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Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Subject: Principle of Covenant
Time: 1:08:20 PM EDT
Author: kbkmomof3
Today I want to talk about the Principle of Covenant.
This is probably a principle that many do not understand yet when God addresses the issue of
marriage He primarily focuses on the covenant that was made between the
man and women.
God is a God of covenant and He deals
with us according to covenants. If we really want to understand God and
walk in his blessing we need to understand covenant.
The Bible is all about covenant. The word testament means covenant
I don’t have time this morning to do
an in depth study on covenant but I will say that God takes covenant
very seriously and blesses or disciplines us according to how we keep
covenant with him and our spouse.
Malachi 2:13-16
Vs. 16 God Hates Divorce!! He compares it to violence. Why?
TWO REASONS:
Because of the
destruction it brings to peoples lives. Divorce always leaves scars and
erodes the fabric of the family, church and society. Studies also show
the long-term effects on children who often suffer the most. Divorce harms all involved.
Because
it is a breaking of a
covenant, meant for a lifetime, that God instituted between a man and a
women. God takes the breaking of the marriage covenant very seriously.
When you got married you entered into a covenant. You said for better
or worse, richer or poorer, Until Death do us part. That was a covenant
that you and your spouse made with God. You made a covenant that the
two of you would be together as one until one of you died. God joined
the two of you as one.
In Malachi 2:13-16 God was not responding to their prayers because of divorce.
Vs.14 You ask, "Why?" It is because
the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your
youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your
partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.
When you get married God acts as your witness as you share your vows of covenant.
Today covenantsare broken very
easily but that should not be the case among God’s people. If we love
God we keep his commandments. Divorce rates for Christians and nonchristians are about the same. It shouldn't be that way.
Are there any Biblical reasons for
divorce? Yes
TWO GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD
Adultery breaks
covenant and God releases the other spouse. The couple is still
encouraged to work on saving the relationship if there is willingness
on both parts. If a spouse commits adultery divorce can take place. It
doesn't have to though. You can, if both are willing to, stay together
and fix your marriage.
Desertion
is also considered grounds for divorce. When an unbelieving spouse
leaves or forces the other to leave.1Co 7:10 And unto the married I
command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her
husband: 1Co 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or
be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his
wife. 1Co 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother
hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him,
let him not put her away. 1Co 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband
that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not
leave him. 1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the
wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were
your children unclean; but now are they holy. 1Co 7:15 But if the
unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under
bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 1Co 7:16 For
what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how
knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
Incompatibility, no longer having
feelings for the other, or not getting along are not Biblical reasons
for divorce. They are reasons to get help and work on your marriage.
Divorce in these situations is a violation of covenant and a sin before
God.
What if you have
violated covenant, divorced with no biblical justification and God is
standing as a witness against you? What do you do? ….YOU REPENT!!!
If there is genuine repentance God
will forgive you. Genuine repentance means you stop blaming others and
take personal responsibility for your part in the divorce. You ask God
to forgive you. If possible you work on reconciliation with your spouse
that you divorced.
Divorce is not the unpardonable sin. We can come
before the throne of grace and find forgiveness.
My focus is not on divorce but on Marriage as a Covenant.
The Principle of Covenant adds strength and security to a marriage.
In marriage we can be transparent
with each other and grow together because we are in covenant. We can
share all our cares and burdens and worries with each other. We can be
totally open with one another. because For better or worse we are
committed to each other. When Barry and I got married it was for life.
We knew that we both agreed that this was it, for better or worse.
Divorce is not in our vocabulary. It
is not a back door option if things don’t work out. We are in covenant
till death do us part. Divorce is not even an option in our minds. We
take the coventant that we made seriously.
So what is covenant? How does God view our marriage vows?
Covenant means:
God has spoken Unchangeable word Binding decree
In marriage there is a Uniting of resources. This
is the commitment we make in marriage as we bring our possessions and
resources together in covenant. That is one of the problem with many
marriages now, no uniting or resources. Many keep seperate checking
accounts. Women don't take the husbands last name. When
we got married everything that was mine became ours. Everything that
was his became ours. We united all of our resources. That is the way it
is supposed to be. when you are married it shouldn't be that this is
mine and that is his, NO it is all both of yours.
When God enter covenant with Abraham
and Sarah He gave them part of his name and took their name. God in the
Hebrew is known as Elohim. Abram was now known as Abraham and Sari as
Sarah, which was part of God’s name. From this point on God became
known as the God of Abraham.
The purpose of this was to bind the
two parties together and from now on when ever anyone spoke your name
they new you were in covenant with that other person.
In marriage the Bride takes the grooms last name.
Why is it that now days women dont want to take the husbands last name?
In many cases that fact alone spells trouble. When you get married you
become one. To many people are entering marriage right now not wanting
to become one. They want to stay their own person. This spells trouble
to a marriage. When you are married you are not two people you are one,
joined together by God.
In the Bible, the sexual union
is considered the act of sealing the marriage covenant. The physical
uniting seals the two as one.That’s one reason why sex before marriage
is such a serious sin in God’s eyes. It is a covenant act reserved for
marriage alone. In the N.T.
Jesus statements of what he will do for us if we keep his commands are
covenant blessings. The New Testament also gives consequences of
breaking covenant with God. They are spiritual sickness and Death.
The marriage vows & dedication prayer are promises of covenant we make with each other before God.
In marriage we lay down
our lives for each other. We must be willing to sacrifice for each
other if we are going to have a good marriage. The biggest problem in
marriage is selfishness. We want our needs met, things to go our way
and we are not willing to put the needs of our spouse ahead of our own.
For a marriage to stay in good condition we need to learn not to be
selfish. To learn to lay down our wants and think about what our spouse
wants and needs. It can not just be only about ourself. Phi 2:2
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being
in full accord and of one mind. Phi 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or
conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Phi 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also
to the interests of others. Phi 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus, Phi 2:6 who, though he was in the form
of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, Phi 2:7
but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in
the likeness of men.
Sacrifice is part of covenant. Must be willing to die for you spouse.
Marriage is a covenant, witnessed by God.
It is a binding decree for life that two people enter into.
God has spoken – let no man put then asunder!
Covenant is so important that the
Apostle Paul warns against a Christian and a non-Christian entering
into marriage. Don’t even date a non-Christian. 2Co 6:14 Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath
righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? 2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what
part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 2Co 6:16 And what
agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of
the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2Co 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2Co 6:18 And
will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith
the Lord Almighty.
Malachi tells us to guard our spirit and our marriage!
Mal 2:15 Has not the Lord made them
one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was
seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not
break faith with the wife of your youth.
The Principle of Covenant adds strength to a marriage relationship.
I know that if our
marriage goes through rough waters neither of us will bail out because
we understand covenant and we have a healthy fear and reverence for God
who stands as our witness.
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Friday, February 23, 2007
Subject: Normal
Time: 7:16:50 AM EST
Author: kbkmomof3
Some of my friends and I were all having a discussion on normal. what
is normal? Do we do things just because they are the normal thing to do? One
said "In certain Islamic nations, young girls are routinely subjected
to genital mutilation. This violent and dangerous practice is often
carried out on girls ten or twelve years of age, against their will,
without anesthetizing agents and often without sterile instruments. Is
this "normal" simply because it is common?" I would like to add
that also in America newborn baby boys are subjected to the same type
of horror in What the United States considers Infant Circumcision. Did
you know that the United States is the only contry that subjects its
infants to this as a normal part of life. People in the united states
though consider this normal and the thing to do. To put their poor boys
through this horror. InfoMore infoBefore you do something to your beautiful
new born baby that cannot be reversed
please educate yourselfChildren have DIEDfrom being circumcised.
One DEATH is too many from a
non-therapeutic medical procedure.
Do you want to put your child at risk...?
Please learn the TRUTHstill more informationThere
are 23 medically advanced nations. The U.S. is the only nation which
routinely circumcises nearly 63% of its newborn males. Our country
represents less than 1/20th of the world population, yet it performs
more than half of all infant circumcisions worldwide. If the foreskin
is so prone to problems, why haven't other advanced nations adopted
routine circumcision? One can't help but wonder why the U.S. is the
only medically advanced nation that performs routine infant
circumcisions without any medical indication. Routine
Infant Circumcision is limited to English speaking countries. The
practice was intoduced to the U.S. through England, but they abandoned
it nearly 50 years ago, practicing it now at the rate of only 1%. The
rate is 3% in New Zealand, 10% in Australia and 20% to 25% in Canada.
RIC isnot offered in most non-English speaking countries. It never
caught on in Europe, Asia, South or Central America. If the majority of
men elsewhere in the world were having medical problems because their
penises were left intact, wouldn't these countries begin the practice? Of the world's male population, the breakdown of the circumcised and intact are: 79 million American infant circs 9 million American child or adult circs 13 million Canada, UK, New Zealand & Australia infant circs 27 million rest of world infant circs 44 million child or adult circs other parts of world 315 million Muslim child/adolescent circumcisions 487 million = TOTAL MEN CIRCUMCISED WORLDWIDE (18%) 2 billion 160 million = TOTAL MEN INTACT WORLDWIDE (82%) 2 billion 647 million = Total Men Living Worldwide ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Out of the Worldwide Total of 487 Million Circumcised Men: 65% occur as Muslim cultural circumcisions 15% occur in other countries 3% occur in other English speaking countries 17% occur in the U.S. If you wish to do more reading here are some links. http://www.epinions.com/kifm-review-6DCD-B3E965A-39C27982-prod1IntactFactsAnother oneLast one Please do the research before you do something anything just because it is the "normal" thing to do.
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Friday, November 17, 2006
Subject: Stand in the Gap
Time: 9:45:45 AM EST
Author: kbkmomof3
This is something that was put on my mind and heart early this Morning. So
I felt the need to study and write on this. I hope this will bless you and make
you think also. God bless
Eze 22:30-31 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the
hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy
it: but I found none. 31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them;
I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed
upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.
Stop for a moment and think about what many famous religious leaders are
telling our country and the world. They are telling us that God is blessing our
land with great revival. However, much of this "revival" to which they refer is
not scriptural revival but revival based on unbiblical compromise. While we may
find an increase in religion, evangelism and various activities that bring
people together, biblical belief and godly repentance are nowhere to be seen.
The sin of homosexuality is continually growing and affecting the lives of
innocent children and young people, is a very serious thing. We need to
recognize that God speaks plainly about the dangers of it. As believers, we need
to continue to speak plainly about the dangers of this sin, even though
religious and political leaders are joining the bandwagon and saying, "We must
give liberty to all." It is not freedom to be able to sin without penalty. "The
wages of sin is death" as far as salvation of the soul is concerned.
The Lord is looking over The United Stated and is saying I have searched
this land and have found it over run with evil and abomination. I looked and I
looked and the wicked and over running the country. I looked for Christians to
stand in the gap and speak loudly about the evils. The Lord is looking for His
children to stand up for him and loudly cry out about the abominations and sins
that are being committed.
God is angry at the church for sitting back and
allowing the sin and abominations that he has spoken against to infiltrate the
church.
God is asking are you willing to stand and cry out for me. Are you
willing to be persecuted for me.
Christian stand up! Cry out! Stand in the
gap. Be prepared to be persecuted and ridiculed for the Lord. God says stand up
and follow me boldly.
Jesus specifically tells us that their will be false prophets and teachings
in the church. We are commanded to "judge" or discern these men (1 Jn 4:1, 2 Jn
7-12) and their teachings (1 Thes 5:21, 1 Cor 14:29). Do you believe we are
nearing the end of the age? Then can you identify at least three specific false
prophets? How about some popular teachings that are not true?
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then
will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Subject: Little Study on Prophets
Time: 12:34:05 PM EST
Author: kbkmomof3
Zechariah 1.6 gives the following information... A prophet is a servant of God A prophet speaks forth the words and commands ("statutes") that he or she receives from God Second Peter 1.21 gives the following information... A prophet is a holy man of God A prophet speaks for God as he is moved by the Holy Spirit God has given the following guidelines to protect us from false prophets... If someone purports to speak as a prophet from God, the church should assemble so as to judge the validity of that prophet's words... A false prophet can be recognized by the fact that he or she yields bad fruit -- distrust, discord, confusion, wrangling, gossip, useless disputes, and divisions within the church A prophet's words are false if they are inconsistent with, or contradict, God's Bible. ( God does not contradict His Bible.) Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; they speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord." Jer 23.16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts: Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you, if they are teaching you vanity (meaning not sound doctrine)and filling you with false hopes ; they speak visions of their own imaginations, which are NOT from the mouth of the LORD. (Jer 23:16) These false teachers are continually saying, “You will have peace, and no evil will come upon You” (23:17); But the LORD says,” There is NO peace for the wicked” (Is 48:22,57:21,Nahum 1:15) Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, who use their own opinions and say, Thus says the LORD. (23:31) As for my people (who sit under false teachers in context) children will be their oppressors, and women will rule over them. O my people, your leaders cause you to err, and confuse and destroy the way of the truth. (Is 3:12) What is the way of truth? Any understanding of the truth which does not produce godliness is NOT after the faith of God’s elect. (Titus 1:1) God’s beloved children (and those who are willing to become His children) are not ignorant of coming to repentance which leads to godliness. (2Pet 3:9,11) The LORD has not sent teachers who teach others to trust in Lies. (Jer 28:15) What are the Lies that the false teachers are causing people to trust in? IF any man does Not teach these wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is Prideful and knows nothing about the scriptures, because his mind is corrupted and destitute of the truth. (1Tim 6:3-5, Is 8:20) Do you understand that a little leaven (a slight inclination of error) leavens the whole lump ( perverts the whole thing). (Gal 5:9) When a prophet speaks in the name of the lord, if the thing does not come true, that is a thing which the Lord has not spoken. - Deuteronomy 18:22 Deuteronomy 18:20-22 reads, "The prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My Name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And you may say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be afraid of him"
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Monday, November 13, 2006
Subject: Evangelism
Time: 6:28:30 AM EST
Author: kbkmomof3
Evangelism in the past relied heavily on canned
methods and guilt motivation. But I believe sharing the good news about Jesus
can be fun and very natural for every one of us.
Jesus defines personal evangelism in these terms:
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NIV)
We are called to be witnesses. We don’t need to be
professional debaters. We just need to be credible witnesses. A witness is not a
judge or jury. A witness is simply someone who tells their story of what they
have seen, heard and experienced.
We all have a story to tell.
We are all first hand witnesses to the life
changing power of Jesus. People can argue with our ideas but they can’t argue
with our story.
Story of the man delivered of demons… He wanted to
go with Jesus….
Mark 5:19-20 Jesus did not
let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has
done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began
to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people
were amazed. (NIV)
Blind man healed by Jesus questioned by the
Pharisees:
John 9:24-26 A second time
they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God," they said. "We
know this man is a sinner." He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't
know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" Then they asked him,
"What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" (NIV)
The blind man was simply a witness- He didn’t know
how to answer their hard questions but he had a story to tell. “Jesus healed
me. I was blind but now I see.” His story caused them to ask more
questions.
We are called to tell our story where ever we go
in everyday life. You don’t have to know how to answer all the questions people
have.
Use your natural style to tell your
story.
Every person has their way of expressing
themselves and God uses all styles if it comes out of a heart of compassion and
love.
The question is not whether God wants you to share
Jesus with others. Some people are outgoing and are prone to be more direct in
expressing themselves. Others are more quiet and relational in how they share.
Some are good at asking questions and creating
openings, others are good at using natural conversation. Some are good at
meeting strangers and some are better at friendship styles of evangelism.
Being a witness for Jesus is to be very natural
and everyone here can do this. Everyone has a story to tell. Just find your
natural style.
Don’t feel you need to rush people to make a
commitment. Just be yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to draw them to Jesus
through your friendship and sharing.
Find common experiences to open conversations
about Jesus.
Maybe it is an experience that someone else is
going through that you can relate to and you share how Jesus made a difference
for you. Finances, kids, marriage, work.
Invite people to attend a church service, small
group or event with you.
Do you know that according to a Gallup Poll:
-
65 million people in the USA have no church
home
-
34 million responded “I would go to church if
someone invited me”
-
34 million people are just waiting for an
invitation
-
Lancaster County Pennsylvania– Estimated that 75%
are unchurched
The harvest really is ripe and they are very
responsive to Christians who will take time to be friend them and truly care
about them. They are not very responsive to canned approaches that smell of
religious works.
We need to understand that it is the Holy Spirit’s
role to convict people of their sins. Our role is to develop relationships with
those who are not yet followers of Jesus and to tell our story.
Let me ask you a question. How many relationships
are you nurturing with those who are not Christians? Do you have any activities
that include non-Christians?
don’t do missionary dating….big trap and…it
doesn't work
Jesus was known as the friend of sinners and never
compromised His values.
They felt comfortable around him because He
genuinely loved them and was willing to hang out with them.
With that understood let me gently challenge those
of us who have been Christians for a long time. I challenge you to consider
getting involved in something that will help you develop friendship outside your
circle of Christian friends.
-
Volunteer as a big brother or sister
-
Join a neighborhood sport team
-
Start a special interest small group where you can
combine Christians with non-Christians – excellent way ….
-
Get outside your box
You don’t need specialized training to be a good
witness for Jesus. You just need to be authentic and naturally open about Jesus
in your daily life conversations.
The enemy has planted a root of fear into our
lives about sharing our faith ….but perfect love casts out this fear. God’s love
in our hearts is stronger then the fear of sharing when we begin to really love
people.
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Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Subject: Tuesday (voting day in America)
Time: 9:23:50 AM EST
Author: kbkmomof3
Today is the day to vote, so I thought I would share my thoughts on the
issue
We are to pray for our leaders. The bible tells us to do
that. We are also supposed to follow the laws (like not speeding etc) unless the
Laws go against God.
As Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the president
is explicitly charged with the duty of maintaining the military, defending our
borders and preserving national interests through the use of violence if
necessary or expedient. If I, as a follower of Christ, could not conscientiously
serve in that role, then how can I in good conscience cast my support for
someone else to do that in my stead? I am nonresistant.
In the past, members of the Anabaptist tradition have
paid a very high price for their view —loss of property, forced emigration,
imprisonment, and even martyrdom have all been a part of our collective story.
Voting, after all, is not just a “right.” It is
also a “rite”—a ritual of identity and loyalty binding the individual to the
nation. Abstaining from elections signal that our first loyalty is to the
worldwide fellowship of Christian believers, not to the nation-state.
Jesus is my basis. He said follow me and enter the kingdom of
heaven. He made no mention of service to another government. He also said to
swear not. We are taught to say yes or no.
When we as strangers and
pilgrims are hindered by the laws of the land we are in, we submit without
complaint or leave.
The gospel has been lived and preached in every land
with persecution.
When we live by his law and bless our rulers and
enemies we are following his example even when it gets us imprisoned or
killed.
Jerusalem in the days of King Solomon was a lot like America
today with its "FREEDOM OF RELIGION" and BUSINESS,and like America and Europe
today it was one big brothel.
It doesn't matter who is elected, the
winner will not defend and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ even if he or she
goes to church..
Being born in the United States I have many advantages,
mainly that I can peacefully descent but that day is passing quickly as Satans
world government takes over.
Christian allegiance can only be to that one
kingdom--the Kingdom of God. The second chapter of Daniel illustrates the
kingdoms of the world and the final one kingdom that will rule the world
in righteousness-the Kingdom of God. True disciples of Christ respect the
flags of all nations but give allegiance to the flag of no nation. Our
allegiance is to a kingdom that will never fall (Daniel 2:44).
As Christian believers, we are not first and finally citizens of
the USA. We are citizens of Heaven. It is best not to speak of America as ,.our"
country. It is not our country. It is the country in which we happen to
have been born. None of us had a choice about where we should be born. What if
you had been born in Pakistan or North Korea or Cuba? Would you be patriotic
there? Then why should you be patriotic here in the USA?
During World War 11, Lutherans fought for Germany and Lutherans
fought for America. They killed each other. Why? For patriotism and for the
glory of God. Does that make sense to you? They were, each in turn, patriotic
for their own country.
If we vote, we are selecting a representative to act for us as
individuals. When that representative makes choices and decisions, we are then
obligated to support them. This could include going to war. If they declare war,
that blood could well be on our hands. Those citizens who participate in the
process of selecting civil officials (governors and presidents)--are then
obligated to support the decisions of the officers when they are in
office.
What does the Bible say about our citizenship? Philippians 3:20
clearly tells us that our citizenship is in Heaven. Hebrews 13:14 says that
God's people are looking for a country because they have no continuing city
here. The Bible further says that we are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). An
ambassador is a person representing a foreign country. An ambassador does not
participate in the politics of the country of residence. He or she represents
the home country.
(John 18:36)
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Monday, November 6, 2006
Subject: Pictures
Time: 4:30:19 PM EST
Author: kbkmomof3
Here is Summer's School picture and two pictures of the boy's Curtain door.
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Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Subject: The Christian Woman's Veiling
Time: 10:45:25 AM EDT
Author: kbkmomof3
by Harold S. Martin A Bible Helps Tract -- No. 19 We are often asked the question: "What is that cap you wear on your head? What's the significance of a sort of veiling worn over your hair?" This little tract will be an attempt to answer such questions. The woman's veiling is something that is taught in the Bible. If you have a copy of the New Testament, you will find God's teaching about the woman's veiling in 1 Corinthians 11. Verse 6 of that chapter says that if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off, or her head shaved, let her cover her head. But what is the background for this commandment? Why does God say to the woman, "Let her cover her head"? The answer is that the veiling worn by the woman in a symbol. It is a symbol of at least three things: 1. The woman's acceptance of man's leadership. 2. The purity that characterizes Christian living 3. The prayer-life of one who is serving Christ. 1. The Woman's Acceptance of Man's Leadership God has an orderly arrangement for all creatures -- kings and subjects, teachers and pupils, husbands and wives, parents and children, and so forth. And wherever two or more parties are interdependent upon each other, one must have authority and the other must be submissive. In God's order of things (according to the Bible) the basic unit of society is not the individual, but the family. God says that the captain of the family team is the man. In the New Testament Letter to the Christians at Corinth (in Greece), the Bible says that Christ is the head of the man and that man is the head of the woman (1 Corinthians 11:3). This New Testament Letter was addressed to all Christians everywhere (1 Corinthians 1:2). The man (according to God's order) is to respect the woman, to show her kindness, to treat her with love, to listen to her counsel (Ephesians 5:24-25; 28-29) -- but final responsibility for decision-making should rest upon the man -- and the woman should graciously accept this place of leadership on the part of the man (whether he be the husband in the home, the father in the family, or an elder in the church). The veiling on the woman's head is a symbol of her acceptance of the place of subjection to man's leadership. The veiling acknowledges the authority of the man, and symbolizes the fact that the woman is taking her rightful place in God's divine order. The woman who follows Jesus Christ and seeks to obey him, rejoices because she is liberated from the responsibility of lots of final decision making. 2. The Purity That Characterizes Christian Living One who serves God and represents Jesus Christ, is different from the majority of people who live in the present wicked world. This is evident in the way we live, the kind of company we keep, what we eat and drink, our manner of speech, and even in our outward appearance. The woman's veiling symbolizes purity. In the forest regions of northern Europe there lives a small weasel-like animal called the ermine. Instinctively, the ermine protects his fur against anything that would soil it. Fur hunters take advantage of this instinct. The ermine lives in the hollow part of an old tree and in order to catch the ermine, hunters smear the entrance to the animal's home with garbage and filth. And then when the dogs start to chase, the animal flees toward his home -- but when he finds the entrance covered with garbage and dirt, he faces the yelping dogs (and even meets death), rather than soil his beautiful fur. The ermine instinctively preserves his purity -- and just so the Lord wants His followers to be a people who keep themselves from the filth of the world. Gods' people reject immodesty of dress (1 Timothy 2:9), immorality in conduct (Titus 2:5), and frivolous vanity in appearance (1 Peter 3:3). The veiling symbolizes a pure, devoted, submissive Christian life -- and the woman who wears the veiling tries to be careful not to bring reproach upon its meaning. 3. The Prayer Life of One Who Is Serving Christ The Christian woman is one whose life is marked by prayer. Nearly all persons pray at some time or other, but the true follower of Jesus makes prayer one of the sources of his daily strength. Prayer does not necessarily deliver a person from some terrible situation, but it enables the believer to face and master the situation. For the Christian woman, God has become the Friend of all friends. The Bible says we should pray often and continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The perfect friend is the friend to whom we can go at any time without ever feeling a nuisance. Since God is the Friend in the believer's life, we find ourselves often speaking with Him. God is omnipresent, and does not merely dwell in temples made by human hands (Acts 7:48), and so we can pray in the quiet of our own rooms, while on the street, while riding a public conveyance -- anywhere and at all times. The Christian woman is "a praying woman" (1 Corinthians 11:5). She prays for her family, relatives, neighbors, friends, enemies, and world conditions. The veiling on her head is a symbol of her communion with God through prayer. She believes the God of the Bible is real and that He is infinite in power, and that there are needs in life which cannot be met in one's own strength. The woman who prays, daily puts herself in touch with the God of the universe, and thus is given wisdom and discernment, and is refreshed for the duties of life. The Bible says that short uncovered hair for men, and long veiled hair for women, are symbols which God expects His children to observe -- and in this way show their acceptance of His divine chain of authority -- God, Christ, man, woman. In the early days of the history of the church (and in the early days of the Protestant Reformation), nearly all Christian women wore the sign of respect for authority taught in 1 Corinthians 11. The Council of Gangra (in the Fourth Century A.D.) strictly forbade women to cut off their hair. Rembrandt's painting of Preacher Anslo giving a message of comfort to a woman (from God's Word), was completed in 1641 -- and in that painting, the woman is wearing a veiling. If the message of John 3:16 is true (and it is), then the message in 1 Corinthians 11:6 is equally true, and calls for our obedience. It is out of simple obedience to the teachings of the Bible, that Christian women wear a veiling on the head. There is a real blessing in recognizing God's order, and in accepting one's proper place in that order.
Written by kbkmomof3
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Thursday, June 29, 2006
Subject: Reaons why divorce and Remarriage is wrong
Time: 9:14:41 AM EDT
Author: kbkmomof3
Because from the beginning it was not so (Matt. 19:4, 8). God has not changed His design for marriage. Man has changed it. Jesus commanded that divorce be stopped on the basis of the Genesis pattern (Matt. 19:4-6; Mark 10:9) and what He says (“I say unto you” – Matt. 5:32; 19:9). “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female (Matt.19:4).” We need to reread the marriage contract that Jesus talked about. Marriage is for life. Because the word “cleave” (being glued or fastened together) suggests a permanent marriage bond (Gen. 2:24). There is no allowance made in Genesis 2:24 for divorce. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). Because God created only one wife for Adam using only one of his ribs. If God had wanted Adam to have a succession of wives, He would have taken two or three ribs from Adam and created not only Eve, but Ellen, Sandra, and Joan. “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Genesis 2:21-22).
Because in marriage two people become “one flesh” in God’s sight in a mystical spiritual unity (Gen. 2:24). God purposed to indissolubly unite two people into one person. This indicates God’s intended purpose for marriage. It was to be a permanent unity established by God where two become spiritually unified for life. Marriage establishes kingship relationships with a new family. We can no more break a one-flesh marriage relationship than we can blood-family relationships. A child partakes of the flesh of both the father and the mother, and the two are absolutely inseparable!
Because divorce is an attempt to separate what God has purposed to join together for life. “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:9). God is very clear on the permanency of marriage. Whenever we try to undo what God has deemed undoable we violate His perfect design, plan, and purpose for marriage.
Because marriage is to reflect the permanent relationship between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:31-32). Christ will never be divorced or separated from the believer (Rom. 8:35-39; John 10:28). The marriage union is a picture of a permanent relationship. “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:31-32).
Because God unequivocally states that He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). It is Malachi’s intention to encourage husbands to remain faithful and true to their first wife. “For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously” (Malachi 2:16).
Because God calls divorce a treachery in His sight (Malachi 2:14-16). “Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously” (Mal. 2:14-16).
Because divorce defiles a person (Deut. 24:4 Jer. 3:1) and remarriage to a divorced person is an abomination in God’s sight. “Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance” (Deut. 24:4). “They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 3:1).
Because God looks at divorce and remarriage to a divorced person as something which is unholy and forbidden (Lev. 21:7-8, 13-14). “They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God. Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the Lord, which sanctify you, am holy” (Lev. 21:7-8).
Because under the Mosaic Law divorce was regulated – not sanctioned by God (Deut. 24:1-4). It was legislated – not licensed. Divorce was simply permitted and regulated by God because of the hardness of people’s hearts (Matt. 19:8). They were going to do it anyway. There are other things that were permitted (not sanctioned) by God and regulated in a fallen world of sin such as slavery and war. “He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so” (Matt. 19:8).
Because Jesus said a person commits adultery when he divorces and remarries and also causes others to commit adultery (Matt. 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18). This is reason enough not to divorce and remarry. “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery (by her remarriage): and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced (another divorced woman) committeth adultery (with her - causing her to also commit adultery as well)” - Matt. 5:32. You can’t get around it. The summary of Jesus can’t be overturned or overruled by the alleged Pauline loopholes and marital grounds for remarriage. In essence, Jesus is saying: Whether you file for a divorce and remarry, or whether you marry another divorced person, adultery takes place in the act of remarriage. Divorce is wrong because it attempts to separate what God has joined together (Mark 10:9). However, remarriage, which normally occurs after divorce, compounds the sin. This is because adultery takes place in the act of remarriage. Since God does not recognize divorce the next marriage of a divorced person would involve committing the sin of adultery with someone other than his original spouse. There are several scenarios to consider. 1) The man remarrying (“shall marry another” – Matt. 19:9) would commit adultery no matter who he remarries since the original marriage bond is permanent in God’s eyes. 2) In marrying another divorced woman (“marry her that is divorced”) he would also commit adultery with her, even though he was not responsible for legally dissolving her marriage. At the same time he would cause her to commit adultery with him since she was previously divorced. Any remarriage after divorce causes one or both partners to commit adultery depending on their previous marital status. 3) The man’s remarriage would also become an act of adultery against the rejected or divorced spouse and a sin before the holy eyes of God (Hab. 1:13). Both the wife and God Himself would be violated because of a promised covenant that was broken. 4) In addition, the sin of remarriage and adultery would cause the rejected spouse to sin (“causeth her to commit adultery”) in that she would probably end up remarrying and committing adultery herself. One of the old worldly soap operas was called, “These are the days of our lives!” Actually, they should not be the days of our lives if we want to be God-fearing, Bible believing, and God-honoring in our marriage relationship.
Because the New Testament epistles clearly set forth the permanency of marriage until the death of a spouse (Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:39). Divorce is never viewed as an option. “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39). This is a clear, unmistakable, and non-contradictory truth. Any verse that seems to contradict what Paul said should be interpreted in a way that would never diminish the clear meanings and affirmations of Scripture on the permanency of marriage. Romans 7:2-3, “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” In these verses Paul is using the Biblical teaching on the permanency of marriage as an illustration of the law’s jurisdiction over a person’s life. Marriage is a life long commitment. Marriage is a permanent institution that cannot be severed until a death occurs. In a similar way the believer has died to the law’s mastery and is freed from the law’s jurisdiction and condemnation and has now been remarried to Christ (Matt. 7:4 – “dead to the law” and “married to another”).
Because in 1 Corinthians 7:10-13 Paul declares four times that there should be no divorce and departure from the marriage relationship. “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him” (1 Cor. 7:10-13).
Because God always wants reconciliation instead of divorce and remarriage (1 Cor. 7:16) “For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? (1 Cor. 7:16). The practice of reconciliation should be the attitude of the believing Christian and part of the praying process when marriages are in jeopardy and when they have crumbled. God can make a way! “Is any thing to hard for the LORD?” (Gen. 18:14).
Because a saved family member can make a difference in an unsaved marriage relationship (1 Cor. 7:14). “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy” (1 Cor. 7:14). It may be that an unbeliever will be led to the Lord by the believer in the marriage relationship (1 Pet. 3:1). The believer can also have a spiritual impact on the children and entire family as they live for the Lord and manifests the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. They can be the spiritual compass in the marriage relationship and maintain hope for the salvation and sanctification of the family unit.
Because a pastor and deacon must be the “husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6). This demonstrates God’s disapproval of the practice of divorce and conveys His desire to maintain a high and holy standard for church leaders and officers (elders and deacons).
God does not break covenants (Lev. 26:40-45) and since divorce breaks the marriage covenant made before God (Mal. 2:14), it does not meet with God’s approval! God sees marriage as a covenant, which has been made before Him, and a covenant that should never be broken (Prov. 21:17). God has an unbreakable attitude toward covenants. “And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God” (Lev. 26:44).
Because the divorce permitted in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah was a unique situation that took place in the restoration community under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah to insure the continued existence of the nation (Deut. 7:3-4), their faith, and preserve the line through which the Messiah would come. This was a special protective action that would ensure the purity of the nation’s bloodline and the entrance of the Messiah or Savior into the world. The destruction of a recently restored nation by heathen marriages with idolatrous Gentiles would threaten the whole program of salvation (John 3:16). It must be remembered that divorce is not being condoned as God’s choice for any marriage but once again regulated in light of unusual circumstances. To use this account as grounds for divorce is to bypass the clear commands of Scripture on this subject (1 Cor. 7:39) and misapply abnormal and unusual regulations for divorce in Nehemiah’s day to today’s society.
Because the priests were not to marry a divorced person (Lev. 21:7,14). They were to live a holy life in every area including marriage. “They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God” (Lev. 21:7). “A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife” (Lev. 21:14). This shows God’s disproval of divorce and remarriage.
Because God’s divorce of Israel (Jer. 3:8) cannot be construed as His sanction or approval of divorce. Divorce is God’s expression of His anger toward Israel. Israel is personified as an adulteress woman (Jer. 3:1, 3-10; 4:30). Hosea says this apostasy has severed Israel’s relationship with God (Hos. 2:2). One must understand that divorce imagery is used to describe how His relationship with His people has been corrupted by spiritual apostasy – her spiritual adultery. God put her away into captivity. In these verses divorce is being used in a metaphorical sense to describe God’s relationship to Israel. It is not being used to teach God’s sanction and legal grounds for divorce in true marriage. We must distinguish between historical and teaching passages of the Bible. The fact is this. God will never sever His relationship with Israel (Gen. 12:2-3; 15:7-21; 17:7). God has unconditionally and unilaterally bound himself to Israel. However, a metaphorical illustration of divorce is appropriate to describe His displeasure toward His people. It becomes an exegetical fallacy to build a theology for divorce on metaphorical illustrations.
Because Jesus never gave His approval of the five relationships and marriages that the Samaritan woman had with other men (John 4:17-18). “For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly” (John 4:18). The conversation of Jesus with this woman was designed to point to her past and present sins in order to bring her to faith in the Messiah and Savior (John 4:22 – “salvation is of the Jews”).
#26
Because Jesus told an adulterous woman to go and sin no more (John 8:1-11). This proves that Jesus did not allow for divorce and remarriage, which constituted adultery in God’s sight (Luke 16:18). Jesus always spoke against the sin of adultery. “She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).
Because the epistles repeatedly condemn adultery, which would be committed not only in a marriage relationship, but also in the act of remarriage. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19).
Because one of the Ten Commandments says that we should never commit adultery. “And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death” (Lev. 20:10; see also Deut. 5:18; Rom. 13:9). God’s moral laws never change!
Because the disciples' response to what Jesus said about marriage and the exception clause argues for permanency in the marriage relationship without any option for divorce. Matthew 19:10, “His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.” In other words, the disciples recognized that if marriage was permanent in God’s sight and could not be annulled, as Jesus was teaching, then it might just be better not to marry at all. Jesus corrected their thinking (vv. 11-12). The point is this. Had Jesus permitted divorce for adultery or other illicit sexual behavior in a true marriage relationship, then His teaching would not have risen above the teaching of the rabbi Shammai and provoked such a response from His disciples. This would be contrary to the usual pattern that Jesus established in His earthly teachings to the Jews (Matt. 5:21-48).
Because God is just in establishing the law of permanency in relationship to marriage (Gen. 18:25; Psalm 115:3; Isa. 14:27; Rev. 15:3). The outcries of the innocent parties which say, “But that’s not fair” or more specifically, “God would not be fair if He set down a rule like this” or “You can’t expect somebody to suffer for another person’s sin” all point their finger directly at God. God made the marriage manual (Gen. 2:24) and He can set down the rules and limitations according to His perfect sovereignty, plan, and purpose. Isaiah 14:27, “For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25). The Bible says, “just and true are thy ways” (Rev. 15:3) and concludes that “he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him” (Ecc. 8:3). “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psalm 115:3).
Because we should be obedient to what God tells us to do and receive the greatest blessing (Gen. 2:24; James 1:25; Isaiah 1:19). “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25). “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19). If you want God’s best for your life then be willing to obey what God says concerning divorce and remarriage.
Because divorce results in wounds, dishonour, and reproach. “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away” (Proverbs 6:32-33).
Because the way of the transgressor is still hard. “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard” (Proverbs 13:15).
Written by kbkmomof3
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Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Subject: Poor person to Princess
Time: 7:19:51 AM EDT
Author: kbkmomof3
Spiritually speaking this is what has happened to us as Christians. Because of Jesus we have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Light. We are now princes & princesses and joint heirs to the throne with Jesus.
Jesus took our place and entered into our world. As a result we are given the opportunity to become princes and princesses of our Heavenly King. We too have gone from Poor person to Princess.
There is a wonderful story in the Bible of another young man one who was taken from a life of a pauper to a life of a prince. It is the story of Mephibosheth. This story is also a picture of what God has done for us.
The story actually begins with David and Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of King Saul. King Saul despised David and attempted to kill him several times. David and Jonathan were close friends and Jonathan would try to protect David from his evil father.
David and Jonathan decide to make a covenant together where they promise, no matter what happens, to bless and protect each other. Jonathan asks that his family be included in the covenant so his children would also be covered if he were to die.
By doing this Jonathan became the covenant head of all that were to come after him in his family line. David would bless and protect not only Jonathan but all who bear his name. In a similar way Jesus has become our covenant head and we are blessed and protected because of Him.
We pick up the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 after the death of both King Saul and Jonathan. David is now the new king.
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.
(2Sa 9:1-13)
This is a great lesson for us today.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
1. God is seeking to save and bless.
David is searching for members of Jonathans lost family. His desire is to show kindness to them. In the same way God is searching for people who are willing to become part of His family.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."(NIV)
They find Mephibosheth living in the town of Lo Debar. He is crippled in both feet as a result of David coming to power. What happened, since he was King Saul’s grandson, when Saul died and David took over the throne the family fled from the palace because it was the practice to kill off all the members of the previous king’s family so they would not try to retake the throne. In the haste to leave his nurse dropped him and broke both of his feet which left him a cripple for life.
Here he is living in a place called Lo Debar and he probably was filled with resentment toward David. If it wasn’t for David he wouldn’t be crippled and he wouldn’t have to be in hiding. He probably cursed David and hated David.
Then one day he is discovered and told King David wants to see him. He probably thought it was all over. He is as good as dead. He is taken before David and instead of having his head cut off he finds kindness from this man he cursed.
David explained that because of the covenant he had made with Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan, he would show him kindness. Instead of giving him what he deserved he would give him what he didn’t deserve which was all the land and wealth of his grandfather King Saul and from now on he would eat with David at the Kings table.
Mephibosheth is overwhelmed and responds “Who am I that you should notice a dead dog like me?"
2. We are all undeserving of God’s love and forgiveness.
We all were in the same condition as Mephibosheth was.
We were hiding in our sin
We too were like dead dogs when it came to being judged by God. We all deserved to die for our sins, we didn’t deserve God’s forgiveness
Yet God found us and extended his hand of grace to us.
We don’t deserve it, we didn’t earn it, we are not worthy of it.
We too were in rebellion against God
Isa 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way…(NIV)
David wasn’t blessing Mephibosheth because he deserved it.
David was doing this because of Jonathan who had made a covenant with him. It was because Jonathan had made a covenant for his family that Mephibosheth’s life was spared. In the same way………..
3. God blesses and forgives us because of Jesus.
Jesus has become the covenant representative or head for all those who put their faith in Him.
God extends His forgiveness toward us, not because of who we are but because of our covenant head. Because Jesus enter covenant for us through His death on the cross we are included in the blessing.
Titus 3:5-6 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy…..through Jesus Christ our Savior. (NIV)
We are now invited to eat at the Kings table.
We are no longer outcast dogs; instead we can come boldly into the very throne room of grace.
4.We actually become co-heirs with Christ
We can now use the authority and power of Jesus’ name. We can now ask whatever we will because of Jesus.
We will inherit the riches of heaven with Jesus. We are no longer poor people but princesses!
Rom 8:16-17 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…. (NIV)
This is an amazing and powerful truth. It is one thing to be forgiven but it is another thing to be brought into the family with full privileges and inheritance.
There was one condition for Mephibosheth. He had to leave Lo Debar.
4. If we are to walk in fellowship with Jesus we must leave our sinful life behind.
Mephibosheth could no longer live in Lo Debar if he was going to sit at the Kings table. He now had to live in Jerusalem.
He had to fully embrace the King if he wanted to be treated like a prince.
We can’t live like royalty if our hearts are still back in Egypt.
Acts 7:39 "But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. (NIV)
Have the things of Egypt made their way back into our hearts.
Have we turned back to Lo Debar
Have things encroached on our love for Jesus.
Unforgiveness, sins, distractions from sitting at His table
If so take a moment to talk to God and get things clear again.
Lets remember we are all like Mephibosheth. Undeserving of anything from God, yet we sit here today as Princess in the royal family.
Written by kbkmomof3
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