Sunday, April 20, 2014

Oh! Death where is thy sting?

                                                  Oh! Death where is thy sting?


55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Cori: 15:55-57.

Meaning of sting:
Bing Dictionary
1. to prick or wound with a sharp-pointed, often venom-bearing organ.
2. to affect painfully or irritatingly as a result of contact, as certain plants do.
3. to cause to smart or to feel a sharp pain.
4. to cause mental or moral anguish.
5. to goad or drive, as by sharp irritation.
         1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matt: 28.

1. Darkness which is not normal in other words we can say miraculous.

       If we look through out Scriptures darkness is mentioned and also it was said that the darkness did not comprehend light. At the time of crucifixion there was a super natural darkness which lasted in the land from 12 noon to 3 p.m. When we look through Genesis to Revelations we find that Cross is significant and has a rich meaning and is related to darkness. The words darkness and light appear in God’s Word around 390 times, and around 160 times for darkness and 229 times for light. There is a great meaning when God acted in Genesis to remove darkness by light and we see these are interrelated.


2. The temple veil was torn
         50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many; Matt: 27:50-53.

3. Earth shakes and the rocks break
37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. 38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. Mark: 15:37-38.
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Matt: 27:50-51.
    The loud voice of the victorious Saviour split the temple veil, shook the earth, broke the rocks and opened the tombs. This miracle has significance on its own because along with the cycle of other events this happened around the death of Christ. As with the darkness and the splitting of the veil, this occurred at the same time and was a supernatural notation from God to make known the significance of the death of Christ.

4. Graves opened.
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many; Matt: 27:53. The burial place throughout Scriptures has a special significance, and it stands as a remembrance for people who are left and also tells a history about what has gone before. It would have been a huge shock to all the people who were witnessing the crucifixion and for them it is a wonder why the graves have been opened. 

5. Saints were raised up from the tomb.

      These people are called Saints because they were believers who died in the Old Testament era, and they believed in the coming Messiah and the covenant of promise. It appears they were buried around the city of Jerusalem in the rock-hewn tombs. To extrapolate it further their tombs could be an exhibition to those who could know about the death of Christ. The exact number of people who were raised from the dead are not told, and the number is not many. The point is this is enough to cause a stir among people and this itself is a huge testimony.

Time of resurrection and the testimony of Centurion:
52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God; Matt:27:52-54. The NASB and the KJV translations of Matt: 27:53; shows us this resurrection did not occur at the same time as the opening of the graves, but after Christ’s resurrection.

6. Empty tomb and the undisturbed Grave clothes.
            52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept   arose, Matt: 27:52.
          1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matt: 28:1-6.   

        Empty tomb of the Saviour and the subsequent events are a sign that Christ is risen. Eternal life is offered to those who will trust and believe in His Son Jesus Christ. That is having personal faith in Christ as a sole means of salvation. Because Christ rose from the dead, the believers in Christ has this eternal hope that they will rise up like him, and live with Him eternally. What a great blessed hope? Below are some Scriptural references to support the above statement.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Jn: 1:12.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast; Ephe: 2:8-9.
Where O Death is Your Victory?
50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.


Website References:

THE MIRACULOUS DARKNESS - Luke 23:44,45 It was the 6th hour. That was noon. There was darkness over all the land and it continued from 12:00 to 3 ...

The Miracles of Calvary Related Media. Introduction. Surrounding Christ’s death on the cross, ... Six trials were now over (three Jewish and three Roman).

www.amazon.ca › … › Christian Books & Bibles › Holidays › Lent
The Six Miracles of Calvary: Unveiling the Story of Easter: William R. Nicholson, Dan Schaeffer: 9781572930728: Books - Amazon.ca

www.christianbook.com › … › Lessons from Scripture
Unveiling the mystery of The Six Miracles of Calvary, Dan Schaeffer updates William Nicholson's classic book for today's audience. Why was there an earthquake?

books.google.com › Religion › Biblical Studies › New Testament
Magnificent insight into the miracles surrounding the crucifixion of Christ. Why was there a tremendous earthquake? What was the meaning of the three hours of thick ..

The Six Miracles of Calvary, by William R. Nicholson, updated in Today's Language by Dan Schaeffer, Discovery House Publishers, 2002, 128 Pages, $6.95
books.google.com/books/about/The_six_miracles_of_Calvary.html?id=...
Wonderful explanations User Review - Nana Pudie - Christianbook.com. I used this book as a study for a group of ladies. Every week we had wonderful discussions on the ...

For further reading:

1. Millard J. Erickson. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House: 1983-85, p. 947-1002. 
2. R.T. Kendall. Understanding Theology, Developing a Healthy Church in the 21st Century. 1996, p. 357-364.
3. Jay E. Adams. A Theology of Christian Counseling, More than Redemption. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979, p.249-275.
4. Louis Berkhof. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996, p. 423-450.
5.  Robert P Lightner. Handbook of Evangelical Theology, Historical, Biblical, and Contemporary Survey and Review. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1986, p.527-544.
6. Charles Ryrie. Basic Theology. Chicago: Moody Press, 1986, 1999, p.374-377.
7.  A. H. Strong. Systematic Theology. New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co, 1907, p. 869-881.
8.  Wayne Grudem. Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994, p. 736-761; 840-850.
9. Steven W. Waterhouse. Not By Bread Alone, An Outlined Guide To Bible Doctrine. Amarillo: Westcliffe Press, 2007, p.188-191
10. John Theodore Muller, Th.D. Christian Dogmatics, A handbook of Doctrinal Theology for Pastors, Teachers, and Laymen.  St. Louis, Mo: Concordia Publishing House, 1934, p.384-386.  
11. Prayers To Move Your Mountains. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000.
12. John White. Parables, the Greatest Stories ever Told. Illinois: Inter varsity Press, 1988, 1999.
13. ESV Study Bible. English Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, Wheaton, Illinois: Publishing ministry of Good News publishers, 2008.
14. The Matthew Henry Study Bible. King James Version. Iowa falls: World Bible Publishers, Inc. 1990.

Friday, April 18, 2014

True Love


The ultimate true love was shown on the Cross two thousand years ago, and today we remember that love and wonder some time isn’t there any other way for God to show true love for humanity!

        The Cross is the lighthouse which guides poor weather-beaten humanity into the harbour of peace. - Charles Spurgeon.

        The highest proof of the spirit is love. Love the eternal thing which can already on earth possess as it really is. - J.C. Ryle

        The great thing in prayer is to feel that we are putting our supplications into the bosom of omnipotent love. - J.C. Ryle

      The word “forgive” means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone, we seek his or her forgiveness in order for the relationship to be restored. It is important to remember that forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. Instead, it is an act of love, mercy, and grace1.

- See more at: http://www.allaboutgod.com/definition-for-forgiveness faq.htm#sthash.Zv8smiZj.dpuf

Forgiveness

32 “And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots”; Lk: 23:32-34.

      We forgive because we have been forgiven by God (Ephesians 4:32). God forgave us because of His tremendous love for humanity, and when we call on His Name we are forgiven. The act of love was shown on Calvary 2000 years ago.

Salvation
      Biblical salvation is God's way of providing his people deliverance from sin and spiritual death through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the concept of salvation is rooted in Israel's deliverance from Egypt in the Book of Exodus. The New Testament reveals the source of salvation in Jesus Christ. By faith in Jesus Christ, believers are saved from God's judgment of sin and its consequence—eternal death2.

39 “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”; Lk: 23: 39-43.

Affection
noun

1. fond attachment, devotion, or love: the affection of a parent for an only child.

2. Often, affections.

a. emotion; feeling; sentiment: over and above our reason and affections.

b. the emotional realm of love: a place in his affections.

3. Pathology . a disease, or the condition of being diseased; abnormal state of body or mind: a gouty affection.

4. the act of affecting; act of influencing or acting upon.

5. the state of being affected3.

 23Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout .  24They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be : that the scripture might be fulfilled , which saith , They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did .  25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by , whom he loved , he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home;” Jn: 19:23-27.

Anguish
     The noun anguish refers to severe physical or emotional pain or distress. A trip to the dentist might cause a cavity-prone person a lot of anguish. We get this word from a Latin word, angustus, which literally meant "narrow" but developed the figurative sense of "distressed" — think of being choked off or forced into a small space. In modern times anguish has been in the English with the parallel and related meanings of "physical torment" and "emotional suffering." Both kinds might be experienced at the hands of a dentist who likes to make his patients squirm in agony4.

45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”[a] 47 Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” Matt: 27:45-47.

Suffering
Noun
1.
suffering - a state of acute pain                
hurting, pain - a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder; "the patient developed severe pain and distension"
throe - severe spasm of pain; "the throes of dying"; "the throes of childbirth"
Passion of Christ, Passion - the suffering of Jesus at the Crucifixion5

28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth; Jn: 19:28-29.

Victory
     Victory (from Latin victoria) is a term, originally applied to warfare, given to success achieved in personal combat, after military operations in general or, by extension, in any competition. Success in a military campaign is considered a strategic victory, while the success in a military engagement is a tactical victory6.

noun, plur  al vic·to·ries.
1. a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war.
2. an engagement ending in such triumph: American victories in the Pacific were won at great cost.
3. the ultimate and decisive superiority in any battle or contest: The new vaccine effected a victory over poliomyelitis.
4. a success or superior position achieved against any opponent, opposition, difficulty, etc.: a moral victory.
5. (initial capital letter) the ancient Roman goddess Victoria, often represented in statues or on coins as the personification of victory7.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost;”Jn: 19:30.

Contentment
    Contentment is the acknowledgement and satisfaction of reaching capacity. The level of capacity reached may be sought after, expected, desired, or simply predetermined as the level in which provides contentment8.   
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost; Lk: 23:44-46.

        Godliness and contentment are indeed rare gems, but since they can only be found inseparably combined, they are the rarest of gem to be found in man9. "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in Faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" (James 2:5).

       Look at the Cross, think of the cross, meditate on the cross, and then go and set your affections on the world if you can. I believe that holiness is no where learned so well as on Calvary. - J.C. Ryle. 

       It was good counsel one gave, “Never let go out of your minds the thoughts of a crucified Christ.” Let these be food and drink unto you; let them be your sweetness and consolation, your honey and your desire, your reading and your meditation, your life, death, and resurrection.- Thomas Brooks.

Song of Solomon Chapter 4

      The apostle Paul (see Paul's Ministry) also used physical love as an analogy for Christ and His "bride" e.g. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.10" (Ephesians 5:25-27 KJV).

"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. Thy lips are like a thread of Scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks. Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies. Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of Frankincense. Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all Spices! Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.

A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with Spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus [see also Calamus or Cannabis?] and Cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits." (Song of Solomon 4:1-16 KJV)

Humility and love are precisely the graces which the men of the world can understand, if they do not comprehend doctrines. They are the graces about which there is no mystery, and they are within reach of all classes. The poorest Christian can every day find occasion for practicing love and humility. - J.C. Ryle

Isn’t that True love?

Website References:

Definition for Forgiveness - Read a definition of forgiveness and thoughts about when to forgive, how to help others forgive, and what to do when you don’t feel ...

christianity.about.com/od/conversion/p/salvation.htm
An Easy Explanation of Biblical Salvation: Biblical salvation is God's way of providing his people deliverance from sin and spiritual death through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the perfect God-man, came to offer the pure, complete and everlasting sacrif... More »

dictionary.reference.com/browse/Affection
noun 1. fond attachment, devotion, or love : the affection of a parent for an only child. 2. Often, affections. a. emotion; feeling; sentiment: over and above our ...

The noun anguish refers to severe physical or emotional pain or distress. A trip to the dentist might cause a cavity-prone person a lot of anguish .

The Scene of Suffering is a destructive or painful action, such as death on the stage, bodily agony, wounds and the like.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory
Victory (from Latin victoria) is a term, originally applied to warfare, given to success achieved in personal combat, after military operations in general or, by ... 

dictionary.reference.com/browse/victory
noun, plural victories. 1. a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war. 2. an engagement ending in such triumph: American victories in the Pacific were won at ... 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contentment
Contentment is the acknowledgement and satisfaction of reaching capacity. The level of capacity reached may be sought after, expected, desired, or simply ...

Godliness and contentment are indeed rare gems. They are the rarest of gem to be found in man.

Daily Bible Study. Bible. Discover the amazing truth of the Gospel. Eternal life ... a well of living waters" (Song of Solomon 4:15 KJV) ultimately describe? See ...