Virgin Birth

Dear class,

Sorry...still recovering from illness. Lagging behind somewhat...

On Thursday, we read form Isaiah 7,8 and Mark 3:1-19.

Isaiah 7:14-16 seem to present one of the greatest "controversies" in the bible.
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Firstly, there are people who would contend that the word "virgin" does not necessarily signify a women who has not known any man but just a young woman.
It is true that the orignal Hebrew word almah, is possibly used in the sense of a maid or damsel, but it is always with the indication of an unmarried, chaste woman. Further, when we examine the context of this being a "sign", what is so significant if the birth had been of conventional circumstance? Moreover, this prophecy is an obvious allusion to the birth of Christ, which we find fulfilled in Mat 1:23. While the use in Hebrew may leave room for misinterpretation, there is no mistake in the word used in Greek, which indicates an unmarried women. And if anyone would still like to split hair, the account in Luk 1:34 nails the door of contention shut.
Brethren, the problem here is not with the words but with the mindset of men bent on discrediting the miracle of God! This was a plain and simple prophecy of the manner which Jesus, deity, was to come into this earth, and plain and simply fulfilled 700 plus years later as an infallible proof of God's promise to mankind.

Secondly, the matter seems to be "complicated" by affirming the definition of "virgin" as an "unmarried chaste woman" and even to link the prophecy to the birth of Christ.
If we look at the context locally, Isaiah had been instructed to prophesy to king Ahaz and also to the "house of David". The complication comes in v.16 where the prophecy suddenly turns much nearer to the times then.
Were there 2 virgin births? One near that time and another of Christ? What's so special then about the birth of Christ?
Or was the first a normal birth and there was no link to the birth of the Messiah? Then what's so special about the sign? Couldn't it be the birth of any child?

This is a similar "predicament" we see when we discussed Mat 24 about the 2nd coming of Christ.
There are in fact 2 prophecies with 2 separate fulfilments. Notice that Isaiah was asked to bring along his son Shearjashub (v.3) to meet Ahaz. Then we notice the wording in v.14 and 15. It begins with "a son" and thereafter, "he" is used. But in v.16, Isaiah suddenly uses "the child". The most logical explanation was that Isaiah had went on to prophesy of a relatively recent event using his son, by his side, as reference.

So there we have it -  a first Messianic prophecy in v.14,15, fulfilled in the virgin birth of Christ, directed in a broad sense to Judah and a second local prophecy of the fall of Israel to Assyria from v.16, directed to Ahaz."he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good." was the transition phrase that linked the 2 poetically. To Christ, it meant His sinless life. To Isaiah's son, it signified the proximity of events that were to occur.

For us today, it remains a blessed comfort that Christ was born of a virgin, as purposed by God and suffered and died for our sins, that we might one day be reconciled to our Father in heaven.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

Because They Knew Him

Dear class,

In Mark 1:32-34, we read of this interesting account:

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
And all the city was gathered together at the door.
And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

James further explains in Jam 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

But then earlier we read in Isa 1:3
The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

So we have a few levels with regards to "knowing God"
One that does not know God
One that knows God
One that knows God and tremble

And if we understand correctly, the third and highest level so far is only on par with the devils!

Brethren, surely we are more than devils! Yet the bible tells us that in many ways, man has become worse than devils.
When we seek to truly be pleasing to God, we will know God, we will tremble at His majesty, His judgement and His great love for us and we will OBEY and CARRY OUT what He has commanded. That last step is what separates man from devils! Because otherwise, our part is but with those condemned to the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev 21:8).

Let us not be as the Israelites of old, and not just profess God with our mouths, as even the devils do, but to carry out His will in all purity and truth.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

Walking In The Light

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 1,2 and Mark 1:1-22

As previously mentioned, the book of Isaiah almost looks like miniature bible, with 66 chapters, broadly divided into 2 sections. But of course, chapter numbers was unknown to the original readers! Nevertheless, this book encapsulates many important principles and of course contains many of the Messianic prophecies, which we will point out as we go along.

Just a quick note on Isa 2:5

The first 2 chapters of Isaiah paints a sobering picture of a backsliding nation, rebuked of God, all but forsaken of the Lord. Yet, in the midst of this, comes the clarion call from the Lord - turn back! Walk in My Light! There's no need for you to go a clamouring after idols, whether in fear or in awe because the end is the same of all idols and their worshippers.

Light personifies the glory of God. Light is the very first thing that God made. Physically speaking, it is the ultimate source of energy for al things in this world and universe.
God knows that! Hence the source of energy was created even before the earth had it's form.

John wrote of the "light of men" which is Christ. Spiritually, this light is that through which man can ever hope to be reconciled to God (c.f. Jhn 14:6).
It is also the spiritual light from the Word that is able to guide us unto all righteousness (Psa 119:105).

It is thus imperative for us to be walking in this light, the light of God. The alternative of which is darkness. One is either in the light or in the dark! There can be no middle ground.
And the only way is for us to allow His Word to guide us, that we stay focussed on where the Light shines, not turning to the left hand or the right, shunning the dark passages no matter how inviting they may seem. And at the end of the way, will we then be together with our Father of Lights in heaven (c.f. Jam 1:7).

In Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

CV of a Christian

Dear class,

The readings today wrap up the books of Genesis and Romans with chapters 49,50 and 16 respectively.

Romans 16 is an extended parting shot of Paul and it goes to show how personally involved the apostle was with the saints. Here was a man of God who truly displayed the great love and compassion for his fellow men and in spite of his no-nonsense outlook, exuded inner tenderness especially to those in the Lord.

The long list of names seemed to serve no other purpose but yet we note the practical characteristics that describe faithful Christians. Certainly worthy of our emulation and what better than to hear it from our Lord Himself on that day! Let's take a quick look:

1) v. 1 - Servant of the church 

Paul talked about being "servants of righteousness" (Rom 6:18). As Christians, we have forsaken being slaves to sin but enter into a lifetime servitude to God and righteousness. We need to display this in both the universal sense of the church, as Christ's body and in the local sense in actively participating in church activities and attending to the needs of the saints.

2) v. 2 - Saints, Succourer of many

Again, we are reminded, being a "saint", of our holy and consecrated estate, reserved for the service in Christ. "Succourer" - Greek, prostatis, or helper/patron again signifies the fervour of the Christian to the Lord's work and His people.

3) v. 3 my helpers in Christ Jesus

A slight contrast to the Greek word in "succourer", soonergos here alludes to a "companionship", a "fellow labourer". Suggests the close relationship and tight knit synergy (interestingly was derived from this very Greek word!) among the workers of the Lord.

4) v.4 laid down their own necks

Jesus said it best in John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. And of course, our Lord Himself gave us the best example! (Rom 5:7,8)

Here was a godly couple who truly personified the Lord's commandments and so shall we, ever ready to rise up to the occasion.

5) v.5 first fruits unto Christ. 

The first fruits. The best of the harvest! This was supposed to be offered to God (c.f. Ex 22:29). This represents our very best service to God. Just think about it - how often do we offer our best time, best effort to the Lord? Do we plan out lives around God or is it relegated to whatever time we have left? Sobering thoughts brethren...

6) v. 6 bestowed much labour on us

Obviously Paul did not mean Christians increasing the burdens of others! What it means is as Christians we are exhorted to be busy for the Lord. 

7) v. 7 my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ 

The individuals mentioned by Paul could very well be blood kins with Paul. But as a family of God, certainly we share the same bloodline of Christ. There can be none other closer! Fellow prisoners more likely referred to our common servitude to righteousness (Rom 6:18). "of note" refers to our reputation. Obviously, Paul is not talking about clamouring for honours, since Jesus Himself rebuked the disciples for competing for greatness (Luk 22:24-27). But the fact that when we get our relationship right with God, those who are godly would look up to us. Yet not as solely man, but a godly example in Christ.

 

8) v. 8 my beloved in the Lord. 

We certainly need tender affection among brethren. And certainly we can see that Paul had much personal relationship with the children of God.

9) v. 9 our helper in Christ

Again, the allusion to a synergistic fellow worker.

10) v.10 approved in Christ.

Needless to say, the standard or approval must come from Christ!

11) v.11 in the Lord. 

The expression "in the Lord" is used some 46 times in the New Testament. The idea here is that which is approved, which pertains to the Lord.

12) v.12  labour the Lord. 

Once again the need for a diligent worker in God's vineyard.

13) v.13 chosen in the Lord

Not that we are "predestined" unto salvation, but rather the qualifications had been pre-determined.

 

So...how do we match up? Would we be able to put down these descriptors on our Curriculum Vitae to God?

Be better be! If we are to enter into the joy of the Lord.

God help us all to labour without ceasing and be found acceptable before Him.

In Him

Paul

--

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Written For Our Learning

Dear class,

Today's reading is taken from Genesis 43-45 and Romans 15:1-13.

Romans 15 starts by concluding the argument in the previous chapter and once again reminds Christians that all who will obey will be accepted of God, Jew or Gentile. 

Amongst the passage is Rom 15:4, the oft quoted verse with regards to the Old Testament.

Paul thought it necessary to remind the reader again that the Old served a purpose. Sure, the Old Law did not apply anymore, but it was there for a purpose and alongside the Prophets still stood for a good purpose. This remains an oft confused concept when we tell some that the Old Testament doesn't apply in the Christian dispensation.

Notice that it was for our "learning". Paul wrote earlier in 1Cor 10:11 that they (the Old Testament writings) were to be "ensamples", "written for our admonition". And indeed, with so many examples before us, truly we should not fall into the same mistakes that the people before have committed. On the positive side, we should emulate what is praiseworthy to God and continue to teach our children so. Just in the book of Proverbs alone, we see a rich treasure trove of wisdom even echoed in the writings of other cultures. The wisdom from God is timeless! Truly, as the prophet Isaiah wrote, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Is 40:8)

Then Paul writes of the "patience" and "comfort" of the Scriptures. The Greek word translated as "patience" here is hupomone. Perhaps clearer rendered here as enduring or constancy. Truly as James wrote of our Father in heaven, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (Jam 1:17) Paul reiterated in Heb 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.". It is the unchangeability of God that gives us the iron clad assurance and comfort, that what God has promised, he will do! Such a far cry from this fickled minded world, fraught with deceit and hypocrisy every turn of the way. Perfect comfort can only come from above! (2Co 1:3,4) And we have access to this comfort through His Word.

Finally, this is where we find "hope". Paul earlier wrote of this in 8:24 - we are saved by hope! An eager looking forward and anticipation. A hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus. (Ti 1:2) A hope laid up for us in heaven (Col 1:5). A blessed hope that is both sure and stedfast (Ti 2:13; Heb 6:19). What a great comfort! What a great blessing!

Let us then continue to be encouraged by the Word that we may look forward to that Day with comfort and surety.

In Him

Paul

--

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

Of Meats and Herbs

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Genesis 41-42 and Romans 14.

Romans 14 on stumbling is often a stumbling block to the misinformed and deliberate detractors!
Bearing in mind firstly, the epistle had been homing in on the contrast of the Old and New Law. Secondly, Paul is talking about our Christian attitude in general and not specifics per se. Even the specifics had to be kept within the context. At this juncture I would like to emphasise that we need to adopt the same approach and attitude in our study in general. When we start taking things out of context without looking at the overall structure, at least within the book itself, we will often find ourselves hopelessly lost. Is this a "modern" man-made technique? No! Notice the numerous quotations of Jesus and the apostles and writers from the Old Testament. What were they trying to do? They were trying to show God's overall plan presented in His Word.

Anyway...I'm drifting. The point here is, Romans 14 is talking about a concept. The concept lies in vs. 17-19
Rom 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Rom 14:18  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Rom 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

A concept that as a new spiritual family our primary focus is on things above not on worldly differences. A focus on things that will strengthen the spiritual bond and not break it down.
Once again, we need to bear in mind the illustrations here have specific reference to Old Testament practices. Of clean and unclean beasts. Of the observance of Sabbath. It's not a case to justify anything as long as it's "of faith". It would be a gross misuse of this passage (esp 14-17) to use it to justify drinking or celebrating Christmas (vs 6)!
Paul is referring to specifically the practice of early Jewish converts who had insisted on Gentiles obey the Old Law (circumcision, abstinence from unclean meats, observing Sabbath, etc. c.f.Act 15:1-29).

So what then is this thing about "of faith" (v.23). As we've mentioned on various occasions, faith (biblical faith), whether it be belief of the system of belief can only originate from the Word of God (Rom 10:17). Now what about v.22? Isn't it stretching it a little?
Suppose we extend the argument to a non-believer. When does one believe he sins? When his conscience is pricked. But how is the conscience of a Christian to be shaped? By God's Law. Thus when we do something not "of faith" it means it has violated our conscience in God. What about v.22b? "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth." Again we need to refer back to the context which is explained in v.23 of meats. This is in NO WAY an endorsement that as long as our conscience allows it, it is acceptable. This is not conscience in a worldly, general sense but a God informed one. Whether it be a conscience of the weak or strong brother, it must have godly basis! The Jewish Christians were raised in, and believed in unclean meats and that is perfectly fine because it was endorsed by God for them. But God had no such provision to the Gentile Christian. So either view was fine in the conscience of God but to the individual it was a different matter. The thing here was that neither was to bind his personal conscience upon another.
To be reiterated here is that only matters that are authorised are in discussion. We can't apply this concept to say alcoholic beverages (btw the "wine" in v.21 surely must refer to grape juice and makes sense because of the reference to the Nazarite vow - another OT practice) because it's consumption is not authorised in the first place. We do not consume alcoholic beverages not because it may violate a "weaker" brother's conscience but because it violates our conscience in Christ - i.e. it's not a God authorised act.

So to flesh out what Paul is talking about, let us put ourselves in a possible scenario at that time. We have a group of Christians, some of Jewish descent, some of Gentile descent but were of converted Jewish faith and some of Gentile descent and previously practiced pagan religion. They come together for a meal prepared by a Gentile brother. Not knowing the customs, he prepared pork dishes and some vegs as well. The Jewish Christians are very uncomfortable with the meat dishes, thus they ate only the vegs. Some of the ex-Gentile Jews, followed suite, others held back. The Gentiles had no qualms. The Jews could likely look upon the more "liberal" Gentile Jews with disdain in eating pork but they couldn't care less about the Gentiles. So it would be wise for the Gentile Jews, for the sake of the Jews to not eat pork in this situation, even though they didn't think it wrong. On the other hand, it would also be wise for the Jews or the Gentile Jews not to eat (even though they may realise there's nothing wrong) for the sake of conscience in the old law. It would have been perfectly fine if they refrained rather than eat for the sake of "giving face" to the host and violate their conscience. Would that conscience in the old law fade? Perhaps. Perhaps by the next potluck, everyone would be perfectly fine with whatever food! But the crux of the matter was that everyone belong to the body of Christ and were enjoying fellowship with God and one another. There's no dissension about food or any other previous practice but just edifying words one to another in the new life.

Again we want to reiterate Paul's exhortation in v.19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
God help us all to put focus and priority where God has placed.

In Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ~ Romans 1:16,17

The Christian and The Authorities

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Genesis 39,40 and Romans 13.

In Romans 13, Paul goes on to elaborate on practical Christian living.

As noted in v. 9, the "royal law" (as touted by James in 2:8) is to be the basis of our dealings with anyone and everyone. Yes, even the authorities! Paul gives us the reason is the opening verse - the powers that be are ordained of God.
What? Even an evil dictator? What about certain religious states?
We need to bear in mind, Paul wasn't writing from an ivory tower, waxing lyrical on some utopian ideal. He was well aware of the situation surrounding the Christians of that time. There was persecution like never before seen. This was the era of Nero, infamous for his tyrannical rule and one of the early persecutors of Christianity.

Ok, so what then? If the government outlaws Christianity and all forms of evangelism do we follow suit?
It is obvious from the fact that despite all this, Christianity grew and Paul was even able to preach in peace in his Roman imprisonment. God's commandments, along with the "royal law" takes priority. We follow exactly what God commands and He will provide. If not this life, FOR SURE the life to come (Rev 2:10).

What is said of against here by Paul is the use of unlawful means to go against the authorities.
Jesus himself gave the perfect example. We recall how Peter sought to fend off Jesus' captors by drawing his sword and even cutting off the ear of the unfortunate Malchus (Jhn 18:10).
In fact, as we've read in the previous chapter of Romans 12, the Christians were even to do good to their persecutors. As a parallel example in today's readings in Genesis, we see the well known example of Joseph. In spite being hated and maligned, Joseph did not rebel or fight tooth and nail to "clear his name" but just continued to do what is right in the sight of God and of course the rest is history.

God doesn't require us to wave our swords and go on protests to "defend" His name. The "crusades" was a great misfortune in the history of mankind, the motivation of which is at best grossly misguided and in all actuality, nothing but just out of selfish political ambition. God simply asks of us to keep His Word. That is the most important thing and that is what we need to do in order not to deny His name.

I don't want to make any "political" statements but this I will say - go ahead and join and support whatever parties you subscribe to (provided they do not hold glaringly ungodly views). BUT, as Christians, I believe we should not go on and on and rant and rave about the authorities, especially nowadays when it is so easy to go en masse via social media and the internet. (Sure, if we have a genuine concern, write in through proper channels) This is exactly the same concept that we should extend to anyone and everyone. Would it be acceptable if a Christian goes on and on to criticise and slimeball another individual (c.f.1Pe 2:1; Eph 4:31; Col 3:8, etc, etc, etc)? What makes us think the authorities come under different light?
Oh but didn't Jesus repeatedly pronounce woes to the Pharisees? True, but He didn't command his disciples to do so! And of course it was done openly where anyone could counter-argue and defend. Not the incessant griping and complaining and satiring under a front. Furthermore it was to a group directly related to what He was preaching about. Jesus didn't go about ranting against the government. In fact the concept Paul spoke of was from Jesus Himself (c.f. Mat 22:17-21).

At the end of the day, Paul reminds us - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Rom 13:14) WE ARE CHRIST'S! That should be our primary concern that we go about our Father's business in the quiet manner he has purposed for us, knowing that our fight and reward is not physical but spiritual and what a glorious heavenly reward awaits those who will obey His will.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ~ Romans 1:16,17