Dear KMAG: 20210523 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

Wheat . . . Or Weeds?

²⁴. . . “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; ²⁵but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went his way. ²⁶But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the weeds also appeared. ²⁷So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ ²⁸He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the weeds you also uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ” (Matthew 13:24-30)

In the agricultural society of Christ’s time, many farmers depended on the quality of their crops. An enemy sowing weeds would have sabotaged a business. The weeds in the parable were likely darnel because that weed, until mature, appears as wheat. What would a wise farmer do in such a dilemma? Instead of tearing out the wheat with the weeds, the landowner in this parable wisely waited until the harvest. After harvesting the whole field, the weeds could be separated and burned. The wheat would be saved in the barn.

In the explanation of parable, Christ declares that He Himself is the sower. He spreads His redeemed seed, true believers, in the field of the world. Through His grace, these Christians bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24). Their presence on earth is the reason the “kingdom of heaven” is like the field of the world. When Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17; Mark 3:2), He meant the spiritual realm which exists on earth side by side with the realm of the evil one (1 John 5:19). When the kingdom of heaven comes to its fruition, heaven will be a reality and there will be no “weeds” among the “wheat.” But for now, both good and bad seeds mature in the world.

The enemy in the parable is Satan. In opposition to Jesus Christ, the devil tries to destroy Christ’s work by placing false believers and teachers in the world who lead many astray.

But we are not to pursue such people in an effort to destroy them. For one thing, we don’t know if immature and innocent believers might be injured by our efforts. Further, one has only to look at the Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, and the reign of “Bloody Mary” in England to see the results of men taking upon themselves the responsibility of separating true believers from false, a task reserved for God alone. Instead of requiring these false believers to be rooted out of the world, and possibly hurting immature believers in the process, Christ allows them to remain until His return. At that time, angels will separate the true from false believers.

In addition, we are not to take it upon ourselves to uproot unbelievers because the difference between true and false believers isn’t always obvious. Weeds, especially in the early stages of growth, resemble wheat. Likewise, a false believer may resemble a true believer. In Matthew 7:22, Jesus warned that many profess faith but do not know Him. Thus, each person should examine his own relationship with Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5). First John is an excellent test of salvation.

Jesus Christ will one day establish true righteousness. After He raptures the true church out of this world, God will pour out His righteous wrath on the world. During that tribulation, He will draw others to saving faith in Jesus Christ. At the end of the tribulation, all unbelievers will be judged for their sin and unbelief; then, they will be removed from God’s presence. True followers of Christ will reign with Him. What a glorious hope for the “wheat”!

*https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-wheat-tares.html

Glory Train

The track is all clear, the switches are thrown
The Glory Train’s coming; we’re going home
It may be soon or the sweet by and by
We’ll not know the day; so don’t even try

Now, at the station, the platform is full
But all is not quiet; some push, some pull
Many evil men fight to be the king
They want control over everything

Others wait patiently, doing good deeds
Helping those that hurt and in great need
They know the train will be coming for them
And long for peace, not the platform’s mayhem

All ticketholders are ready to leave
They’ll go aboard, all who truly believe
They trusted God and God’s only Son
Marked by God’s Spirit for when the train comes

Life on the platform goes on without end
But one day the train speeds around the bend
Many in the crowd raise a rousing cheer
While others are shocked and cower in fear

The Conductor calls out “Welcome! Come aboard!”
“All you who believe and trust in our Lord!”
“By faith you believed, now God’s Day is come”
“Your race is over, your victory’s won”

Then a strong voice, with trumpet and shout
By God’s Holy Power calls the dead out
They rise from their sleep and all board the train
Wearing bright, white garments, freed from all stain

Then those here waiting respond to the call
Tears flowing freely in wondrous thrall
All climb aboard to their purchased place
Paid for by Christ by God’s mercy and grace

The ones left on the platform weep and wail
They put themselves first, now they know they’ve failed
Their faith was only in the world and man
They fought against God and ignored His plan

Now, without God, they must find their own way
Living in sin until the Judgment Day
When they’ll kneel to Christ, unable to stand
And from God’s presence eternally banned

The doors all close and the train pulls away
Oh, what a glorious sight on that Day!
Up through the clouds in the blink of an eye
Then huge Pearly Gates appear in the sky

Into Heaven’s Realm, we’re nearing our home
Of perfect peace and joy, never to roam
Just over the river, close by the shore
There we’ll debark for our forever more

The train slows and stops, the golden bells ring
What a great welcome as the angels sing!
The old has all gone; we’re changed new and free
All of us sing and shout the victory!

We now have arrived at our Promised Land
With calm, deep blue seas and warm, white sands
And across the river, green fields and hills
With sparkling lakes , so peaceful and still

Oneness fills all, and love that doesn’t cease
And abiding joy, and deep, heartfelt peace
Giving God all the glory and our praise
Throughout all time for Eternity’s days

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Dear KMAG: 20210516 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

How Big Is Your God?

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. (1 Chronicles 29:11)

Robert D. Wilson (1856-1930) was a Presbyterian scholar who devoted his life to showing the Hebrew Bible’s reliability. In proving the accuracy of the Old Testament manuscripts, Wilson learned 45 languages, including all languages into which the Scriptures had been translated up to 600 AD. He was a Professor at Princeton Seminary and Westminster Seminary.

Wilson went to hear one of his students (Donald Barnhouse) preach and said, “I came to see if you are a Big-Godder or a little-godder, then I know how your life and ministry will unfold.” Wilson explained that people with a little god are always in trouble. Their god can’t create or do miracles. He can’t forgive big sins or help people change their lives in big ways. Their little god can’t take care of the Scriptures’ inspiration and transmission to us. He doesn’t intervene for His people or answer prayer. These people have a little god who is really no god at all.

Others have the great, awesome, almighty, invincible God—the Lord of the Bible—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This God speaks and it is done; He commands and it stands firm; He shows Himself strong on behalf of those who love, fear, trust, and obey Him. Dr. Wilson said, “You, young man are a Big-Godder, and the Lord will bless your life and ministry. He will use you for His praise.”

Christ can save, He can cleanse, He can keep, and He will. Christ can do anything but fail. He’s the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. God can do anything, anything, anything. God can do anything but fail.

Near age 70, Wilson finished a lecture on the trustworthiness of Scripture and said to his students, tears streaming down his face: “There are many mysteries in life I can’t understand, many things hard to explain. But I can tell you with absolute assurance: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

God said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” …And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin….” (Exodus 33:19; 34:6-7)

How big is your God? How much is He in control? Does He have the whole world and you in His hands? Is He big enough to win against sin, Satan, death, disease, and all false religions?

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

* https://wohbm.org/are-you-a-big-godder/

Well, then, if God is a Big God . . .

Why is it that bad things happen to good people?

We live in a world of pain and suffering. There is no one who is not affected by the harsh realities of life, and the question “why do bad things happen to good people?” is one of the most difficult questions in all of theology. God is sovereign, so all that happens must have at least been allowed by Him, if not directly caused by Him. At the outset, we must acknowledge that human beings, who are not eternal, infinite, or omniscient, cannot expect to fully understand God’s purposes and ways.

The book of Job deals with the issue of why God allows bad things to happen to good people. Job was a righteous man (Job 1:1), yet he suffered in ways that are almost beyond belief. God allowed Satan to do everything he wanted to Job except kill him, and Satan did his worst. What was Job’s reaction? “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21). Job did not understand why God had allowed the things He did, but he knew God was good and therefore continued to trust in Him. Ultimately, that should be our reaction as well.

Why do bad things happen to good people? As hard as it is to acknowledge, we must remember that there are no “good” people, in the absolute sense of the word. All of us are tainted by and infected with sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). As Jesus said, “No one is good—except God alone” (Luke 18:19). All of us feel the effects of sin in one way or another. Sometimes it’s our own personal sin; other times, it’s the sins of others. We live in a fallen world, and we experience the effects of the fall. One of those effects is injustice and seemingly senseless suffering.

When wondering why God would allow bad things to happen to good people, it’s also good to consider these four things about the bad things that happen:

1) Bad things may happen to good people in this world, but this world is not the end. Christians have an eternal perspective: “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). We will have a reward some day, and it will be glorious.

2) Bad things happen to good people, but God uses those bad things for an ultimate, lasting good. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). When Joseph, innocent of wrongdoing, finally came through his horrific sufferings, he was able to see God’s good plan in it all (see Genesis 50:19–21).

3) Bad things happen to good people, but those bad things equip believers for deeper ministry. “Praise be to . . . the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5). Those with battle scars can better help those going through the battles.

4) Bad things happen to good people, and the worst things happened to the best Person. Jesus was the only truly Righteous One, yet He suffered more than we can imagine. We follow in His footsteps: “If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:20–23). Jesus is no stranger to our pain.

Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Despite the sinful nature of the people of this world, God still loves us. Jesus loved us enough to die to take the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23). If we receive Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16; Romans 10:9), we will be forgiven and promised an eternal home in heaven (Romans 8:1).

God allows things to happen for a reason. Whether or not we understand His reasons, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful (Psalm 135:3). Often, bad things happen to us that we simply cannot understand. Instead of doubting God’s goodness, our reaction should be to trust Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). We walk by faith, not by sight.

* https://www.gotquestions.org/bad-things-good-people.html

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 58:13-14

Dear KMAG: 20210509 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

One of the major problems with Liberals in politics and government is that they act as if they intuitively know the solution to every problem they address. It doesn’t matter at all if their solution flies in the face of fact, logic, practicality, common sense or the will of the people. Liberal government officials are not servants of the people . . . they rule the people. It’s their will that will be done and they will use the power of their office to ignore, redefine or selectively apply the law to create an agenda to implement their infallible intuitive solutions.

So it is with Liberals in Christianity . . . after all they have the same type character and hold the same type of beliefs as the Liberals in politics and government. They know better than God’s Word and aren’t afraid to ignore or redefine parts of God’s Word to suit their personal interpretations.

Give Liberals in politics and government some authority and some time and they will ruin our country. And so it is in Christianity with Liberals. Some are in positions they recognize as authority and with the time they have had, they’re doing their best to attempt to ruin Christianity.

Liberal Theology

In liberal Christian teaching, which is not Christian at all, man’s reason is stressed and is treated as the final authority. Liberal theologians seek to reconcile Christianity with secular science and modern thinking. In doing so, they treat science as all-knowing and the Bible as fable-laden and false. Genesis’ early chapters are reduced to poetry or fantasy, having a message, but not to be taken literally (in spite of Jesus’ having spoken of those early chapters in literal terms). Mankind is not seen as totally depraved, and thus liberal theologians have an optimistic view of the future of mankind. The social gospel is also emphasized, while the inability of fallen man to fulfill it is denied. Whether a person is saved from his sin and its penalty in hell is no longer the issue; the main thing is how man treats his fellow man. “Love” of our fellow man becomes the defining issue. As a result of this “reasoning” by liberal theologians, the following doctrines are taught by liberal quasi-Christian theologians:

1) The Bible is not “God-breathed” and has errors. Because of this belief, man (the liberal theologians) must determine which teachings are correct and which are not. Belief that the Bible is “inspired” (in that word’s original meaning) by God is only held by simpletons. This directly contradicts 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2) The virgin birth of Christ is a mythological false teaching. This directly contradicts Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 2.

3) Jesus did not rise again from the grave in bodily form. This contradicts the resurrection accounts in all four Gospels and the entire New Testament.

4) Jesus was a good moral teacher, but His followers and their followers have taken liberties with the history of His life (there were no “supernatural” miracles), with the Gospels having been written many years later and merely ascribed to the early disciples in order to give greater weight to their teachings. This contradicts the 2 Timothy passage and the doctrine of the supernatural preservation of the Scriptures by God.

5) Hell is not real. Man is not lost in sin and is not doomed to some future judgment without a relationship with Christ through faith. Man can help himself; no sacrificial death by Christ is necessary since a loving God would not send people to such a place as hell and since man is not born in sin. This contradicts Jesus Himself, who declared Himself to be the Way to God, through His atoning death (John 14:6).

6) Most of the human authors of the Bible are not who they are traditionally believed to be. For instance, they believe that Moses did not write the first five books of the Bible. The book of Daniel had two authors because there is no way that the detailed “prophecies” of the later chapters could have been known ahead of time; they must have been written after the fact. The same thinking is carried over to the New Testament books. These ideas contradict not only the Scriptures but historical documents which verify the existence of all the people whom the liberals deny.

7) The most important thing for man to do is to “love” his neighbor. What is the loving thing to do in any situation is not what the Bible says is good but what the liberal theologians decide is good. This denies the doctrine of total depravity, which states that man is incapable of doing anything good and loving (Jeremiah 17:9) until He has been redeemed by Christ and given a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).

There are many pronouncements of Scripture against those who would deny the deity of Christ (2 Peter 2:1)—which liberal Christianity does. Scripture also denounces those who would preach a different gospel from what was preached by the apostles (Galatians 1:8)—which is what the liberal theologians do in denying the necessity of Christ’s atoning death and preaching a social gospel in its place. The Bible condemns those who call good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20)—which some liberal churches do by embracing homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle while the Bible repeatedly condemns its practice.

Scripture speaks against those who would cry “peace, peace” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14)—which liberal theologians do by saying that man can attain peace with God apart from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and that man need not worry about a future judgment before God. The Word of God speaks of a time when men will have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5)—which is what liberal theology does in that it says that there is some inner goodness in man that does not require a rebirth by the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ. And it speaks against those who would serve idols instead of the one true God (1 Chronicles 16:26)—which liberal Christianity does in that it creates a false god according to its own liking rather than worshiping God as He is described in the whole of the Bible.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! (Galatians 1:6-9)

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 58:13-14

Dear KMAG: 20210425 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

God’s Purpose of Prophecy

Between a fourth and a third of the Bible is prophecy. So it’s clear that prophecy is important to God. But why is prophecy important to Him? And why should it be important to us?

Prophecy reveals who and what God is – prophecy reveals God’s greatness and power—power such that He is able to reveal the future. In Isaiah 42, He connects His creative power with His ability to reveal the future long before it comes to pass:

“This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: ‘. . . I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you'” (Isaiah 42:5, Isaiah 42:8-9)

No one or nothing can compare to God in his might and majesty. No other can speak and bring galaxies, stars and worlds into existence! No other can create living beings from nothing! And no other can declare what will happen before it takes place!

Prophecy reveals that God exists and that the Bible is His revealed Word.

Critics sidestep the plain evidence that God exists and that the Bible is His revealed word and offer all kinds of convoluted reasoning to explain it away. But God offers this challenge to any who would doubt Him:

“This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come—yes, let him foretell what will come . . . Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?” (Isaiah 44:6-8, NIV).

History itself is a witness that God foretold many events hundreds and thousands of years before they happened, then brought them to pass exactly as He said. God put it in writing well ahead of time where it can be easily disproven if it doesn’t come to pass. Yet time and time again, what He has written has taken place just as He foretold!

The Bible is unlike any other religious “holy book” in many respects, but one enormous difference is that the Bible alone contains hundreds of prophecies that have been fulfilled just as they were recorded years ahead of time—and with hundreds more waiting to be fulfilled.

Prophecy shows that God is in ultimate control.

Not only can God reveal the future well ahead of time, but He can also bring to pass what He has foretold. In Isaiah 46:9-10 He declares plainly that no one or no thing can remotely approach His power, using prophecy as an example:

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come” (NIV). He ends this statement saying, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (NIV).

Clearly, only God can do this.

The biblical prophet Daniel, who served under the rulers of Babylon and the Medo-Persian Empire, said that God “removes kings and raises up kings” and “reveals deep and secret things” (Daniel 2:21-22). Daniel had no doubts when it came to this great truth about God. Daniel was a senior royal advisor to the court of Babylon with a front-row seat to God removing, restoring and replacing kings—and even striking down a mighty empire when it came time to move on to the next great phase of Bible prophecy.

God is in complete and ultimate control, raising up and striking down kings and empires according to His plan and to fulfill His purpose!

Prophecy reveals the consequences of obedience and disobedience.

A theme found again and again in Bible prophecy is that choices and actions have consequences. Paul summarized this very well in Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Two long chapters of the Bible—Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28—spell this out clearly. They describe in considerable detail what happens when a nation chooses to obey and honor God and what results when a nation turns its back and disobeys Him.

“Now it shall come to pass,” begins Deuteronomy 28:1-2, “if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God . . .”

The chapter goes on to describe blessings of agricultural and other material abundance, good health, national respect and prestige, victory in conflict, divine protection, good weather, national wealth and more.

“But it shall come to pass,” the chapter’s warning begins Deuteronomy 28:15, “if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you . . .”

The curses that follow are the opposite of the blessings just listed—agricultural and material decline, “rebuke in all that you set your hand to do,” diseases, drought, military defeat, mental illness and confusion, oppression by foreigners and invaders, natural disasters and more.

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies,” God declares (Deuteronomy 28:47-48). The warning continues with graphic and sobering details of what happens when civilization and moral standards begin to completely break down, leading to utter depravity.

The ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah failed to heed these warnings, and they stand as an example to nations such as the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and others who’ve been greatly blessed by God but now increasingly deny Him and trample His laws and Word underfoot. Their fate is likewise spelled out in prophecy if they refuse to turn from that treacherous path!

Prophecy reveals God’s will—that He wants all to receive His gift of salvation.

Much of Bible prophecy is grim and at times frightening. God wants us to understand the painful consequences that will follow from choosing the wrong way and the blessings that come from obeying Him.

God doesn’t want any of us to suffer. In Ezekiel, He says: “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'” (Ezekiel 33:11).

The prophecies of the Bible almost always end with hope and good news. This is because, as Paul told Timothy, God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

And Bible prophecy reveals how that wonderful truth will play out!

Prophecy reveals God’s plan for humanity.

Bible prophecy reveals that God is working out an incredible plan for us, a plan for how He will bring us to salvation and eternal life in His divine family.

“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).

God’s promise is that as His divine children, we will be like the glorified Jesus Christ!

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).

Few realize this truth, but God’s plan for us is to serve Him as priests and to reign with Jesus Christ when He establishes the Kingdom of God on earth!

Prophecy should motivate us to repent and turn to God.

Jeremiah (25:4-5) summarizes the message of God’s prophets to His people: “The Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets . . . They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings . . .'”

Peter (2 Peter 3:9) tells us: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.

God says: “The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.” (Jeremiah 18:7-8)

God sent Jonah to warn the Ninevites of their judgment and impending doom for their wickedness. The Ninevites believed God and repented. As a result, “God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it” (Jonah 3:10).

The message of every prophet of the Bible is that if we turn our life around, listen to God and heed His warnings and change, we can avoid the terrible times prophesied to come on our world.

All prophecy is ultimately a message of hope. We have God’s assurance that He is in perfect control, that He is a God of love (1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16), that His desire is for us to turn to Him in heartfelt repentance and turn our lives over to Him. If and when we do so, He promises to bless and care for us, intent on fulfilling His purpose for us.

He tells us what we must do in Isaiah 55:6-7: “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

God shows us in His Word His vital purposes for prophecy. More than anything, He gives us prophecy to help us understand who and what He is and how much we need Him.

*https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/gods-purpose-for-prophecy

Can you imagine . . . no, you can’t.

Neither can I.

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Dear KMAG: 20210418 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

All Must Be Fulfilled . . .

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Luke 24:27) Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. (Luke 24:44)

Bible Prophecy

Of the several ways Bible prophecies can be classified, classification as “Direct”, “Indirect”, or “Type” (typical or example) is one of the ways.

A Direct Messianic prophecy identifies the subject of the prophecy as the Messiah (there are more than 20 names for the Messiah in the Old Testament) and then makes a statement about the Messiah.
For example – the promise in Micah 5:2 that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

An Indirect Messianic prophecy doesn’t identify the Messiah as the subject, but is recognized as a Messianic prophecy after its fulfillment.
For example – the statement in Hosea 11:1 that Jesus would be brought out of Egypt and back to the land of Israel (Matthew 2:14-15).

A Type Messianic prophecy is an event as an example, as a prophecy that has no direct reference to the future, but illustrates the concept or actions of the Messiah.
For example – the Messiah who was to come was portrayed as the bronze serpent, which was lifted up on a pole (Numbers 21:19; John 3:14), and as the Passover lamb (Exodus 12; John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19).

Messianic Prophecies

The following are 47 of the more straight forward Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah. The probability that one person could satisfy all these are absolutely minuscule, but, then, here we are . . .

47 Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus as Messiah
Prophecies about Jesus	Old Testament Scripture	New Testament Fulfillment
Messiah would be born of a woman.	Genesis 3:15	Matthew 1:20 Galatians 4:4
Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.	Micah 5:2	Matthew 2:1 Luke 2:4-6
Messiah would be born of a virgin.	Isaiah 7:14	Matthew 1:22-23 Luke 1:26-31
Messiah would come from the line of Abraham.	Genesis 12:3 Genesis 22:18	Matthew 1:1 Romans 9:5
Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac.	Genesis 17:19 Genesis 21:12	Luke 3:34
Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob.	Numbers 24:17	Matthew 1:2
Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah.	Genesis 49:10	Luke 3:33 Hebrews 7:14
Messiah would be heir to King David’s throne.	2 Samuel 7:12-13 Isaiah 9:7	Luke 1:32-33 Romans 1:3
Messiah’s throne will be anointed and eternal.	Psalm 45:6-7 Daniel 2:44	Luke 1:33 Hebrews 1:8-12
Messiah would be called Immanuel.	Isaiah 7:14	Matthew 1:23
Messiah would spend a season in Egypt.	Hosea 11:1	Matthew 2:14-15
A massacre of children would happen at Messiah’s birthplace.	Jeremiah 31:15	Matthew 2:16-18
A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah.	Isaiah 40:3-5	Luke 3:3-6
Messiah would be preceded by a forerunner.	Malachi 3:1	Matthew 11:10
Messiah would be rejected by his own people.	Psalm 69:8 Isaiah 53:3	John 1:11 John 7:5
Messiah would be a prophet.	Deuteronomy 18:15	Acts 3:20-22
Messiah would be preceded by Elijah.	Malachi 4:5-6	Matthew 11:13-14
Messiah would be declared the Son of God.	Psalm 2:7	Matthew 3:16-17
Messiah would be called a Nazarene.	Isaiah 11:1	Matthew 2:23
Messiah would bring light to Galilee.	Isaiah 9:1-2	Matthew 4:13-16
Messiah would speak in parables.	Psalm 78:2-4 Isaiah 6:9-10	Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35
Messiah would be sent to heal the brokenhearted.	Isaiah 61:1-2	Luke 4:18-19
Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.	Psalm 110:4	Hebrews 5:5-6
Messiah would be called King.	Psalm 2:6 Zechariah 9:9	Matthew 27:37 Mark 11:7-11
Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a donkey.	Zechariah 11:12	Matthew 21:4-5
Messiah would be praised by little children.	Psalm 8:2	Matthew 21:16
Messiah would be betrayed.	Psalm 41:9 Zechariah 11:12-13	Luke 22:47-48 Matthew 26:14-16
Messiah’s price money would be used to buy a potter’s field.	Zechariah 11:12-13	Matthew 27:9-10
Messiah would be falsely accused.	Psalm 35:11	Mark 14:57-58
Messiah would be silent before his accusers.	Isaiah 53:7	Mark 15:4-5
Messiah would be spat upon and struck.	Isaiah 50:6	Matthew 26:67
Messiah would be hated without cause.	Psalm 35:19 Psalm 69:4	John 15:24-25
Messiah would be crucified with criminals.	Isaiah 53:12	Matthew 27:38 Mark 15:27-28
Messiah would be given vinegar to drink.	Psalm 69:21	Matthew 27:34 John 19:28-30
Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced.	Psalm 22:16 Zechariah 12:10	John 20:25-27
Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed.	Psalm 22:7-8	Luke 23:35
Soldiers would gamble for Messiah’s garments.	Psalm 22:18	Luke 23:34 Matthew 27:35-36
Messiah’s bones would not be broken.	Exodus 12:46 Psalm 34:20	John 19:33-36
Messiah would be forsaken by God.	Psalm 22:1	Matthew 27:46
Messiah would pray for his enemies.	Psalm 109:4	Luke 23:34
Soldiers would pierce Messiah’s side.	Zechariah 12:10	John 19:34
Messiah would be buried with the rich.	Isaiah 53:9	Matthew 27:57-60
Messiah would resurrect from the dead.	Psalm 16:10 Psalm 49:15	Matthew 28:2-7 Acts 2:22-32
Messiah would ascend to heaven.	Psalm 24:7-10	Mark 16:19 Luke 24:51
Messiah would be seated at God’s right hand.	Psalm 68:18 Psalm 110:1	Mark 16:19 Matthew 22:44
Messiah would be a sacrifice for sin.	Isaiah 53:5-12	Romans 5:6-8
Messiah would return a second time.	Daniel 7:13-14	Revelation 19

Whether direct, indirect or type prophecies, all were literally fulfilled in the life of Jesus. And, as we look at other prophecies in God’s Word, that perhaps cover other topics and perhaps use highly symbolic prophetic imagery, like Daniel and Revelation, we can expect that they also will be literally fulfilled in a real-life manner.

If you decide to dive deep into Edersheim’s list of 456 Old Testament passages which were considered Messianic by the Rabbis before the time of Christ, you’ll quickly find that in many, many cases, what a Rabbi, over 2,000 years ago, considered a prophecy pertaining to the Messiah is totally incomprehensible to you with no conceivable connection to the Messiah. Many of those ancient Rabbis excelled at reading obscure meanings into passages that don’t appear to be supported by word meanings or context to us.

Prophets – Then and Now

Speaking in the name of God was, and should be, very serious business. God said, “But if any prophet presumes to speak anything in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die.” (Deuteronomy 18:20) I suspect that a fair number of preachers claiming on TV or in YouTube videos that God spoke to them and they are relaying the message to us, will be justly compensated for their deception sometime in the future. “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:11)

There are no magic words or phrases or processes that will enable us to dash through God’s plan for our lives, or to super-charge us to a wild success in Christian growth. If you are presented with such a concept, that should be a clear warning to be sure that you’re following God’s Word and not someone’s self-serving schemes.

The Solution

But, what we can be assured of is that if we stick to what’s in God’s Word with natural, normal meanings in context, we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit to find the intended meaning. The Gospel and the tenets of spiritual growth were written to be understood and acted upon by us common people.

Our answers lie in God’s Word since “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17-17)

. . . for every good work. What good works would that be? Well, maybe these . . . For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

Look to the LORD and his strength with humility, and seek his face always in prayer.

Complete and thoroughly equipped

. . . the goals for our lifelong Christian growth toward maturity!

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Dear KMAG: 20210411 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

To Emmaus . . . and back again

Two disciples (Cleopas and one unnamed) of Jesus were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus (about 8 miles NW) on the day that Jesus rose from the dead. As they traveled, a man joined them—the resurrected Jesus, although they did not recognize Him. The man asked, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” (Luke 24:17).

The two disciples were surprised that the man had not heard of the recent events that had Jerusalem in turmoil. They proceeded to tell the stranger of Jesus’ crucifixion and the report of His empty tomb. Jesus responded, “‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25-27).

So, as they walked, Jesus taught what the Old Testament had predicted about Himself. When they arrived in Emmaus that evening, the two disciples stopped to eat, and they asked Jesus to join them. He did, and as He broke the bread and blessed the meal, “their eyes were opened” (verse 31), and they recognized Him. Jesus then vanished.

Their response? Luke reports, “They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen’” (verses 33-34).

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus gave a lesson on the prophecies of the Old Testament which were fulfilled in His death and resurrection, making connections from Scripture to the events they had recently experienced.

The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ lesson was one of deep conviction of the truth of what He was teaching. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked?” they ask each other (verse 32). Their physical eyes were blinded to the identity of Jesus, but their eyes of faith were being opened as Jesus opened the Scriptures to them.

Following this account, Jesus appears to His other disciples, removing all doubt that He was alive. Jesus had promised that He would show Himself to those who love Him (John 14:21), and this is exactly what He does on the road to Emmaus.

The story of the disciples on the Emmaus Road is important for several reasons. It provides an emphasis on the Old Testament prophecies related to Jesus, evidence regarding an additional appearance of Jesus, and a connection regarding the many eyewitnesses of the resurrected Jesus.

Luke 24 is often seen as a model of the journey that Jesus makes with many of us today, as He opens our eyes, points us to the Word, and reveals Himself along life’s walk as the resurrected Savior and Lord.

“the Holy Scriptures, . . . are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17

*https://www.gotquestions.org/road-to-Emmaus.html

One aspect of the Road to Emmaus account stands out to me as a central part of this incident, Luke 24:27: “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”

Alfred Edersheim (1825 – 1889) was a preeminent Biblical scholar who counted 456 Old Testament passages which are considered Messianic by the Rabbis before the time of Christ. These 456 contain the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They are distributed as 75 from The Pentateuch, 243 from The Prophets, and 138 from The Writings, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings.

According to Arnold Fruchtenbaum, a modern day noted Biblical scholar, there are about 200 to 400 (depending on who’s counting) Old Testament Messianic prophesies.

Many things in the Old Testament about the coming of the Messiah were not fully explained, and some predictions seem, but only seem, to contradict themselves. Some of the Jewish rabbis even thought there would be two Messiahs: Messiah ben Joseph, a humble, suffering Messiah and Messiah ben David, a conquering, reigning Messiah. No one thought the same Messiah would come twice, once to suffer and die, and once to reign.

At the time of Jesus, the expectation was for a Messiah who would rescue Israel from foreign domination. He would conquer and rule. When Jesus didn’t declare Himself as King and start to raise an army to restore Israel, many that followed Him departed.

Jesus as conquering King restoring Israel? That didn’t happen 2,000 years ago, but . . .

It’s all in God’s Word for those that have eyes to see, ears to hear and an open mind to understand.

More on Messianic prophesies . . . next week.

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Dear KMAG: 20210404 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

Because He Lives . . .

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” (Luke 24:5-7)

And with those words from the angel, the women at Jesus’ tomb found that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had foretold. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.

And after about 40 days, Jesus returns to the Father where He now sits at His right hand.

That’s it? That’s the end of the story? Not hardly! This is but the the beginning.

Jesus continues to act in His very unique and singular position with respect to our salvation and justification with God, the Father.

Jesus is the he ONLY way to Heaven.
John 14:6 – I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Jesus was the blood sacrifice that reconciled our sin and our sin nature with our Holy God.

Jesus is the ONLY Mediator between God and men.
1 Timothy 2:5 – For there is one God and ONE Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Hebrews 9:15)

Jesus is the ONLY name given for Salvation.
Acts 4:12 – Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

Jesus is the ONLY advocate for us.
1 John 2:1 – My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Jesus has already satisfied the demands of justice, so God accepts His Son’s advocacy on our behalf as part of their divine agreement, established before the world began.

Jesus is the ONLY Intercessor in heaven.
Romans 8:34 – Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
The promise of Christ’s intercession belongs to all for whom He died. All those who have found forgiveness in Him have the assurance of His intercession.

Jesus intercedes for us in Heaven

Speaking of Jesus, the writer to the Hebrews says, “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). This verse (and others like it) tells us that although Christ’s work to secure the salvation of the elect was completed on the cross, as evidenced by His cry “It is finished!” (John 19:30), His care for His redeemed children will never be finished.

Jesus did not go to heaven after His earthly ministry and “take a break” from His role as eternal Shepherd to His people. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10, emphasis added). If when humble, despised, dying, and dead, He had the power to accomplish so great a work as reconciling us to God, how much more may we expect that He will be able to keep us now that He is a living, exalted, and triumphant Redeemer, raised to life and interceding on our behalf before the throne (Romans 8:34). Clearly, Jesus is still very active on our behalf in heaven.

After Jesus ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 1:9; Colossians 3:1), He returned to the glory He had before His incarnation (John 17:5) to carry on His role of King of kings and Lord of lords—His eternal role as the second Person of the triune God. While this old earth continues to be “won” for Christ, Jesus is the Advocate for Christians, meaning He is our great Defender. This is the intercessory role He currently fulfills for those who are His (1 John 2:1). Jesus is always pleading our case before the Father, like a defense lawyer on our behalf.

Jesus is interceding for us while Satan (whose name means “accuser”) is accusing us day and night, pointing out our sins and frailties before God, just as he did with Job (Job 1:6-12). But the accusations fall upon deaf ears in heaven, because Jesus’ work on the cross paid our sin debt in full; therefore, God always sees in His children the perfect righteousness of Jesus. When Jesus died on the cross, His righteousness (perfect holiness) was imputed to us, while our sin was imputed to Him at His death. This is the great exchange Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:21. That took away forever our sinful state before God, so God can accept us as blameless before Him.

Finally, it is important to understand that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. No one else – no one – has the power to intercede for us before the throne of the Almighty. Christ alone is the God-man, and He mediates and intercedes between God and man. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

Savior, Redeemer, Mediator, Intercessor, Advocate, and finally, Righteous Judge – all this from the One Who loved us so much that He gave His life for our sins . . . to reconcile us with His and our Holy Father in Heaven.

Now, as God’s adopted sons and daughters in Christ, can we wholeheartedly . . .

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Hallelujah!

Maranatha!

Christ Arose

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!

Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus, my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord!

Death cannot keep his Prey,
Jesus, my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus, my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Robert Lowry 1874

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

It has been FINISHED.

For many people, perhaps most, Good Friday brings thoughts of Jesus’ physical suffering . . . being scourged to the point of where your internal organs may be visible through your flesh, having large spikes driven through your hands and feet, and then fighting in agony for every breath until death, while hanging from a cross.

The willingness to subject other humans to this method of execution must be the epitome of the evil cruelty inherent in mankind. For the Romans to carry out this crucifixion after finding no guilt in Jesus, even at the urging of a Jewish mob, speaks to that same cruelty.

I won’t view “The Passion of the Christ”, as I don’t want to experience the visual reality of that horror. I suspect many others feel the same way, too.

So, why am I bringing up this issue in this manner?

As insanity inducing as the horror of a scourging followed by a crucifixion is, I don’t believe they represent what gave Jesus His greatest agony at Golgotha.

At the crucifixion, the only record we have of Jesus exclaiming something in agony is when He cried out in a load voice “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” What would have caused this?

I believe that since Jesus’ purpose was to become the one-time sacrifice for our sin, this moment was when the sin of humanity, past, present and future, was laid on Jesus’ head. Since God can’t abide sin, He, the Father, took His presence away from His Son for the first time in eternity.

That’s what caused this agonized outburst, far greater suffering for Jesus than the physical pain involved.

My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, KJV). This cry is a fulfillment of Psalm 22:1, one of many parallels between that psalm and the specific events of the crucifixion.

In what sense Jesus was “forsaken” by God? It is certain that God approved His work. It is certain that Jesus was innocent. He had done nothing to forfeit the favor of God. As God’s own Son—holy, harmless, undefiled, and obedient—God still loved Him. In none of these senses could God have forsaken Him.

The prophet Isaiah says this about the Messiah: “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4–5).

Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). He was made a sin-offering, and He died in our place, on our account, that He might bring us near to God.

It was this, doubtless, that intensified His sufferings and part of why Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It was the manifestation of God’s hatred of sin, in some unexplained way, that Jesus experienced in that terrible hour. The suffering He endured was due to us, and it is that suffering by which we can be saved from eternal death.

In those awful moments, as evil men were allowed to do whatever they wanted to Jesus, our Lord expressed His feelings of abandonment. God placed the sins of the world on His Son, and Jesus for a time felt the desolation of being unconscious of His Father’s presence. It was at this time that “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It has been paid in full . . . It is finished.

Of the last words of Christ on the cross, none is more important or more poignant than, “It is finished.” Found only in the Gospel of John, the Greek word translated “it is finished” is tetelestai, an accounting term that means “paid in full.” When Jesus uttered those words, He was declaring the debt owed to His Father was wiped away completely and forever. Not that Jesus wiped away any debt that He owed to the Father; rather, Jesus eliminated the debt owed by mankind—the debt of sin.

Just prior to His arrest by the Romans, Jesus prayed, asking the Father to glorify Him, just as Jesus had glorified the Father on earth, having “finished the work you have given me to do” (John 17:4). The work Jesus was sent to do was to “seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10), to provide atonement for the sins of all who would ever believe in Him (Romans 3:23-25), and to reconcile sinful men to a holy God. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). None other but God in the flesh could accomplish such a task.

Also completed was the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies, symbols, and foreshadowings of the coming Messiah. From Genesis to Malachi, there are over 300 specific prophecies detailing the coming of the Anointed One, all fulfilled by Jesus. From the “seed” who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15), to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, to the prediction of the “messenger” of the Lord (John the Baptist) who would “prepare the way” for the Messiah, all prophecies of Jesus’ life, ministry, and death were fulfilled and finished at the cross.

Although the redemption of mankind is the most important finished task, many other things were finished at the cross. The sufferings Jesus endured while on the earth, and especially in His last hours, were at last over. God’s will for Jesus was accomplished in His perfect obedience to the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). Most importantly, the power of sin and Satan was finished. No longer would mankind have to suffer the “flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). By raising the “shield of faith” in the One who completed the work of redemption and salvation, we can, by faith, live as new creations in Christ. Jesus’ finished work on the cross was the beginning of new life for all who were once “dead in trespasses and sins” but who are now made “alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:1, 5).

Hanging on the cross, Jesus suffered bitter agony and darkness while covered in our guilt, sin, and shame. When the act of purchasing our redemption was complete, nothing more was needed. Everything Jesus had come to do on earth was now finished. The Scriptures were fulfilled. Christ’s work was done, the battle was over, the victory was won. All that God had purposed and all the prophets had foretold was complete, and Jesus surrendered Himself to death.

Through Christ’s substitutionary and sacrificial death on the cross, the Lamb of God paid our debt and took away our sin. Our ransom complete, Jesus, with a resounding voice, wanted all people to hear these words—words that still ring strong today:

It is finished!

Yes. It is finished. And as one who is more than a conqueror through Jesus, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

At the Cross

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

Isaac Watts (1707)

Dear KMAG: 20210328 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

Palm Sunday

When Jesus was about thirty years old, He started His three year ministry to the Jewish people. During His ministry He traveled extensively through what should be called Israel, and also into southern Lebanon and western Syria.

He performed many miracles: healing the deaf, blind and dumb, lepers, paralytics and the diseases of a very large number of people that the ensuing crowds brought to him. He ordered demons out of people and raised several others from the dead. He turned water into wine, calmed the storm, walked on water, fed thousands from a few loaves and fish, and caused large catches of fish. As per John, Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.

But Jesus did not come just to perform miracles.

Preaching the truth about the kingdom of God and how one may receive it by trusting only in Christ formed the bulk of His message, and this message of faith and repentance surpassed all of Jesus’ miracles in terms of importance. Note, however, that this message cannot be separated from His work of atonement. Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:1–10), and this salvation comes through the pouring out of His blood “for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt. 26:26–29). In coming to preach the gospel of God, Jesus came to preach Himself. He came as both the messenger and the message—without the atonement, there is no good news to proclaim.

Jesus purpose in coming, then, was to proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near, and so all should repent and believe the good news. What good news? The news that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever trusts in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And He came to be rejected and die as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sin, and then rise again on the third day to give us our hope for our eternal future. Or, again, as reported by John, these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, one week before His resurrection (Matthew 21:1–11). As Jesus entered the holy city, He neared the culmination of a long journey toward Golgotha. He had come to save the lost (Luke 19:10), and now was the time—this was the place—to secure that salvation. Palm Sunday marked the start of what is often called “Passion Week,” the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Palm Sunday was the “beginning of the end” of Jesus’ work on earth.

Palm Sunday began with Jesus and His disciples traveling over the Mount of Olives. The Lord sent two disciples ahead into the village of Bethphage to find an animal to ride. They found the unbroken colt of a donkey, just as Jesus had said they would (Luke 19:29–30). When they untied the colt, the owners began to question them. The disciples responded with the answer Jesus had provided: “The Lord needs it” (Luke 19:31–34). Amazingly, the owners were satisfied with that answer and let the disciples go. “They brought [the donkey] to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it” (Luke 19:35).

As Jesus ascended toward Jerusalem, a large multitude gathered around Him. This crowd understood that Jesus was the Messiah; what they did not understand was that it wasn’t time to set up the kingdom yet—although Jesus had tried to tell them so (Luke 19:11–12). The crowd’s actions along the road give rise to the name “Palm Sunday”: “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road” (Matthew 21:8). In strewing their cloaks on the road, the people were giving Jesus the royal treatment—King Jehu was given similar honor at his coronation (2 Kings 9:13). John records the detail that the branches they cut were from palm trees (John 12:13).

On that first Palm Sunday, the people also honored Jesus verbally: “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ / ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ / ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” (Matthew 21:9). In their praise of Jesus, the Jewish crowds were quoting Psalm 118:25–26, an acknowledged prophecy of the Christ. The allusion to a Messianic psalm drew resentment from the religious leaders present: “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’” (Luke 19:39). However, Jesus saw no need to rebuke those who told the truth. He replied, “I tell you . . . if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40).

Some 450 to 500 years prior to Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah had prophesied the event we now call Palm Sunday: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! / Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! / See, your king comes to you, / righteous and victorious, / lowly and riding on a donkey, / on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). The prophecy was fulfilled in every particular, and it was indeed a time of rejoicing, as Jerusalem welcomed their King. Unfortunately, the celebration was not to last. The crowds looked for a Messiah who would rescue them politically and free them nationally, but Jesus had come to save them spiritually. First things first, and mankind’s primary need is spiritual, not political, cultural, or national salvation.

Even as the coatless multitudes waved the palm branches and shouted for joy, they missed the true reason for Jesus’ presence. They could neither see nor understand the cross. That’s why, “as [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies . . . will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” (Luke 19:41–47). It is a tragic thing to see the Savior but not recognize Him for who He is. The crowds who were crying out “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday were crying out “Crucify Him!” later that week (Matthew 27:22–23).

There is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11). The worship will be real then. Also, John records a scene in heaven that features the eternal celebration of the risen Lord: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9, emphasis added). These palm-bearing saints will shout, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (verse 10), and who can measure sum of their joy?

*https://www.gotquestions.org/Palm-Sunday.html

Something I’d like to emphasize here from the above: Jesus came to save man spiritually. Mankind’s primary need is spiritual, not political, cultural, or national salvation. Jesus did not come to restore the political power that the Romans had wrested from the rulers of Israel. He did not come to restore and ensure the cultural heritage of the Jewish people. He did not come to save Israel as a nation and restore her to a place of prominence among the nations. Jesus came to reconcile sinful man with a holy God and to give man hope for his eternal future.

And so it is today. Jesus’ purpose does not include the correction of a fraudulent election that has stolen the political power that was intended to be of the people, by the people and for the people. He did not come to ensure the continuation of freedom, justice and what we have come to call the American Way. He did not come to restore America’s position as a leader for what’s right and good among the world’s nations . . . a position that the traitors in charge are trying to subvert to globalism and leftist corruption. God may yet have America’s political, cultural, and national restoration in His plan, but Jesus came to reconcile sinful man with a holy God and to give man hope for his eternal future.

And, as given in Matthew 6:33, we are to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, and what we need in life will be given to us as well. God must come first and God, at the last, wins!

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Dear KMAG: 20210321 Open Topic

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion printed here: https://www.theqtree.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

Encouragement – Important?

B.b.S.s.Saint March 17, 2021 at 12:27 pm

These days, a number of people are encouraged by communications from people they trust that appear to be supporting the concept that Biden is not really President and that President Trump and others are actively working behind the scenes to detect and develop evidence against a large number of people around the world who are involved with overthrowing the recent Presidential election (and other heinous activities).

A second group of people are convinced that the election is over and Biden is President and we, the voters, will have to become very active in determining which politicians really have America as first priority in their hearts and which are ready to cede American sovereignty to Globalists and Socialists for their own personal gain.

The second group generally thinks that the hope that stems from “encouraging signs” seen by the first group is unwarranted and irrational. The first group generally thinks that the second group does not value the “encouraging signs” seen by the first group and has an unwarranted pessimistic view of this situation. The “encouraging signs” not seen by the second group are valuable in supporting the hope for the present situation that is held by the first group.

In the current situation, the second group views the first group as being addicted to “Hopium”, an unwarranted and irrational hope for a means to a certain positive outcome. The first group views the second group as a bunch of “Debbie Downers” who can’t see the hopeful signs because of their pessimism.

The point of this discussion, so far, is to establish that within each group, encouragement of their point of view leads to hope on one hand, and a dedication to the hard work involved in ensuring a favorable result in the next election on the other hand. Encouragement is very important as a support for the hope that each group holds for a favorable outcome in the future.

Encouragement in our Christian lives is vastly more important as it leads to a bolstering of our faith to believe, think, speak and act in a manner that guards against failure in our Christian walk and moves it from immaturity toward maturity.

Vastly more important? In the worst case, those who have sampled the Christian life and then walked away from it are in danger of putting themselves in a position of being separated from God for eternity . . . a concept and a consequence of monumental importance. Encouragement or lack of encouragement can have a large impact on the possibility of this eternal outcome.

Marica March 15, 2021 at 8:21 pm

Why is encouragement in our Christian walk so important according to the Bible?”

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness,” Hebrews 3:13 tells us. First Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Throughout the Bible we see instructions to encourage one another and verses that are meant to encourage us. Why is encouragement emphasized in the Bible? Primarily because encouragement is necessary to our walk of faith.

Jesus told His followers, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). Jesus did not shy from telling His followers about the troubles they would face. In fact, He told them the world would hate them (John 15:18-21; see also Matthew 10:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 2:15-16). But Jesus’ grim forecast was tempered with cheer; He followed His prediction of trouble with a sparkling word of encouragement: He has overcome the world. Jesus is greater than any trouble we face.

Without encouragement, hardship becomes meaningless, and our will to go on wanes. The prophet Elijah struggled with discouragement (1 Kings 19:3-10), and so do we. It’s important to remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). This truth makes encouragement all the more important. It’s not just that we face the world’s displeasure; we are caught in the crosshairs of a spiritual battle. When we are encouraged in Christ, we have strength to put on our spiritual armor and remain steadfast (see Ephesians 6:10-18).

Even in places where Christians don’t experience overt persecution or hatred, we all know that life can be difficult. Discouragement isn’t an uncommon human experience. At times, recognizing that there’s meaning in the seemingly inconsequential things we do seems next to impossible. We may want to give up. Yet He who calls us is faithful, and He gives us the power to be faithful, too (1 Corinthians 1:9).

A man in the early church named Joseph was given the nickname “Barnabas,” which means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). What a blessing Barnabas was to the believers of his day! Through the encouragement of Barnabas, the apostle Paul was first accepted by the church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). Through the encouragement of Barnabas, Mark was given a second chance after an abject failure (Acts 13:13; 15:39).

Encouragement makes it easier to live in a fallen world in a holy way. Encouragement makes it easier to love as Jesus loved (see John 13:34-35). Encouragement gives hope (Romans 15:4). Encouragement helps us through times of discipline and testing (Hebrews 12:5). Encouragement nurtures patience and kindness (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Galatians 5:22-26). Encouragement makes it easier to sacrifice our own desires for the advancement of God’s kingdom. In short, encouragement makes it easier to live the Christian life.

Without encouragement, life would soon feel pointless and burdensome. Without encouragement, we can be overwhelmed by the very real pains of our lives. Without encouragement, we feel unloved. Without encouragement, we begin to think that God is a liar or is unconcerned with our welfare. So, the Bible tells us to encourage one another, to remind each other of the truth that God loves us, that God equips us, that we are treasured, that our struggles are worth it.

Encouragement from the Bible gives us the will to carry on. It is a glimpse of the bigger picture. It can prevent burn-out. It can save us from believing lies (“sin’s deceitfulness”). Encouragement helps us experience abundant life (see John 10:10).

Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” God’s Word is full of encouragement. Pleasant words, indeed.

*https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-encouragement.html

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:24-25.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” Hebrews 3:13.

“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” Romans 15:2.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” Ephesians 4:29.

“A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” Psalm 100:1-5.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” Philippians 4:8.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” Isaiah 43:2.

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,” Romans 15:5

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Wheat . . . Or Weeds?

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

How Big Is Your God?

Why is it that bad things happen to good people?

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Liberal Theology

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God’s Purpose of Prophecy

Can you imagine . . . no, you can’t.

Neither can I.

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

All Must Be Fulfilled . . .

Bible Prophecy

Messianic Prophecies

Prophets – Then and Now

The Solution

Complete and thoroughly equipped

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

To Emmaus . . . and back again

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Because He Lives . . .

Jesus intercedes for us in Heaven

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Hallelujah!

Maranatha!

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

It is finished!

Palm Sunday

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Encouragement – Important?

On this day and every day –

God is in Control. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”