Month: August 2016

Doctrine of Christ

fountain

{Rought Draft}

PROPHESIES

The prophet Moses was the first to record a prophecy about Jesus Christ. It was a prediction about Jesus’ birth. The prediction occurred at least four thousand years before Jesus was born.

Genesis 3:15 is the first prophecy about Jesus Christ. It says that Eve will have a descendant and he will defeat Satan (“crush your head”). Eve was the great, great, great . . . grandmother of the Messiah who is Jesus the Christ is the first prophecy about Jesus Christ.

 

PROPHECY OF  4000 B.C.

And I will put enmity between you [Satan] and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head . . . (NIV)” Genesis 3:15

FULFILLED 2 B.C.

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman . . . to redeem those under law (NIV).” Gal. 4:4 “

. . . So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers . . . Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— (NASB). Heb. 2:11, 14

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Rom. 16:20 (NASB)

 

2066 B.C.

And through your offspring [seed] all nations on the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me (NIV). Genesis 22:17-18

 

1859 B.C.

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nation is his .(NIV) Genesis 49:10

700-681 B.C. Prophecy

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” (NASB) Isaiah 7:14

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. “ (NASB) Isaiah 9:6

Fulfillment

Before Jesus was born we are told, “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH bCHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” Matt. 1:23 (NASB)

The first prediction is authenticated in Matthew 1:23 where Isaiah 7:14 is quoted. It reveals that Jesus was and is God. The second prediction by the prophet Isaiah merely says that a unique mark of the Messiah would be that the Holy Spirit of God would rest on Him. John the Baptist and others tell us the Holy Spirit did rest on Jesus.

 

The Virgin Birth of Christ
The virgin birth foretold in the Old Testament
The historic fulfillment of the prophecy
The virgin birth is taught in the Scripture
The purpose of the virgin birth – to revealed the father, to bridge chiasm between man and God (I Tim. 2:5); to save man – the basic purpose that brought Christ to earth (Heb 2:14); to rescue the whole creation (Romans 8:19-22);
The importance of the doctrine of the virgin birth – Modernist and liberals attack this doctrine as they attact the depravity of man. The only way Jesus could be sinless is to be born by a virgin. Salvation is closely linked with this doctrine. If Jesus was not born by a virgin then I am and you are a lost sinner. The bible teaches virgin birth. It stands with scripture and does not change with changing thoughts and theories of mankind. It is an urgent truth, essential to the plan of salvation. It is a mystery hidden in God, unknown truth (I Cor 4:1). Be good stewards of God’s mysterious, unconditional and supreme truths. A man without a sin nature was born by a virgin. His names means God with us.
The significance of the virgin birth – Jesus was a real human being. Phil 2:7. He became our elder brother. He was God concieved of the Holy Spirit. He was sinless- being born of the virgin
Objections to this doctrine – only found by a few scriptures – isaiah, mathew and luke. Jesus did not  claim, but infered in John 6:51. Scientist don’t except it because it is biologically true. Others reject it because it is miraculous. Modern theologians do not accept the doctrine. But it is taught in the scriptures, prophecies and history.

The Deity of Christ
Introduction – fundamental doctrine consistently attacked by Jehovah’s witness, mormoms, etc. Belief in deity of Christ is essential to salvation. Romans 10:9. Jesus was merely a good man, but God in flesh.

Jesus Christ is Referred to as Lord:

Psalm 110:1 “ The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at my right hand until I make Thine enemies thy footstool.- Jesus referred to this passage in Matthew 22:41- 46 (NKJV)
41While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 saying “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “ The Son of David” 43 He said to them, “ How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying:
44 ‘The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make your enemies Your footstool”’. 45 “ If David then calls Him ‘Lord.’ how is He his Son?. 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.Mark 12:35-36 (NKJV)
35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?”36 “For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make your enemies Your
footstool”.Luke 20:39 – 44 (NKJV)
39 Then some of the scribe answered and said, “ Teacher, You have spoken well,” 40 But after that they dare not question Him anymore. 41 And He said to them, “ How can they say that Christ is the Son of David? “ Now David himself said in the book of psalms:
43 ‘The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make your enemies Your
footstool”. 44 “Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his son?”

Peter referred to it in his sermon at Pentecost, Acts 2:34 – 35. It is very important.
Acts 2: 34 – 35 (NIV)
34 For David did not ascend to heaven , and yet he said, The Lord said to my lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”. 36 “ Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

** The prophecy was the Messiah-Savior would be the Divine Lord Himself**

The Virgin Birth would be God coming to Live with Men

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child & will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. ( This is the Savior that was coming).

Matthew 1:23 tells us that Immanuel means “ God with us.” This came true at Bethlehem.
The Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ was Given Divine Names in Prophecy

Isaiah 9: 6 – 7 (NIV)
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Wonderful – Only God is truly wonderful
Luke 18:19 “Why do you call me good? Jesus answered. “ No one is good – except God alone.
Counselor – Only the omniscient God could be perfect counselor.
Psalm 16:7 – I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
The Mighty God – The One prophesied to be the Messiah was to be God Himself
The Everlasting Father – John 10:30, Jesus said, I and My Father are one.

The Christ who was prophesied to come was to be from “Everlasting”

Micah 5:2 But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

God and Christ both Gave their Personal names as “I AM”

Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “ I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites, I AM has sent me to you.
John 8:58 “Jesus said unto them, Verily, Verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I AM.
** Jesus is the great I AM**

Jesus Christ Forgave Sins

Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven.
Mark 2:7 Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone.
In forgiving sin Jesus either blasphemed or was God. Jesus was God and could forgive.

Jesus Claimed Equality with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Jesus Claimed Omnipresence

To be omnipresent is a characteristic of God Almighty only, not with angels and men.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. ( Jesus promise to be anywhere, everywhere ay one and the same time.)

Jesus Claimed Omniscience

Omniscience is to know all things and is a characteristic exclusive of God Himself.
Mark 11: 2 – 6 2 Saying to them, Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. untie it and bring it here, 3 If anyone ask you, Why are you doing this? tell him, The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly. 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “ what are you doing, untying that colt, 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.

Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

** Read Matthew 24: 3 – 31** Jesus exercised the gift of prophecy.

Jesus Claimed Omnipotence

Omnipotence, all power, is another exclusive attribute of the Lord God Almighty.
Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘ All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Jesus Christ had Creative Power

To bring something into being from nothing, creation, is possible only to God. Jesus Christ was active in creation and continues to maintain the world.

John 1:1-3 1 In the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made.

Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Jesus Christ Received Worship due only to God

John 9:38 the men who had been healed of blindness recognizing the Savior, said, “ Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him.” Jesus as God rightfully accepted this worship.

Luke 4:8 Jesus said to Satan at the time of temptation, “ Get thee behind me satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve.” To worship anyone but the Lord God is a terrible sin.

** When Jesus accepted worship, He was saying to the world, “ I am the Lord.”

Jesus Accepted the Testimony of Thomas

John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, my Lord and my God.

If Thomas had made a mistake, misstatement or overstatement Jesus would have corrected it. Thomas had told the truth for Jesus was the Lord God, the eternal preexistent one.

The Fact of Jesus’ Resurrection

This is the strongest and supreme argument that Jesus is God.
Romans 1:4 “ And who through the spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
** This verse specifically states that the resurrection declare Jesus as the Son of God.

According to Romans 6:4 “ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. ( it was the Father God, Himself, that raised Jesus from the dead.)

** The Father God thus proclaims conclusively to the world the deity of Jesus Christ**

Reference: One Hundred Bible Lessons
By: Alban Douglas

FIFTEEN PROOFS of the DEITY OF CHRIST

  1. Jesus Christ is referred to as Lord – Paul in Acts 9:5 recognized Jesus as Lord; John 9:35 – 38 – the account of the blind man who worships him. To deny the deity of Christ is to rob man of a savior and condemn us eternally. Psalm 110:1 -referenced in  Mathew 22:41; Mark 12:35-36; Luke 20:29; Acts 2:34; Messiah Savior would be the divine Lord himself.
  2. The virgin birth would be God coming to live with men – Isaiah 7:14 – Mathew 1:23
  3. The Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ was given divine name in prophecy – Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 18:19 ( wonderful); psalm 16:7 (counselor); mighty God, the everlasting father.
  4. The Christ who was prophesied to come was to be from “everlasting” – Micah 5:2
  5. God and Christ both gave their personal names as “I Am” – Exodus 3; John 8:58; Leviticus 24:
  6. Jesus Christ forgave sins – Mark 2: 5, 7,
  7. Jesus claimed equality with the Father and the Holy Spirit – Baptistmal formula is Mathew 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14;
  8. Jesus claimed omnipresence – not true of angels or humanity (Mathew 18:20)
  9. Jesus claimed omniscience – Mark 11:2-6; Mathew 12:40
  10. Jesus claimed omnipotence – Mathew 28:18; John 1:1; Hebrews 1; Col 1:16
  11. Jesus Christ had creative power
  12. Jesus Christ the true God had power over the elements – Luke 8:24; Mark 4:39- says peace be still… .Matthew 14:25-26
  13. Jesus Christ received worship due only to God – John 9:38; Luke 4: if you are truly the son of God
  14. Jesus Christ accepted the testimony of Thomas – John 20:28;
  15. The fact of Jesus’ resurrection – Romans 1:4. Resurrection declares Jesus as the son of God. Romans 6:4;

Conclusion – Jesus is God for he posses ten attributes of God – ETERNAL (Micah 5:2); John 8:58; Col. 1:17; Rev. 1:8; UNCHANGEABLE Hebrews 13:8; OMNIPOTENT- still tempest Luke 8:24; Mathew 28:18; OMNIPRESENT – Mathew 18 (there I am in the midst of them); John 4:48 OMNISCIENT – all knowing Mark 11:6; Mathew 24; John 2: 24-25; Luke 5; HOLY – Mark 1:24; I Peter 2:22; John 19:4; JUST – John 2:14-17; Acts 17:31; LOVING – John 15:13; John 11:36; MERCIFUL – Titus 3: FAITHFUL – 2 Tim 2: 13 – creation, preseveration, forgiveness, raising the death and judging (John 5:22) are attributed to Jesus. Luke 7:48
LESSON # 4 The Deity of Christ (Arguments Against It)

Introduction – Deity of Christ is mercilessly attacked in this country.
Twenty arguments against the deity of Christ examined

. because He had flesh and bones, & God – being a spirit – has neither flesh nor bones – John 4:24; Luke 24:39
Answer: Jesus Christ as man had both flesh and bones but as God He was spirit. This objection arises from the problem of the dual nature of the Savior.
– In order for the invisible God to become visible He must become flesh and bones.
– 1 Timothy 3:16 “ God was manifest in the flesh,” in the person of Jesus Christ.
– 1 Timothy 2:5 Jesus is a dual personality, “ The man Christ Jesus,” ( man and God)II. Because Christ had a beginning, and God had no beginning – John 8:42;
Psalm 90:20
Answer: Jesus as a man had a beginning when He was conceived of the Holy Spirit but Spirit but Jesus as God is without beginning and without end.
John 8:56-59; Colossians 1:17; John 1:18; Isaiah 9:6III. Because He has been created, and God has no beginning. Colossians 1:15; Revelations 3:14
Answer: A true of Revelation 3:14 is something like this, “ He was the witness of the beginning of the creation of God,” not a creation but a witness of the creation. Proverbs 8:22-23 speaking of wisdom personified in the person of Christ,” Christ was from everlasting, from the beginning or ever the earth was.”IV. Because Hosea 11:9 says that God is not man, while Ezekiel 28:2 says that man is not God.
Answer: Hosea does not say that God could not assume human form of body and flesh. Nothing is too hard for God, Jeremiah 32:17-18, and He can be manifest in the flesh.

V. Because He called God His Father – Matthew 27:46 and John 20:17
Answer: Jesus as the human Person called God His Father. God in Hebrew 1:8 calls Jesus “God”, but that does not lessen the Father’s position of deity.

VI. Because the Father sent Him to earth – John 8:42
Answer: The Father sending the Son to earth ( Jesus volunteered to come) does not lessen His position as being the Almighty God. Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15; Galatians 4:4-5.

VII. Because He appeared with flesh – 1 John 4:23; 2John7. Since Jesus is flesh, bones & blood, He is merely a man and no more.
Answer: Jesus assumed flesh, bones and blood merely for the incarnation. As God He is eternal but to be our Redeemer it was necessary that He become partaker of Humanity.

VIII. Because He is called man – John 8:40; 1Timothy 2:5
Answer: Jesus was both true God and true man in one person without an intermingling of the two natures. Emmanuel means “ God with us”

IX. Christ is not God, but He is a Son of God, just as we may become sons of God.
Answer: By conversion we become a “son of God” (John 1:12), but Jesus Christ is the “ only begotten Son of God” ( John 3:16), a unique and special position.
God’s Son is equal to the father, Philippians 2:6, and the saint becomes an heir with Christ.

X. Because the Father gave Him power – Matthew 28:18
Answer: In Philippians 2:5-8 the Son surrenders this power and God restores or returns it to Him after the resurrection. It was always His but He voluntarily yielded it.

XI. Because He was made Lord by God – Acts 2:36
Answer: It is not made in the sense of a promotion for though He always was God, the Father takes this opportunity to proclaim this fact to all humanity.

XII. Because Christ died and God is immortal & cannot die – 1 Timothy 1:17; Luke 23:46 & Acts 2:32
Answer: Jesus as man died but Jesus as God could not and did not die, Hebrews 2:9 – 14. It is the physical body that dies. the spirit does not die for it returns to God.

XIII. Because He was conceived by the Holy Spirit – Matthew 1:18-20. As a creature of the Holy Spirit He is therefore neither God nor Creator
Answer: The Humanity of Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit. The deity of Christ has always existed, John 1:1-2. Jesus existed long before the Virgin Mary.

XIV. Because He said “ I ascend unto my Father and your Father: and to my God and your God” – therefore the two must be quite distinct – John 20:17
Answer: The Father and Son are two persons but one God, “ I and My father are one, “ John 10:30. See John 17: 11, 21 & 22.

XV. Because He prayed to the Father and addressed Him as the only true God – John 17:3 & 1 Corinthians 8:6.
Answer: This Objection ignores the fact that the Son co-exists with the Father. They are one. They are one in nature (eternal Spirit), but distinct as to office & responsibilities. The Father & Son are indivisibly linked together, Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 12:45.

XVI. Because He was only an “idea”, “will”, or “purpose” of God. having no material existence or material form in the beginning.
Answer: This is perhaps a ply on the words in John 1:1-2, but verse 1 answers it definitely & authoritatively, the word ( Jesus) was God.

XVII. Because He says, “My Father is greater than I” – John 14:28
Answer: This refers to His position & certainly not to His being or nature.
Positionally Jesus has chosen a position in subjection to His Father God.

XVIII. Christ is not God, because though He is One with God, that refers merely to Pastoring (shepherding), Teaching & Judgment, but not Godhead.
Answer: The Father & Son are one God (but two persons), co-existing as one Jehovah God.
The Father was the Jehovah of the old testament, Psalm 23:1, Jesus in the New testament, John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; Revelation 7:17.

** If you want to know more about this material and more Bible study guide, The name of this book is One Hundred Bible Lessons by: Alban Douglas. available at Christian book store.**

Conclusion

The Relationship of the Son to the Father
Introduction
Jesus Christ as God is equal to the Father
Jesus Christ as man is subordinate to the Father
Conclusion

The Humanity of Christ
Introduction
Jesus was given human names
Jesus had human ancestry
Jesus possessed a physical nature
Jesus was subject to the laws of human development
Jesus was moved by the instincts of normal human beings
Jesus possessed body, soul, and spirit
Jesus died
Conclusion

The Sinlessness of Christ
Introduction
The meaning of the sinlessness of Christ
The fact of the sinlessness of Christ
Testimony regarding the sinlessness of Christ
Arguments against the Savior’s sinlessness
Consequences of denying of Christ’s sinlessness
Result of Christ’s sinlessneses
Conclusion

The Character of Christ
Jesus Christ was holy
Jesus Christ was loving
Jesus Christ’s love for souls
Jesus Christ was compassionate
Jesus Christ was prayerful
Jesus Christ was meek
Jesus Christ was humble
Conclusion

The Teaching of Christ
Introduction
Jesus’ teaching about salvation
Jesus’ teaching about daily Christian living
Jesus’ teaching Pharisees and false teachers
Jesus’ teaching about stewardship
Jesus’ teaching about Heaven and Hell
Jesus’ teaching about fruit bearing
Jesus’ teaching on prophecy
Conclusion

The Command of Christ
Introduction
Twenty commands of Christ examined
Conclusion

The Miracles of Christ
Introduction
Definitions of the word “miracle”
Uniqueness of Jesus’ miracles
The scope of Jesus’ miracles
Credibility of Jesus’ miracles
Objections to Jesus’ miracles
Values of Jesus’ miracles
The possibility of miracles today
Conclusion

The Death of Christ
Introduction
The Doctrine of His death
Objections to the substitutionary death of Christ
Conclusion

The Resurrection of Christ
Introduction
Evidence of the resurrection
Explanations of Jesus’ resurrection
His resurrection body
Results of the resurrection
Conclusion
IVX. The Ascension of Christ
Introduction
The story of the ascension
The ascension was prophesied and taught in the Scriptures
The ascension occurred forty days after the resurrection
The manner of the ascension
The necessity of the ascension
The purpose of the ascension
The results of the ascension
Conclusion

XV. The Intercessory Work of Christ
Introduction
Christ’s atoning work was finished on earth
Christ met the conditions of becoming a priest
Christ was made a priest after the Aaronic pattern
Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice on Calvary
Christ now appears in the presence of God for us
Christ is our advocate now
Christ offers to be your intercessor today
Conclusion

XVI. The Second Coming of Christ
Introduction
Prophecies of Christ’s second coming
Time of Christ’s coming
Purpose of Christ’s coming
How is Christ coming?
Where is Christ coming to?
Manner of His coming
Signs of Christ’s coming
Conclusion

XVII. The Result of His Return
Introduction
With regard to God
With regard to the church
With regard to Israel
With regard to the nations and unregenerate individuals
With regard to society as a whole
With regard to the antichrist and the Devil
With regard to the physical universe
Conclusion

Bibliography

Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible
Author: Harold L. Wilmington
Publisher: Tyndale House
Pages: 1009
Price estimate: $27.95

Handbook of Today’s Religions
Author: Josh McDowell and Don Stewart
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/Word
Pages: 576
Price estimate: $19.95

The Kingdom of the Cults
Author: Walter Martin
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Pages: 703
Price estimate: $19.95

God’s Answer to Man’s Question
Author: Alban Douglas
Publisher: Cause and Effect Ministries, Inc.
Pages: 304
Price estimate: $11.95

Don’t weep for Broken Dreams

god's gifts

  • Is there anyone here who has not had their dreams realized?
  • Is there anyone here who has not face some disappointments along the way; l
  • Is there anyone here whose life has not taken them on the path they did not want to take?

It is okay to dream. When we cease to dream we cease to live. However, we must know that sometimes, God’s desires and our dreams don’t match.

Look at David and his life. He had some dreams, but at some point he had to abandon those dream and follow God’s plan. God’s plan took him through some places where he did not think that any of his dreams would come true.

What should you do when your dreams are derailed. I think the biblical model is to always focus on the gifts you have received from God. Put your gift to use and the Master of the Universe will re-direct your path and guide your dreams and hope.

Romans 12:3 – 8 says’

For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].

4 For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, 5 so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]

.6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, [d]with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.

The world is bigger than us. There is more than our dreams and hopes. There is the body of Christ, the believers. The gift we have is to be used to edify believers. In putting our gift to the use we can rejoice in that;

  • All the dreams you have will be realized someday.
  • God’s gifts put men’s dream to shame
  • Everything must be put on the altar of God, most especially, your dreams

God’s desires exceed our dreams…

Sometimes our problem is pride. We think our dreams are good. Lucifer’s dream turned into rebellion…. He thought of himself more highly than he ought to. He wanted to be worshipped. He wanted to be exalted.

There are things are meant only for GOD to do. God has a scheme of things for us.

+ Reassess yourself. Reassess your life. If Christ is your Lord and Savior then your dreams are not longer yours. It belongs to his desire.

We must see ourselves the way God sees us. We must accept for our lives what God has given us. God intends to be the master. He intends for us to serve him.

God bless you dear saints.

Dr. Erick Chepkwony.

The Gospel

 I believe that God requires of me, under the gospel, first of all, that, out of a true sense of my sin and misery and apprehension of His mercy in Christ, I should turn with grief and hatred away from sin and receive and rest upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation: that, so being united to Him, I may receive pardon for my sins and be accepted as righteous in God’s sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to me and received by faith alone: and thus only do I believe I may be received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.

 = This statement, penned at Westminster Abbey in London in the mid-seventeenth century, has stood the test of time as a summary expression of the teaching of the Bible.

sg_ship

Introduction to the Book of Obadiah

Purpose: To show that God judges those who have harmed his people

Author: Obadiah (Servant of the LORD)

Key People: Edomites

Key Places: Edom and Jerusalem

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, and the shortest book in the whole bile is third John.

MAJOR THEOLOGICAL THEMES

There are two theological themes in the book of Obadiah.

  1. Justice – Obadiah predicted that God would destroy Edom as punishment for helping Babylon invade Judah.  Because of treachery, evil plan will be given to Judah in the day God rights the wrongs against his people.
  2.  Pride – Because of their seemingly invisible fortress, the Edomites were proud and self-competent, but God humbled them and their nation disappeared from the face of the earth.

THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE

Does God have a future for defeated people? This question focuses the primary concerns of the people of God when the first heard the revelation of Obadiah. The conquered people were marched into foreign land and exile. Adding to their sorrows was that their own kin had betrayed them. The people of Edom, descedant from Israel’s brother of  Esau and had desired the fall of Jerusalem and helped the Bablyon capture the citizens of Judah. They even participated in the destruction of the city. The books of the Apocalypse, First Esdras says they

also hast vowed to build up the temple, which the Edomites burned when Judah was laid waste by the Chaldeans

First Esdras is not a book that we aaccept as protestants, but it states a true historical fact.

The helpless remnant of Judah had several options.

  • First, they could fall into a deepening state of despair. They were in exile, where was God? Was there any hope of the future?
  • They could forget God and begin to worship Bablyonian deities for had not their god won the victory?
  • But then again, they could fall into the trap of clinging into hatred against the unbrotherly Edomites. That is the exile people of God might simply seek revenge because of their defeat.
  • Or perhaps they could wait upon God to restore his people and judge their enemies.

Into this day, came Obadiah. His name means “servant or worshipper of the Lord.” The prophet knew the fate of the people and the disaster they had experienced, yet he prophesied about the future when God will restore the remnant of Judah to the fullness of life and bring judgement to the Edomites because of their cruelty towards Judah?

Does God have a future for a defeated people? Obadiah’s answer is YES! He rejected despair and the destruction of abhorring hatred in favor of the revelation of God’s justice and hope.

The book of Obadiah records how God’s servant brought identity and hope to a defeated and broke people. There are two major theological points that the book shows us.

  1. The Justice of God
  2. The Grace of God.

The prophet of God proclaimed the justice of God in a renewed way. Edom and other nations who wrong the people of God would receive just retribution for their evil. In fact Edom already faced invasion. Archaeologist have uncovered when such events occurred.

In addition, the prophet spoke the word of grace. The remnant of Judah would suffer, but would a future in the coming day of the Lord. God is sovereign and would bring in the kingdom.

The justice and grace of God would prevail. Obadiah’s word offered hope to the people of Yahweh.

Obadiah’s doctrinal conclusion relate to things found in other prophets. Obadiah 1: 1-9 is similar to Jeremiah 49:7-22. Perhaps Obadiah applied an older prophetic word to his setting. The prophet affirmed that God will judge the sin of Judah and Jerusalem, and the sin of other nations. However, God’s last word is not a word of judgement, but a word of grace, a word of hope and a future that will be fulfilled in the incarnation in the new testament.

MODERN DAY APPLICATION

The proclamation of Obadiah applies to the people wherever they find themselves to be. Even in the overwhelming defeat that followed the people of God, Obadiah affirmed the justice of God and a hope for a future.

The book of Obadiah is sometimes perceived as ventilation of despair or doom. That perception is an error. The book works out of a theological base which emphasizes the justice of God and God’s involvement in life. It also assume a setting of oppression. When a community of faith is oppressed, says Obadiah, they may nonetheless, have hope beyond the current crisis.  Such a word of faith encourages communities of faith suffering under enemy regimes.

The book of Obadiah also affirms the reality of justice for oppressors. They reap their own destruction. Obadiah declares good news. God meets people at the point of their greatest need. The prophet speaks of justice and hope in the face of oppression.

Obadiah calls us to;

  • Believe in the word of God.
  • Live a life of God’s faithfulness
  • To renew our vision of God’s justice
  • To pray for liberation of God’s people

TIMELINE APPLICATION

Obadiah was written during the reign of Jehoram in Judah. This places the book between 853 – 851 BC.

The Word

2 Samuel 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.

God has put you in a unique place … a palace in Shushan for a great purpose. Simply trust God to fulfil His purpose in your life. Do not be tempted to just say … “but these things do not concern me” … or  “but what can I do ?”. Instead, commit to being part of the solution to gaps.

“Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24Amplified Bible (AMP)

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!

Those who win in a race,

“Believe while others are doubting. Plan while others are playing. Decide while others are delaying. Prepare while others are daydreaming. Begin while others are procrastinating. Work while others are wishing. Save while others are wasting. Listen while others are talking. Smile while others are frowning. Persist while others are quitting.” (William)

The word of God says, “run in such a way to win.” But who is he that overcometh the world? – 1 John 5:5 – He who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

The victory which overcomes the world is faith. For it is by believing: that we are made one with Jesus the Son of God, so that we partake of His victory over the world, and have dwelling in us One greater than he who is in the world (1Jo 4:4). “Survey the whole world, and show me even one of whom it can be affirmed with truth that he overcomes the world, who is not a Christian, and endowed with this faith” [Episcopius in Alford].