Who Are the Blessed?

Who are the blessed? The Christian will answer quickly, “All are blessed.” And that is certainly true. Physically we are all blessed by the hand of God. Jesus said, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5.45). The Psalmist penned by inspiration the beautiful truth that God, “…covers the heavens with clouds, …prepares rain for the earth,…makes grass to grow on the mountains. He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry” (Psalm 147.7-9).

And although we acknowledge this verbally far too often we live a completely contradictory way. We live in depression, jealousy, envy, strife and anger, ungrateful, unthankful, and disrespectful. Shame on us when we live fifty weeks a year as spoiled children and only stop to be thankful for all we do have for the seven to fourteen days surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday each year.

Who are the blessed? I firmly and unequivocally declare that the Bible, in the clearest of terms, says that only those who are obedient and faithful children of God are blessed spiritually.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1.3). That’s right! Only those who are in Christ can be blessed by God spiritually and to be in Christ the Bible again clearly states that we must hear the Word of God (Romans 10.17); we must believe that Jesus Christ is His only begotten Son (Mark 16.16); we must be willing to repent of our sins (Acts 17.30); We must be willing to confess our faith in Him (Matthew 10.32-33); and we must be buried with Him in baptism for the remission of our sin (Acts 2.38). At this point we are added to His body the church (Acts 2.47; Colossians 1.13) and find ourselves in Christ (Galatians 3.27).

But not everyone who complies with these inspired prerequisites will continue to find themselves blessed spiritually. Generally speaking the Palmist again wrote, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!” (Psalm 119.1). We are well aware that Jesus spoke of the blessed as those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, who are pure in heart, who are peacemakers, and who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. You see how spiritual blessings do not rest solely on adhering to the steps of salvations but are reserved for those who walk in the light (1 John 1.7) and love Him enough to keep His commandments (John 14.15).

There are two other groups that the Bible says are blessed. The first group we read about in Luke 12.37-38 where Jesus says, “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.” Are you watching, waiting, thankful, every minute of every day? Are you ready? The second group is describe for us in Revelation 14.13, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Oh, how I long to be blessed! Be faithful!

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Are We Convicted?

When I was a little boy I was told to always tell the truth. Yet, as I got older, I noticed that some do not tell the truth or not tell the whole truth. By the time I was a teenager, people would rather beat around the bush instead of speaking up. Today as I continue to ponder along these thoughts, why is it that so many do not speak up to tell the truth? Is it because they are afraid? Is it because they are ashamed or would rather speak behind people’s backs? Is it because they do not want to hurt another? Or, perhaps they are just ignorant and don’t know any better? These are puzzling questions, especially when we consider Christians behaving in such ways.

Now, I think that all of these questions can be summed up by one word: conviction. Why is it that many do not tell the truth, are afraid to tell it, ashamed to speak it, would speak behind one another’s backs or are just ignorant? People these days seem to be lacking conviction and are just following the crowd. These individuals have not given themselves enough time to studying God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15). When we look at Acts 17:11–‐12, we notice how the Bereans were convicted to see if what was being told by Paul and Silas was the truth or not because they were confronted by ones who were convicted of Christ and his message. The Bereans wanted to know about their conviction.

Sadly, many do not seem to have enough faith to prove that God’s word is all sufficient (2 Tim. 3:16), that there is only one church (Matt. 16:13–‐18) and that we will all stand before God and give an account of our convictions (2 Cor. 5:10). There are many who stand next to their cross refusing to pick it up (Lk. 9:23), who while knowing the truth, are still unwilling to teach it to others. There are many who are like some of the chief rulers who believed, but because of others, they would not confess Christ for fear of what would happen to them (Jn. 12:42). Is that how it is with you? Are we ashamed of what others may think of us? Are we fearful of what will happen to us? Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mk. 8:38) We should not be ashamed of what is right (Rom. 1:16) neither should we ever be ashamed to speak the truth. The problem may be that we do not want to rock the boat. But when we began to think like this, we must realize that we are to be saving souls and not worried about any boat being rocked or even tipped over. We don’t need to be tiptoeing around the truth, even if it means that some may hate us for standing up for the truth (Ma;. 10:22).

We should not think it strange when fiery trials come upon us (1 Pet. 4:12) and know this: If our convictions are to be seriously considered by others, we must shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:15). Those who have little to no conviction will not be lights in the world, but will go with the flow and believe and do things without investigation. Those with no conviction will not evangelize the world because they are ashamed of the Gospel. Those who have no conviction will not defend, but will bow out all together for fear of offending. With no conviction Christians will not examine their faith to see if they are still in it. Let us not be ashamed of our Lord nor to defend his cause.

God help us all to be convicted!

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Rightly Dividing the Scriptures By Period

2 Timothy 2:15 -“Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.”  ASV

THE ANTEDILUVIAN PERIOD:

This covers the period from creation to the great flood. “Ante” means before; “diluvian” refers to the flood.

THE POSTDILUVIAN PERIOD:

This covers the period from the Noachian flood to Abraham’s call in Genesis 12. “Post” obviously, means after or subsequent.

THE GREAT PATRIARCHAL PERIOD:

This period covers from the Abrahamic call to the descent into Egypt by Jacob’s family. Earlier patriarchs had lived but we know so much more about the quartet of patriarchs adorning the pages from Genesis 12 to Genesis 50.

THE EGYPTIAN PERIOD:

This encompasses the era from the descent into Egypt to the exodus. Some 430 years {some critics suggest 215 years} encompass this period.

THE PERIOD OF WANDERING:

Forty years covers this stirring period. Two miraculous water crossings adorn this period; crossing the Red Sea at the beginning of this period and crossing the swollen waters of the Jordan at this period’s end under recently ordained Joshua as new leader.

THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST:

This is the period of their initial entrance into Canaan till the appointment of the first judge, Othneil. Canaan is conquered and parceled out among nine and one-half half of the tribes in this period. Two and one-half of the tribes had received tribal inheritance under Moses in Eastern Palestine.

THE PERIOD OF THE JUDGES:

This is a lengthy period and covers from Othniel’s appointment as first judge to the establishment of the kingdom under the first king, Saul. There were fifteen judges — fourteen men and one woman judge constitute the “The Dark Ages of Hebrew History.”

THE PERIOD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM:

This is the era that covers the three reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Each ruled for forty years. This period begins with Saul’s inauguration and ends with the division triggered by Solomon’s apostate and sad demise.

THE PERIOD OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM:

Covered here are the ebb and flow years when Judah {Southern Kingdom} and Israel {Northern Kingdom} existed side by side. This period lasted from approximately 975 BC to 722 BC. Each of the kingdoms had nineteen kings. David’s line kept the Southern throne except for Athaliah’s short reign. The Northern kingdom had several dynasties which emerged, reigned briefly and then faded the monarchial leadership role.

THE PERIOD OF JUDAH {i.e., Southern Kingdom} ALONE:

This covers approximately one hundred thirty-six years from the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians to Jerusalem’s fall to the Chaldeans {i.e., Babylonians} in 586 BC.

THE PERIOD OF THE CAPTIVITY:

This covers those years that Judah spent in Captivity in Babylon. This captivity cured their idolatrous inclinations.

Many interesting studies are found in this period regarding the faith of the Israelites such as Daniel, and the three Hebrew children.

THE PERIOD OF THE RESTORATION:

This period covers from Cyrus’ decree that they could return to Canaan to Nehemiah’s rebuilding the Jerusalem walls and Malachi’s writing the last book of the Old Testament.

THE FOUR HUNDRED SILENT YEARS:

This covers the four centuries from Nehemiah and Malachi to the announced birth of John and Jesus Christ. Many otherwise knowledgeable students of Sacred History know but little of this period and yet knowledge of this period enhances ones knowledge of New Testament events.

NOTE: The editor has some material that he has prepared for study of this period. If you would like to examine it just let me know.

THE PERIOD OF JESUS INCARNATION {i.e., earthly sojourn}:

This period covers from the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem to his ascension. Approximately one-third of a century is involved. Son of God and Son of man merged in Him who is our Glorious Savior and Majestic King.

THE PERIOD OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST:

This covers from Pentecost {Acts 2} till the end. This is earth’s final age. There will not be another as Premillennialists vainly envision. This is the period of time in which we live NOW!

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John 3:16 Means What It Says

John 3:16 Means What It Says!

Since I was a small child I have known this beautiful verse; first spoken by the Son of God Himself and later penned by inspiration for our learning and edification. The sad thing is that for many years the denominational world has twisted and corrupted this beautiful scripture to propagate their false doctrine and extend to countless souls a false hope. So just what does this verse say?

First of all it says that “The God,” that is the one and only true deity who created all things, and who has in His power the salvation and condemnation of His creation, “so loved the ‘kosmos,’” every man. Thayer says that this word in its context means “the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human race.” Since mankind, in its totality, had sinned and separated himself from God and life (Isaiah 59.1-2; Romans 3.10, 23; 512), God in His infinite love, chose to do something to redeem man and offer him a second chance.

What was that? “…he gave his only begotten Son.” The second person of the godhead agree to take on the role of son and savior; and was “made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2.9). God the Father therefore sent His son, the only son begotten of God, to die for our sins, the only sacrifice worthy of our propitiation and sanctification. Now if the verse stopped right there then just maybe the “faith only” crowd or the non-religious, who want to live any old life they choose and claim God’s Son as a universal, unconditional sacrifice, may just have a weak, atrophied leg to stand on.

However, Jesus spoke on, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.” There are three important things for us to notice in this section of our text. 1) There is a burden placed upon every man (whosoever) who has ever lived since the death of Jesus. The word believeth here is the Greek word “pisteuo” and means to “place your faith and trust in.” It is more than just a mental affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the sins of all men. It means that we have to listen, heed, obey, and be faithful to His teachings. 2) The English phrase “should not” is rendered from the single Greek word “me” which means that this is the way (and yes the ONLY way, see John 14.6) to keep from perishing eternally. This word should not be translated or understood as an absolute (such as “shall not”). 3) The word “perish” indicates a foundational biblical principle. As long as we are joined to God in a spiritual relationship we have spiritual life. But since sin separates us from God, that sin brings forth spiritual death, if we die physically, separated from God, we have eternal death (separation). The only hope we have is Christ.

So the natural, logical, and honest question would be the same as it was on the day of
Pentecost (Acts 2.28), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9.6), or that of the Philippian Jailor (Acts 16.30), “What must we do in order to be saved?” Obviously God’s love shown to us in the sacrifice of His Son demands a reciprocal love from us. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14.15). He asks us even today, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6.46).

Repent of your sins (Acts 17.30), Confess Jesus with your words and with your life (Luke 9.26), and do what those men on Pentecost, Saul of Tarsus, and the Philippian Jailor all did. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2.41). “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22.16). “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16.33).

But then remember, this is only the beginning, not the end! One must “…observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28.20), and “be thou faithful unto death” (Revelation 2.10).

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Holy Spirit Baptism

Can You Tell Me About the Holy Spirit Baptism?

When we are talking about the number of times the baptism of the Holy Spirit was administered, people seldom confuse that with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The gift of the Holy Spirit refers to the miraculous gifts that were given to others when the apostles laid hands on them (See 1 Corinthians 12 for a list of these gifts).  Now, they did not receive the Holy Spirit baptism, but merely, part of that gift.  In Acts 2:17-18, we read there of this pouring out of the Spirit upon the Jews and later, the Gentiles (Maids and Handmaidens).  But, this was not baptism.  Baptism is defined as “to plunge or dip,” not pour.  In Acts 8:17, we have another example of this gift.  Now, as to Cornelius in Acts 10, he too received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:45), but the text does not say that this was the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Also, the text does not point to only Cornelius, but to other Gentiles who were there (Acts 10:44).  As to the number of times the baptism of the Holy Spirit was administered, there are two and they all involve the apostles.  But, let’s look a little further into the matter.

In Matthew 3:11-12, John the Baptizer said that Jesus was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  From this passage, we learn first, that Jesus is the one who administers this baptism.  The Holy Spirit or anyone else cannot perform this baptism.  Second, knowing that the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was to reveal the word of God and to confirm the word of God (1 Peter 1:10-12), we learn that John is saying that either you will receive salvation from the word that will be presented or you will receive judgment because you have rejected that word.  You see, this verse is talking about inspiration, not salvation or something else.

Now, this baptism of the Holy Spirit was promised by God to the apostles in that they would be guided into all truth (John 14:26).  How do we know it was them?  Because the text says that the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance what Jesus had already taught them.  Furthermore, when we look at Acts 1:5, it states, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”  Who is Jesus talking to?  He is not speaking to the multitude with him.  If you will take the time to follow the pronouns from this verse all the way through Acts 2:4, you will clearly see that only the apostles received this baptism of the Holy Spirit, that is, they were full of Him.  And, these men all received authority (Acts 1:8), they were all made ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), they were all witness of the resurrected Lord (John 15:27) with Paul also being a witness (Acts 9), they were guided into all truth (John 14:26) and they were confirmed as true teachers of the truth (Hebrews 2:1-4).

Now, if someone says that we have the Holy Spirit baptism today, one needs to find out exactly what they mean because without a great deal of studying in the matter, it can become confusing.  I mean, we do have the consequences of the Holy Spirit baptism today.  It is called truth (John 17:17).  However, remember that the Holy Spirit baptism was limited to the apostles.  As for Paul, when you look at Acts 9:1-16, you will see that he too was baptized with the Holy Spirit.  But, as to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit today, what this means, according to the Bible, is that you believe Christians have the ability to perform miracles.  But, the problem with this is that people do not get wisdom miraculously today otherwise there would not be so much division in the church, they do not get knowledge of the word of God miraculously today because Paul said it vanished (1 Corinthians 13).  We are not given faith miraculously today, no one is able to heal miraculously today otherwise the hospitals would be empty.  No one can work a variety of miracles today as Moses did in Exodus otherwise they could end world hunger and give the glory to God.  No one receives prophecies miraculously today because Paul said they would cease and they have.  No one can miraculously discern or read the hearts, minds and soul of men.  No one is able to miraculously begin speaking a different language that they know nothing about, nor can one interpret miraculously a foreign language they have never heard otherwise the mission fields would be filled of them and would have no need of translators.  None of these gifts of the Holy Spirit exist today because miracles were designed to confirm the word of God (Mark 16:17-20) and it has already been confirmed.  Besides, the only way that the miraculous could be given was by the laying on of the apostles hands (Acts 8:14-19) and they are all long gone.

Now, indeed a person does change into a new creature, but according to Romans 6:1-4, it happens at baptism.  They arise from baptism and walk in newness of life.  Being baptized is the only way God will remove our sins (Acts 2:38) and without being born again from baptism, we cannot inherit eternal life (John 3:1-5).  It is only then, that a man becomes a Christian and allows the word of God, which was given by the Holy Spirit, to dwell in his heart.

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