Bible Studies Online Blog

Danger Point - A Gospel Illustration by Wm. F. P. Burton

04/28/2012 18:30:00

God says that now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). He will not always wait however. Every day that you delay accepting His grace is another affront to His mercy, until at last a day will dawn when He will cease to call. He says, 'Because I have called and ye refused: I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded: but ye have set at nought all my councel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity: I will mock you when fear cometh... Thenshall they call upon Me but I will not answer: they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me.' (Prov. 1:24-30).

On the Zambezi River, between Northern and Southern Rhodesia, is one of the most stupendous spectacles in the world. Poeple flock from every continent to see it. The river is 3/4 mile across and plunges down a chasm almost 400 feet deep. The spray is flung hundreds of feet into the air and the roar of the waters can be heard miles away. Sight-seers with camera or sketching equipment throng the opposite bank, to stand in speechless awe at so

immense a spectacle of God's power - Victoria Falls.

At one point slippery rocks jut out to the very edge of the precipice. A board announces 'IT IS DANGEROUS TO APPROACH BEYOND THIS NOTICE.' It is called 'danger point.' Some foolish people however, anxious to get a better photograph, dare to go a step or two beyond. The ground slopes more and more steeply until it ends in a sheer drop down into the yawning abyss. Moreover that ground is constantly saturated by the sprays of the falls.

See that self-confident fellow, 'I will only go a little way,' but the view is so much finer that he takes just another step and another. Onlookers shout 'don't be a fool! Come back!' But he gets his snapshot. Then when he turns to regain the higher ground, his feet slip inthe dripping clay. Now there is terror on his face. He scrambles, but still slides down. he snatches at the tufts of grass but they come out in his hands. he shrieks. Before the eyes of the horrified spectators above he flings away his camera and over he goes, to be dashed to pieces on the rocks 400 feet below, or to be carried away by the swirling waters.

It was madness, yet people will not learn. Every year they do it.

Are you, my friend, at this danger point? Turn to Christ and be saved while the arms of mercy are outstretched, lest you ass the point of no return and perish.

Esther 1

04/02/2012 20:50:00

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Esther Chapter 1

Introduction

The book of Esther is one of the historical books of the Old Testament and is believed to have been written by Mordecai. Mordecai was Esther’s cousin and had brought her up because she was an orphan. The name of God does not appear in the book but it does demonstrate the love and care that He had for His people even though they had been taken away from Israel and into captivity because of their sin. It shows how God used both Esther and Mordecai to deliver the Jews from a plot to exterminate them. As we go through it we will discover how it can apply to Christians in today's world.

1. A Lavish Feast by an Arrogant Man 1 - 8.

1.1. The following events happened in the days of Ahasuerus. (I am referring to that Ahasuerus who used to rule over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces extending all the way from India to Ethiopia. )

The time in history is made clear. Ahasuerus or Xerxes I in some translations, was King of Persia from 486 - 465 BC. To clarify this Ahasuerus we are told that he ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. No other king of Persia’s domains covered this large area.

1.2. In those days, as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa the citadel, At this time the king ruled his empire from his royal throne at his palace of Susa in the city of the same name.

1.3. In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces.

The events recorded in the book happened in the third year of Ahasuerus’ reign. At this time he laid on a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He also invited all the military officers of Persia and Media and all the princes and nobles of the provinces that he ruled over.

1.4. The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.

This was not a one day affair but continued for 180 days! The purpose of this feast was so that the King could show off all his great wealth by the extravagance of the expense of such a feast. Also to impress his guests with the greatness of his majesty.

1.5. When those days were completed, the king then provided a seven-day banquet for all the people who were presentin Susa the citadel, for those of highest standing to the most lowly. It was held in the court located in the garden of the royal palace.

When this extensive feast was over he then provided a seven day banquet for everybody who was then present in the city of Susa from the highest to the lowest in society. It was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. The following verses give an inventory of the extravagant length this arrogant king went to in order to exalt himself and we shall see the outcome of it (Psalm 73:6, Proverbs 13:10).

1.6. The furnishings included linen and purple curtains hung by cords of the finest linenand purple wool on silver rings, alabaster columns, gold and silver couches displayed on a floor made of valuable stones of alabaster, mother-of-pearl, and mineral stone.

Expense was of no consideration in providing this feast. The canopies were made of linen and purple curtains hung from cords of the best linen. These were hung from silver rings and marble pillars. The couches on which the guests reclined while eating were made of gold and silver and resting on a mosaic floor of marble, mother of pearl and other costly stones.

1.7. Drinks were served in golden containers, all of which differed from one another. Royal wine was available in abundance at the king's expense.

Drink was provided from the royal wine cellars in abundance at the king’s expense and was served in golden goblets of many designs.

1.8. There were no restrictions on the drinking, for the king had instructed all of his supervisors that they should do as everyone so desired. There was no limit set about the amount a person could drink. The king instructed his servants to let the people have as much as they wanted to. In this first heading we have seen the pride of man with his disregard of God and his indulgence in the things of the world. John tells us that this is not of God the Father (1 John 2:16).

2. A Rebellious Woman 9 - 12.

1.9. Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in King Ahasuerus' royal palace.

All this partying was for the men only, women were excluded! So Queen Vashti gave her own banquet exclusively for the women in the King’s Palace.

1.10. On the seventh day, as King Ahasuerus was feeling the effects of the wine, he ordered Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who attended him,

On the last day of this seven day feast the king was irresponsibly merry because of his excessive drinking. In this state he called seven of his personal servants to attend to him.

1.11. to bring Queen Vashti into the king's presence wearing her royal high turban. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.

There was no end to this man’s show of arrogance! Not content with the elaborateness of his banquets he now wants to parade his number one wife, his queen, (Note: he would have had many wives) like a fashion model before all the people and officials because she was a very beautiful woman. So he tells his servants to go an tell her to come to him wearing her royal crown the token of her queenship.

1.12. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's bidding conveyed through the eunuchs. Then the king became extremely angry, and his rage consumed him.

Queen Vashti refused to obey the king’s command. We may say quite right too why should she expose herself to a lot of drunken men! But we must keep in mind the age that she was living in that the King was supreme ruler. Not only was he her husband but he was her king. In the light of this her action was rebellious. The king became extremely angry and was consumed by his rage. From the New Testament teachings we know that all are equal in Christ whether men or women, bond or free (1 Corinthian 12:13). However there are clear teachings as to how a woman and wife should conduct themselves (Ephesians 5: 22 - 24) and likewise men and husbands (Ephesians 5: 25). Let us make certain we do not follow King Ahasuerus’ and Queen Vashti’s example.

3. The Consequences of Arrogance and Rebellion 13 - 22.

1.13. The king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times — for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities.

The king called for seven of his wise men and counsellors who knew all the Persian laws and customs to ask them what he should do about this outrage of the Queen.

1.14. Those who were closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. These men were the seven officials of Persia and Media who saw the king on a regular basis and had the most prominent offices in the kingdom.

These were seven princes of Persia and Media and were very close to the king. They held the most important positions in the land and often met with the king to give him advise.

1.15. The king asked, "By law, what should be done to Queen Vashti in light of the fact that she has not obeyed the instructions of King Ahasuerus conveyed through the eunuchs?"

He asked them what according to the law could be done to Queen Vashti for refusing to obey his command that he had given through the eunuchs to come to him.

1.16. Memucan answered the king and his nobles, "Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire.

One of the princes, Memucan (his name means dignified) highlighted the far greater consequences of Queen Vashti’s rebellion. It was not only the king she had wronged but every noble and citizen through the empire.

1.17. For the matter concerning the queen will spread to all the women, leading them to treat their husbands with contempt, saying, 'When King Ahasuerus gave orders to bring Queen Vashti into his presence, she would not come.

It would be the signal for every woman to begin to treat their husbands with contempt, to defy or resist their authority. They would use Queen Vashti’s refusal to obey the King as a precedent (example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time) to support this. The exhortation in the New Testament and the example in the Old Testament clearly state that a wife must respect her husband (Ephesians 5: 33, 1 Peter 3: 5 -6). To refuse to do as the word of God says is rebellion against God and showing a contempt for Him, to defy and resist His authority.

1.18. And this very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media who have heard the matter concerning the queen will respond in the same way to all the royal officials, and there will be more than enough contempt and anger!

He further said that before the day is over the wives of all the king’s nobles through Persia and Media will have heard what Queen Vashti did and will behave in the same way to their husbands no matter what their position in life. They won’t respect their husbands and their husbands will be angry with them.

1.19. If the king is so inclined, let a royal edict go forth from him, and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media that cannot be repealed, that Vashti may not come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king convey her royalty to another who is more deserving than she.

The king’s word was law and so Memucan and the other counsellors could only advise him. Their advise was that he should make a royal decree that should be entered into the law books of Persia and Media that could not be annulled that Vashti is to be divorced and therefore no longer Queen and never come into the presence of the king again. That the king should choose another queen who is more worthy than Vashti. The consequences of King Ahasuerus’ arrogance was that he lost a wife and his queen. The consequences of Vashti rebellion was that she lost her crown and was banished from the presence of the king. There is a consequence to man’s rebellion against God as there was with Satan. The devil was cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12,Luke 10:18, Revelation 12: 7 - 9) and will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). So it will be for all people who follow in Satan’s footsteps (Psalm 5:10, Romans 2:8).

1.20. And let the king's decision which he will enact be disseminated throughout all his kingdom, vast though it is.Then all the women will give honor to their husbands, from the most prominent to the lowly."

This law was to be made known throughout the king’s empire so that all the women will know the consequences of Vashti’s disobedience to the king and they will show respect their husbands no matter what their rank whether rich or poor.

1.21. The matter seemed appropriate to the king and the officials. So the king acted on the advice of Memucan.

This advice pleased the king and the princes and so the king set his seal upon this new law.

1.22. He sent letters throughout all the royal provinces, to each province according to its own script and to each people according to its own language, that every man should be ruling his family and should be speaking the language of his own people.

Letters we sent throughout the kings provinces written in their own language that every man should be master in his own house and ruling his family (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:23).

Scriptures taken from the NET Bible www.bible.org

God My Help Psalm 3

03/12/2012 08:20:00

We all have troubles: "Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward."

David's experiences are recorded for us, that we might find God as our help just as David did.

David's Trouble

v1 David’s own son Absalom had risen up in rebellion against him (2 Sam. 15:1-6). So many men had joined Absalom that David says "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me!" Was David's trouble of his own making? Partly, for David had never corrected Absalom as he grew up, neglecting his God given responsibility to bring up his children.

Paul Brown, (Evangelical Times March 2001) wrote, "Parents have God-given authority to discipline their children; the authority to command, advise, rebuke and chastise." Not only did David fail to correct Absolom, he failed to set a good example (2 Sam 12.9-12). More than anything else, children follow our example, so a good example is worth more than hours of teaching. As Brown observes, “Is it fair to punish your child for an outburst of temper, when you cannot control yourself when irritated or annoyed?"Yet whilst David must take his share of blame for the situation, it was not entirely his own fault. Absalom was now a grown man and responsible for himself. Children who have good Christian parents may nevertheless, when they come of age, turn their back upon God and Christ. A parent can never finally be responsible for their adult child when he/she reaches an age of understanding and becomes responsible before God for his/her own actions. ”A father will not die for his son's sin nor a son for his fathers' sin."

v2 As David fled to escape from Absolom, he went was pelted with dirt by a man named Shimei who cursed him and told him that God was punishing him for shedding the blood of Saul's family. "God will not help you! God is punishing you for your sin!" The accuser of the brethren says the same thing at times to you and me. It's your own fault! You deserve all this! God will not help you! But this is not for any man to say. Even if David was being punished for his sin, he was in God's hands - not theirs. So David committed himself into God's hands, submitting himself under the mighty hand of God. 2 Sam 15.26

David's Trust

v3 David's reaction was one of confidence in God. From years of experience David knew that in times of trouble, God was his help and shield. God had given him too many victories and would not forsake him now. The word used for shield here is a covering in front and behind and above and all around. David says, "You, O Lord are a shield all around me." Psalm 139.1-5.David calls God his glory. God is his boast. He will not boast in anyone or anything else - not in himself, but in God who did all things for him. What do we boast about? Our physical strength? Our education? Our position in life? The Corinthian church were boasters. They boasted in their leaders. They boasted in what they considered to be their superior spirituality. They thought they were a cut above the rest, and boasted in the gifts that God had given to them, but Paul says to them 1 Cor 4.7; Gal 6.14.Not only was God David's shield and his boast, he was also the lifter up of his head. We hang our heads when we are beaten or ashamed. Since God is our strength, we cannot be finally beaten for Rom. 8.31.It is God who covers all our sin, so that we need not hang our heads in shame.

v4 David's turned his trouble over to God in prayer. David’s Prayer His prayer was audible - "I cried." His prayer was earnest - "I cried." His prayer was answered.

David knew that God had answered his prayer, even before the answer was seen. He had assurance of this, though when the answer came, it was not the one he had expected or hoped for. Absalom was killed by Joab, and the rebellion was finished. God, from his exalted position in charge of the universe, heard and acted.

v5 In the assurance that God had given him David could rest, knowing that he was being kept and upheld by the power of God.This is the peace which often seems contrary to circumstances, the peace of God which passes all understanding. Phil 4.6,7.

v6 David's trust was in God, and God's perfect love casts out all fear. David was not exaggerating - there were thousands pursuing him but he knew that "one with God is in the majority."God's Answer - Salvation and BlessingGod makes a difference between the ungodly and the godly.

v7 Even though he had received peace, David continued to pray for God to deliver him. God would treat David's enemies as his own, for those who rose up against the Lord's anointed had risen up against the One who anointed him. Since it was with their mouths that these ungodly men sought to do harm to the man of God and spoke proudly and blasphemously, it is on the cheek bone that God strikes them. God allowed the lions to speak but he did not allow them to bite, for He smashes out their teeth. Rom12.19 God has reason to regard His enemies with contempt, for ultimately good will triumph over evil.

v8 From the beginning of this experience to its end, David knew that only God could deliver him, the only Savior of men. We too can be sure that He who has begun a good work in us will carry it on to completion in the day of Christ Jesus. He has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3) and we will one day enter into the fullness of His blessing. In the midst of all our troubles, God will be our help, as he was David's.

Latest Bible Study Book Out Now!

03/04/2012 22:09:00

The Pentecostal Bible Commentary1 Corinthians - Out Now!

List Price: $11.65 (paperback) GO TO BOOKSHOP

$4.28 Kindle edition. GO TO KINDLE STORE

5.5" x 8.5" 318 pages. Author: Mathew Bartlett ISBN-13: 978-1463531256.

This remarkable first epistle of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians uncovers the many teething troubles present in the early church. Arrogance had led to discord; sexual sin was being tolerated by the church; civil lawsuits had sprung up between disgruntled believers; the spirit of idolatry which pervaded the city presented a number of ethical difficulties; the spiritual gifts which God had meant for blessing were being wrongly emphasised and incorrectly used; and false teaching concerning the resurrection threatened to bring down the faith of some.
If the problems in contemporary churches are very similar to those in Corinth, we ought not to despair. Paul shows us the way out of such difficulties into abundant spiritual blessing. Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians demonstrates that all churches have the capacity for spiritual growth and the potential for spiritual maturity.

Studying God's Word

12/20/2011 21:57:00

Studying God's Word is a guaranteed way for enlarging your Christian life.

The Bible is a superb resource for study, since it is God's Word and entirely true. Through the Bible God speaks clearly to our souls. God's Word is like spiritual food for the godly. Bible reading and studying the Bible will make you mature as a follower of Christ.

With Bible Studies Online you can study Bible passages at your own pace, taking one Bible verse or chapter at a time. Bible Studies Online offers a unique and essential Bible study tool for everyone wishing to discover God's Word for themselves.

Bible translations we use include the King James Version, the New King James Version, The New Revised Standard Version and the New English Translation.

Check out our study in Romans Chapter 1 at www.biblestudiesonline.co.uk/Romans.html

Bible study is not an academic excersise

11/19/2011 21:32:00

The study of the Bible is meant to be more than an academic excercise. If the Bible truly is the Word of God for man, then such study demands our attention and obedience. Indeed, our understanding of the Word of Christ depends greatly on our obedience to Christ. Jesus said:

If anyone wants to do God's will, he will know about my teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority. John 7:17 (NET)

If we would understand God's will more perfectly, then we must be prepared to obey what we have already received, for only then will more be revealed to us.

"The doctrine of Christ surpasses all the doctrines of the saints; and he that has the Spirit will find in them the hidden manna. But it so happens that many, from frequent hearing of the gospel are very little affected, because they do not have the Spirit of Christ.

But he who would fully understand the words of Christ must study to make his whole life conformable to that of Christ."

(Abridged from Thomas A Kempis, The Imitation of Christ).

So then, if we would be more like Jesus, let us be doers of the word, and not hearers only.

To be Like Jesus

11/17/2011 11:08:00

One of the classic's of Christian literature is Thomas A Kempis' "Imitation of Christ". Here is a brief extract:

He that followeth Me walketh not in darkness, saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished to imitate His life and manners if we would be truly enlightened and delivered from all blindness of heart. Let it therefore be our chief study to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.

The desire of every child of God, which has been placed in his heart by the Holy Spirit, is to be like Jesus.
God works and moves in our lives, in both bad and good, according to His great sovereign plan, that we might "be conformed to the image of His son" (Rom. 8:29)

This is why "All things work together for good for those who love God." (Rom. 8:28)
His intention is that Jesus might be the "first born among many brethren". (Rom. 8:29)

We are not yet perfect but we are going on to our eternal perfection. Let this be our constant longing and prayer.

O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

O to be like Thee,
O to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in thy sweettness, come in thy fulness
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart!

T. O. Chisholm

Psalm 2 "Christ the King"

11/16/2011 08:51:00

The psalm begins with a picture of a world in rebellion against God - they would get rid of Him altogether. They consider serving God to be bondage, when in fact it is true freedom.

No one can ultimately free themselves from their obligations to their creator Hebrews 9:27. What does God think of those who think they can? V4 tells us that He laughs at them - not literally - the picture shows it is futile for man to think that he can be free from God's rule.

If men will fight against God, God will have them in confusion.
When men rejected and crucified God's Son, they thought that they were having their own way. By killing Christ man thought that he had succeeded in getting rid of God, but in fact God was fulfilling HIS purpose. Acts 2.23. He says My purpose will win over all others. Isa 46.9,10. He confounded them. They crucified Jesus; but God has raised him from the dead and exalted Him. Eph1.20-22. Men rejected Him, but God has made him both Lord and Christ. Acts 2.36.

v6 Firstly, it is set apart "my holy hill." Then it has an elevated position "hill" and lastly it is the dwelling place of God, for Zion is where the temple stood. So Christ is set apart. REF Being exalted, Christ has gone into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. Mark 16.19. Through Christ's death, the church is also made holy Heb 2.11 and shares an exalted position Eph 2.6. The church is a dwelling place of God through the Spirit Eph2.22. By his exaltation Christ has been made head over all things to the church. Eph 1.22

V7 What right has this King to reign? He is the only begotten Son of God, who was with the Father in the beginning. John 1.1,2. Christ has the Divine right to rule, since He is both God Himself and has been appointed by God the Father. V6 Tells us that God anointed him to be King. Christ means anointed one. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit without measure. John 3.34.

V8 Some kings covet gold or silver, but these mean nothing to our king. He values the souls of men above all else. He came to seek and to save the lost, redeeming us to God by His blood. Jesus is the king who wants to reign in the hearts and lives of men and women. That is why he tells us to go and make disciples. Matt 28.19,20. One day he will come to reign on earth with absolute authority. Ps 72.8. Those who refuse to obey him and submit to his rule will be completely broken and eternally ruined -- just as when you break a clay pot with an iron bar there is no hope of repairing it again.

Since Christ is exalted as the supreme authority in all the universe, we should submit to him. At present we may do so voluntarily -of our own free will - and be saved. Rom 10.9.

But if any will not submit to him now, they will one day be forced to do so, for every knee MUST bow to Jesus. Phil 2.9-11. Then they will bow to hear God's judgment "Depart from me.. into everlasting fire"

V12 So the Psalmist warns rebels to submit and to kiss the son.

In ancient times the kissing of the hand showed devotion, the person was saying "I am your servant," or "I am yours." It was an act of worship. We are reminded in Rom 12.1 that this is our reasonable service. Rom 12.1 We give ourselves to him. After all he has done for us, what else could he expect? It is only our reasonable service.

Those who continue to rebel and harden their hearts against God will taste his anger. If his wrath being aroused just a little is enough to utterly destroy you, what about the full force of his wrath, which the scripture says will be poured out upon all those who do not believe.
In v5 we see it will take place suddenly, as God breaks through to make an end of man's insolent rebellion. When Christ comes again He will bring the wrath of God 2 Thessalonains 1:7-10. The final destruction of unbelievers will come suddenly and unexpectedly. 1 Thesssalonians 5.3.

But for those who believe the promise is given of eternal life. They will be blessed eternally Acts16.31.

As we look in the Bible we can't get away from the fact that Jesus is King. We should let him rule as king in our lives. To surrender means to obey Him. If we let Jesus be king, he will deal with the attitudes and habits in our lives that do not please him- such as lying, stealing, jealousy, anger. He tells us to put them away, for He is our king. Will you let Jesus be King of your heart today? Will you give yourself to him?

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What's the time?

11/11/2011 22:02:00

Here's a quiz-

Q. How many seconds in a minute?
(A. 60)
Q. How many minutes in an hour?
(A. 60)
Q. How many minutes until you die?
(A. DON'T KNOW)

It's a sobering thought. No one has full control over our their life span, or the passing seconds. Time waits for no man as we all head for the inevitable end - death - and then what?

Fortunately, Jesus himself gave us the answer. For those who put their faith in Him as Savior, Jesus Christ promises eternal life in heaven.

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 NKJV)

But for those who reject him and do not accept his words, the Lord Jesus warns of eternal suffering and misery in hell.
He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' (Matthew 25:41 NKJV)

That is why the Bible says "behold now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation."

None of us can afford to put it off until tomorrow - we must put our trust Jesus Christ today, as the only Saviour who will take us from time into the blessed eternity of heaven.

Jesus Christ died and rose again so that all who believe in Him might receive the gift of eternal life. That gift will be yours when you trust Him to save you. Don't put it off. Call on Him today. "For whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

A Sinner's Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, forgive me a sinner. Come into my heart and save my soul. I believe that you are the Son of God, that you died on a cross to redeem me, and that you rose from the dead.
I confess there is nothing I can do to save myself, but I now repent of my sins and receive you now as my Saviour and Lord. I pray this prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

The Present Only is Our Own

The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just where the hands will stop
At late or early hour
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed
To lose one's health is more
To lose one's soul is such a loss
As no man can restore
The PRESENT only is our own
To seek to do God's will
Tomorrow holds no promises for
The clock may then be still.
(c) Robert H. Smith 1932 - 1982.

The Greatest Sacrifice

11/10/2011 21:58:00

On 11/11/11 Armistice Day, we remember those who gave their lives in wars to protect and preserve our lives and freedoms. On this day, let us not forget the GREATEST SACRIFICE - that of Jesus Christ.

Read Mark 14.33-36

The Greatest Sorrow
Why was Christ sorrowful? Was it because he knew that he would be betrayed by one of his own disciples - Judas Iscariot - that very night? Maybe it was because he knew that all his friends would forsake him and run to save their own lives. Perhaps it was because he knew that he would be handed over to his enemies who would put him on trial, mock him, spit on him, flog him and put him to death. But it was more than that. For the Lord Jesus Christ was not just going to die a death like other men. He was going to die for the sins of the world. The bible says that he became sin for us. He bore our sins in his own body on the tree.
This is what made the Lord Jesus Christ the most sorrowful. The fact that he, the sinless, holy son of God became sin for us. How he must have felt as he prayed in the garden as every sin which has ever been committed was laid upon him as if it was his own. This is what caused the extreme sorrow - he was to drink the bitter cup of punishment for all our sins.
The storm of God's holy anger against sin broke over the head of the son of God as he died for you and me, and the sorrow began there in the garden.

The Greatest Submission.
Notice his prayer. Father...not what I will. The plan of salvation originated with God the Father. It was not Christ's own idea that he should die on a cross to take away the sins of the world. Christ was the willing and obedient servant that would carry that plan out to completion. When the Lord Jesus left heaven and came to earth it was to do the will of the one who sent him - God his Father. He always did those things which pleased his father and he took delight in doing his father's will and being about his Father's business.
As a man, Jesus had his own will and could have chosen his own way. But he chose always to do the will of his Father. And that will was that the Son should offer himself as a sacrifice for all men so that they might be saved. Jesus became obedient to his father even to the point of death - even death on a cross. His was the utmost submission.

The Greatest Salvation
John the Baptist called Jesus "The Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the whole world." There is no one that is left out. Christ died for every one of us. The Bible says that God loved the world. That includes everyone too. And because Jesus has tasted death for everyone, everyone may believe in him and so receive forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. When anyone believes in the Lord Jesus Christ they are saved, they saved once forever and will never be lost. That his how safe it is to be in the hands of Jesus. He is strong to save. That is why when Jesus saves he saves forever. His is the utmost salvation. Salvation from sin and death and hell. Only Jesus can save like this, because only Jesus died for us and rose again on the third day. Now he is alive in heaven where he always lives to pray for those who believe in him.
Have you believed in the Lord Jesus? Have you been saved from your guilt and sin and from death and hell? Or do you only hope so? When we receive the Lord Jesus as our Saviour we don't have to hope so any more - for we will know so. For he saves us to the uttermost. All we must do is admit that we have sinned, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, asking him to come into our hearts and lives and remain with us forever. The Bible says Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.