What happened?

a gal asked me to explain what JESUS did between the cross and when HE ascended to heaven 43 days later in HIS resurrected body from the mount of Olives as is told of in Acts 1:9-12. I will tell you what I see in scripture. But be Bereans (Acts 17:10-11), check it out for yourself I’m sure there is more to see.

1^st let me set the stage for it all to make any sense to you.

Until JESUS died on the cross, when a person died his body remained on earth in the grave or somewhere, but his everlasting soul went to the place of the dead. It was a holding center until the day of release or judgment. It was located in the lowest part or center of the earth (Ephesians 4:9). The place of the dead in the Old testament it was called S’Ol (transliterated Sheol in the NASB) (Psalm 16:10), in the New testament it was called hades (Acts 2:27) which means all receiving. At the time that JESUS walked on earth as a man there was still a holding place for the souls of all the dead. It had 2 distinct compartments; an upper part and lower section with a gulf between that could not be passed over. The souls in those two places were conscious and affected by their surroundings.

JESUS related this true story (HE never used names in parables). Luke 16:¹⁹ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: ²⁰ And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, ²¹ And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: more over the dogs came and licked his sores. ²² And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and was buried; ²³ And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. ²⁴ And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame ²⁵ But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. ²⁶ And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

(Notice the two sections with a great gulf between that could not be passed over. Note too that in each place the people were conscious of their surroundings).

The upper part, called here Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22) and (JESUS called it Paradise when speaking to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) was a place of comfort (Luke 16:25, 1 Samuel 28:15).

The lower section called hell and torments was a place of flames, thirst, memory, and torments (Luke 16:23-25)

In Mark 9:44, 46, Isaiah 66:2 it is called a place where the worm (all old desires) dies not, and the flame is not quenched.

1-When JESUS died on the cross HIS Spirit was released from HIS body (Matthew 27:50) but his body was placed in the tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).

2-JESUS’ Spirit descended down to the lowest part of the earth (Ephesians 4:9) to Sheol (Psalm 86:13 NASB) where HE took the keys of death and hell (Revelation 1:18). The thief who believed in JESUS met him there when he died on his cross that very day (Luke 23:43).

3-Peter tells us JESUS went (a Greek word for going from one place to another) to Sheol and made a proclamation to the imprisoned spirits/souls in Hades- (1 Peter 3:18-20) and even preached the gospel to the dead from the Old Testament giving them a chance to believe in JESUS (1 Peter 4:5-6).

4-JESUS then takes Paradise (Abraham’s Bosom) and all the Old Testament believers in GOD who accepted the gospel plus the thief who believed JESUS up to heaven in a triumphing parade- they had been captives but now they were being set free (Psalm 68:18, Ephesians 4:8). Paradise is no longer in the center of the earth but in the 3^rd heaven as told by Paul a few years later when writing to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).  Now for believers in JESUS, “absent from the body is to be present with the LORD” (2 Corinthians 5:8).But prior to the cleaning blood of JESUS in the true heavenly sanctuary that was impossible.

5-Then JESUS’ SPIRIT returned to the earth and entered the tomb where HIS dead human body lie. On the 3^rd day JESUS’ body was resurrected (John 20:1) and HE told Mary not to cling to HIM for HE must ascent to heaven (John 20:17).The same day HE appeared to 2 on the road to Emmaus, to HIS disciples on 2 occasions and even tells Thomas to put his finger in the nail holes of HIS hands (John 20:19, 27, Luke 24:37-39). Another day JESUS fed them fish (John 21:7-15) and JESUS also appeared to over 500 brethren (1 Corinthians 15:2-7).

6-After 40 days of appearing to HIS apostles which HE had chosen and giving commandments and speaking of things of the kingdom (Acts 1:2-3), JESUS ascended into a cloud from the Mount of Olives in their sight. 2 angels appeared to them and told the apostles that JESUS would return the same way HE left (Acts 1:4-11).

7-JESUS will descend to the clouds with all the believers in JESUS who died before this time.  They will receive their immortal bodies at this time and then believers on earth who have eternal life through faith in JESUS, are caught away (Latin= rapturo) prior to the wrath of GOD being pour out on the earth dwellers.  Sometimes after this begins the Tribulation also called Jacob’s trouble or Daniel’s 70^th week (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18, 5:9, Revelation 3:10).

8-Seven years later JESUS will return back to the earth, slay the armies at Armageddon (Revelation 19:11- 21), cast the Antichrist and the false prophet in the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 19:20) and chain Satan (and his demons inferred) and lock them in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years (Romans 20:1).

9-All of the Jews who are still alive after the Tribulation will recognize that JESUS is their Messiah and are saved (Zechariah 13:8-9, 12:10, Romans 11:25-26). Thrones are then set up to determine who enters into the 1,000-year reign. (Revelation 19:11-15, Matthew 25).  Then 1,000 years of peace and prosperity under the direct rule of JESUS CHRIST will begin.

But even then, there is more to come.

Hugs

Sharon

Palm branches

The week before JESUS was crucified he heading out to Jerusalem on the back of a donkey and the colt of a donkey. People took branches of palm trees and went out to meet HIM and crying out, “HOSANNA! Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD! (John 12:13).

We celebrate that tomorrow, may we like those over 2000 years ago praise and rejoice in JESUS.

hugs

Sharon

Are you a copy cat?

Before computers, I would write out by hand the things GOD encouraged me with in HIS word in a letter. Then I would make several handwritten copies and send them to ones I thought might be encouraged by them. Making copies took time and was work! Today with my computer and printer making copies is so much faster and easier.

GOD tells us to copy HIS ways (but like the cat in the picture, we don’t do it perfectly yet).

GOD tells us to bless our enemies, not curse them (Matthew 5:43-45). When JESUS’ disciples wanted to call fire down on a village, JESUS turned and rebuked them saying, “You don’t know what manner of Spirit you are of” (Luke 9:54-55 KJ).

To copy GOD’s ways, we must 1^st learn them and that takes time and can be work. But it is our LORD and Savior’s desire and HE promises to help us do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

In John 8:42-44 JESUS explains why we are to copy GOD’s ways. Our actions show who is controlling us (who is that one we are copying). If we have the fruit of the SPIRIT flowing from us, others can see we belong to GOD, and the SPIRIT of GOD is leading us. But, if we use the enemy’s tactics, if we do what the world does, the origin is demonic (James 3:15, Ephesians 2:2).

As C.S. Lewis alluded to in his 1942 satire novel, Screwtape Letters, when we use the enemy’s tactics (lying, manipulation, anger and such) it’s because we are listening to the whispered advice of demons and unaware of their deceptive control of us.

During group prayer, a gal once asked for something bad to happen to another, I stopped her mid-sentence to reminded her that we are not into witchcraft for that is the devil’s territory.  Calling bad down on someone is nothing short of a curse.  She was none too happy with me but I wasn’t going to take part in that.

JESUS said that if we use HIS name, GOD will give us what we ask for (John 16:33) if we ask according to HIS will and purposes (1 John 5:14-15).

When we pray, we are to use JESUS name, but not as a magic incantation to get what we want, or think is needed. The word name is used both in the Old and New Testaments to speak of the character of a person. When we pray, we are to ask according to JESUS’ character (Matthew 5:44-45, Philippians 2:5-8) the things HE wants, the plans of the FATHER.

That is why we are to follow JESUS’ example, and say, “Thy will be done” (Luke 22:42).

Every time you see the words the name of the LORD, or in JESUS name, think of the nature and character of our eternal loving GOD. When scripture says the name of the LORD is a high tower that we can run into, it means GOD is faithful to protect HIS children who run to HIM in times of need.

Using the name of the LORD, is not an incantation, or an invoking of a magic formula, but rather it is depending on the very nature and character of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who was and is and is to come. So, ask, but ask according to what HE wants done.  You find that in HIS word and HIS leading while in prayer.

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Something new

It’s so beautiful up at camp  and I saw something more about my JESUS in the messages. I’ll tell you all about it in just a bit.

From the mid-80’s to mid-90’s I had the joy of working at the Christian Camp Elim, about 7 miles north of Woodland Park.  Every fall they have a Senior’s (Harvest) Retreat and this year I was able to attend. They have great Bible teaching sessions, and one just fun special activity. 

This year’s special activity was a bus trip to Cripple Creek to ride their 2-gauge railroad and view the season’s changing colors. Am I ever so glad that the camp director had the foresight to arrange to save the train cars with roofs for our large group because it began to rain as we rode along. The colors have begun to change and there are lots of beautiful yellow and gold aspens mixed in with the evergreens  but although there is a touch of orange here and there, no red was evident. 

The bus ride with beautiful views of autumn colors as well as the train ride were nice the chapels were even better.  Our speaker used the harmony of the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) to tell of JESUS’s prayer in the garden, arrest, HIS trials by the Jews and HIS 3 trials by the Romans and HIS beatings and the cross.    

It was in HIS trials by the Jews that I first saw a glimpse of JESUS that I hadn’t seen before.  I had always and only pictured JESUS going “as a lamb to be slaughtered” as scripture said HE would (Isaiah 53:7).  JESUS fulfilled that prophesy (Acts 8:42) for JESUS NEVER DEFENDED HIMSELF in any of the trials although nothing but lies were spoken about HIM (Matthew 27:12-14, Mark 15:3. Luke 23:7-12).

But, Rob brought out that JESUS did speak not as one on trial in defense of HIMSELF but as the ONE to whom all judgment has be delegated HE calmly pointed out where HIS captors/ accusers were breaking the law.

“For the FATHER judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the SON” (John 5:22).

Jewish law states that you cannot arrest anyone at night. JESUS was arrested at night (Matthew 26:55-56).

Jewish law says no trials were to be held at night yet the 3 Jewish trials were held at night.

Jewish law says that if a priest ever tore his robe he would cease to be a priest (Leviticus 10:6-7, 21;10). When the High Priest commanded JESUS to speak in the name of GOD JESUS stated who HE was and the High Priest tore his clothes.

Jewish law says a person’s testimony about himself cannot be accepted in court (John 5:31)  but 2 witnesses must speak against him (Deuteronomy 19:15).  JESUS asked why they were asking HIM about HIS disciples and doctrine. 

Because JESUS reminded them of the law they struck him.  JESUS said “if I said if I have spoken well (the truth of the matter) why do you strike ME” (John 18:23).

Paul while speaking to the High Priest later clarifies JESUS statement in Acts 23:2-3) Then Paul said to him, “GOD will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

During HIS 6 trials JESUS never spoke in HIS own defense for HE was on trial as a man and HE represented us (mankind). 

But each time JESUS did speak during those trials it was as GOD the SON showing man something. HE spoke the TRUTH for HE is truth (John 14:6) and as the eternal JUDGE (John 5:22) HE pointed out their actions were sin.

I had never seen my LORD JESUS in HIS dual role as fully GOD and fully man during HIS trials until Rob pointed it out.  Each time JESUS spoke it was in calm authority for HE is LORD of all and the eternal JUDGE.

It really has made me stop and think, “How much else have I missed about JESUS as I read through the Word of GOD?”  I praise the LORD for the promise that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will show me more of JESUS when I am ready to understand (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!

Hugs

Sharon

The hope of glory

I believe the Word of GOD, but I don’t always understand what certain phrases mean.  Yesterday, as I was awaiting friends to arrive, I picked up my Bible and read in Colossians. All of a sudden one such phrase that baffled me became crystal clear.  It is always exciting when that happens and I get another piece of the puzzle.

As our LORD JESUS began HIS ministry HE stood and read aloud from the scroll of Isaiah. 

“The SPIRIT of the LORD GOD is upon ME; because the LORD hath anointed ME to preach good tidings unto the meek; HE has sent ME to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; ……..to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called TREES of RIGHTEOUSNESS, the planting of the LORD, that HE (GOD the FATHER) might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:1,3).

Then JESUS said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21)

By faith (believing John 3:16) in JESUS the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD comes on us (Romans 3:21-22) and we have become GOD’s trees of RIGHTEOUSNESS and GOD had determined to develop us until our character is like that of JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:29), the RIGHTEOUS ONE/ JESUS (Romans 5:8) whose blood cleanses all who believe in HIM and thereby come to GOD by HIM (JESUS Hebrews 7:25).

If you believe in JESUS you are the LORD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS to do specific things that HE planned in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).  The LORD GOD has planted each of us right where HE wants us (Acts 17:26-27) just as we might dig a hole and plant a tree in our yard. In HIS infinite wisdom, knowledge and power GOD ALMIGHTY has synchronized all things according to the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11). 

Like any plant we start out as saplings and grow little by little (2 Corinthians 3:18).  In the same manner that the pounding and thrashing of wind and rain storms makes a tree trunk stronger so, the problems that come against us GOD uses (Romans 8:28) to achieve for us.  Through the troubles we are developed and grow stronger and stronger in the LORD, plus, as a bonus they earn us eternal rewards (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

I’m amazed when I look back to how I reacted to the problems that hit me years ago, and then look at how troubles affect me today.  If you are like me, you will see a drastic difference, for each struggle we face develops us and prepares us for what lies ahead (James 1:2-4).  

GOD promises to direct us if we ask (Proverbs 3:5-7) that is if we are willing to do what HE says even if we don’t understand (James 1:5-7, John 7:17).  HE promises to equip us for whatever HE asks us to do (Colossians 1:12) and always stay by our side to help us (Hebrews 13:5-6).  And GOD also declares that as we use these and other PRECIOUS PROMISES from HIS word that we will slowly become more and more like JESUS.  We will take on the divine nature such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering (ability to put up with things), goodness, kindness, gentleness, faith and faithfulness, meekness (knowing that GOD alone is the source of our strength and everything we have) as well as self control.

We do NOT become GOD but as we grow in our KNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER and JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 1:1-4, 2 Corinthians 3:18) we grow more and more in CHRIST’s likeness (HIS image/ glorious nature).

CHRIST Who is in the image of the invisible GOD (Colossians 1:15) is being FORMED in us (Galatians 4:19) just as GOD our FATHER promises (Romans 8:29).  That is what it means in Colossians 1:27 when GOD makes known the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles which is CHRIST in you the hope of glory.”

Wow! To participate in the divine nature… it blows my mind!

It all begins be just believing/ receiving the truth (John 3:16, 36, Romans 10:9-10) and calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13).  From there just looking to HIM (pray and read the Word of GOD and get together with believers in JESUS) and doing what you know you should do. 

“For it is GOD which works (places) in you both to will (want what HE wants) and to (be able to) do of HIS good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

“For whom HE (GOD) did foreknow (know would believe in JESUS), HE (GOD) also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON (JESUS), that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

Hugs

Sharon

Snake in the grass

The snake in the grass

As young girl of six, living in the mountains, I was very much a tomboy and climbed like a mountain goat up the mountains. Being my dad yearned to have a son, but ended up with three daughters, may have caused some of my tomboyish ways in competition for attention.

Daddy was a teacher. On one learning session he took the handful of students from his one room schoolhouse in June Lake, California on what today would be considered a field trip. We went down the hill the school was on and across the highway to the grassy meadow below. Then he led us down a path to the creek hidden by the tall grass and fuzzy brown cattails that grew on either side of the creek. I reached out and touched a cattail and loved the way it felt.

There by the creek Daddy spotted and caught a small harmless garden snake as it soundlessly slithered over the rocks and through the grass. Dad said the snake was harmless and I believed him.

Feeling very brave, I begged Daddy to let me carry it back to the schoolhouse, and with a wry smile he handed the colorful little snake to me. But the other girls who saw the snake, squealed, and scattered. So naturally, I began to chase them with the snake held out in front of me, laughing all the while.

The sneaky devil disguising himself entered a snake to entice Eve to commit the first human sin (Revelation 20:2). GOD put a special dislike of snakes in women, from that day in the Garden til now (Genesis 3:15) as HE began to reveal some of HIS strategy in dealing with sin by prophesying that her seed (JESUS) would crush the serpent’s (the devil’s) head (Revelation 20:2).

Many years later after delivering over a million Jews from slavery in Egypt though miracle after miracle HE began leading them to the Promise land. Over and over and over again, problems came up, and instead of asking GOD for help, the Jews murmured and complained.

They cried out, “Where is GOD?”

Even so, GOD, in HIS great mercy, always came through for them. GOD kept delivering them and providing them with food and water, keeping their clothes from wearing out and fighting their enemies, yet the Jews continued to murmur and complain.

They were sick and tired of daily problems, and delays (sound familiar)? They were discouraged, impatient, feeling they had reached the limit of their endurance. Plain and simple, they forgot all GOD had done and was doing for them.

Instead, they listened to that old serpent -the devil’s snide accusations and whispers focusing them to be tunnel visioned on their temporary struggles, so they forgot GOD.

GOD got them out of slavery in Egypt yet the Jews didn’t trust GOD to fight their battles, or meet their needs.

Sound familiar? Do we trust GOD to save us from the death penalty of sin but forget that HE is with us and wants to help us with our daily problems? Do we, like the Jews, listen to those snide accusing whispers of that old serpent leading to fear and tunnel vision onto our limited abilities and blocking our view of our all wise and powerful GOD?

One time the people became very discouraged because of the way and spoke against GOD and Moses. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among them. When a person got bit, they died. Immediately the people understood it was their murmuring and complaining that had caused this, so they ran to Moses and begged him to pray to the LORD for them. GOD told Moses to do a strange thing.

GOD told him to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole and put in on a high place, so all the million plus Jews could see it. If someone got bit, all he had to do was to look at the snake on the pole. If he looked, he would live. But, if he didn’t believe it would help, so refused to look at the snake that was lifted up, he would die. (Numbers 21:4-9).

JESUS talked about that very snake on a pole. When HE said, “As Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man (JESUS) must be lifted up. That whosoever believes in HIM, should not perish but have eternal life. For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM, should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:14-16).

Just as the Jews had to look to the snake on a pole, to be cured from the deadly snake bites; so, we must look to JESUS, who carried our sin on the cross, to be cured/ forgiven of our sins and given the righteousness of GOD (Romans 3:20-22).

Let us look to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and refuse to listen to the snide accusations against GOD that come from the enemy. Did you notice it was the murmuring and complaining that got the Jews into so much trouble? It showed that they didn’t trust GOD or praise HIM for the wonderful things HE had done and was doing for them. Do you, do I, murmur and complain? Or do we look to the LORD and trust HIM to know best how to deliver us? Remember accusations against the goodness of GOD is weapon of Satan that began in the Garden of Eden and it worked so well he still uses it today.

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

hugs

Sharon L Manning

Put on your helmet

“Taking up the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17).

When I was young, we didn’t have seat belts and motorcyclists didn’t wear helmets let alone children when they rode their bikes. Now seatbelts and helmets are mandatory by  the law and are necessary to protect us from serious injury.

GOD’s word says Christians (those who believe in JESUS finished work on the cross on their behalf) need a helmet as well.  It is to protect us from the convincing lies of the enemy meant to lead believers astray and steal their confidence and joy. 

GOD says that everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD is saved (Romans 10:13).

As an old hymn puts it, “Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan. Oh, the grace that brought it down to man. Oh, the mighty gulf that GOD did span at Calvary. Mercy there was great and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me. There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.

Think of the truths that hymn states.

Love drew salvation’s plan

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Grace is GOD’s riches at Christ’s expense (JESUS paid the price)

^“Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2).

Mercy is unmerited favor

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is YOUR faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

How can any resist this offer of GOD?

^“That if you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and shall believe in your heart that GOD has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

“He that believes on the SON has EVERLASTING life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the WRATH of GOD abides on him” (John 3:36).

“Much more then, being now justified by HIS (JESUS) blood, we shall be saved from wrath (of GOD) through HIM (JESUS)” (Romans 5:9).   “Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM (JESUS), seeing HE lives forever to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).

If you have called on the name of the LORD, you have come to GOD the FATHER by JESUS’ saving work on the cross and you are saved and will live forever.  So put on your helmet of salvation.

Looking into Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith

Hugs

Sharon.

On a hill

Last night I joined many others as we gathered at a cross on the hill that can be seen from Highway 25 between Pueblo and Colorado Springs, CO. The other years I walked the long way up but this time this old lady caught a ride on an ATV. 

We came to remember and celebrate our LORD JESUS CHRIST’s work for us on the cross.  (the picture was taken as we were beginning to gather there at the cross.

Outwardly I was a very obedient child (goody two-shoes you could say) but the day I heard the preacher say JESUS died for your guilt, I was convicted and knew without question that I too was a sinner and needed a Savior. I ran down the stairs and up to the altar to accept JESUS as my Savior.  (Though I know now I could have been saved right there in my seat by simply calling on the name of the LORD JESUS to save me Romans 10:13).

I was delighted when the 1^st song we sang was “The Old Rugged Cross” for it was my favorite as a new baby Christian.

Now not all are outwardly obedient children.  Many, especially in the wicked times we live in, are openly deviant rebels.  One of my siblings and some of my offspring could easily fall into that category.

“the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, Because, they cannot be taken into hands.  But the one that touches them must be armed…” (2 Samuel 23:6-7 NKJV).

But GOD has made a way, just as HE did through the Red Sea.   Praise the LORD there is hope for us and our rebellious children! 

It was for us JESUS was, “oppressed, and HE was afflicted… (Isaiah 53:7).  And because of HIS suffering all have an opportunity to be saved and cleansed from sin and bondage.

“They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine” (Isaiah 29:24).

Yet as King David learned we come to our senses often through troubles. “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept YOUR (GOD’s) word” (Psalm 119:67).

(Take warning we who would spare others from seemingly hard things… pray for sure but remember GOD uses hard things to wake us up to reality).

A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in JESUS CHRIST” (Galatians 2:16). “If righteousness could be gained through the law, CHRIST died for nothing!” (Galatians 2: 21).  

All mankind was dead in sin and trespasses (Ephesians 2:1-5) but when one believes in JESUS he is cleansed by the blood of JESUS CHRIST (Revelation1:5), the HOLY SPIRIT comes into that one (Ephesians 1:13), and the HOLY SPIRIT baptizes him into CHRIST JESUS (I Corinthians 12:13,27) and he is made alive (Ephesians 2:1-5) given the right to be a true son of GOD (John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2).   

“as though GOD were pleading through me: I implore you on CHRIST’s behalf, be reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5:20).”

“That if thou shalt confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Looking with wonder at the old rugged cross and what my LORD JESUS did there for me.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you shine?

I heard a mind-blowing statistic from a reliable source last night that I can’t get out of my mind. Twenty years ago, one specific Bible absolute was accepted as truth by over 96% of the people (both secular and religious), today less than 12% from those 2 groups think that same absolute is truth.

What happened?

When we believed in JESUS, GOD the FATHER delivered us out of the power of darkness and placed us into the kingdom of HIS dear SON (Colossians 1:13). We have not attained perfection but as JESUS is praying for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) as is the HOLY SPIRIT who now lives within us (Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 1:13-14) is teaching and leading us we are little by little being changed into the likeness of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29).

CHRIST JESUS called believers “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) and declared we were not to cover up our light but to put it where everyone could see it.  GOD’s values, the fruit of the SPIRIT, should be flowing increasingly through our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

I think as the prophet Haggai told the Jews, so we who have come to GOD though JESUS need to “consider our ways” (Haggai 1:5).   

We are to be a light in this dark world, a light guiding those wandering or lost not just by the things we say, but how we act day in and day out.

What can you, what can I do to lovingly shine our light brightly in our increasingly wicked world?  Are you and I ready, if need be, to suffer persecution as many of our brothers and sisters in CHRIST do around the world?

I’m considering my ways, and asking GOD to show me what I can do to lovingly shine my light in the darkness.

Hugs

Sharon

Which way?

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own WAY; and the LORD has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and HE will have mercy on them, and to our GOD, for HE will freely pardon (Isaiah 55:7).

Why?   There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25).

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY WAYS,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY WAYS higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9).

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.  This man was instructed in the WAY of the LORD; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the LORD, knowing only the baptism of John.  And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the WAY of GOD more perfectly (Acts 18:24-26).

The word perfect in the Greek means complete, so Apollos didn’t have the complete knowledge he needed.  There were some facts that he needed to learn.  So here we see a man of GOD who was instructed in the WAY of the LORD, knowing only the baptism (teaching) of John.  What was that teaching?

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on HIM which should come after him (John), that is, on CHRIST JESUS (Acts 19:4).

Therefore, we know that Apollos, who knew scriptures well, believed that the Messiah was coming.  That belief is the Old Testament gospel- that is what saved all the Old Testament believers.  They believed in GOD’s promise of a messiah… looking ahead to the time the Messiah would come.

The WAY of the LORD is that HE would send a Messiah.  But, Apollos didn’t know that the Messiah had already come.  When he was instructed in that truth, the complete gospel that the Messiah, JESUS had come and died for our sins, Apollos believed.

JESUS said to him,” I AM the WAY, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by ME” (John 14:6).

In the Old Testament days, they came to GOD and were saved through JESUS by believing JESUS (the Messiah) would come.  Today we come to the FATHER and are saved through believing JESUS the Messiah has come and did die for our sins and was raised up to glory and is coming again (Hebrews 7:25).

The WAY of the LORD is that HE our Mighty GOD provided a WAY for whosoever will to be forgiven and live eternally with HIM (John 3:16).  We don’t have to earn it we simply must believe it. 

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 6:23)

That is why the early church, before they were called Christians, were called the WAY (Acts 9:2, 16:17, 19:23, 22:4, 24:14).

Looking unto JESUS who is the WAY.

Hugs

Sharon