The Bible is made alive by the Spirit of God. Every generation who hears it, knows its power afresh. It is not just any book. It exposes our sin to us allowing the Spirit’s conviction. It reveals not only our true identity, but more significantly, it reveals God Himself to us. It is the most important Book on planet earth for by it comes hearing that leads to saving faith.
Ezekiel saw his first vision when he was 30. The 30th year was significant in Jewish life: The Levites began Temple service at 30. Jesus began his public ministry at age 30. On July 12 of 1988 I turned 30. God used this verse in Ezekiel to confirm my call to preach. I thought I had waited too long, but God showed me that it was just the right time.
This psalm of David illustrates his habit of bringing every area of his life before the Lord in examination and for realignment. He had the spiritual ability to take his eyes off of difficult circumstances and to focus them upon God. One of the ways he accomplished this was to command every part of himself to praise the Lord, numbering every blessing he could name. Perhaps this was the inspiration for the words in the old hymn: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God hath done!”
The Psalmist cried out to God in lament, yet ended his prayer in praise, believing that God would care for his children and grandchildren. Even though the Psalmist’s life had been marked by difficulty, he prayed that his children’s children would “thrive!” Where are the grandfathers and grandmothers who pray this way today?
The first century church met in public places and house to house. Only a few years after Christ’s resurrection, house churches could be found in nearly every Roman city and town. This is how the Church began. Would you want the church to meet at your house?
What does it mean to “acknowledge?” Dictionary: ac·knowl·edge/akˈnälij/ Verb: 1. to accept or admit the existence or truth of. 2. to recognize the fact or importance or quality of. Synonyms: admit, recognize, confess, avow, concede, grant. Will you “acknowledge” that the Lord is God today?
Paul told Titus to teach believers about the freedom Christ had purchased for them. This freedom was not only from sin, but also unto righteousness. And from what “kind” of sin has Christ set us free? Every kind! So stop saying that your particular sin area is too deeply ingrained, too dirty, too much for His grace. His grace is sufficient to free us from “every kind” of sin. If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed!
Seventy years later this prophecy was fulfilled as Cyrus came from the North and destroyed Babylon. The latter part of the prophecy, that no one would live there again, is still true over 2,400 years later. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but now there is only desert in its place. It is said that Saddam Hussein planned to rebuild Babylon, yet the sand still blows over the supposed site. God’s Word still stands, but Babylon has fallen.
Q: How does the moon give glory to the sun? A: By reflecting its light onto a darkened earth. Similarly we give glory to God by reflecting His light to others. Like the moon, we have no light of our own, so we give our very lives to Him in praise. Q: What offering should we bring after giving Him our hearts? A: The first part of all: the first day of the week, first part of every day, and the first portion of every dollar. In this way, we reflect that God is first.
Paul taught Timothy how to respond to EGR (Extra Grace Required) people. He told him not to quarrel, be kind, teach and finally just “be patient” (be forbearing, enduring). In other words, put up with them. Paul goes on to say that when we are gentle with EGRs, perhaps God will change their hearts and they will “come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap.” If you don’t know any EGRs, look in the mirror, it may be you.