If The Church is to Live Correctly, The Church NEEDS Right Theology

"So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You.'" (Hebrews 5:5)

 

 I took part in a survey over 25 years ago in a prominent church in Pittsburgh.  One of the questions had to do with the Trinity.  It was shocking to hear that very many "mature" Believers (if not most; I can't recall) believed that the Doctrine of the Trinity proclaimed three Gods.   Now maybe you can understand my obsession with Trinitarian Theology.  Such error in belief will produce error in behavior, yes it will.  When people, however, get a better understanding (for that is all we can do concerning the Godhead) of the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we will not be duped by such comments I have heard in recent years, "We need to give more honor to the Father."  Jesus made it very, very clear, "....All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.  He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him."  It just cannot be made any more clear.  

 

John 1:18, says, "No one has seen God at any time.  The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."  The word here translated, "Son," is not the Greek word for, "Son;" it is "Theos," the Greek word for, "God."  Two translations get it more closely to the "intent" of the Holy Spirit.  The NASB says, "No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten (brought forth, revealed) God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him."  The NIV says, "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only...has made him known."        

The word, "Begotten," is from the Greek word monogenes, which means "only-born, i.e., sole."  Vine says, "With reference to Christ, the phrase 'the only begotten from the Father,' John 1:14, RV, indicates that as the Son of God He was the representative of the Being and character of the One who sent Him.  In the original the definite article is omitted both before 'only begotten' and before 'Father,' and its absence in each case serves to lay stress upon the characteristics referred to in the terms used.  The apostle's object is to demonstrate what sort of glory it was that he and his fellow apostles had seen.  That he is not merely making a comparison with earthly relationships is indicated by [the Greek word], para, 'from.'  The glory was that of a unique relationship and the word 'begotten' does not imply a beginning of His Sonship.  It suggests relationship indeed, but must be distinguished from generation as applied to man."

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I declare with Isaiah, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,..He will teach us His ways."  Amen.

 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Got Rest?

"There remains therefore a rest to the people of God." (Hebrews 4:9)

 

Reading through the Bible quarterly is like listening to the same sermon and teaching over and over again.  Yet some religious people just cannot live without what they call "a fresh word," the latest "prophetic revelation."  It is a little disconcerting as to what all that may mean.  I find in this one verse power for the day, a life sustenance-- "There remains therefore a rest to the people of God."

 

Our text reveals a blessed promise for, "people of God," yet what an illusive promise for so many.  "Rest"-- the root Hebrew word means to "desist from exertion."  Yet this is the mantra of so many church people.  Their "work" in the Kingdom is nothing but "exertion," humming bird like, so much activity, so much busyness.  Their church work wears them out, exhausts them (and others) and we eventually hear from them or about them----------- "burn out."  Over the years I have heard much talk of "burn out" among Christians.  Yet  only, "wood, hay, straw," are burned up.  "Gold, silver, precious stones," are not. 

 

Hebrews 4:6 and 11 reveal that the reason people do not live in the, "rest of the people of God," is, "disobedience."  If you and I work on our obedience, we will indeed enter that, "rest," which, "remains...to the people of God........"Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of disobedience.  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword...."

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, this is glorious, "labor."  Amen.

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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Still Awaiting our Newest

I know you probably have a lot going on today, but we ask that you continue to pray for our daughter, Jill, and the baby that there be no complications.  The baby is still "on the way," and we'll let you know when she "arrives."  To the faithful, we say a hearty, THANKS!

Woody, Sarah, Jill, Scott, Sophia, Ruby

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12:2

"Excercise the Mind" Today

"Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider ('exercise the mind' concerning) the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house."  (Hebrews 3:1, 2)

 

The NLT says, "And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are bound for heaven, think about this Jesus whom we declare to be God's Messenger and High Priest."

 

In chapter one we read that, "This Jesus,'" has a, "more excellent name than they," that, "This Jesus," is He Who, "laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.  Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed.  But you are the same, and Your years will not fail."  Let there be no doubt about the very clear, non "seeker friendly," politically incorrect Biblical commands concerning, "This Jesus," His Kingdom, the rule of His Words, our absolutely surrender to such, and no patience or respect for any other "lord," or the blasphemous speaking of "the world's great religions," and no doubt about any political philosophy, or opinions which deny, "This Jesus."  There is only One, "Apostle and High Priest of our profession," and only, "one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." 

 

"And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are bound for heaven, 'exercise the mind' about------------------- this Jesus." 

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I embrace anew today, "This Jesus," as my only truth and comfort.  Amen.

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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"Jesus...Like Us, His Brothers and Sisters"

"Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest....Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted."  (Hebrew 2:17, 18--NLT) 

 

Throughout history, many in leadership positions in Christianity have not exemplified our text.  They haven't seen themselves, "made like His brothers and sisters."  Rather, they see themselves as somehow "apart," a species to be unquestioned and obeyed.  Catholicism, for example, for centuries did not allow the Bible to be translated into the language of "the common people" because common folk were unable or unfit to comprehend the, "Words of God."  The leadership of the church burned John Huss at the stake and later exhumed Wycliffe's bones and burned them because they saw themselves, "like us, His brothers and sisters."

 

One of the greatest "occupational hazards" in churches is the "distance" between pastoral leadership, staff, and the other members.  It may not be intended, but it is nonetheless there.  Many churches provide programs as though the membership has nothing else to do in life but keep those programs rolling.  The purpose of fivefold personages is, "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up...." (NIV).  Most churches prepare the saints for just more work in the church.

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ did not prepared His disciples to be "apostles," but rather servants-- "Yet I am among you as the One who serves."  They were not to be exalted leaders to dominate others, to be as suns around which lesser planets orbit.  Neither did He teach them to expect to have the best rooms and accommodations at conferences, some sort of "breed apart."  Jesus trained men as servants.  Paul said of himself, "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ."  You and I are no more, no less.  

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, may I always be a servant/helper.  Amen.

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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2