Genesis 5:8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.
Genesis 5:11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
Genesis 5:14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.
Genesis 5:17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.
Genesis 5:20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.
Genesis 5:27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
Genesis 5:31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.

3. BECAUSE YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT WILL LEAVE THIS BODY ONE DAY . . .

. . . AND WHEN THEY DO, WE NO LONGER HAVE CONTROL OVER WHERE WE END UP. IT IS UP TO GOD TO BRING US TO A PLACE WHERE WE WILL LIVE FOREVER. THE DECISION IS MADE WHILE WE LIVE, NOT AFTER WE DIE.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

4. BECAUSE THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO DISOBEDIENCE, OR SIN.

A. ALL IT TAKES IS ONE SIN TO BREAK THE LAW OF LIFE.

ADAM AND EVE SINNED ONCE, AND SPIRITUALLY DIED. GOD TOLD THEM IT TOOK ONLY ONE ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU DONE THE SAME ? MORE THAN ONCE ?

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

A woman received a phone call telling her that her bank account had been accessed by a hacker, and all her life saving were gone. She was devastated. The voice on the other end said that the bank was committed to getting her money back, but they needed to verify that she was one who held the account. They asked for her social security number, and the account numbers. After which, they thanked her for her cooperation, and hung up. Shortly thereafter, she received a call from the REAL bank informing her that someone had accessed her accounts. The first called was a scam. She never fell for anything like that before. She did only once, and lost everything.

What if a man jumps off the top of a skyscaper ? On the way down, he changes his mind and decides it was the wrong thing to do. He complains that it was his first time to try something so stupid. It didn’t help. He died anyway. He did this only once. That is all it took.

ONE SIN PRODUCES AN AUTOMATIC VERDICT OF GUILT. ONLY ONE SIN !

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

5. BECAUSE EVEN WHEN WE TRY TO DO OUR BEST, WE ARE UNWORTHY TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN WITHOUT GOD.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

OUR FEEBLE EFFORTS ARE NOT TOTALLY PURE OR CLEAN ENOUGH TO MAKE IT INTO HEAVEN.

Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

When faced with the idea that one sin is enough to condemn them to hell, some contend that they are “Good people.” But, consider the number of murderers whose relatives and friends cannot believe they committed a crime. What about their neighbors who say they were always respectful and friendly. Does their good behavior outweigh them killing their children, their wife or others ?

6. BECAUSE OUR CREATOR SAYS THAT WE NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER WHAT HE SAYS ? ONLY GOD CAN DETERMINE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY. THINK ABOUT IT.

What government can give you a home in Heaven ? Which of your friends can bring you safely all the way to Heaven ? None. You relay solely upon God.

Isaiah 55:3  Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Matthew 4:17  From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

JESUS PRESENTED THIS TRUTH TO A MAN WHO WAS VERY RELIGIOUS, KNEW THE BIBLE, AND SEEMED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE. HOW MUCH MROE WOULD THIS APPLY TO EVERY ONE OF US !

John 3:7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

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.

7. GOD PROMISES EVERLASTING LIFE TO THOSE WHOSE SINS ARE TAKEN AWAY AND ERASED.

It doesn’t matter how bad your sins have been, there is a God Who wants to free you from them, and bless you. But, you have to do it HIS way.

WHY WOULD ANYONE TURN DOWN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE FREED FROM THE POWER OF SIN ? WHY WOULD ANYONE PUSH GOD’S LOVE AWAY WHEN THERE IS STILL TIME TO RECEIVE IT ?

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

JESUS SPOKE OF DEATH AND CONFRONTED PEOPLE WITH IT MORE THAN ALL THE PROPHETS.

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;

8. BECAUSE WE CANNOT CONTROL WHAT LIES AHEAD IN A WORLD WE CANNOT SEE RIGHT NOW.

CANNOT GET INTO HEAVEN OR MAKE ANYTHING IN OUR LIVES COUNT WITHOUT HIM.

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.

9. BECAUSE WE ARE UNWORTHY TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN WITHOUT GOD.

Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

”Why Do We Need Salvation ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
092015

What If Nobody Brought Me To JESUS ?

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BRINGING PEOPLE TO JESUS is not the work merely of professional evangelists.
It is the work of every saved person. Each of us has a particular role to play in accomplishing this work. It may be by personal invitation to know Christ as their Saviour. It may be by faithful prayer. It may be by the financial support of God’s work.

And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto Him all that were diseased;
Matthew 14:35

WHERE WOULD YOU BE IF SOMEONE HAD NOT CARED ENOUGH TO GET INVOLVED BEFORE GOD ON YOUR BEHALF ?

1. WHAT IF NOBODY BRINGS THE CHILDREN ?
A. Some would say they would have been just as well off. NOT SO. They got an
earlier taste of the goodness of God, and would carry that seed planted in their
hearts.

And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His
disciples rebuked those that brought them. Mark 10:13

WE MUST BRING THE CHILDREN TO JESUS, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT
WHAT WE WOULD CALL, “GOOD KIDS”. DISCIPLINE IS REQUIRED,
BUT ALL MUST BE GIVEN A CHANCE.

B. Bringing people to Jesus is what makes the community a better place to live.

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases
brought them unto Him; and He laid His hands on everyone of them, and
healed them. Luke 4:40

*THINK OF WHERE THE HIGH CRIME AREAS ARE. THEY ARE WHERE
BIBLE-TEACHING CHURCHES ARE DEAD, OR NON-EXISTENT.

2. WHAT IF WE FEEL THAT WE ARE INCAPABLE OF DOING IT?
*Considering the consequences if we don’t – we must make ourselves capable !
Just as many people go to school to take a course so they will be more
effective in their jobs Christians must take up their Bibles, study them,
kneel before God and submit themselves to the Holy Spirit, so they might improve      over what they could do before.

A. It takes faith to bring people to Jesus.

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed:
and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good
cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Matt. 9:2

B. It’s not enough to bring people to just religious folks.

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Matt. 17:16

C. We can expect the Lord to deal with people honestly. (Not as many religious
people do for their own feelings sakes.)

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him,
he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas,
which is by interpretation, A stone. John 1:42

3. WHAT IF WE FAIL TO CARE FOR THOSE WHO NEED THE HELP OF CHRIST?

1. We will be judged for it.
2. We will allow people to dwell in the false hope that something else can
satisfy their needs.

A. The most unlikely people can be brought to salvation. (No reason to
dismiss their worth to God. He died for them exactly the same way
He died for you.)

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto
them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him,
and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:27

B. Sometimes those beaten up by the world must be brought back to the Lord
for healing.

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine,
and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care
of him. Luke 10:34

C. Believers can be brought out of the prisons of their situations.

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto
them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew
these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into
another place. Acts 12:17