To, Love, Honor & Cherish Part 1
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:25-5:25 To, Love, Honor & Cherish Part 1. Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; How many remember their wedding vows? Remember the preacher saying to each; To, Love, Honor & Cherish? I would like to examine this phrase and compare marriage between man and woman and the marriage of Christ to the Church. In Eph 5:25 we see that Jesus loved His bride so much, he gave His life for Her (speaking of the body of the Church) What is Love? The two Greek words for "love" are distinct: phileo, the love of impulse, ardent affection and feeling; agapao, the love of esteem, regard. 1. An affection of the mind excited by beauty and worth of any kind, or by the qualities of an object, which communicate pleasure, sensual or intellectual. It is opposed to hatred. Love between the sexes, is a compound affection, consisting of esteem, benevolence, and animal desire. Pleasing qualities of any kind excites love, as by kindness, benevolence, charity, and by the qualities which render social intercourse agreeable. In the latter case, love is ardent friendship, or a strong attachment springing from good will and esteem, and the pleasure derived from the company, civilities and kindness of others. The love of God is the first duty of man, and this springs from just views of his attributes or Excellencies of character, which afford the highest delight to the sanctified heart. Esteem and reverence constitute ingredients in this affection, and a fear of offending him is its inseparable effect. A strong attachment springing from good will and esteem, this is the Love that God has for His Church. We must understand that the church is the central point of Gods focus. She must be cleaned, dressed and prepared for an eternal relationship with Him. Nothing else will do. The Bride of Christ must be the best of all things, and as we come closer to the wedding day or union of Christ and the Church, the preparations become more precise. Gentlemen, if your bride to be, showed up at the wedding dressed in a housecoat, curlers in her hair and cold cream all over her face, you would think twice about the union, wouldn’t you? You expect the best she has, and since she will represent your name, purity is expected. So if we as men expect this of our bride, then Christ has the right to expect the same. Jesus loves His bride but impurities will and must be eliminated. In Jewish law a woman about to be married, is given a makeup kit bought by the bridegroom and is given 1 year to learn how to use it. God has given us over 2,000 years to learn. Lets take a look at some expectations of bridegroom to bride. 1Titus 2:9-10 in like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; [The meek shall inherit the Earth] but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. [God expects good works from His Church] 1Titus 3:11 women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. [Come out from among the world and be ye a separated people] 1Peter 3:5 For after this manner aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: This last phrase is very interesting, {being in subjection to their own husbands:} If you’ve ever heard these verses preached on before, most ministers use them to explain the roll of the woman in marriage. But here we see something different. Whose bride are we? Who do we answer to? Who will make our decisions for us as far as dress, communication and appearance? The Bridegroom, Jesus. Satan has, a throne, a kingdom, a church and a bride also. But the difference is extreme and is full of apostasy, greed, hatred, variance, ugliness and despair, the exact opposite of the Bride Of Christ. Revelations 2:9 I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they art not, but are a synagogue of Satan. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. Changing life styles is not enough for the Bride of Christ but a change of Heart is essential for a lasting relationship. John 8:38 I speak the things, which I have seen with my Father: and ye also do the things which ye heard from your father. [Satan] Satan’s bride is, vulgar, unrulely, digenerate, dressed as a harlot and has no love for mankind. Remember what Love is in a union of husband and wife? “Pleasing qualities of any kind excites love, as by kindness, benevolence, charity, and by the qualities which render social intercourse agreeable. In the latter case, love is ardent friendship, or a strong attachment springing from good will and esteem, and the pleasure derived from the company, civilities and kindness of others.” These words have nothing to do with satins church [synagogue]. Satan is come to, kill, steel and destroy, all things that are good, righteous, worthy of acceptance from God, to make a mockery of Love. Satan will be and is married to a harlot that hates him as much as he hates her. We as the Bride of Christ are under subjection to Him and no other. Many people today have trouble in their marriages because of outside influences or should I say outside interferences. Not so with the Bride of Christ. There will be no outside interferences with her, but within there may be and is a division that must be handled and addressed before Christ will accept her to wed. John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared [adorned, made up, finished with all premarital preparations] as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride [the Church], the Lamb’s wife. Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride [this is the Church] say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For the love of the Bride for the Bridegroom is, to make all preparations of herself in beauty and purity. If we love Christ, we will make all preparations that are required of Him for that day when the union and the marriage supper shall take place. So then what is Love. To give of yourself freely to your intended, being able to put all that you have into the relationship and not only all that you have but of all that you are. End part 1.
To, Love, Honor & Cherish Part 2
Marriage & Relationships. To, Love Honor & Cherish. Part 2. John 8:49-14:21 To, Love Honor & Cherish. Part 2 Honor The Bible speaks of honor, honoring, mother & father, family, & God. So then what is honor? Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being. Reputation; good name; as, his honor is unsullied. “beauty,” “majesty,” “honor” (Psa_111:3, the Revised Version (British and American) “honor”); ’ādhar, “to make honorable,” “illustrious” (Isa_42:21, “magnify the law, and make it honorable,” the Revised Version margin “make the teaching great and glorious”); , yākòār, “precious” (Psa_45:9); To honor, as in, honor thy father & mother, is to make no action that would cause any defamation to the name of your parents. For Christians, toward God, it means the same. As with husband toward wife and wife toward husband, neither is to commit any act that would degrade the name of the other, but to uphold the sanctity of the union with a good report. To dishonor is, 1. To disgrace; to bring reproach or shame on; to stain the character of; to lessen reputation. John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonour me. John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. : The Church is the Bride of Christ and there by must not commit any act that would bring shame upon the name of Christ. 2Co 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed , No offence, doing nothing that would defame the name of the bridegroom. Here we talk about the bride not committing offences only, for we know that Jesus is perfect after the likeness of the Father so any offences would only come from the bride. Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Here we speak of false doctrine, preachers, teachers, prophets and ministers that were never called by God to minister. Not everyone that says that they are a minister of the Gospel is. Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. Man made doctrine, changing the commandments of Christ to fit their own desires, for power and prestige. After mounts of planning for a wedding, why would a couple all of a sudden change all the rules and plans? Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? Why would any minister, want to change the wedding plans to fit the world, allowing guest in that Christ strictly forbids. Making unrighteousness welcome into the House of God. Don’t misunderstand, church is where we want those who are lost to be, but to allow unrighteousness to become part of the church, to hold office and place and preach and teach still under Satan and sin is corrupt. Now when these things are allowed to be, then the orator of these actions dishonors Christ and the Church. There are many today that dishonor God, Christ and The Holy Spirit of God. They have been and are corrupting the gospel and the church. These people are like unto a guest at a wedding supper that comes in and disrupts the supper by using vulgar language, dressing inappropriately and showing total lack of respect to the Bridegroom. Honor is more than just a word; it’s a state of mind, body and spirit. Many haven’t gotten the idea yet that the marriage or union of two is a solemn occasion and must be addressed as such. This is not a game that we are playing; it’s not a fantasy, its reality. Many whom say Lord, Lord, shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, because of disobedience and sin, a total lack of respect and belief in the Truth of the Gospel. Remember what Jesus said, “I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonour me.” Many today dishonor ministers by trying to change them, by trying to get their interpretation to be the only one there is. By not believing the word that is preached and trying to bring in division and strife within the Church. Their pastor wasn’t voted in so, “I’m going to make it as hard as I can for this man.” I’ve seen it; it is going on in the body of Christ today. Christ said that He loved us first and that He has chosen us, He is in control, He has chosen His bride. Phi 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ [the Bride of Christ]: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; [in preparation for the wedding] So then, what is to Honor? Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being. Reputation; good name; as, his honor is unsullied. “Beauty,” “majesty,” “honor” “to make honorable,” Honor is understanding that the feelings of someone else and their name is more important than any thing else, as to the Honor and Majesty of God, which we must as Christians uphold. ars
Justified, Qualified, Glorified.
Marriage & Relationships. Leviticus 20:12-20:13 Justified, Qualified, Glorified. This sermon is considering these three words in marriage. The scripture is perfectly clear on marriage, between a man and a woman. All else is sin and an abomination in the sight of God. First lets look at the Biblical meaning of each word. Justified, (E.B.D.) As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. Qualified, (Webster) One who, by his services or actions, will or may justly obtain preferment or reward, or whose conduct tends to secure it; as a candidate for praise. A man who is qualified according to the rules of the church, to preach the gospel, and take the charge of a parish or religious society, and proposes to settle in the ministry. One who is in a state of trial or probation for a reward, in another life; as a candidate for heaven or for eternity. Glorified (Webster) this word has been used in an ill sense, but seems now correctly restricted to the sense here given, and implying something great, rare or excellent, in the object admired. To regard with affection; a familiar term for to love greatly. ADMI’RE, v.i. To wonder; to be affected with slight surprise; sometimes with at; as, to admire at his own contrivance. To admire at sometimes implies disapprobation. Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Lets take this one word at a time, first, Qualified. To be qualified in Gods Word for marriage, there must be an acceptance of the Law of Moses & The New Testament Law of Grace. Now I know that there may be some here that say that, “Jesus did away with the Law.” Actually you would be wrong. He fulfilled it. Marriage in the Old Testament Law did not change when Jesus Fulfilled the Law. It was brought forward. The Bible states, that, God changes not. So if we believe Gods word, then, Sin in the beginning is still sin today, an abomination to God in the Old Testament is an abomination in the New. Sin hasn’t changed, mankind changed. These are just a few passages to show what we mean. Lev 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Lev 20:12-13 And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them. If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Exo 22:19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death. To be qualified for marriage, there must be one male and one female, any combination otherwise is an abomination and sinful. We as Christians cannot accept anything lest that the Word of God and His Laws. Its not bigotry or raciest, its following what is right and acceptable to God. We cannot condone any marriage or union of any personages, other that what God will qualify. Now there are some that will argue that civil unions are all right to accept for the Homosexual community, but these people are wrong. If we accept anything other than the Word of God and bless these unions of Homosexuals, then we become partaker of their sin and will be judged accordingly. I can tell that you need proof, Lets read 2Jo 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Homosexuality is, as the world sees it, a doctrine of Ideas that will be until the coming of Christ at Armageddon. I want to repeat that again, “Homosexuality is A Doctrine, made by man, under the influence of Satan.” Remember that. This doctrine of Homosexuality, being qualified, justified and ordained by God or scripture is False doctrine, that will lead the person committing these acts to be condemned to the Lake of Fire and those who condone such acts will also find their place there. God does not justify, Homosexual, Ministers, Teachers or Christians. He does not and will never Justify a marrage of any parties except man and woman. End Part 1.
Justified, Qualified, Glorified part 2Marriage & Relationships. Justified, Qualified, Glorified part 2 Galatians 2:17-2:17 Justified, Qualified, Glorified part 2 Justified, Qualified, Glorified. This sermon is considering these three words in marriage. The scripture is perfectly clear on marriage, between a man and a woman. All else is sin and an abomination in the sight of God. Part 2 deals with the justification of marriage. Justified, (WBD) In theology, remission of sin and absolution from guilt and punishment; or an act of free grace by which God pardons the sinner and accepts him as righteous, on account of the atonement of Christ. The act of justifying; a showing to be just or conformable to law, rectitude or propriety; vindication; defense. The court listened to the evidence and arguments in justification of the prisoner’s conduct. Our disobedience to God’s commands admits no justification. (ISBE)Forgiveness of Sins, Declaring or Approving as Righteous Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Gal 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Rom 10:16-17 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. How can the Law of man justify a marriage? Is there something in scripture that states that we are to sin because of man made laws? Or is there something in scripture that states that the Ministers of the word of God, can change the basses of marriage because he doesn’t believe Gods Idea of marriage? The Bible States that we are not justified by works alone but by faith & works. The working of man will not be just in the site of God. For man made laws that contradict Gods Word are evil. (WBD)Our disobedience to God’s commands admits no justification. Now justification in marriage means obedience to the word of God, Homosexual marriage or civil unions between same sex partners is sin. (USA TODAY)The report reflects "patronizing" efforts by North American churches to "subvert the Christian faith," "hell-bent on destroying the fabric of our common life." he "genuinely and deeply regrets" the pain this caused some believers, but he sees no need to repent because "the Holy Spirit led us."Branded the American actions as a "satanic attack" on the faith. Trying to justify marriage many get themselves entrapped by their own words. Yes, The institution of marriage is under attack. But look at the scripture and see if there are any verses that justify a Homosexual marriage, you wont find any. Remember now, we as Christians are not going to stop homosexuality or homosexual acts. Gen 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us that we may know {in scripture, to have sexual commerce with Gen 4.} them. Gen 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. Now we all know that if God will not justify homosexuality, such as in Genesis, where he completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, then how can ministers or same sex couples try to justify same sex marriage. Lets look at Gal 5:4, If you have a pen, right this down and underline it. Not being justified by the Law, Law of Man & The Law of Moses. Remember that being justified is to be in conformance to Gods Word and His statutes. His ordained concept of marriage. Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Now what does the last part of this verse state? [ye are fallen from grace]. Now this brings back to my remembrance a discussion that I’ve had with others for many years, Christians must endure to the end. There are many who try to ignore the word “endure” in scripture, because it gives them a reason to try to change the lifestyle that God ordained man & woman to live by. Endurance with our faith in Gods word until the end of our personal lives is paramount to our justification, not only in our marriages but also in our life with Christ. Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mar 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; For a marriage to be justified, it must conform to the Laws of God & Christ, the Holy Spirit will never contradict Gods word, nor will He ever justify a marriage between same sex partners. Any minister that will marry a same sex union is just as guilty of the abomination as the people being married. Harsh words but words that are necessary to try to conform the unlearned to the justification that in in Christ concerning marriage. We cannot hate any one weather they are straight or gay, but we must tell them the truth so that they have the opportunity to repent and be saved. In part 1 we learned about the qualifications of a marriage and in part 2 we found how a marriage is justified in part 3 and the conclusion of this series we will learn how a marriage is Glorified by God and His Laws. I hope this series is helpful, in making the right choices. Ars.
Justified, Qualified & Glorified,Conclusion.
Marriage & Relationships. Leviticus 18:4-18:30 Justified, Qualified & Glorified The scripture is perfectly clear on marriage, between a man and a woman. All else is sin and an abomination in the sight of God. Part 3 deals with the Glorification of marriage. I thought about the last part of this sermon for a while and it came to me that the glorification of marriage comes thru the obedience to the word & will of God also. Lets look at the meaning first. There are a few words that we are going to touch on. GLO’RIFY, v.t. [L. gloria and facio, to make.] Honored; dignified; exalted to glory. To praise; to magnify and honor in worship; to ascribe honor to, in thought or words. Psa 86:92. To make glorious; to exalt to glory, or to celestial happiness. 3. To praise; to honor; to extol. To procure honor or praise to. The Best example I can give is with King David, starting at 2Sa 11:2 thru 2Sa 11:27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. The displeasure of God in this instance did lead to the corruption of David’s Household. This marriage was not ordained or Glorified by God because of adultery and lust. 2Sa 12:-14 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. Now Solomon was the saving grace from this marriage, but the pain, turmoil and suffering that Davids house went thru was almost unbearable. Lets go back for a moment and look at a few words from GLO’RIFY, honor {Reputation; good name; as, his honor is unsullied. True nobleness of mind; magnanimity; dignified respect for character, springing from probity, principle or moral rectitude; a distinguishing trait in the character of good men.} Dignified {Exalted; honored; invested with dignity; as the dignified clergy. Marked with dignity; noble; as dignified conduct, or manner.} Is your marriage filled with these few words, RESPECTIABLE, NOBLE, HONORED, DIGNIFIED, MORAL and EXAULTED to GLORY? These words are part of a God, Glorified Marriage. Heb 13:4 Marriages are honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. As this world turns away from the truth in scripture and turns to the lust of the flesh many are involved in animal practices, animal husbandry, homosexuality, prostitution and cults. There is no honor in these types of life styles. An Honorable marriage consists of two individual, consenting adults that are a male and a female. Even the animals understand that to propagate the species there must be two, different sexes. Even in the sight of man an honorable marriage is based on dual sex. We have found out that God has and will destroy any union that is not a glorified union. These consists of, 1. Man with Man 2. Woman with Woman & 3. Human with Animal. Lev 18:23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. These next verses are extremely important in the discussion of a Glorified marriage. Many want to ignore these verses and never revel that they even exist. Lets read: Lev 18:4-30 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD. None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness. The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her. And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God. Many in this world have and will throw away a glorified marriage due to animal lust and filth. Pleasing the flesh and not the spirit. Gods’ mandates for a glorified marriage are clear and might I say, to the point. Sin is sin, no matter what you wish to call it. Adultery is rampant in today’s society not only in the flesh but also in the spirit. Man will not always concede to the wantonness of the flesh but when he does, corruption and abominations always result. Justified, Qualified & Glorified, three words will have a monumental impact toward the soul of man and the institution of marriage. Sexual sins have been and will be the downfall of many. The world looks for freedom of religion and freedom to be happy but what about there eternal soul, what about the judgment what about the future generations, if Christ delays his coming for another 100 years or so, what will happen to families as a spiritual unit, Justified, Qualified and Glorified by God?
The Three Cs in Marrage,Part one.
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:20-5:33 The Three Cs of Marriage The three Cs that aid in a successful Marriage Ephesians 5:20-33 There are many different ways according to the scripture to have a successful marriage, here are the Cs in Marriage 1.Commitment, to give, to care for, to entrust, trust,etc. 2.Conversation, to speek to another, to communicate,talk. 3. Christ, The Anointed, The Anointed One. Lets take commitment first, in Ephesians 5: 25, The Bible tells us that the Husbands must Love their wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it..., We all know the basics of a commitment to a wife, but did you know that there is no where in scripture that tells a wife to love their husbands? Well take the men first. A husband must CARE for his wife as Christ cared for the church, not only in the short term but in the long term as Christ instructed. When Jesus cared for the church ,He set a plan into existence that He knew, would last for eternity. He GAVE Himself for her so that she would live. He ENTRUSTED others to look out after Her as He did His Mother Mary at the Cross. And He put His TRUST in the Disciples to carry on the nurturing of the church to build Her up to maturity. A husband must be Committed to his wife with no longing for another, giving himself fully to her and trusting in her to support his efforts to provide a suitable living, not only for her but their children, which is good and acceptable to God. There was a humorous story, that I heard a Pastor tell a while back, about a husband and wife that were talking one day of how much one loved the other, after the wife finished her side the husband said, "Honey, I love you so much, I would die for you." and the wife look at him with a serious look on her face and said, " John, Ive heard you say that for twenty years now, and you've never done it" It seems that women today have a different outlook on what a marriage is supposed to be. So it is often , good to look at what God says a marriage is supposed to be. If a man allows his wife to rule over the house, then they are dealing with witchcraft, and God will not be a part of that union. So men, we haft to be very careful to rule the house as God instructed, for the Scriptures say, if a man cannot rule his own house, then how can he rule the House of God ? Now remember a husband is not ruler or lord over the wife but she is subject unto him as Sara called Abraham Lord out of respect for him. We are not to enslave the wife or abuse her, for the scripture says that, there is no man that has hated his own flesh...., or would we harm our own flesh, and since husband and wife have become one body, we protect and nurture her as we would ourself. Ministers today and in the time of Paul, cared for their congregations as they would care for their own children, lovingly and with patience. If a man abuses his wife, he also condemns himself , being in transgression of Gods word. Now lets take the same word and delegate it ,to the women or wife. A little while ago, I said that a wife, in scripture, was not told to Love her husband. Ephesians 5:21 states to the wives, "Wives SUBMIT yourselves unto your own husbands , as unto the Lord. lets look at the word submit first, as the Hebrew and Greek translation states it, To surrender, to yield,to obey and to subordinate. As unlike the world, a Christian wife must be yielding and submissive unto her husband, and not as head of the house or him. This is as with the woman and God, having a humbleness and a Godly fear or we would call it a respectful attitude toward the stronger of the two. The Bible states that the wife is the weaker of the two, in strength and probably because of the transgression of Eve at the garden of will. Being an easier target for Satan and his deceptive powers. A wife must not only be a lover but also a friend to her husband. In my relationship to my wife ,we are best friends. Its good most times before marriage that a man and woman become friends first. Wives, TRUST in your husbands, knowing that as he has committed himself to you ,he has also committed himself to God to fulfill scripture in his relationship to you. Care for your husbands ,as one who cares for Christ in all things. GIVE yourself to your husbands, knowing that he is the one who has promised not only to you but to God himself, before wittinesses, to Love, Honor and Cherish you. So as you can see the "C" or commitment for the husband also applies equal for the wife. So wives, you must, Trust, Care and Give yourself to your OWN husband as God has instructed. If you look at that verse again, it tells a wife to submit to your OWN husband, stating that you are no longer under submission to anyone save him, whom you have married. End of Part 1
The Three Cs in Marriage,Part two.
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:20-5:33 Ephesians 5:20-33 , Conversation. We found out in part 1, that there are three Cs in marriage. The first was commitment, now we will look at conversation. Many marriages fail due to the lack of conversation between the man and woman. A conversation is, to speek, communicate, to talk. Exchanging information in the form of our likes ,dislikes, emotions, feelings and thoughts. How much do you really know about each other? The Bible states that we should be slow to speek and quick to listen. The ability to listen to one another is vital to a healthy marriage. Not only between the husband and wife but also between the parents and children. Ive talked to a number of parents that say that their biggest problem is the way a spouse treats their children. We will cover children, in the last of the series. What a conversation is not, is, barking out orders like a drill Sargent, I talk and you listen. Wives ,have you ever heard this at home?,.. Your husband comes home from work and says, "Hi Honey, whats for dinner?" He sets down and eats and tells you its good, gets up from the table, grabs the paper and turns on the news, and for the next 4 hours nothing much is said because a great movie or ball game is on.? And husbands, how about you, have you ever come home and been told, "Hi dear, suppers on the stove." As she sits and talks to her sisters or mom on the phone, hour after hour? With just these two things, there starts a breakdown in communication between the two and the marriage suffers. Both parties have feelings and needs and wants, that must be expressed and without that expression a rift starts that may cause one or both parties to start to look at alternatives in being able to express themselves to someone else. Ive known people that sit and wait for the opportunity to step in on a marriage, that isn't quite going right, to be able to take advantage of a lonely woman or man. They tell them, " I know that they just don't understand you, sit down with me and tell me all about it." Do you know someone like this? Its the type of person that is willing to listen and console and take advantage. I heard a minister once tell a story of a husband and wife that were mad at each other and really didn't know why, so the wife wrote a note and placed it in a spot that she knew that her husband would see it. She hung it on the refrigerator, it read, "Bob. I hate you. Love Jill." We need to take time and just sit down and talk. Turning off the television, putting down the paper, hanging up the phone and sometimes, with children, hire a baby sitter and go out, away from the house ,just the two of you, maby you could even call it a date, and talk. Talk about each other, how you really feel, and I know you men, your macho and nothing bothers you, but thats what you've been taught all these years, let go and tell her everything, when Ive been hurt at work or passed over for a promotion or something was said that really bothered me, I told my wife and she understood and could relate to me and help me to deal with the situation from a different point of view. Women, I know that your just waiting for your husband to say lets talk to each other, it will be easier for you than for him ,so be patient. The Bible states, Be ye angry and sin not,. let not the sun go down on your wrath. Many preachers that Ive known have stated that it is a sin to be angry, and that is not true. Jesus was angry many times in scripture, the key is that he didn't sin. And so with us. We can be angry but we have to know the limit of it, knowing where to stop and being able and willing to say were sorry. Never, and I say again, Never, go to bed angry with each other, it will fester into a larger problem, and if Jesus would happen to come back at that time, you'd both be in trouble. Stop, talk and work it out. Thats why its so important to set up a dialog with each other day after day, take time to know each other and start trusting each other. That no matter what the problem is, the other will understand. And if nothing is wrong, still talk, it opens up an avenue of dependence, trust and respect for the marriage. Respect each other in your conversations, never put the other down for trying to express themselves. For its not the number of words that matter, but the quality of words that each of you use. Never talk down to you mate, never talk at your mate and never bring up each others past, some things are better off forgotten, but always talk to your mate. This is the second part of sermon ,on , marriage and a way to strengthen it. In part three we will discuss the last C in marriage, and that is Christ. We will also hit on the subject of children's place in the home.
The Three Cs in Marriage,Part Three.
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:20-5:33 This is the last part of a three part sermon on the way of a successful Marriage. But by all means not all. The scripture deals with marriage as Christ deals with the church. Many scriptures tell us how to have a good marriage and relationship with Christ and the Church. We've learned about, Commitment, Conversation and now we will learn about the last C. Christ, The Anointed or the Anointed One. Without Christ a marriage is only a have way union of a man and woman. Every person has or will have an opportunity to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. And in a marriage ,Jesus,guides both parties into a lasting relationship, built up on trust, understanding and love. As we've said before there are couples out there that are having trouble in marriage because of their children and I said that we would address this issue. The Bible states a law of God on the order of priority stated in this manner, 1.God, The Creator of all thing Visible and un-visible. 2. Jesus, or, The Christ, Son of God and Saviour 3. Man, The male of the species, or Human race. 4. Female, The mate of man and bearer of children.. Now as you've notice there is not listed any one else after the female. Children are not listed because they do not have a role in the decision making of the family according to scripture. God is the head of Jesus and Jesus is the head of man and man is the head of the woman. And thats Bible, you can alter it, rearrange it or change it. From the woman looking backwards this is how God wants us to be. We are all looking toward God the Father. Law, priority, sequence, line of authority. A woman once told me that, her children came before her husband, and that she didn't know why, but her and her husband were having trouble. Can you imagine why? This type of action , boarders on witchcraft. Now were not talking about the unbeliever here, were talking about the Christian family. For the Bible states, that, The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God and nether can be. For the carnal mind is at emenity with God. Most marriages fail because they break the commandments of God concerning Marriage and the order of responsibility from God to the female. Another rule set down by God is for the male, If a man does not take care of his own, especially those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Ive seen husbands, break this law, when they buy themselves things and allow their children and wife to be in want, doing without even the basics of life, food and clothing. Its a shame that a man will actually allow this to happen to people that he has promised to love ,honour and cherish. But it is happening, right now and probably in your own neighborhood. Christ is the leadership of the church, he is the one that causes it to grow, its not the pastor or the congregations but its Jesus. He said that he would add to the church daily. Our duty is to carry out his commandments as he has instructed. If we try to leave, God, Jesus, or the Holy Ghost out of the arrangements of our church or marriage it will fail. Now the word fail here doesn't mean in this life but in the next, the works that we do in our marriage or in our church will be for nothing. And the Bible goes on to say that if a man will stand up rightly before God, then God will save his entire household. So doesn't that tell you that the Husband has a lot to do with the salvation of his own family? Isn't there a promise and a condition there from God Himself? I strongly believe that there is a strong tie between the actions of the Husband and his families well being with God. Now does this mean that the family will not be saved if the husband dies lost?, No, it only means that the promise to the man is not valid unless he accepts the terms set down by God. Many councilors and ministers, don't teach these things, because aether they don't understand it or they are afraid of hurting someones feelings. A marriage based on Christ, is a marriage that will prosper, but there are the laws of terms and conditions set down in scripture. Look all the way back to Abraham and Sarah, God set down terms and conditions with them, all the promises of God in scripture are all based on this law. If you can find one in scripture that doesn't fit this law, let me know. Even John 3:16 is based on this law, that whomsoever shall believe on Him, this is the condition , and the terms of compliance, shall not perish. God wants you to do things His way and if you do, you are rewarded for obedience. This is a covenant partnership between God and the individual. The Same thing that Jesus wants the Husband and wife to have in their relationship. In closing, let Christ have a covenant relationship with you and you with your spouse. The terms and conditions of a successful marriage are based on scripture and are based on Christ and his love for the church. Take the words that He uses in describing Himself and the Love that He has for the Church and apply them to you relationship and you will never fail. ars.
Satan's Grip. Why Children Go Bad.
To understand our children's fall from grace we must look at whom they serve. Many parents ask and even blame themselves,”What did I do wrong?” Parents do have a certain amount of responsibility to guide their children into the righteousness which is God, they must teach and explain, what salvation is, further more this must begin at a young age. But after you've done these things, forget about blaming yourself on the state of your children. We cannot make the decisions for them and we cant hold their hand forever. A child goes bad many times, by choice, per- pressure and a falling society. There comes a time in each child's life that they must choose their walk in life. Then you say, “Who's to Blame?” Its not really blame that we must look for but Circumstances that have surrounded them. Its easy to see the, cause and or circumstances, for our children to fall away from the teachings of their parents. Lets look at a few things before we get into the scripture. 1. The government, because of one woman, took God out of the class room. 2. The media has brought in sex and violence into the children's everyday life. 3. The Church has failed them because of so much Hypocrisy within its walls. 4. The entire education system has let the children down by not discouraging binge drinking, pre-marital sex and violence on campus. The emphasis is more on sports and less on education. Then who is this man our children follow? Let take a close look. Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Satan was a teacher in Heaven, an Archangel, a Spirit of Beauty and Light. But Jesus stated that Satan's fall was because of Pride. 2nd Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (Sometimes beauty kills.) Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you ( Satan's desire is to cause the fall of anyone that will believe his lies. For He cannot return to the Kingdom of Heaven and will prevent as many as He can from doing so.) , that he may sift you as wheat (To tear into peaces.): But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Prayer is the best defense against the wiles of the Devil.) When a name is repeated in the Bible it is a sign that the event will take place twice, it also signifies, love and also a warning, just as we did when our children were out side playing and were about to get themselves into trouble. The first is to get their attention and the second is a warning. Satan is trying to destroy all who will not listen to the warning. Lets look at 2nd Corinthians 2:11; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Many times our children fall because they do not know how cunning Satan is, nor what devices he uses to intimidate and confuse. Satan's grip on not only our children but mankind today has grown because of lack of social integrity. Society in large has become uncaring and disinterested in God. Wars and rumors of wars. Society has taught of children that gain is more important than the soul. The social decline and Lack of reverence to God has caused this world to come into turmoil. When I was a child, my parents taught me about, right and wrong, Jesus and God, responsibility and patriotism. Thou it took me many years after leaving home to realize for myself that I was missing something in my life. I had it all but still felt empty. When the Holy Spirit reminded me of who Jesus was and I was converted, I found that that empty place in my Heart was gone. If you've taught your children about the Bible, the word will never leave them, its still there in their mind. Many times children fall because what they see their parents do, just because a parent does something wrong doesn't mean that the parent cant explain what he did wrong, why he did it and the consequences of their actions to their child to help prevent another wrong. If the parents live in sin, the child will believe this action is normal, so we must be careful how we live and what kind of example we give. Children go bad, basically, because of lack of leadership. 1. From the parents. 2. From the Schools and 3. From their minister. The Minister is the last line of defense for a child. A good minister, after trying all prayers, will do as Paul had to do to save those that were hard hearted. Lets read 1st Corinthians 5:5; “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” A minister that is well informed in the scriptures has the power to turn an individual over to Satan to teach the other side of life. And if this method doesn't work, He has no other recourse but to turn them over to God, to preform His will. 1Titus 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. Society has taught teenagers that it is natural to have intercourse before marriage, it has taught them that getting pregnant and aborting the pregnancy is natural, it has taught them, having a baby hinders their fun in life (I.E. You can have the pleasure of sex but you don't have to accept the responsibility for it.) Ars.
Killing God !
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A church that burned to the ground earlier month was deliberately set on fire, officials announced Wednesday. The fire took place on Feb. 10 at the Full Gospel Sons of God Church, located at 1200 Vera Place. BAGHDAD, Iraq - Assailants wearing uniforms detonated two bombs inside one of Iraq’s most revered Shiite shrines Wednesday, blowing the top off its landmark golden dome and spawning mass protests and reprisal attacks against dozens of Sunni mosques as leaders pleaded for calm. Alabama Burning; 6 Baptist Churches Burn to ground in the South. India News, 2006; India and Pakistan urged to build Nuclear weapons by U.S. Government. West Virginia; 2006; Another Baptist Church is burnt to the Ground, no arrest have been made. India 2006, Murder for Church Building was a frame. Apparently, members of the local Hindu nationalist political party advised the parents to dash their dead child's body against some rocks, breaking its bones. They then took the body to a doctor for a postmortem examination. Only after threats from the radical Hindus did the physician reluctantly file a false report, citing murder as the cause. Then the radicals advised the parents to file murder charges against Pastor Kasota and 10 other Believers Church members, including four other pastors, saying the murder was part of a plot to grab land for a church building. We have seen churches burned sense the early times of mans existence. Time after time, the ungodly take it upon themselves to try to change the course of mankind's involvement with God. Church buildings are not necessary to become involved with God and neither does it take one to become saved. Man today takes himself a little to seriously. The Buildings are considered an intricate part of their worship, prestige and notoriety. When you get people to donate $500.00 to buy a brick to place in a sidewalk, what you have is a $500.00 brick. God is not noted because of buildings nor any other structure that man can build but of His Awesome Power over creation. Before we go any further we must go to the scripture for Gods view on Buildings. 2Ch 6:18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! God cannot be contained in any House, Temple nor Universe. God is not in the Building of Rock and Stone but He dwells within the Individual. There have been many that have tried to kill God by burning down the Temple or Church. Not realizing that God is from everlasting to everlasting. Hitler tried, Cos cove tried and now the Spirit of Anti-Christ is trying. Removing the building is not going to kill God but in fact will make peoples resolve to worship God the more greater. You can kill a body but you cannot kill a spirit. God is Spirit. Acts 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Dwelleth: To kill you must find the victim. In Acts 7:49, we see that God has no one dwelling place. Wherever you find a believer, you will find God, wherever you are, The Mountains, The Valleys, The Rivers and Streams and the Oceans, you will find God. 1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. For man to kill God he must also kill the people that believe in Him, not in the flesh but rather in the spirit. Here we see prophecy of the end times; Amos 9:10-12; All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. And finally, Lets see what Jesus said about the most beautiful temple ever built by man for God, Solomon's Temple; Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Clark states of the destruction of the Temple; The temple was destroyed because of, 1st. Justly; because of the sins of the Jews. 2ndly. Mercifully; to take away from them the occasion of continuing in Judaism: and 3rdly. Mysteriously; to show that the ancient sacrifices were abolished, and that the whole Jewish economy was brought to an end, and the Christian dispensation introduced. If you remember your Bible Study, you should notice that Jesus was not upset with the knowledge that Solomon's temple would be destroyed. Even Jesus being the Son of God, was not upset about the destruction of a building, for He stated that, we were the stones, we were the Building, we were the Temple of the Most High God. A building is just a building, if Gods Spirit does not inhabit the building it is empty. Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: To kill God, man has tried everything that is imaginable, fire, stones, war, rumors of War, genocide and selective breading. Their efforts have come to nothing. You can kill an animal but you still cannot kill its spirit. You say,”Does even an animal have a spirit.?” Yes. The Bible clearly states that this is true. To kill God you must kill the memory of Him, the Sanctity of Him, The very Idea of Him. Many have tried and still fail. In James 4:2, we see how limited man is, how week and unlearned. How week is man that he should try to fight against God? “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. If mankind cannot even change the mind of God, change the prophecy's of God, nor change the will of God, he cannot kill God, but only quench the spirit of God in an uncontrolled setting. 1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. In closing I wanted to add what Clark states of 1 Th.5:19; “The Holy Spirit is represented as a fire, because it is his province to enlighten and quicken the soul; and to purge, purify, and refine it. This Spirit is represented as being quenched when any act is done, word spoken, or temper indulged, contrary to its dictates. It is the Spirit of love, and therefore anger, malice, revenge, or any unkind or unholy temper, will quench it so that it will withdraw its influences; and then the heart is left in a state of hardness and darkness. It has been observed that fire may be quenched as well by heaping earth on it as by throwing water on it; and so the love of the world will as effectually grieve and quench the Spirit as any ordinary act of transgression. Every genuine Christian is made a partaker of the Spirit of God; and he who has not the spirit of Christ is none of his. It cannot be the miraculous gifts of the Spirit which the apostle means, for these were given to few, and not always; for even apostles could not work miracles when they pleased; but the direction in the text is general, and refers to a gift of which they were generally partakers.” ars. These References are extremely Important. 1Ki_9:7, 1Ki_9:8; Jer_26:18; Eze_7:20-22; Dan_9:26, Dan_9:27; Mic_3:12; Luk_19:44; 2Pe_3:11 Act_17:24, Act_17:25; 1Ki_8:27; 2Ch_2:5, 2Ch_2:6, 2Ch_6:18. as: Isa_66:1, Isa_66:2
The Prodical Son.
Many look at the story of the Prodical Son as a contrast between two Brothers, one conservative and the other a non conformist, a rebel. But in essence it is way more than that. We can see many a lesson from this account. The first is between the Father and two different sons, the second is a conflict between God and two different religions, or should I say, interpretations. The View of the Gentiles (i.e. Christians.) and the other the Jewish House of Israel. (i.e. Gods Chosen People.) Now the third thing that we see here is the difference between the people of Israel, (The Poor and unlearned.) and the other the Pharisees.(The ruling class.) Luke 15:12 And the younger of them ( Barnes states;- By this younger son we are to understand the publicans and sinners to be represented. By the older, the Pharisees and scribes.) said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. (This was the separation of Lands between the twelve tribes of Israel. Historical Fact) Barnes was stating that the publicans and sinners, were rebellious because of the treatment that this class of people had gone thru. They were disillusioned with the religious right and wanted the freedom to seek God and their identity in other ways. This is historical fact, not only from the record books of the Isralies but from The Books of Moses. They found out later that the road to religious freedom required to be bought by a great price, that they were unable or unwilling to pay. Rejecting the Teaching that they had received from the Mosaic Law, these people became a target for Satan and the demons of Lust, Theft, Idolatry, Hunger, Depression and want, of things of the Body and those things of the Spirit. We still see this today in Israel, a separation of peoples, Brothers, divided only by religious differences but joined as one for preservation of a Nation. Now in contrast we see the Pharisees and scribes as a constant unmovable force that stayed with the Mosaic Law. Jesus was trying to teach that, If the people of Israel and the ruling Class of the Pharisees and the Temple Priest, could have come together and live as God had intended them to live, that there would have been no division between the two. The Eldest son, (The Religious Order.) Wanted everything for themselves. They said that they were loyal to the Law and The Prophets and Jesus was saying, “Why are you angry when your brothers come back to their senses and accept the rule and will of God?” Luke 15:17-27; And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare (Love. Remember Jesus stated that He was the Bread of Life.), and I perish with hunger! This is in reference to Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Righteousness at this time was missing from not only the House of Israel, (The people.) but also from The Temple, Priest, Pharisees, and Scribes. Need proof ? OK, lets look at Matthew 5:20; “For I (Jesus) say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ( They practiced the Law in principle but not truly in Spirit. This is not to mean that there were none that were righteous but only a very few.) , ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.(Here, they had a form of religion, knowing the form and fashion of it, but none of the truth nor power of it.) Somewhere between the Prophets of Daniel, Isiaha and Ezekiel and Malachi the Righteousness of the Nation, as a whole, fell. I will arise and go to my father,( i.e. Return to the Law.), and will say, (Repent.) unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (This verse is a repeat of the prior verse, for we must first admit to ourselves that we have sined, and then admit it to God.)- And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants (Angels.), Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: (This is the acceptance of non-jews as sons and daughters.) For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (God cannot accept a Son of His as a servant no more than we could our own children.) Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. Now in Luke 15:28-32, we see the anger of the Israelites over Jesus accepting the poor and the lower class, also with the addition of the gentiles into salvation. This all was contradictory to what the Pharisees were teaching. And he was angry, and would not go in ( Not going in, was speaking of acceptance of Jesus as the messiah and the fulfiller of prophecy.)(Referencing Matthew 23:13; “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.”) : therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid(Referencing a reward for service.), that I might make merry with my friends: (We see here the bitterness of the ruling class against Jesus and
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:25-5:25 To, Love, Honor & Cherish Part 1. Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; How many remember their wedding vows? Remember the preacher saying to each; To, Love, Honor & Cherish? I would like to examine this phrase and compare marriage between man and woman and the marriage of Christ to the Church. In Eph 5:25 we see that Jesus loved His bride so much, he gave His life for Her (speaking of the body of the Church) What is Love? The two Greek words for "love" are distinct: phileo, the love of impulse, ardent affection and feeling; agapao, the love of esteem, regard. 1. An affection of the mind excited by beauty and worth of any kind, or by the qualities of an object, which communicate pleasure, sensual or intellectual. It is opposed to hatred. Love between the sexes, is a compound affection, consisting of esteem, benevolence, and animal desire. Pleasing qualities of any kind excites love, as by kindness, benevolence, charity, and by the qualities which render social intercourse agreeable. In the latter case, love is ardent friendship, or a strong attachment springing from good will and esteem, and the pleasure derived from the company, civilities and kindness of others. The love of God is the first duty of man, and this springs from just views of his attributes or Excellencies of character, which afford the highest delight to the sanctified heart. Esteem and reverence constitute ingredients in this affection, and a fear of offending him is its inseparable effect. A strong attachment springing from good will and esteem, this is the Love that God has for His Church. We must understand that the church is the central point of Gods focus. She must be cleaned, dressed and prepared for an eternal relationship with Him. Nothing else will do. The Bride of Christ must be the best of all things, and as we come closer to the wedding day or union of Christ and the Church, the preparations become more precise. Gentlemen, if your bride to be, showed up at the wedding dressed in a housecoat, curlers in her hair and cold cream all over her face, you would think twice about the union, wouldn’t you? You expect the best she has, and since she will represent your name, purity is expected. So if we as men expect this of our bride, then Christ has the right to expect the same. Jesus loves His bride but impurities will and must be eliminated. In Jewish law a woman about to be married, is given a makeup kit bought by the bridegroom and is given 1 year to learn how to use it. God has given us over 2,000 years to learn. Lets take a look at some expectations of bridegroom to bride. 1Titus 2:9-10 in like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; [The meek shall inherit the Earth] but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. [God expects good works from His Church] 1Titus 3:11 women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. [Come out from among the world and be ye a separated people] 1Peter 3:5 For after this manner aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: This last phrase is very interesting, {being in subjection to their own husbands:} If you’ve ever heard these verses preached on before, most ministers use them to explain the roll of the woman in marriage. But here we see something different. Whose bride are we? Who do we answer to? Who will make our decisions for us as far as dress, communication and appearance? The Bridegroom, Jesus. Satan has, a throne, a kingdom, a church and a bride also. But the difference is extreme and is full of apostasy, greed, hatred, variance, ugliness and despair, the exact opposite of the Bride Of Christ. Revelations 2:9 I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they art not, but are a synagogue of Satan. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. Changing life styles is not enough for the Bride of Christ but a change of Heart is essential for a lasting relationship. John 8:38 I speak the things, which I have seen with my Father: and ye also do the things which ye heard from your father. [Satan] Satan’s bride is, vulgar, unrulely, digenerate, dressed as a harlot and has no love for mankind. Remember what Love is in a union of husband and wife? “Pleasing qualities of any kind excites love, as by kindness, benevolence, charity, and by the qualities which render social intercourse agreeable. In the latter case, love is ardent friendship, or a strong attachment springing from good will and esteem, and the pleasure derived from the company, civilities and kindness of others.” These words have nothing to do with satins church [synagogue]. Satan is come to, kill, steel and destroy, all things that are good, righteous, worthy of acceptance from God, to make a mockery of Love. Satan will be and is married to a harlot that hates him as much as he hates her. We as the Bride of Christ are under subjection to Him and no other. Many people today have trouble in their marriages because of outside influences or should I say outside interferences. Not so with the Bride of Christ. There will be no outside interferences with her, but within there may be and is a division that must be handled and addressed before Christ will accept her to wed. John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared [adorned, made up, finished with all premarital preparations] as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride [the Church], the Lamb’s wife. Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride [this is the Church] say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For the love of the Bride for the Bridegroom is, to make all preparations of herself in beauty and purity. If we love Christ, we will make all preparations that are required of Him for that day when the union and the marriage supper shall take place. So then what is Love. To give of yourself freely to your intended, being able to put all that you have into the relationship and not only all that you have but of all that you are. End part 1.
To, Love, Honor & Cherish Part 2
Marriage & Relationships. To, Love Honor & Cherish. Part 2. John 8:49-14:21 To, Love Honor & Cherish. Part 2 Honor The Bible speaks of honor, honoring, mother & father, family, & God. So then what is honor? Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being. Reputation; good name; as, his honor is unsullied. “beauty,” “majesty,” “honor” (Psa_111:3, the Revised Version (British and American) “honor”); ’ādhar, “to make honorable,” “illustrious” (Isa_42:21, “magnify the law, and make it honorable,” the Revised Version margin “make the teaching great and glorious”); , yākòār, “precious” (Psa_45:9); To honor, as in, honor thy father & mother, is to make no action that would cause any defamation to the name of your parents. For Christians, toward God, it means the same. As with husband toward wife and wife toward husband, neither is to commit any act that would degrade the name of the other, but to uphold the sanctity of the union with a good report. To dishonor is, 1. To disgrace; to bring reproach or shame on; to stain the character of; to lessen reputation. John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonour me. John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. : The Church is the Bride of Christ and there by must not commit any act that would bring shame upon the name of Christ. 2Co 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed , No offence, doing nothing that would defame the name of the bridegroom. Here we talk about the bride not committing offences only, for we know that Jesus is perfect after the likeness of the Father so any offences would only come from the bride. Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Here we speak of false doctrine, preachers, teachers, prophets and ministers that were never called by God to minister. Not everyone that says that they are a minister of the Gospel is. Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. Man made doctrine, changing the commandments of Christ to fit their own desires, for power and prestige. After mounts of planning for a wedding, why would a couple all of a sudden change all the rules and plans? Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? Why would any minister, want to change the wedding plans to fit the world, allowing guest in that Christ strictly forbids. Making unrighteousness welcome into the House of God. Don’t misunderstand, church is where we want those who are lost to be, but to allow unrighteousness to become part of the church, to hold office and place and preach and teach still under Satan and sin is corrupt. Now when these things are allowed to be, then the orator of these actions dishonors Christ and the Church. There are many today that dishonor God, Christ and The Holy Spirit of God. They have been and are corrupting the gospel and the church. These people are like unto a guest at a wedding supper that comes in and disrupts the supper by using vulgar language, dressing inappropriately and showing total lack of respect to the Bridegroom. Honor is more than just a word; it’s a state of mind, body and spirit. Many haven’t gotten the idea yet that the marriage or union of two is a solemn occasion and must be addressed as such. This is not a game that we are playing; it’s not a fantasy, its reality. Many whom say Lord, Lord, shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, because of disobedience and sin, a total lack of respect and belief in the Truth of the Gospel. Remember what Jesus said, “I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonour me.” Many today dishonor ministers by trying to change them, by trying to get their interpretation to be the only one there is. By not believing the word that is preached and trying to bring in division and strife within the Church. Their pastor wasn’t voted in so, “I’m going to make it as hard as I can for this man.” I’ve seen it; it is going on in the body of Christ today. Christ said that He loved us first and that He has chosen us, He is in control, He has chosen His bride. Phi 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ [the Bride of Christ]: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; [in preparation for the wedding] So then, what is to Honor? Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being. Reputation; good name; as, his honor is unsullied. “Beauty,” “majesty,” “honor” “to make honorable,” Honor is understanding that the feelings of someone else and their name is more important than any thing else, as to the Honor and Majesty of God, which we must as Christians uphold. ars
Justified, Qualified, Glorified.
Marriage & Relationships. Leviticus 20:12-20:13 Justified, Qualified, Glorified. This sermon is considering these three words in marriage. The scripture is perfectly clear on marriage, between a man and a woman. All else is sin and an abomination in the sight of God. First lets look at the Biblical meaning of each word. Justified, (E.B.D.) As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. Qualified, (Webster) One who, by his services or actions, will or may justly obtain preferment or reward, or whose conduct tends to secure it; as a candidate for praise. A man who is qualified according to the rules of the church, to preach the gospel, and take the charge of a parish or religious society, and proposes to settle in the ministry. One who is in a state of trial or probation for a reward, in another life; as a candidate for heaven or for eternity. Glorified (Webster) this word has been used in an ill sense, but seems now correctly restricted to the sense here given, and implying something great, rare or excellent, in the object admired. To regard with affection; a familiar term for to love greatly. ADMI’RE, v.i. To wonder; to be affected with slight surprise; sometimes with at; as, to admire at his own contrivance. To admire at sometimes implies disapprobation. Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Lets take this one word at a time, first, Qualified. To be qualified in Gods Word for marriage, there must be an acceptance of the Law of Moses & The New Testament Law of Grace. Now I know that there may be some here that say that, “Jesus did away with the Law.” Actually you would be wrong. He fulfilled it. Marriage in the Old Testament Law did not change when Jesus Fulfilled the Law. It was brought forward. The Bible states, that, God changes not. So if we believe Gods word, then, Sin in the beginning is still sin today, an abomination to God in the Old Testament is an abomination in the New. Sin hasn’t changed, mankind changed. These are just a few passages to show what we mean. Lev 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Lev 20:12-13 And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them. If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Exo 22:19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death. To be qualified for marriage, there must be one male and one female, any combination otherwise is an abomination and sinful. We as Christians cannot accept anything lest that the Word of God and His Laws. Its not bigotry or raciest, its following what is right and acceptable to God. We cannot condone any marriage or union of any personages, other that what God will qualify. Now there are some that will argue that civil unions are all right to accept for the Homosexual community, but these people are wrong. If we accept anything other than the Word of God and bless these unions of Homosexuals, then we become partaker of their sin and will be judged accordingly. I can tell that you need proof, Lets read 2Jo 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Homosexuality is, as the world sees it, a doctrine of Ideas that will be until the coming of Christ at Armageddon. I want to repeat that again, “Homosexuality is A Doctrine, made by man, under the influence of Satan.” Remember that. This doctrine of Homosexuality, being qualified, justified and ordained by God or scripture is False doctrine, that will lead the person committing these acts to be condemned to the Lake of Fire and those who condone such acts will also find their place there. God does not justify, Homosexual, Ministers, Teachers or Christians. He does not and will never Justify a marrage of any parties except man and woman. End Part 1.
Justified, Qualified, Glorified part 2Marriage & Relationships. Justified, Qualified, Glorified part 2 Galatians 2:17-2:17 Justified, Qualified, Glorified part 2 Justified, Qualified, Glorified. This sermon is considering these three words in marriage. The scripture is perfectly clear on marriage, between a man and a woman. All else is sin and an abomination in the sight of God. Part 2 deals with the justification of marriage. Justified, (WBD) In theology, remission of sin and absolution from guilt and punishment; or an act of free grace by which God pardons the sinner and accepts him as righteous, on account of the atonement of Christ. The act of justifying; a showing to be just or conformable to law, rectitude or propriety; vindication; defense. The court listened to the evidence and arguments in justification of the prisoner’s conduct. Our disobedience to God’s commands admits no justification. (ISBE)Forgiveness of Sins, Declaring or Approving as Righteous Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Gal 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Rom 10:16-17 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. How can the Law of man justify a marriage? Is there something in scripture that states that we are to sin because of man made laws? Or is there something in scripture that states that the Ministers of the word of God, can change the basses of marriage because he doesn’t believe Gods Idea of marriage? The Bible States that we are not justified by works alone but by faith & works. The working of man will not be just in the site of God. For man made laws that contradict Gods Word are evil. (WBD)Our disobedience to God’s commands admits no justification. Now justification in marriage means obedience to the word of God, Homosexual marriage or civil unions between same sex partners is sin. (USA TODAY)The report reflects "patronizing" efforts by North American churches to "subvert the Christian faith," "hell-bent on destroying the fabric of our common life." he "genuinely and deeply regrets" the pain this caused some believers, but he sees no need to repent because "the Holy Spirit led us."Branded the American actions as a "satanic attack" on the faith. Trying to justify marriage many get themselves entrapped by their own words. Yes, The institution of marriage is under attack. But look at the scripture and see if there are any verses that justify a Homosexual marriage, you wont find any. Remember now, we as Christians are not going to stop homosexuality or homosexual acts. Gen 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us that we may know {in scripture, to have sexual commerce with Gen 4.} them. Gen 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. Now we all know that if God will not justify homosexuality, such as in Genesis, where he completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, then how can ministers or same sex couples try to justify same sex marriage. Lets look at Gal 5:4, If you have a pen, right this down and underline it. Not being justified by the Law, Law of Man & The Law of Moses. Remember that being justified is to be in conformance to Gods Word and His statutes. His ordained concept of marriage. Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Now what does the last part of this verse state? [ye are fallen from grace]. Now this brings back to my remembrance a discussion that I’ve had with others for many years, Christians must endure to the end. There are many who try to ignore the word “endure” in scripture, because it gives them a reason to try to change the lifestyle that God ordained man & woman to live by. Endurance with our faith in Gods word until the end of our personal lives is paramount to our justification, not only in our marriages but also in our life with Christ. Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mar 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; For a marriage to be justified, it must conform to the Laws of God & Christ, the Holy Spirit will never contradict Gods word, nor will He ever justify a marriage between same sex partners. Any minister that will marry a same sex union is just as guilty of the abomination as the people being married. Harsh words but words that are necessary to try to conform the unlearned to the justification that in in Christ concerning marriage. We cannot hate any one weather they are straight or gay, but we must tell them the truth so that they have the opportunity to repent and be saved. In part 1 we learned about the qualifications of a marriage and in part 2 we found how a marriage is justified in part 3 and the conclusion of this series we will learn how a marriage is Glorified by God and His Laws. I hope this series is helpful, in making the right choices. Ars.
Justified, Qualified & Glorified,Conclusion.
Marriage & Relationships. Leviticus 18:4-18:30 Justified, Qualified & Glorified The scripture is perfectly clear on marriage, between a man and a woman. All else is sin and an abomination in the sight of God. Part 3 deals with the Glorification of marriage. I thought about the last part of this sermon for a while and it came to me that the glorification of marriage comes thru the obedience to the word & will of God also. Lets look at the meaning first. There are a few words that we are going to touch on. GLO’RIFY, v.t. [L. gloria and facio, to make.] Honored; dignified; exalted to glory. To praise; to magnify and honor in worship; to ascribe honor to, in thought or words. Psa 86:92. To make glorious; to exalt to glory, or to celestial happiness. 3. To praise; to honor; to extol. To procure honor or praise to. The Best example I can give is with King David, starting at 2Sa 11:2 thru 2Sa 11:27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. The displeasure of God in this instance did lead to the corruption of David’s Household. This marriage was not ordained or Glorified by God because of adultery and lust. 2Sa 12:-14 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. Now Solomon was the saving grace from this marriage, but the pain, turmoil and suffering that Davids house went thru was almost unbearable. Lets go back for a moment and look at a few words from GLO’RIFY, honor {Reputation; good name; as, his honor is unsullied. True nobleness of mind; magnanimity; dignified respect for character, springing from probity, principle or moral rectitude; a distinguishing trait in the character of good men.} Dignified {Exalted; honored; invested with dignity; as the dignified clergy. Marked with dignity; noble; as dignified conduct, or manner.} Is your marriage filled with these few words, RESPECTIABLE, NOBLE, HONORED, DIGNIFIED, MORAL and EXAULTED to GLORY? These words are part of a God, Glorified Marriage. Heb 13:4 Marriages are honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. As this world turns away from the truth in scripture and turns to the lust of the flesh many are involved in animal practices, animal husbandry, homosexuality, prostitution and cults. There is no honor in these types of life styles. An Honorable marriage consists of two individual, consenting adults that are a male and a female. Even the animals understand that to propagate the species there must be two, different sexes. Even in the sight of man an honorable marriage is based on dual sex. We have found out that God has and will destroy any union that is not a glorified union. These consists of, 1. Man with Man 2. Woman with Woman & 3. Human with Animal. Lev 18:23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. These next verses are extremely important in the discussion of a Glorified marriage. Many want to ignore these verses and never revel that they even exist. Lets read: Lev 18:4-30 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD. None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness. The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her. And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God. Many in this world have and will throw away a glorified marriage due to animal lust and filth. Pleasing the flesh and not the spirit. Gods’ mandates for a glorified marriage are clear and might I say, to the point. Sin is sin, no matter what you wish to call it. Adultery is rampant in today’s society not only in the flesh but also in the spirit. Man will not always concede to the wantonness of the flesh but when he does, corruption and abominations always result. Justified, Qualified & Glorified, three words will have a monumental impact toward the soul of man and the institution of marriage. Sexual sins have been and will be the downfall of many. The world looks for freedom of religion and freedom to be happy but what about there eternal soul, what about the judgment what about the future generations, if Christ delays his coming for another 100 years or so, what will happen to families as a spiritual unit, Justified, Qualified and Glorified by God?
The Three Cs in Marrage,Part one.
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:20-5:33 The Three Cs of Marriage The three Cs that aid in a successful Marriage Ephesians 5:20-33 There are many different ways according to the scripture to have a successful marriage, here are the Cs in Marriage 1.Commitment, to give, to care for, to entrust, trust,etc. 2.Conversation, to speek to another, to communicate,talk. 3. Christ, The Anointed, The Anointed One. Lets take commitment first, in Ephesians 5: 25, The Bible tells us that the Husbands must Love their wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it..., We all know the basics of a commitment to a wife, but did you know that there is no where in scripture that tells a wife to love their husbands? Well take the men first. A husband must CARE for his wife as Christ cared for the church, not only in the short term but in the long term as Christ instructed. When Jesus cared for the church ,He set a plan into existence that He knew, would last for eternity. He GAVE Himself for her so that she would live. He ENTRUSTED others to look out after Her as He did His Mother Mary at the Cross. And He put His TRUST in the Disciples to carry on the nurturing of the church to build Her up to maturity. A husband must be Committed to his wife with no longing for another, giving himself fully to her and trusting in her to support his efforts to provide a suitable living, not only for her but their children, which is good and acceptable to God. There was a humorous story, that I heard a Pastor tell a while back, about a husband and wife that were talking one day of how much one loved the other, after the wife finished her side the husband said, "Honey, I love you so much, I would die for you." and the wife look at him with a serious look on her face and said, " John, Ive heard you say that for twenty years now, and you've never done it" It seems that women today have a different outlook on what a marriage is supposed to be. So it is often , good to look at what God says a marriage is supposed to be. If a man allows his wife to rule over the house, then they are dealing with witchcraft, and God will not be a part of that union. So men, we haft to be very careful to rule the house as God instructed, for the Scriptures say, if a man cannot rule his own house, then how can he rule the House of God ? Now remember a husband is not ruler or lord over the wife but she is subject unto him as Sara called Abraham Lord out of respect for him. We are not to enslave the wife or abuse her, for the scripture says that, there is no man that has hated his own flesh...., or would we harm our own flesh, and since husband and wife have become one body, we protect and nurture her as we would ourself. Ministers today and in the time of Paul, cared for their congregations as they would care for their own children, lovingly and with patience. If a man abuses his wife, he also condemns himself , being in transgression of Gods word. Now lets take the same word and delegate it ,to the women or wife. A little while ago, I said that a wife, in scripture, was not told to Love her husband. Ephesians 5:21 states to the wives, "Wives SUBMIT yourselves unto your own husbands , as unto the Lord. lets look at the word submit first, as the Hebrew and Greek translation states it, To surrender, to yield,to obey and to subordinate. As unlike the world, a Christian wife must be yielding and submissive unto her husband, and not as head of the house or him. This is as with the woman and God, having a humbleness and a Godly fear or we would call it a respectful attitude toward the stronger of the two. The Bible states that the wife is the weaker of the two, in strength and probably because of the transgression of Eve at the garden of will. Being an easier target for Satan and his deceptive powers. A wife must not only be a lover but also a friend to her husband. In my relationship to my wife ,we are best friends. Its good most times before marriage that a man and woman become friends first. Wives, TRUST in your husbands, knowing that as he has committed himself to you ,he has also committed himself to God to fulfill scripture in his relationship to you. Care for your husbands ,as one who cares for Christ in all things. GIVE yourself to your husbands, knowing that he is the one who has promised not only to you but to God himself, before wittinesses, to Love, Honor and Cherish you. So as you can see the "C" or commitment for the husband also applies equal for the wife. So wives, you must, Trust, Care and Give yourself to your OWN husband as God has instructed. If you look at that verse again, it tells a wife to submit to your OWN husband, stating that you are no longer under submission to anyone save him, whom you have married. End of Part 1
The Three Cs in Marriage,Part two.
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:20-5:33 Ephesians 5:20-33 , Conversation. We found out in part 1, that there are three Cs in marriage. The first was commitment, now we will look at conversation. Many marriages fail due to the lack of conversation between the man and woman. A conversation is, to speek, communicate, to talk. Exchanging information in the form of our likes ,dislikes, emotions, feelings and thoughts. How much do you really know about each other? The Bible states that we should be slow to speek and quick to listen. The ability to listen to one another is vital to a healthy marriage. Not only between the husband and wife but also between the parents and children. Ive talked to a number of parents that say that their biggest problem is the way a spouse treats their children. We will cover children, in the last of the series. What a conversation is not, is, barking out orders like a drill Sargent, I talk and you listen. Wives ,have you ever heard this at home?,.. Your husband comes home from work and says, "Hi Honey, whats for dinner?" He sets down and eats and tells you its good, gets up from the table, grabs the paper and turns on the news, and for the next 4 hours nothing much is said because a great movie or ball game is on.? And husbands, how about you, have you ever come home and been told, "Hi dear, suppers on the stove." As she sits and talks to her sisters or mom on the phone, hour after hour? With just these two things, there starts a breakdown in communication between the two and the marriage suffers. Both parties have feelings and needs and wants, that must be expressed and without that expression a rift starts that may cause one or both parties to start to look at alternatives in being able to express themselves to someone else. Ive known people that sit and wait for the opportunity to step in on a marriage, that isn't quite going right, to be able to take advantage of a lonely woman or man. They tell them, " I know that they just don't understand you, sit down with me and tell me all about it." Do you know someone like this? Its the type of person that is willing to listen and console and take advantage. I heard a minister once tell a story of a husband and wife that were mad at each other and really didn't know why, so the wife wrote a note and placed it in a spot that she knew that her husband would see it. She hung it on the refrigerator, it read, "Bob. I hate you. Love Jill." We need to take time and just sit down and talk. Turning off the television, putting down the paper, hanging up the phone and sometimes, with children, hire a baby sitter and go out, away from the house ,just the two of you, maby you could even call it a date, and talk. Talk about each other, how you really feel, and I know you men, your macho and nothing bothers you, but thats what you've been taught all these years, let go and tell her everything, when Ive been hurt at work or passed over for a promotion or something was said that really bothered me, I told my wife and she understood and could relate to me and help me to deal with the situation from a different point of view. Women, I know that your just waiting for your husband to say lets talk to each other, it will be easier for you than for him ,so be patient. The Bible states, Be ye angry and sin not,. let not the sun go down on your wrath. Many preachers that Ive known have stated that it is a sin to be angry, and that is not true. Jesus was angry many times in scripture, the key is that he didn't sin. And so with us. We can be angry but we have to know the limit of it, knowing where to stop and being able and willing to say were sorry. Never, and I say again, Never, go to bed angry with each other, it will fester into a larger problem, and if Jesus would happen to come back at that time, you'd both be in trouble. Stop, talk and work it out. Thats why its so important to set up a dialog with each other day after day, take time to know each other and start trusting each other. That no matter what the problem is, the other will understand. And if nothing is wrong, still talk, it opens up an avenue of dependence, trust and respect for the marriage. Respect each other in your conversations, never put the other down for trying to express themselves. For its not the number of words that matter, but the quality of words that each of you use. Never talk down to you mate, never talk at your mate and never bring up each others past, some things are better off forgotten, but always talk to your mate. This is the second part of sermon ,on , marriage and a way to strengthen it. In part three we will discuss the last C in marriage, and that is Christ. We will also hit on the subject of children's place in the home.
The Three Cs in Marriage,Part Three.
Marriage & Relationships. Ephesians 5:20-5:33 This is the last part of a three part sermon on the way of a successful Marriage. But by all means not all. The scripture deals with marriage as Christ deals with the church. Many scriptures tell us how to have a good marriage and relationship with Christ and the Church. We've learned about, Commitment, Conversation and now we will learn about the last C. Christ, The Anointed or the Anointed One. Without Christ a marriage is only a have way union of a man and woman. Every person has or will have an opportunity to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. And in a marriage ,Jesus,guides both parties into a lasting relationship, built up on trust, understanding and love. As we've said before there are couples out there that are having trouble in marriage because of their children and I said that we would address this issue. The Bible states a law of God on the order of priority stated in this manner, 1.God, The Creator of all thing Visible and un-visible. 2. Jesus, or, The Christ, Son of God and Saviour 3. Man, The male of the species, or Human race. 4. Female, The mate of man and bearer of children.. Now as you've notice there is not listed any one else after the female. Children are not listed because they do not have a role in the decision making of the family according to scripture. God is the head of Jesus and Jesus is the head of man and man is the head of the woman. And thats Bible, you can alter it, rearrange it or change it. From the woman looking backwards this is how God wants us to be. We are all looking toward God the Father. Law, priority, sequence, line of authority. A woman once told me that, her children came before her husband, and that she didn't know why, but her and her husband were having trouble. Can you imagine why? This type of action , boarders on witchcraft. Now were not talking about the unbeliever here, were talking about the Christian family. For the Bible states, that, The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God and nether can be. For the carnal mind is at emenity with God. Most marriages fail because they break the commandments of God concerning Marriage and the order of responsibility from God to the female. Another rule set down by God is for the male, If a man does not take care of his own, especially those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Ive seen husbands, break this law, when they buy themselves things and allow their children and wife to be in want, doing without even the basics of life, food and clothing. Its a shame that a man will actually allow this to happen to people that he has promised to love ,honour and cherish. But it is happening, right now and probably in your own neighborhood. Christ is the leadership of the church, he is the one that causes it to grow, its not the pastor or the congregations but its Jesus. He said that he would add to the church daily. Our duty is to carry out his commandments as he has instructed. If we try to leave, God, Jesus, or the Holy Ghost out of the arrangements of our church or marriage it will fail. Now the word fail here doesn't mean in this life but in the next, the works that we do in our marriage or in our church will be for nothing. And the Bible goes on to say that if a man will stand up rightly before God, then God will save his entire household. So doesn't that tell you that the Husband has a lot to do with the salvation of his own family? Isn't there a promise and a condition there from God Himself? I strongly believe that there is a strong tie between the actions of the Husband and his families well being with God. Now does this mean that the family will not be saved if the husband dies lost?, No, it only means that the promise to the man is not valid unless he accepts the terms set down by God. Many councilors and ministers, don't teach these things, because aether they don't understand it or they are afraid of hurting someones feelings. A marriage based on Christ, is a marriage that will prosper, but there are the laws of terms and conditions set down in scripture. Look all the way back to Abraham and Sarah, God set down terms and conditions with them, all the promises of God in scripture are all based on this law. If you can find one in scripture that doesn't fit this law, let me know. Even John 3:16 is based on this law, that whomsoever shall believe on Him, this is the condition , and the terms of compliance, shall not perish. God wants you to do things His way and if you do, you are rewarded for obedience. This is a covenant partnership between God and the individual. The Same thing that Jesus wants the Husband and wife to have in their relationship. In closing, let Christ have a covenant relationship with you and you with your spouse. The terms and conditions of a successful marriage are based on scripture and are based on Christ and his love for the church. Take the words that He uses in describing Himself and the Love that He has for the Church and apply them to you relationship and you will never fail. ars.
Satan's Grip. Why Children Go Bad.
To understand our children's fall from grace we must look at whom they serve. Many parents ask and even blame themselves,”What did I do wrong?” Parents do have a certain amount of responsibility to guide their children into the righteousness which is God, they must teach and explain, what salvation is, further more this must begin at a young age. But after you've done these things, forget about blaming yourself on the state of your children. We cannot make the decisions for them and we cant hold their hand forever. A child goes bad many times, by choice, per- pressure and a falling society. There comes a time in each child's life that they must choose their walk in life. Then you say, “Who's to Blame?” Its not really blame that we must look for but Circumstances that have surrounded them. Its easy to see the, cause and or circumstances, for our children to fall away from the teachings of their parents. Lets look at a few things before we get into the scripture. 1. The government, because of one woman, took God out of the class room. 2. The media has brought in sex and violence into the children's everyday life. 3. The Church has failed them because of so much Hypocrisy within its walls. 4. The entire education system has let the children down by not discouraging binge drinking, pre-marital sex and violence on campus. The emphasis is more on sports and less on education. Then who is this man our children follow? Let take a close look. Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Satan was a teacher in Heaven, an Archangel, a Spirit of Beauty and Light. But Jesus stated that Satan's fall was because of Pride. 2nd Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (Sometimes beauty kills.) Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you ( Satan's desire is to cause the fall of anyone that will believe his lies. For He cannot return to the Kingdom of Heaven and will prevent as many as He can from doing so.) , that he may sift you as wheat (To tear into peaces.): But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Prayer is the best defense against the wiles of the Devil.) When a name is repeated in the Bible it is a sign that the event will take place twice, it also signifies, love and also a warning, just as we did when our children were out side playing and were about to get themselves into trouble. The first is to get their attention and the second is a warning. Satan is trying to destroy all who will not listen to the warning. Lets look at 2nd Corinthians 2:11; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Many times our children fall because they do not know how cunning Satan is, nor what devices he uses to intimidate and confuse. Satan's grip on not only our children but mankind today has grown because of lack of social integrity. Society in large has become uncaring and disinterested in God. Wars and rumors of wars. Society has taught of children that gain is more important than the soul. The social decline and Lack of reverence to God has caused this world to come into turmoil. When I was a child, my parents taught me about, right and wrong, Jesus and God, responsibility and patriotism. Thou it took me many years after leaving home to realize for myself that I was missing something in my life. I had it all but still felt empty. When the Holy Spirit reminded me of who Jesus was and I was converted, I found that that empty place in my Heart was gone. If you've taught your children about the Bible, the word will never leave them, its still there in their mind. Many times children fall because what they see their parents do, just because a parent does something wrong doesn't mean that the parent cant explain what he did wrong, why he did it and the consequences of their actions to their child to help prevent another wrong. If the parents live in sin, the child will believe this action is normal, so we must be careful how we live and what kind of example we give. Children go bad, basically, because of lack of leadership. 1. From the parents. 2. From the Schools and 3. From their minister. The Minister is the last line of defense for a child. A good minister, after trying all prayers, will do as Paul had to do to save those that were hard hearted. Lets read 1st Corinthians 5:5; “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” A minister that is well informed in the scriptures has the power to turn an individual over to Satan to teach the other side of life. And if this method doesn't work, He has no other recourse but to turn them over to God, to preform His will. 1Titus 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. Society has taught teenagers that it is natural to have intercourse before marriage, it has taught them that getting pregnant and aborting the pregnancy is natural, it has taught them, having a baby hinders their fun in life (I.E. You can have the pleasure of sex but you don't have to accept the responsibility for it.) Ars.
Killing God !
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A church that burned to the ground earlier month was deliberately set on fire, officials announced Wednesday. The fire took place on Feb. 10 at the Full Gospel Sons of God Church, located at 1200 Vera Place. BAGHDAD, Iraq - Assailants wearing uniforms detonated two bombs inside one of Iraq’s most revered Shiite shrines Wednesday, blowing the top off its landmark golden dome and spawning mass protests and reprisal attacks against dozens of Sunni mosques as leaders pleaded for calm. Alabama Burning; 6 Baptist Churches Burn to ground in the South. India News, 2006; India and Pakistan urged to build Nuclear weapons by U.S. Government. West Virginia; 2006; Another Baptist Church is burnt to the Ground, no arrest have been made. India 2006, Murder for Church Building was a frame. Apparently, members of the local Hindu nationalist political party advised the parents to dash their dead child's body against some rocks, breaking its bones. They then took the body to a doctor for a postmortem examination. Only after threats from the radical Hindus did the physician reluctantly file a false report, citing murder as the cause. Then the radicals advised the parents to file murder charges against Pastor Kasota and 10 other Believers Church members, including four other pastors, saying the murder was part of a plot to grab land for a church building. We have seen churches burned sense the early times of mans existence. Time after time, the ungodly take it upon themselves to try to change the course of mankind's involvement with God. Church buildings are not necessary to become involved with God and neither does it take one to become saved. Man today takes himself a little to seriously. The Buildings are considered an intricate part of their worship, prestige and notoriety. When you get people to donate $500.00 to buy a brick to place in a sidewalk, what you have is a $500.00 brick. God is not noted because of buildings nor any other structure that man can build but of His Awesome Power over creation. Before we go any further we must go to the scripture for Gods view on Buildings. 2Ch 6:18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! God cannot be contained in any House, Temple nor Universe. God is not in the Building of Rock and Stone but He dwells within the Individual. There have been many that have tried to kill God by burning down the Temple or Church. Not realizing that God is from everlasting to everlasting. Hitler tried, Cos cove tried and now the Spirit of Anti-Christ is trying. Removing the building is not going to kill God but in fact will make peoples resolve to worship God the more greater. You can kill a body but you cannot kill a spirit. God is Spirit. Acts 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Dwelleth: To kill you must find the victim. In Acts 7:49, we see that God has no one dwelling place. Wherever you find a believer, you will find God, wherever you are, The Mountains, The Valleys, The Rivers and Streams and the Oceans, you will find God. 1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. For man to kill God he must also kill the people that believe in Him, not in the flesh but rather in the spirit. Here we see prophecy of the end times; Amos 9:10-12; All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. And finally, Lets see what Jesus said about the most beautiful temple ever built by man for God, Solomon's Temple; Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Clark states of the destruction of the Temple; The temple was destroyed because of, 1st. Justly; because of the sins of the Jews. 2ndly. Mercifully; to take away from them the occasion of continuing in Judaism: and 3rdly. Mysteriously; to show that the ancient sacrifices were abolished, and that the whole Jewish economy was brought to an end, and the Christian dispensation introduced. If you remember your Bible Study, you should notice that Jesus was not upset with the knowledge that Solomon's temple would be destroyed. Even Jesus being the Son of God, was not upset about the destruction of a building, for He stated that, we were the stones, we were the Building, we were the Temple of the Most High God. A building is just a building, if Gods Spirit does not inhabit the building it is empty. Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: To kill God, man has tried everything that is imaginable, fire, stones, war, rumors of War, genocide and selective breading. Their efforts have come to nothing. You can kill an animal but you still cannot kill its spirit. You say,”Does even an animal have a spirit.?” Yes. The Bible clearly states that this is true. To kill God you must kill the memory of Him, the Sanctity of Him, The very Idea of Him. Many have tried and still fail. In James 4:2, we see how limited man is, how week and unlearned. How week is man that he should try to fight against God? “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. If mankind cannot even change the mind of God, change the prophecy's of God, nor change the will of God, he cannot kill God, but only quench the spirit of God in an uncontrolled setting. 1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. In closing I wanted to add what Clark states of 1 Th.5:19; “The Holy Spirit is represented as a fire, because it is his province to enlighten and quicken the soul; and to purge, purify, and refine it. This Spirit is represented as being quenched when any act is done, word spoken, or temper indulged, contrary to its dictates. It is the Spirit of love, and therefore anger, malice, revenge, or any unkind or unholy temper, will quench it so that it will withdraw its influences; and then the heart is left in a state of hardness and darkness. It has been observed that fire may be quenched as well by heaping earth on it as by throwing water on it; and so the love of the world will as effectually grieve and quench the Spirit as any ordinary act of transgression. Every genuine Christian is made a partaker of the Spirit of God; and he who has not the spirit of Christ is none of his. It cannot be the miraculous gifts of the Spirit which the apostle means, for these were given to few, and not always; for even apostles could not work miracles when they pleased; but the direction in the text is general, and refers to a gift of which they were generally partakers.” ars. These References are extremely Important. 1Ki_9:7, 1Ki_9:8; Jer_26:18; Eze_7:20-22; Dan_9:26, Dan_9:27; Mic_3:12; Luk_19:44; 2Pe_3:11 Act_17:24, Act_17:25; 1Ki_8:27; 2Ch_2:5, 2Ch_2:6, 2Ch_6:18. as: Isa_66:1, Isa_66:2
The Prodical Son.
Many look at the story of the Prodical Son as a contrast between two Brothers, one conservative and the other a non conformist, a rebel. But in essence it is way more than that. We can see many a lesson from this account. The first is between the Father and two different sons, the second is a conflict between God and two different religions, or should I say, interpretations. The View of the Gentiles (i.e. Christians.) and the other the Jewish House of Israel. (i.e. Gods Chosen People.) Now the third thing that we see here is the difference between the people of Israel, (The Poor and unlearned.) and the other the Pharisees.(The ruling class.) Luke 15:12 And the younger of them ( Barnes states;- By this younger son we are to understand the publicans and sinners to be represented. By the older, the Pharisees and scribes.) said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. (This was the separation of Lands between the twelve tribes of Israel. Historical Fact) Barnes was stating that the publicans and sinners, were rebellious because of the treatment that this class of people had gone thru. They were disillusioned with the religious right and wanted the freedom to seek God and their identity in other ways. This is historical fact, not only from the record books of the Isralies but from The Books of Moses. They found out later that the road to religious freedom required to be bought by a great price, that they were unable or unwilling to pay. Rejecting the Teaching that they had received from the Mosaic Law, these people became a target for Satan and the demons of Lust, Theft, Idolatry, Hunger, Depression and want, of things of the Body and those things of the Spirit. We still see this today in Israel, a separation of peoples, Brothers, divided only by religious differences but joined as one for preservation of a Nation. Now in contrast we see the Pharisees and scribes as a constant unmovable force that stayed with the Mosaic Law. Jesus was trying to teach that, If the people of Israel and the ruling Class of the Pharisees and the Temple Priest, could have come together and live as God had intended them to live, that there would have been no division between the two. The Eldest son, (The Religious Order.) Wanted everything for themselves. They said that they were loyal to the Law and The Prophets and Jesus was saying, “Why are you angry when your brothers come back to their senses and accept the rule and will of God?” Luke 15:17-27; And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare (Love. Remember Jesus stated that He was the Bread of Life.), and I perish with hunger! This is in reference to Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Righteousness at this time was missing from not only the House of Israel, (The people.) but also from The Temple, Priest, Pharisees, and Scribes. Need proof ? OK, lets look at Matthew 5:20; “For I (Jesus) say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ( They practiced the Law in principle but not truly in Spirit. This is not to mean that there were none that were righteous but only a very few.) , ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.(Here, they had a form of religion, knowing the form and fashion of it, but none of the truth nor power of it.) Somewhere between the Prophets of Daniel, Isiaha and Ezekiel and Malachi the Righteousness of the Nation, as a whole, fell. I will arise and go to my father,( i.e. Return to the Law.), and will say, (Repent.) unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (This verse is a repeat of the prior verse, for we must first admit to ourselves that we have sined, and then admit it to God.)- And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants (Angels.), Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: (This is the acceptance of non-jews as sons and daughters.) For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (God cannot accept a Son of His as a servant no more than we could our own children.) Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. Now in Luke 15:28-32, we see the anger of the Israelites over Jesus accepting the poor and the lower class, also with the addition of the gentiles into salvation. This all was contradictory to what the Pharisees were teaching. And he was angry, and would not go in ( Not going in, was speaking of acceptance of Jesus as the messiah and the fulfiller of prophecy.)(Referencing Matthew 23:13; “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.”) : therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid(Referencing a reward for service.), that I might make merry with my friends: (We see here the bitterness of the ruling class against Jesus and
