As disciples of Christ, we are called to be like our Master, to live as He lived on this earth. This is not a work we do, but the supernatural power of His Holy Spirit works in and through us to accomplish what He desires. We continue in His Word to seekHis kingdom and His righteousness Facing the opposition that would keep us ignorant in our own rights, we daily learn of our Lord Jesus Christ. With every search, we add line upon line, truth upon truth ~ becoming more and more like Him.
Such is our need and joy of knowing His serenity in the middle of every circumstance. Followingis a heart-rending second sermon from Luke 4 and Jesus’ wilderness experience with the enemy of our souls.
Thine, O Lord is the greatness,
and the power,
and the glory, and the victory,
and the majesty:
for all that is in the heaven
and in the earth is thine;
...riches and honor and might...
Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
We originally intended to use only the word AUTHORITY, but reconsidered when we searched the meanings. Hopefully, the reader will understand our starting with the word AUTHOR used only in the New Testament. G159 Strong’s concordance defines AUTHOR; aitios ī-‘tē-os that in which the cause of anything resides, causative, causing Hence, the author of a cause
God our Father is the cause (author) of creation, the author of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33), in Christ, the author of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9), and the authorof our faith (Hebrews 12:2)
Old Testament H7235 Strong’s Concordance defines AUTHORITY; rabahrä·vä’; be or become great The same word is used for more, much, multiply, and increase
Proverbs 29:2 speaks those who are in authority.
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
New Testament G1849 Strong’s Concordance defines AUTHORITY; exousia eks-ü-sē’-ä;
from G1832 in the sense of ability; force; competency; mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control) delegated influence:—authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. It is the same word used for power. Use the above link to see all references for this word.
Jesus’ Authority
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18
“And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” John 5:27
In Matthew 8:9, the centurion’s recognition of Jesus’ authority was relative to his authority over his soldiers, in that he trusted Jesus to say the word and His servant would be healed.
The people recognized Jesus’ authority in the way He taught and in His authority casting out unclean spirits.
“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.” Mark 1:22
“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”. Luke 4:36
When questioned by the chief priests and the elders about His authority to teach, heal, and command what He did, Jesus asked them a question which they would not answer for fear of disqualifying themselves (Matthew 21:23-27).
Men’s Authority Luke 9:1 records Jesus giving His twelve disciples power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. But when two of them desired to rule with Him, Jesus had to rebuke them, teaching that authority is given by Him but not in this life.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28
Luke 19:17 speaks of the authority given to a good servant; thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Paul’s Authority Paul speaks to Jesus on the road to Damascus of authority he received from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name (Acts 9:14).
“Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.” Acts 26:10; Acts 26:12
Paul’s authority from the chief priests changed to authority from the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:8speaks of Paul’s authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification of the church.
In 1 Timothy 2:2, Paul, recognizing that all is under God’s authority, speaks of praying for all men that are in civil authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Paul speaks to Timothy, instructing him in the area of teaching.
“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” 1 Timothy 2;12
And to the young minister Titus:
“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15
John records in Revelation 13:2 the authority given to the beast.
Final Authority
“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” 1 Corinthians 15:24
There is a promise for those who obey, serve Him, and overcome the opposition.
“The one who conquers (overcomes) and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority (power) over the nations.” Revelation 2:26 (ESV)
He is the first and final authority over all the world ~ giving peace, eternal salvation and faith to His people. With authority and power, He will usher in His new heavens and earth in His timing. He is the author ~ therefore, the authority ~ over all time, over all things and circumstances.
From the beginning of creation to the end of this world, God’s authority stands. He rules in power over all even though not all believe or accept His authority. The antithesis began in the Garden of Eden and will continue until Christ’s second coming when all those against His authority in Christ will be put under His feet ~ all to His glory.
Gracious Father, we praise you for Christ our Lord whom you made to be the author and finisher of our faith when you raised Him from the dead and seated Him at your right hand with authority and power over all things. Enable us to remember through your Spirit and your Word to whom we belong and who we serve. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Fran
Many people come to this particular Lord’s Day to honor or celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A lot of time and money are spent on this day to present a grand performance.
For some, it is simply a season called Easter. Even as for the Christmas season, people who have no thoughts of God join their families or friends for a meal.
Those of a different faith came through our neighborhood this past week, handing out invitations for their once-a-year presentation. It sounded like a spectacular event ~ even to surpass the resurrection, itself.
It was a joy for me to tell them that we plan and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ every Lord’s Day.
They continued to tell me how great their event would be. I continued to tell them how great ours is every week. They left, after asking what church I attended.
Once a year cannot compare to the planning and celebration of Christ’s resurrection every week; as a taste of, and planning toward that final gathering.
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1:10
Faith in a man who actually “rose from the dead” brings us head-on, face-to-face with this man who claimed to be God; died for the “sins of His people;” and was raised in victory over death. His resurrection was the final presentation planned to deliver us once-for-all from death to eternal life (Hebrews 9:24-28).
This man is the center of all of life, for every day and everything.
“I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
Behold I and the children which Godhath given me.
Hebrews 2:12-13
Faith brings us daily to worship at Jesus’ feet and ~ at least ~ weekly, to worship and celebrate His resurrection and our salvation, with His people. We, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, OPC (Reformed) also “remember His death” every week, in the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
We bear no judgment upon those who worship differently; we rejoice greatly in what we have. If they have something we don’t have, we don’t miss or need it. We have Christ, His Word, and Spirit ~ we have everything.
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4
Father, we thank you for another Lord’s Day; for this day of worship with your people. Thank you for each week, remembering what we have heard and learned from your Word; the truth that is transforming us by the renewing of our minds, and conforming us to His image. Thank you for pastors that lead and feed your flock; for your Word and Spirit that continually prepare us for the next Lord’s Day, and for the glory that you have planned for us in that final gathering in Christ. In Jesus’ name, we praise you. Amen. Fran
After posting Three Crosses, Two Crowns, One Sacrifice I wanted to do this follow-up. In that article, images depicted everything clean as if the cross of Christ was never used. The crowns were those of earthly kings. The precious sweet lamb was untouched, alive in the green grass.
As the church plans to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ next Lord’s Day, I am reminded that we seldom think about the events that led to this celebration. Too often we skip the crucifixion and the tomb, forgetting the suffering and the sacrifice that made our salvation sure. Some people can look at blood and gore and are insensitive to it. I, like others, avoid it at all costs. Even the sounds of violence from a distance make me cringe.
Still others will not consider their need for a bloody Savior. The rich man of the South who said, “I don’t need anyone to die for me,” didn’t know his own heart.
Understanding how we are reconciled to God through the blood of His own Son is necessary ~ if we are to experience the power of His love and grace working in and through us.
Even as I continue to study the humility of Christ, I desire the Lord to give me a deeper understanding of His sacrificial atonement. I pray that you, the reader, will receive something of what He is showing me; to know the love that was in the blood that was shed for us; to let that love fill us so that we love Him even more.
And as Paul spoke to the Roman church, let us pray that we are so humbled by His mercy that we respond by offering ourselves as “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2) for our God, “who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.” Ephesians 2:4
A Bloody Crown
Charles Spurgeon said in his sermon The Bloody Crown:
Beloved, I always feel as if my tongue were tied when I come to talk of the sufferings of my Master. I can think of them. I can picture them to myself. I can sit down and weep over them, but I know not how to paint them to others! Did you ever know pen or pencil that could? A Michelangelo or a Raphael might well shrink back from attempting to paint this picture! And the tongue of an archangel might be consumed in the effort to sing the griefs of Him who was loaded with shame because of our shameful transgressions.
“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. John 19:2
And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium;
and they call together the whole band.
And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns,
and put it about his head,
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him,
and bowing their knees worshipped him.
Mark 15:16-19
Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s Gospels record the scourging and mocking right before Jesus was led away to be crucified. But John’s gospel records (and he was an eye witness) Pilate bringing him before the chief priests, the elders, and the crowd before He was led away.
Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! John 19:5
What did Pilate mean by doing this? He may have thought that all the blood would discourage the Jewish leaders and the crowd, but no ~ they wanted more. What they saw from Jesus’ beating and the thorns on His head was not enough. They must have his life. They must see Him destroyed; no matter how much blood it took.
They could not know how powerful that blood would be to save His people ~ and to condemn them. The envy, the anger, the hatred, the malice from the enemy was the very reason that Jesus had to endure such suffering. God knew what was needed to accomplish our redemption ~ an innocent Lamb, a holy man, Himself in human form. He knew that in the presence of sinful men He would be massacred.
At any point, amid the pain and the humiliation from Pilate, the soldiers, and the Jews, Jesus could have shown His power and position as God. Even in His physical weakness He could have spoken the word, or called down heaven and destroyed all or part of Jerusalem. (That would happen later.) But, all that happened was part of the plan for our redemption. Jesus could not turn back now. From the sweat drops of blood in the garden, the betrayal of Judas, the forsaking of the disciples, the mocking of the soldiers, and the crown of shame, He was well into fulfilling the new covenant.
He was revealing the necessity for blood, the reality of atonement through His own blood. To endure all for our sake was the true manner of humility revealed to us.
The pain which He had endured from the scourges caused Him to throb with exquisite anguish—but we read neither of tears nor groans—much less of angry complaints or revengeful threats. He does not seek pity, or make one appeal for leniency. He does not ask why they torture or why they mock. Brave Witness! Courageous Martyr! Suffering exquisitely, You also suffered calmly! Such a perfect frame as His—His body being conceived without sin—He must have been capable of tortures which our bodies, corrupted by sin, cannot feel. Charles Spurgeon
A Bloody Cross
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.Leviticus 17:11
The beatings and the blood on His head did not faze Jesus. He was the central figure in this greatest event in history. It is His story of redemption. The cross, saturated with His blood, is the main scene ~ the turning point for humanity and the gateway leading to eternal life with Him. In the last decade, I have given up watching mere men do this role in plays and movies. It is but an act. No man but Jesus Christ has done this part. It is better to read and meditate on His word for this reality in our own hearts than to see an imitation.
The cross was the means that God had chosen; that Jesus knew He must bear; it was a revelation of God’s love and grace. It is the symbol for us to remember. We wear crosses around our necks. Most of them are gold and silver. None are bloody. But we must remember the blood of the cross of Christ; His life that was shed for us.
That blood was the blood of the new covenant. The beatings and the bloody crown were only the preludes to our own lifeline. Without the blood of His hands, His feet, and His side, there would have been no reconciliation and peace between God and us. I use the words ‘God and us,’ instead of ‘us and God,’ because He is the initiator and the fulfillment of the covenant. We must see the blood, even as He had to see the blood, and therefore passed over our sins.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11
Mark his brow-they have put about it a crown of thorns, and the crimson drops of gore are rushing down his cheeks! . . . But turn aside that purple robe for a moment. His back is bleeding. ..They lift up the thongs, still dripping clots of gore; they scourge and tear his flesh, and make a river of blood to run down his shoulders! This is the shedding of blood without which there is no remission…They fling him to the ground; they nail his hands and feet to the transverse wood, they hoist it in the air…Blood from his head, blood from his hands, blood from his feet. . They pierce his side, and forthwith runneth out blood and water. Charles Spurgeon
A Bloody Sacrifice
“the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
After that tremendous struggle, the strength of Love mastered the weakness of Manhood—He put that cup to His lips and never shrank—He drank right on till not a drop was left! And now the cup of wrath is empty—no trace of the terrible wine of the wrath of God can be found within it! At one tremendous draught of love, the Lord drank destruction dry, forever, for all His people. Charles Spurgeon
The blood on the crown of thorns and the stain on the cross was the blood of Jesus Christ. The pouring out of His blood on the ground was more than a sprinkling and spoke better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 13:24) There was life in that blood, the life of the Son of God who lived for one purpose ~ to lay down His life; to shed His blood for us.
“It is finished.” It was done according to His everlasting covenant. He was the bloody sacrifice for His people. We don’t have to look at a bloody cross anymore, but we must remember it. Nor do we need a crucifix with a figure of a man with no bloodstains.
He left us with two ordinances to remember His sacrifice; baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We need but to be baptized into His death once, but His sacrifice is to be remembered when we come together for worship. Blessed are we who celebrate the resurrection and remember His death with the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day.
Peace Through His Blood Jesus is no longer a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger, or a man on a cross, or wrapped in a linen shroud lying in a tomb. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords living today and forever as our merciful and faithful High Priest; sitting at the right hand of God, having offered the oblation of His blood for His people; making reconciliation for us; and now, as our mediator, interceding for us.
We would be blessed today and tomorrow to read and meditate on the crucifixion of our Lord, so as to come to worship and celebrate this Lord’s Day with a deeper sense of His mercy and grace.
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:2
The blood is one of the strangest, the deepest, the mightiest, and the most heavenly of the thoughts of God. It lies at the very root of both Covenants, but specially of the New Covenant. The difference between the two Covenants is the difference between the blood of beasts, and the blood of the Lamb of God! The power of the New Covenant has no lesser measure than the worth of the blood of the Son of God! Your Christian experience ought to know of no standard of peace with God, and purity from sin, and power over the world, than the blood of Christ can give! If we would enter truly and fully into all the New Covenant is meant to be to us, let us beseech God to reveal to us the worth and the power of the blood of the Covenant, the precious blood of Christ! The Two Covenants Andrew Murray
Dear heavenly Father, just as we cannot paint the picture of Christ, your Son, for others, neither can we put into words our praise and gratitude for so great a salvation, performed as planned and executed in your timing and place. Let the blood of Christ, that is efficacious, doing all that you planned it to do, work in us the power over sin. Cleanse us and keep us always looking to Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran
(Since January 2011, this has been our most-read post. The sequel, A Bloody Crown, A Bloody Cross, A Bloody Sacrifice is scheduled for Friday.)
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There is not only the foreordained plan of God according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11); but also His purpose in all He has planned and does Romans 8:28-29; Ephesians 1:10).
THREE CROSSES
When I consider three men dying on individual crosses at the same time — Jesus being the middleman — I see the significance in this event for all humanity. What is this that took place and was symbolized for us?
Three men were tried and convicted of crimes.
Two men were guilty by reason of their own actions.
Jesus was termed “guilty” by reason of God’s decree
(Acts 4:27-28),
as a substitute for His people who were guilty in their own sins.
(2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18)
TWO CROWNS
A crown in heaven awaited two men. Jesus earned the crown for Himself, in obedience to God’s will — and for the other man. The other man earned nothing for himself but was given the gift of pardon and eternal life in heaven with Jesus.
ONE SACRIFICE
One man for all eternity was offered as a sacrifice for many by God the Father for propitiation; by Jesus’ willingness, and through His one sacrifice took their punishment upon Himself (1 John 4:10).
Christ was crucified in the middle of all humanity. On one side is a man who may represent all unbelievers, who received no mercy, but all that his own sin deserved. On the other side is the man who may represent all believers — those who see and hear and receive Jesus Christ through the message of this “great salvation” for which Jesus died (Hebrews 2:1-3).
All humanity is hanging. All men are born into this world under the “death” penalty.
One group is:
1. Unaware of its condition,
2. Trusting in their own merits, with hope that they can save ourselves, or
3. That someone greater than Jesus Christ will come along and offer a better deal. Without Christ and repentance, these will die in their sins and receive the just penalty—eternal death and hell. (Luke 5:32; 13:3; Acts 5:31; 20:21; Romans 2:4)
One group is:
1. Seeing their condition of sin and misery, their dying, and need of a Savior.
2. Seeing and hearing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. By regeneration of the Holy Spirit (how else could one sinner have turned to Jesus, and not the other?) turning in faith and repentance to Him, alone, for this “great salvation,” promised in and through Him.
With, and in Christ, these are “living” now and forever “unto God” with assurance and the abiding hope that is ours in Him.
On which side do you hang? Is it with those who have no hope, except for what they can do for themselves or by their works — alone for the rest of this life and eternity?
Which cross have you been given?
Be joyful if you can “envision” Jesus next to you, having suffered the penalty that you deserve. Be thankful if He has bid you to look to Him, “the only begotten Son of God” who hung in your place. Praise Him if He has been “high and lifted up” for you.
As a “new-born” believer be adamant, fervent, and diligent as you “present your body to Him as a living sacrifice.” By the power of His grace “live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age” (Romans 12:1-2; Titus 2:12).
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
Dear Father, we thank you and praise you for the continual reminder by your Holy Spirit of the sacrifice that you and your Son made in that time of history, for your love for us and the eternal hope you give for all believers. Enable us to remember who we are in Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen. Fran Music:When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Most Christians go all-out this season of the year to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the need of Christ’s resurrection the rest of the year? It is important that we as His disciples look into God’s word for His purpose for Christ’s death and resurrection. We are not covering this topic thoroughly but want to shed some light on this special time in the history of our Lord. The whole of God’s Word is to be studied in order to grasp the full meaning of this glorious victory that needs our attention and celebration every day of the year. We will post this week through next Lord’s Day our most-read articles on the subject of Jesus’ work for our salvation.
To Fulfill the Scriptures
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
For New Life, Testing, Praise, Honor, and Glory of Jesus Christ
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:3-7
For our Justification:
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:25
For our Assurance, Faith and Hope
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:21
And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 1 Corinthians 6:14
To Reveal God’s Power
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,Ephesians 1:20
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:6
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10
That We May Be Conformed to His Image
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28-29
That We May Follow in His Footsteps
Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation
for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us,
we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:10-11
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. 1 John 3:16
Dear Father, keep us this day and every day in the reality of your redemption, loving you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. Make the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ an ever-present working in our hearts and lives for everyday worship in spirit and truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
One meaning for attend, our Word of Life for this week, is taken from the same Hebrew word as attentivewhich we have studied already, but with variations. This study reminded me of teaching my grandchildren these three words concerning the Word of the Lord: HEAR, HIDE and HEED. We must HEAR Him speaking to us even as we read. We must meditate and memorize ~ HIDE it in our hearts. We must live by it ~ HEED what we READ.
Old Testament H7181 Strong’s Concordance defines ATTEND, qashab kä·shav’; to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen. The same word is used for hear and hearken.
“Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.” Psalm 142:6
Soloman uses the word attend as to a son and to children.
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.” Proverbs 4:20
“My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:” Proverbs 5:1
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.” Proverbs 4:1
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The word H995 biyn bene is used in Job 32:12; meaning to perceive, discern, understand, consider relating to God as He spoke to Job’s accusers. Nothing was hidden from His understanding and consideration of the things they had spoken.
“Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:”
New Testament G4337 Strong’s Concordance defines ATTEND, prosechō pros-e’-khō; give attention to, take heed; to devote thought and effort to. The same word is used for heed and beware
“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” Acts 16:14
Paul writes to Timothy of his need for attendance and devotion to God’s Word
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
1 Timothy 4:13
The writer of Hebrews 7:13 speaks of the attendance of a priest at the altar
“For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.”
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G4342 proskartereō pros-kär-te-re’-ō;to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing. We find a different word here in Romans 13:6 relating to those in civil authority who act as God’s ministers over evil.
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Still another meaning is the following word and reference. G2145 euprosedros yü-pro’s-e-dros; sitting constantly by, devoted
In this context, Paul is speaking to those who are single to encourage their constant devotion to the Lord. that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:35).
Whether in a civil office or as the Lord’s personal servant, we are to give attention to, take heed, to devote ourselves to the Lord and His Word ~ to sit constantly by in devotion to our Lord.
Our Father in heaven, you know well our thoughts and distractions. Work in our hearts by your Holy Spirit, drawing us continually to your Word ~ to our Lord and Master who steadfastly devoted Himself to your Holy will. Open our eyes to our Savior and High Priest who daily attends to our needs ~ at your right hand making intercession for us ~ and here with us ~ for your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Fran
The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
Isaiah 50:4
The closer Jerry and I come to the riverside, the more vivid the other side is becoming. What is behind is fading away, holding less of our interest. And we desire with grateful hearts for others to see what we see.
In the last twenty-seven years, I have been saving in notebooks and file boxes treasures the Lord has given me. Before I started to publish books written over the years, I had no special need to edit. Since beginning to publish three years ago, I want to make clear what the Lord has given .
The kingdom of our Father is too great for me to minimize, so I pray and desire that His glory be expressed as best as I can by the power of His Holy Spirit.
The grace of our Lord is so precious that I cannot present it apart from His Holy presence in the text.
His love is so needed by His children that I dare not paint a false picture with the brush of my own thoughts.
Editing is not only necessary for publishing books, but a great need in everything we write, in everything we say, and in everything we do. Editing is not just something we do ~ as much as we attempt ~ but it requires another editor to correct what we cannot see in our own writing, speaking, and living.
I have other editors but my trust is in the Holy Spirit ~ editor and guide ~proofing everything by His Holy Word.
The Lord continues to teach me that I am proclaiming His kingdom of righteousness and grace for His glory. His purpose for giving me the truths and gifts of His Spirit and Word are to edify His people.
Our books are primarily an archive for future generations but we are making them available for His people everywhere, hoping that those who are distressed in this generation may receive a word of encouragement and edification even as we are being taught and edified through His Word and His church ~ passing on any profits to missions and charity.
Writing this post has impressed upon my heart the importance for God’s people to speak the truth in love wherever we are. We need to edit as much as we can while praying for the Holy Spirit to work in us to discern if our thoughts are aligned with His.
Is our speaking and writing for the purpose of edification? All we do should be for the building up of His people ~ His body ~ His church. In the following references, we see the meaning and importance of edification.
Ephesians 4:29 relates to our personal speech so as to edify those who hear us.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
These relate to what is being taught.
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Timothy 1:4
Paul writes to the Romans and the Thessalonians of edifying one another.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. Romans 15:2
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The following are in reference to spiritual gifts; that they should be to the edifying and comfort of the members of the church.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12
Paul writes of his relationship to the Corinthian church.
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 2 Corinthians 10:8
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1 Corinthians 10:23
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
2 Corinthians 12:19
Paul writes to the Ephesians of the edifying of the whole body of Christ.
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4;12
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.Ephesians 4:16
Gracious Father, thank you for revealing the brightness of your glory through your Son, Jesus Christ. By your Holy Spirit, take away those things of our own thoughts so that nothing stands in the way of your truth. So encourage our hearts that we only speak what edifies your people. Let the light of Christ shine through us to reveal your love and grace ~ for your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran
(Written on the afternoon of the Lord’s Day, September 23, 2001)
Imagine a soldier in the service of his country who is given an order. Instead of obeying, he says, “I cannot because I have something else to do.” Or he says, “Let me check with my wife to see if we have other plans.”
As ludicrous as this sounds, was this not Adam’s reason for his dishonorable discharge. And is it not the reason for so many who fail to obey their call to active duty as soldiers of the cross. Our calling on this day of each week is to be in His house of worship to praise Him and to hear His Word, to renew our covenant with Him, and receive His grace for the following week.
In the afternoon of a Lord’s day in 2001, I was thinking of the gift of righteousness, the unspeakable gift of His grace, and the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). My heart was quickened in the understanding of our Father’s overwhelming love and His redeeming grace for us (1 John 4:10).
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 9:15
We can give to Him only what He has given to us ~ our time and worship, our talents and all this life. The love, the gifts, and fruit of the Spirit ~ all that is from Him ~ when used for His glory, He gives again and again.
Dear Father in heaven, thank you that your grace continues to bring the fruit of the life of Christ in and through us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit today that we may worship you in spirit and truth; to spend this day faithfully with you. Prepare us to serve you this week. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran
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by God the Father for propitiation; by Jesus’ willingness, and through His one sacrifice took their punishment upon Himself (
Paul writes to Timothy of his need for attendance and devotion to God’s Word
God's Grace ~ God's Glory! 