Many in professing Christendom believe in a cultural Jesus who is not the Lord of Scripture.  This Jesus is a god of love, but he is not the God of biblical love as described and illustrated in the Bible.  This is a god of love as defined by the culture.

I heard a song recently entitled Give Me Jesus*.  It was very moving and I have found myself singing it in my heart.  It is very simple and it sums up my life experiences with the Jesus of Scripture.  The lyrics speak of beginning the day with Him.  They speak of being alone with Him and they speak of ending life with Him.  The chorus speaks of rejecting all that the world offers and embracing Jesus.

The Jesus that I know, I know by way of Scripture.  Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  The Bible is the source of just about all the knowledge we have of Him.  The Bible tells us what we need to know about Him.  He is the Messiah, the Promised One of Israel.  

In rebuking the Pharisees, the Lord said to them; they (the Scriptures) are they which testify of me, and ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.  The Pharisees believed in the resurrection, but somehow they missed the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.

How will he who hears the words; give me Jesus, understand  who this is?  Will that individual know where to look for the true Jesus?  How will he know the difference between Messiah Jesus and a cultural Jesus?  

When referring to Jesus, I like to use His title (Messiah Jesus, Lord Jesus, Jesus Christ) along with His name.  The title used with His name tells everyone which Jesus is being referred to.  The New Testament disciples called Him Master or Lord,  and Christ is the Greek title for the Messiah of the Bible.

Most professing Christians today do not put much stock in Scripture and certainly do not recognize it as authoritative in their own lives.  Unbelievers in the church cherry pick Scripture to find a Jesus that makes them comfortable with themselves.  They are offended at the suggestion that they may not know Christ and are ignorant of the fact that many of their own declarations contradict His very words.

Messiah Jesus speaking: Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.  John 5:39&40

…Give Me Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Scripture…

*Give Me Jesus by Fernando Ortega

Note:  This was written to encourage and challenge others to know the Christ of Scripture, and to promote discernment between truth and unbelief.  The Lord Himself said that many others would come in His name.  Be sure that you can tell the difference.  Study the Bible.

 …let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.  Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.  Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Matthew 6:9-12

Forgive us.  Why?  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23.  Sin is the willful transgression of God’s law.  As sinners, we owe a debt.  For the wages (penalty) of sin is death; Romans 6:23a

Death is separation.  Physical death is separation from the body.  Spiritual death is separation from God.  Jesus Christ paid that debt for us on the cross.  He became sin for us, who knew no sin.  He died in our place.  

The primary meaning of the word forgive is to send forth or to send away.*  A forgiven debt as referred to in Matthew 6:12, is a completely cancelled debt.*   When we accept Jesus Christ as our substitute, we are accepting God’s provision for our sin. Our sin debt is cancelled and the righteousness of His Son is credited to our account.  We are forgiven.  This means we are delivered from sin’s penalty (separation from God) and the cause of the offense is removed (sent away).*  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12

• If certain conditions are met, there is no limit to Christ’s law of forgiveness.*

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.  Matthew 18:21-22

•  The conditions of forgiveness are repentance and confession.*

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.  Acts 17:30&31

Repentance is a changing of the mind.  Genuine repentance results in a change of direction.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee (repents), thou hast gained thy brother.  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church (no repentance), let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.  Matthew 18:15-17 

Confessing our sins is acknowledging our sin (naming it and taking responsibility for it), agreeing with God against ourselves.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  I John 1:9

Forgive us……..as we forgive our debtors.

Mercy should beget mercy, but it doesn’t always.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.                 Matthew 18:23-35

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

*Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of New and Old Testament Words; Thomas Nelson, Inc., Copyright 1986 1994.

If there were no conditions for forgiveness, then salvation would be universal. Everyone would be saved regardless of their status as a believer or unbeliever.

However, there are biblical conditions for forgiveness.  The biblical conditions for forgiveness are repentance (changing one’s mind) and confession of sin* (agreeing with God against ourselves).  Therefore, universal salvation (everyone is going to heaven) is a false teaching.

*Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words Thomas Nelson, Inc., Copyright 1984, 1996.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you: but ye are washed (cleansed), but ye are sanctified (set apart), but ye are justified (pronounced righteous) in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.  I Corinthians 6:9-11

What were you before you became a Christian?  According to the Scripture above, are you still what you were?

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen!              Jude 1:24-25

Hallelujah!

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

No suggested interpretation of a Bible passage can be correct if it is not also correct for every Bible passage on the same topic.

 Larry

It has been said that if something is worth saying the first time, it is worth repeating.  To believer’s in Christ, I repeat myself in today’s post as we observe Mary in Scripture.  What an example to the New Testament believer in letting the Word dwell in you richly!

MARY’S SONG OF PRAISE
DECEMBER 21, 2016 

After Mary’s visit from the angel Gabriel and during her visit with Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother, Mary exalted the the Lord.

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify (to make great) the Lord,

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden [female bond (willing) slave]: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed (count me happy).

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy (set apart) is his name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen (helped) his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Luke 1:46 – 55

Mary’s song is full of Old Testament Scripture. It contains parts of approximately two dozen Old Testament passages in these nine verses.*  John MacArthur lists the passages in the notes of his NKJV Study Bible and he summarizes her song as follows:

Mary’s Magnificat is filled with OT allusions and quotations. It reveals that Mary’s heart and mind were saturated with the Word of God………….These verses also contain numerous allusions to the law, the psalms, and the prophets. The entire passage is a point-by-point reciting of the covenant promises of God.*

What Mary’s song reveals about her is that she is a willing and obedient servant unto the Lord God. She is trusting in God’s promises of provision for her own sin. Mary is trusting in God her Saviour and she is happy!

Mary is the Old Testament equivalent of a New Testament Spirit filled believer. She knows God’s Word and she let’s it dwell in her richly. The result is humility and obedience.

Her response to the angel Gabriel in verse 38 is; Let it be to me according to your word. This should be the believer’s prayer; Let it be unto me, O Lord, according to your (written) Word.

Note: Although Mary’s song reveals much about her, her song is really all about God.

Word definitions are from WE Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.

*The NKJV Study Bible notes by John MacArthur on Luke 1:46-55.

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.  Exodus 20:7

What do you think of Jesus?  Is it alright for you to use His name as an expletive?  Do you use Jesus’ name as you would a four letter word?  Many people who consider themselves to be Christian use His name that way.

Can one really have a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, if His name means so little?   Could it be possible that you don’t truly understand who He is and what He did for you?

True believers worship Jesus.  They do not profane His name.  To the genuine believer, Jesus is the sweetest name he knows.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  Matthew 1:21

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 16:13-17

So,……..what think ye of Jesus?

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:11

(A Psalm of David.) Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Jesus Christ

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of                      sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:7

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ephesians 1:11

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Ephesians 2:21

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3:12

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.      Colossians 2:3

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Colossians 2:11

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:   1 Peter 1:8

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2 Peter 1:17

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…