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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

Deliberately Dense

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

ARE YOU SPIRITUAL

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Are You Spiritual

 

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

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

 

1. A SPIRITUAL PERSON THINKS ABOUT SPIRITUAL THINGS.

THEY ARE NOT OVERWHELMED WITH WORLDLY THOUGHTS.

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

2. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS A DISCERNER.

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

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

3. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

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

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

4. A SPIRITUAL PERSON CONFIRMS WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. A SPIRITUAL PERSON HAS DEEPER UNDERSTANDING.

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

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

 

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

WHAT WE DO NOT SEE

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What We Do Not See

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

1. THE UNSEEN HELP FOR US ALL.

A. BLESSINGS WE NEED.

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

B. WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE FATHER.

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

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

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

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

A. THAT IS THE BASIS FOR OUR FAITH.

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

 

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

NOT HEARING GOD’S VOICE

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NOT HEARING GOD’S VOICE

 

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

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

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

 

1. GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2. SQUASH THE DISTRACTIONS.

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

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

B. OVERWHELMED BY YOUR OWN VOICE AND GOALS.

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

BAALIM.

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

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

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

C. THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS TO DO.

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

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

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

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

D. NOT ENOUGH DEDICATION TO STUDY THE WORD.

 

3. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT CONDITIONS.

A. SOME CANNOT RECEIVE ANSWERS.

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

B. YOU HAVE TO HAVE SPIRITUAL ROOTS TO HEAR.

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

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

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

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

WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO ?

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WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO ?

 

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

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

 

1. HOLDING ONTO THEM REQUIRES CONTINUAL EFFORT.

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

A. THE DEVIL WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.

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

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

B. THE FLESH WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should we be shocked, surprised ? No.

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

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

 

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

A. SOMETIMES FAR FROM IT.

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

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

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

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

C. THE FLESH TRIES FUTILE COVER-UPS.

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

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

3. PRESERVE THEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT APPEARS PHYSICALLY.

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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