NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
A “Stereotype” is often an image label given by someone who is often prejudiced and bigoted. To “Stereotype” is to err against sound logic. “Stereotyping” borders upon generalizing – pigeonholing various ideas and / or actions of people.
An example of “Stereotyping,” is what homosexual activists do to committed Christians who disagree with their lifestyle and their push to over-turn history’s definition of “Marriage.” These homosexual activists are quick and ready to “label” certain Christians as being “Homophobes.” However, we must remember that this word, in itself, is wrongly utilized, as it actually means from its etymology: “Fear of man,” -- not “Fear of homosexuals.” But I think you gather the idea here. Stereotyping can be a maniacal and malevolent political tool, used by activists of any cause, to hijack the English language and turn it into propaganda fodder.
A Stereotype of “Prayer:”
Prayer is often represented as a spiritual means of acquiring something often asked for, of God Almighty. And, when a prayer is often answered, the action and repetition of “Prayer” is often, in, and of itself, given the credit for the [humanly perceived] “successful” answer. Hence, “Prayer,” becomes the primary focus, rather than the One who hears and / or answers prayer – that being the Triune God.
Prayer is often stereotyped in glowing terms. Often prayer is highlighted as the vehicle to which someone is finally rewarded and / or delivered from extenuating circumstances – ranging from ill health to financial straits.
“Pain” to the skeptic and unbeliever:
Having lived close to 60 years, I have come to increasingly realize that human suffering – especially physical bodily pain, plays a crucial role in not only the praying process – but also, the outcome of prayer (petitions) to the Good Lord. Pain, in a non-believer can precipitate a longing for God. Conversely, pain for a non Christian believer can precipitate more unbelief and revulsion, as it did in the case with Job’s wife who urged him to “curse God and die.” [Job 2:9]
“Pain” to the Christian believer helps precipitate earnest and, continued prayer:
I cherish the very brief time I was privileged to spend with a very pleasant, sick and dying middle aged man. His body was riddled with terminal disease and his physical pain became increasingly [almost, humanly] unbearable. Within the first few minutes of meeting this dear soul, he began to pray – and, I joined in. Usually, as pastor, I am the one expected to initiate the request for prayer. But this dear soul instinctively understood his imminent, precarious, and worsening situation and he was not about to be denied any priceless time he had left to seek the Lord’s help.
In addition to the Lord’s Prayer, my dear friend [as he quickly came to be] began praying the very simple prayer: “Lord, have mercy.” Each time I visited him – and it was rather frequent, he would always and consistently pray: “Lord, have mercy!” I assured him that, that one prayer was the best prayer and thanked him for reminding me of that very reality. [Luke 18:9-14] And, with escalating physical pain, he would often pray aloud in my presence: “Lord, have mercy.”
A few hours before he died, unable to “vocally” pray himself, I prayed with him the Lord’s prayer, reminded him of the Lord’s promises that we had talked about – and then I prayed with him his favorite and superb, prayer, “Lord have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.”
When I finally breathe my last, and come, by God’s grace (as my friend) into heaven’s glories, I want to seek out my faithful departed friend and listen to him relate to me all of the Lord’s mercies. Amen.
NOTE: The previous message [above] and the related Scriptures below can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament: Psalm 136 -- The mercies of the Lord, recounted
New Testament Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 – Christ’s Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
New Testament Epistle: Revelation 21:3-7 – The Believer’s glimpse of heaven to come
"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
Note for further reference and understanding:
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
Please Note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and, or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Rejecting the Resurrection Reality (4/19/09)
Easter morning I posted on the local online forum 3 words – “He is risen!” My father taught me this declaration every Easter morning. He would declare: “He [Christ] is risen!” And then he would expect the following reply: “He is risen, indeed!” Such was the declaration and response of the early Christians every year commemorating the death and resurrection of the Christ of history.
One forum personality responded, like the early Christian response. However, there was another response that stated “Where?” Following was a declaration of unbelief, basically saying: “I don’t see anything.” [Paraphrase] I then posted the following reply:
…….Those like you will not recognize the historic reality of Christ’s physical resurrection from the dead. The age old fallacious assertion that one has to be “on the scene” to verify and then believe what has actually happened is common with stark unbelief in both the life and teachings of the historic Christ. People of unbelief will not doubt the ancient existence and impact of a Plato or Aristotle and their writings, but they will find great fault with the historic Christ and the Old Testament [prophetic] witness and New Testament witness of his life, death and resurrection. Frankly, your argument that you have not seen is just another “Doubting Thomas,” weak-kneed argument. It holds no water.
Incidentally, I find it amazing, that people like you who like to think of yourselves as either atheistic or agnostic, will readily swallow, hook, line and sinker Darwinian Evolution. You will accept without question that such an such evolved 200 million years ago. That type of acquiescence while accusing the historical documents of the Hebrews and Christians, as mythical, is pure intellectual and moral dishonesty on your part.
Friend, if you were really serious and not attempting to either hide and / or, rationalize a sinful life, I would readily point you to some refreshing “Christian Apologetic” sources which may, help you to come to accept the reality and veracity of the Christian Faith......Oh, by the way – I wasn’t around at the time of George Washington – but, by faith, I accept the documents that he did, indeed, exist, and that he was the “Father of our Country.”
What causes such unbelief that a person will reject the risen Christ?
The denial of the supernatural:
Isn’t it amazing that the same people who deny that a pre-born baby in his mother’s womb is not human? They not only deny the Divine reality [Psalm 139:13-16] but also the medical and scientific. And, those same people will go ballistic over the discovery of a single molecule found on a distant planet! They will conclude that there is life on that planet.
The same type of schizophrenia exists in their minds when they will deny God Almighty, His creative activity of heaven and earth. These same people will fawn over the idea that all that we see, feel, hear and are aware, of, initiated by way of a single cosmic “Big Bang.”
The denial of the testimony of history:
The soul that would deny the historic Christ His due, is the same type of person who accepts hook, line and sinker, pseudo science biology texts that claim that life originated from the primeval slime, millions upon millions of years ago. Those same [inconsistent] souls will accept ancient history and recognize such characters as Plato and Socrates – but will ever be so critical of the New Testament historical documents which chronicle the life and events of Christ’s life.
The human herding instinct of “Political Correctness:
Despite the scientific [and otherwise] advancements of world culture, of which many Christians have been a part -- the unbelieving soul will bow to the prevailing culture’s “Political Correctness” views. There is the prevailing eagerness to be agreeable to the latest cultural beliefs and trends, rather than relying on the traditional and moral code of Judeo / Christian ethical principles, which have [when practiced consistently] always benefited society.
Human pride:
Perhaps more than any other factor, human pride will stand in the way of accepting the Risen Christ. The Scripture speaks of a willful unthankful arrogant and independent spirit which alienates a soul from his Creator. [Romans 1:18-32] Perhaps the greatest gift [besides Christ and the Scriptures] is the God blest gift of free will. Humans, however, without fail, utilize their free wills and run from their Creator. [Genesis 6:5 ; Psalm 14:1-4]
Friend, if you feel that you have good reason to doubt Christ’s historical resurrection from the dead – please put a halt to your human reason. As Christ told the Apostle Peter: “…..for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 16:17]
This pastor has never believed that a simple 4 or 5 part prayer can save your soul. Formula prayers and Gospel [“Come forward”] invitations have never been a substitute for the Holy Spirit of God’s work in the “Conversion process.” In last week’s topical message I mentioned several Scriptures which illustrate that God Himself initiates the process of belief and coming into the Christian Faith. [John 1:13 ; John 6:65 ; Ephesians 2:4-5 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 ; Titus 3:3-7 ; 1 Peter 1:3 ; Philippians 2:13]
I implore you to lay aside human reason, your own pride and the culture’s political correctness and seek out this Creator God who can deliver your soul from God’s just judgment and punishment. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 25: 31-46] Start reading the New Testament Gospels. Read them over and over. And, while you read them, realize that the God impartation of faith to save your priceless soul, comes from God’s [holy] Word. [John 1:13 ; Acts 8:26-40] Amen.
NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament: Proverbs 1 and Isaiah 55
New Testament: John 1 ; John 20 -- Please note: Verses 24-31 -- Believing and seeing
Also: Hebrews 11:1-26 -- True faith's results
Furthermore: 2 Corinthians 4:18 -- Another definition of true faith
________________________________________________
"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
_____________________________________________
Note for further reference and understanding:
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages ___________________________________________________
Please Note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and, or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Life from Death -- The Resurrection Reality (4/12/09)
The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
I heard a concise summary of the difference between the Christian Faith and that of man-made religions. It goes like this:
“Born once; die twice; born, twice; die, once.”
This quote is referring to Christ’s conversation to the religious leader, Nicodemus [Gospel of John 3:3] The Christian conversion experience is often referred to, in large segments of Christian groups as a “born again” experience. But the correct New Testament Greek rendering of Jesus’ words, is rather, “born from above.” [John 3:3] This coincides and agrees with other Scriptures that it is God Almighty who initiates the conversion experience. [John 1:13]
[Please note, towards the end of this message 6 other Scriptures [below] that attest to the reality of God's grace initiating the process of believing]
But be that as it may, for purposes of this message – I will utilize a less than perfect [but more “popular”] description of a person “coming into the Christian Faith” – “Born again.” This less than accurate phrase, [better] suites the above [total] description: “Born once; die twice; born, twice; die, once.”
Everyone is physically born. This is 1 time. But the person who does not know the Triune God and Christ as his Savior, not only physically dies once, but then in the “hereafter,” [eternity] dies one more time. This is what is known as “Eternal death,” as opposed to “Life everlasting.” [Apostle’s Creed] The Christian disciple who dies in the Faith, only experiences physical death – and then is transported to “Life, everlasting.” [Luke 23:39-43 ; Luke 16:19-31]
Whom do you trust?
Few realities of human history stand the test of time than does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Atheists, agnostics, evolutionists and skeptics all will deny the God nature of Jesus Christ. But few will deny the existence of Jesus Christ, as the Christ of the Scriptures, which are undeniably historical documents, which are, a fixed part of human history.
Much of what a person believes, when it comes to important things, boils down to, “Whom do you trust?” Do you believe in past human leaders – like Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, or Mao? Why would you believe in these human leaders who shaped the world in so many significant ways? Why would you revere or put your trust in them, knowing that they were but men who had made mistakes and whom, at their hands, there resulted the untimely deaths of millions upon millions of human beings? Why would you ever put your confidence and trust and revere these men as gods when their lifeless bodies have long since been corrupted to dust.
Or, you can believe and put your trust in the Christ of the Scriptures who was prophesied hundreds of years before his birth to live a holy life, suffer and die and rise from the dead. Common sense would dictate that you would follow the Christ of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures to be your model with which to fashion your life and future. Why would you choose a dead, past and imperfect leader to model your life, after? Why not look to the risen, living Christ of the Scriptures whose grave is empty?
The observation of Easter by Christ’s disciples, celebrates Christ’s triumph over death:
Perhaps, no other Scripture than 1 Corinthians 15 illustrates the reality of life from death, than Christ’s own words about His own death, crucifixion and resurrection. [John 12:24] Christ related to his disciples that His death would result in the reality of [eternal] life. This is the same type of eternal life spoken in Romans 5:12. Physical death came about because of human sin and spread to every generation since. And, because of mankind’s “Fall” into sin [Genesis 3] -- sin is the deadly “instrument” which causes physical death and spiritual death – unless sin is defeated by having received divine forgiveness, offered to, by God, Himself. [John 3:14-21]
It was God’s plan to sacrifice His only begotten Son to make it possible for sinful humans to re-connect with their Creator. Sin separates from a holy and just God and from His holy heaven. Without the shed blood (supreme) sacrifice of Christ, on behalf of the sinner, there would be no possibility of a “life” everlasting, but only a “death” forever. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 25: 31-46]
Friend, if you have always wondered [and don't understand] why Christ’s disciples go "all out" to celebrate Easter – make sure to read 1 Corinthians 15. Faith, for the Christian is not a blind element. It is a living reality, sparked by God Himself. [John 1:13 ; John 6:65 ; Ephesians 2:4-5 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 ; Titus 3:3-7 ; 1 Peter 1:3 ; Philippians 2:13]
May you come to know the Easter reality, the life from death, which only Christ can offer. [John 10] And may you have a genuine forever future in the “life” everlasting. May you, by God’s grace be “born twice,” and only have to die, “once.”
The early Christians made it a practice on the celebration of Easter to greet one another Easter morning by saying: "'He' is risen!" To which the response was: "'He' is risen, indeed!"
Amen.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Old Testament:
Isaiah 53 ; Psalm 16:10 -- Prophecies hundreds of years before His birth, Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection
New Testament:
Matthew 27 – 28 – The fulfillment of Hebrew [Old Testament] Scriptural prophecy about Christ
1 Corinthians 15 – The Resurrection chapter
___________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
_________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan
I heard a concise summary of the difference between the Christian Faith and that of man-made religions. It goes like this:
“Born once; die twice; born, twice; die, once.”
This quote is referring to Christ’s conversation to the religious leader, Nicodemus [Gospel of John 3:3] The Christian conversion experience is often referred to, in large segments of Christian groups as a “born again” experience. But the correct New Testament Greek rendering of Jesus’ words, is rather, “born from above.” [John 3:3] This coincides and agrees with other Scriptures that it is God Almighty who initiates the conversion experience. [John 1:13]
[Please note, towards the end of this message 6 other Scriptures [below] that attest to the reality of God's grace initiating the process of believing]
But be that as it may, for purposes of this message – I will utilize a less than perfect [but more “popular”] description of a person “coming into the Christian Faith” – “Born again.” This less than accurate phrase, [better] suites the above [total] description: “Born once; die twice; born, twice; die, once.”
Everyone is physically born. This is 1 time. But the person who does not know the Triune God and Christ as his Savior, not only physically dies once, but then in the “hereafter,” [eternity] dies one more time. This is what is known as “Eternal death,” as opposed to “Life everlasting.” [Apostle’s Creed] The Christian disciple who dies in the Faith, only experiences physical death – and then is transported to “Life, everlasting.” [Luke 23:39-43 ; Luke 16:19-31]
Whom do you trust?
Few realities of human history stand the test of time than does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Atheists, agnostics, evolutionists and skeptics all will deny the God nature of Jesus Christ. But few will deny the existence of Jesus Christ, as the Christ of the Scriptures, which are undeniably historical documents, which are, a fixed part of human history.
Much of what a person believes, when it comes to important things, boils down to, “Whom do you trust?” Do you believe in past human leaders – like Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, or Mao? Why would you believe in these human leaders who shaped the world in so many significant ways? Why would you revere or put your trust in them, knowing that they were but men who had made mistakes and whom, at their hands, there resulted the untimely deaths of millions upon millions of human beings? Why would you ever put your confidence and trust and revere these men as gods when their lifeless bodies have long since been corrupted to dust.
Or, you can believe and put your trust in the Christ of the Scriptures who was prophesied hundreds of years before his birth to live a holy life, suffer and die and rise from the dead. Common sense would dictate that you would follow the Christ of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures to be your model with which to fashion your life and future. Why would you choose a dead, past and imperfect leader to model your life, after? Why not look to the risen, living Christ of the Scriptures whose grave is empty?
The observation of Easter by Christ’s disciples, celebrates Christ’s triumph over death:
Perhaps, no other Scripture than 1 Corinthians 15 illustrates the reality of life from death, than Christ’s own words about His own death, crucifixion and resurrection. [John 12:24] Christ related to his disciples that His death would result in the reality of [eternal] life. This is the same type of eternal life spoken in Romans 5:12. Physical death came about because of human sin and spread to every generation since. And, because of mankind’s “Fall” into sin [Genesis 3] -- sin is the deadly “instrument” which causes physical death and spiritual death – unless sin is defeated by having received divine forgiveness, offered to, by God, Himself. [John 3:14-21]
It was God’s plan to sacrifice His only begotten Son to make it possible for sinful humans to re-connect with their Creator. Sin separates from a holy and just God and from His holy heaven. Without the shed blood (supreme) sacrifice of Christ, on behalf of the sinner, there would be no possibility of a “life” everlasting, but only a “death” forever. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 25: 31-46]
Friend, if you have always wondered [and don't understand] why Christ’s disciples go "all out" to celebrate Easter – make sure to read 1 Corinthians 15. Faith, for the Christian is not a blind element. It is a living reality, sparked by God Himself. [John 1:13 ; John 6:65 ; Ephesians 2:4-5 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 ; Titus 3:3-7 ; 1 Peter 1:3 ; Philippians 2:13]
May you come to know the Easter reality, the life from death, which only Christ can offer. [John 10] And may you have a genuine forever future in the “life” everlasting. May you, by God’s grace be “born twice,” and only have to die, “once.”
The early Christians made it a practice on the celebration of Easter to greet one another Easter morning by saying: "'He' is risen!" To which the response was: "'He' is risen, indeed!"
Amen.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Old Testament:
Isaiah 53 ; Psalm 16:10 -- Prophecies hundreds of years before His birth, Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection
New Testament:
Matthew 27 – 28 – The fulfillment of Hebrew [Old Testament] Scriptural prophecy about Christ
1 Corinthians 15 – The Resurrection chapter
___________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
_________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Punishment is part and parcel of judgment (4/5/09)
The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format For Home Worship
Note: Definition of “Judgment:” “In law, the sentence of doom pronounced in any cause, civil or criminal, by the judge or court by which it is tried.” [Webster]
As a rule of thumb when I see a news report of a horrible murderous “incident” I will formulate a lead-in title [for the moralmatters.org website] something like this [below] – and then the actual news report title:
Evidence of a literal hell. Reservations are always being booked – “Khmer Rouge horrors detailed at opening trial” (3/31/09)
A person cannot expect that his or her sinful actions will go unnoticed and without punishment. Divine judgment pronounced upon human sin, intrinsically presupposes, punishment. As a Christian and Christian pastor I am convinced because of Scripture’s testimony and Christ’s quoted words, that there is, indeed an actual place, called “Hell.” This place of eternal abode is not a pleasant place, but a place of punishment and torment – “something” to be avoided at all costs. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 10:28] The Hebrew and Christian Scriptures have referred to hell as a future [literal] place of punishment [torment] for those who are estranged from their Creator. [Matthew 10:28]
It would be inconceivable that wrong doing [sin] should go unnoticed and without punishment:
Sin against God, His Commandments and one’s fellowman, have always brought not only the stigma of a negative consequence but a future judgment to balance the scales. Those whose present lifestyle actions are pitted against the good and gracious will of Creator God, stand, most to lose. A holy and just God, cannot go against his own perfected nature and allow imperfection on the part of humanity to flourish and go rewarded. Especially, a holy God cannot allow imperfection to exist in His holy heaven. Sin against God, His Commandments and one’s fellowman, incurs God’s just punishment preceded by His judgment. [Matthew 25: 31-46]
The present and eternal significance of Christ’s sacrifice for human sin:
The Scriptures teach that Christ Jesus came into our world “to save sinners.” In order to “save sinners” from the eternal judgment and punishment from those sins, Christ died [according to God’s prophesied plan] on a Roman cross. [Psalm 22 ; Isaiah 53 ; Matthew 27] In fact, the full judgment punishment of Creator God was poured out upon Christ to satisfy the punishment that had and must be paid for sinning against God, His Commandments and one’s fellowman. [Psalm 22 ; Isaiah 53 ; Matthew 27] Christ, the Son of God was literally forsaken by His father, God Almighty, as part of the perfect sacrifice for human sin. [Psalm 22: Isaiah 53 ; Matthew 27] This is an aspect of hell that is often overlooked. A large part of hell’s forever torment will be that it is a God forsaken place of loneliness and regret. [Luke 16:10-31] Life without God’s perfect presence is an existence that is difficult to imagine. If [and He does] Christ holds all things together by his Almighty presence [Colossians 1:16-17] , then life without God’s influence portends all that is incomplete, evil and imperfect.
Easter Sunday is just around the corner:
The annual celebration of Easter is again upon the world. To those followers of Christ, Easter is a no-brainer. It is the Christian holiday that celebrates the difference between our God and gods that are falsely worshiped. Our God lives. Those who worship other gods do not worship the Living Lord. They do not worship Divine reality. Their worship is a false worship and consequently, their worship is a dead worship.
Friend, if you do not understand or have a clue to what you have just heard or read, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the reading and studying of the 4 Gospels of the Christian New Testament. Discover for yourself the Christ of history. Discover why God became a man. Discover His holy life, suffering, death and Resurrection triumph. As you are blest and graced by God’s Holy Spirit, you will be able to understand the significance and seriousness of Christ carrying the full judgment of God upon your sin to deliver you from future eternal punishment. This action of Christ, is God’s gift to you. But a gift is useless unless received. May you by God’s grace come to know; to appreciate and finally to (inwardly / spiritually) accept the forgiveness of sins that Christ purchased on Good Friday, for your very own soul. Amen.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Old Testament:
Psalm 22 ; Isaiah 53 ; Psalm 16:10 -- Prophecies hundreds of years before His birth, Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection
New Testament:
Matthew 27 – 28 – The fulfillment of Hebrew [Old Testament] Scriptural prophecy about Christ
___________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
_________________________
Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
_________________________________
Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
Note: Definition of “Judgment:” “In law, the sentence of doom pronounced in any cause, civil or criminal, by the judge or court by which it is tried.” [Webster]
As a rule of thumb when I see a news report of a horrible murderous “incident” I will formulate a lead-in title [for the moralmatters.org website] something like this [below] – and then the actual news report title:
Evidence of a literal hell. Reservations are always being booked – “Khmer Rouge horrors detailed at opening trial” (3/31/09)
A person cannot expect that his or her sinful actions will go unnoticed and without punishment. Divine judgment pronounced upon human sin, intrinsically presupposes, punishment. As a Christian and Christian pastor I am convinced because of Scripture’s testimony and Christ’s quoted words, that there is, indeed an actual place, called “Hell.” This place of eternal abode is not a pleasant place, but a place of punishment and torment – “something” to be avoided at all costs. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 10:28] The Hebrew and Christian Scriptures have referred to hell as a future [literal] place of punishment [torment] for those who are estranged from their Creator. [Matthew 10:28]
It would be inconceivable that wrong doing [sin] should go unnoticed and without punishment:
Sin against God, His Commandments and one’s fellowman, have always brought not only the stigma of a negative consequence but a future judgment to balance the scales. Those whose present lifestyle actions are pitted against the good and gracious will of Creator God, stand, most to lose. A holy and just God, cannot go against his own perfected nature and allow imperfection on the part of humanity to flourish and go rewarded. Especially, a holy God cannot allow imperfection to exist in His holy heaven. Sin against God, His Commandments and one’s fellowman, incurs God’s just punishment preceded by His judgment. [Matthew 25: 31-46]
The present and eternal significance of Christ’s sacrifice for human sin:
The Scriptures teach that Christ Jesus came into our world “to save sinners.” In order to “save sinners” from the eternal judgment and punishment from those sins, Christ died [according to God’s prophesied plan] on a Roman cross. [Psalm 22 ; Isaiah 53 ; Matthew 27] In fact, the full judgment punishment of Creator God was poured out upon Christ to satisfy the punishment that had and must be paid for sinning against God, His Commandments and one’s fellowman. [Psalm 22 ; Isaiah 53 ; Matthew 27] Christ, the Son of God was literally forsaken by His father, God Almighty, as part of the perfect sacrifice for human sin. [Psalm 22: Isaiah 53 ; Matthew 27] This is an aspect of hell that is often overlooked. A large part of hell’s forever torment will be that it is a God forsaken place of loneliness and regret. [Luke 16:10-31] Life without God’s perfect presence is an existence that is difficult to imagine. If [and He does] Christ holds all things together by his Almighty presence [Colossians 1:16-17] , then life without God’s influence portends all that is incomplete, evil and imperfect.
Easter Sunday is just around the corner:
The annual celebration of Easter is again upon the world. To those followers of Christ, Easter is a no-brainer. It is the Christian holiday that celebrates the difference between our God and gods that are falsely worshiped. Our God lives. Those who worship other gods do not worship the Living Lord. They do not worship Divine reality. Their worship is a false worship and consequently, their worship is a dead worship.
Friend, if you do not understand or have a clue to what you have just heard or read, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the reading and studying of the 4 Gospels of the Christian New Testament. Discover for yourself the Christ of history. Discover why God became a man. Discover His holy life, suffering, death and Resurrection triumph. As you are blest and graced by God’s Holy Spirit, you will be able to understand the significance and seriousness of Christ carrying the full judgment of God upon your sin to deliver you from future eternal punishment. This action of Christ, is God’s gift to you. But a gift is useless unless received. May you by God’s grace come to know; to appreciate and finally to (inwardly / spiritually) accept the forgiveness of sins that Christ purchased on Good Friday, for your very own soul. Amen.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Old Testament:
Psalm 22 ; Isaiah 53 ; Psalm 16:10 -- Prophecies hundreds of years before His birth, Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection
New Testament:
Matthew 27 – 28 – The fulfillment of Hebrew [Old Testament] Scriptural prophecy about Christ
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The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
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Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
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Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
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