John clearly infers that Jesus came to save those people who would believe upon His name. He doesnt try to run to a new secret location knowing that Judas is on the loose etc. John later would say this in his epistles: In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 103. These are not two separate items. So Davids Son and Lord, crossed the Cedron while Judas was betraying Him to His foes. Heres how he responds: And the angel answered him, I am Gabriel. Dispensationalist John MacArthur puts it this way: So God rules spiritually now over the hearts of those who know Him by faith. [22] For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. For we cannot read this and judge ourselves content to move on before we settle some things in our mind. "There cannot be heaven without Christ. And He has provided us a way of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. C.H. Spurgeon | PJ Wenzel Some things were occurring right away for Daniel during his time, while others he saw as distant and far away. The Author is expounding on some deep Christological truths mostly pertaining to the Priesthood of Jesus that required a foundational understanding already in place. The Hound of Heaven | Chuck Larsen [25] For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. The Search for God - The Spurgeon Center There is everlasting life and peace with Jesus. It means the great drama of the history of salvation has been inaugurated, and that the new age has been ushered in. We must therefore look to the power of the Man in the garden, and realize that we can trust that He is who He says He is. The scene is a complex one. Before Jesus came, believers in the truth God existed mainly in Israel. http://www.gotquestions.org/phileo-love.html#ixzz3FWIhOYPt. The work of the Church will be completed, and the reckoning of results will take place. This ability, this foundation, is always grounded in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the power of God the Spirit working within us. Below are my notes on this passage and I hope you enjoy them! Heres the link: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/why-we-read-the-bible. Jesus gives us a preview of what the consummation of His mission will look like when He comes back. We have a heart problem when it comes to learning about God and it is only through the implanted Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are changed and transformed. The Spurgeon Library | Topics | Heaven [viii] These are foundational truths, as John MacArthur says, the phrase is equivalent to the gospel of salvation by faith rather than works. Therefore, the discerning Christian/growing Christian is marked by time in Scripture and prayer. Its hard to read 1 John and really put your finger on how that will happen but we can look to how it happens in inches during our lifetimes here on earth and thats exactly the purpose of what Paul was writing in 2 Corinthians, and why Christ came to raise Lazarus from the grave in John 11. This is the real central point of all of these parables, namely the great lengths to which Jesus has gone to rescue us from ourselves. There are a few parallels between this prayer and the High Priestly prayer in chapter 17, but the one that stood out to me the most was how the Father and Son had already been (obviously) in previous communion. The Jews were so angry and threatened by Christs ministry that they were seeking to kill Him. Paul understands that the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the lynchpin of our faith: And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are to be zealous for the Lord's great Name - through His power for His glory. God loves the world despite the fact that the world is evil. After denying the Lord three times, the Lord Jesus has restored his friend to ministry in a public and profound way. Nor would thieves likely have left the wrappings, containing expensive spices, behind. Now we come to passage that is so majestic and so profound in its display of Christs power that I can hardly find the right words to describe what we read here. Thats when you start looking through your bank statements, scrolling furiously through the online line items. 11:5-7 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [30] Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, [31] he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. The history of Israel was one of disobedience, exile, and salvation. The specific link can be found here: http://www.reformationtheology.com/2009/04/world_johns_ten_uses_of_the_wo.php. (quoting Ladd)[vi], He goes on to say, The Kingdom of God involves two great moments: fulfillment within history, and consummation at the end of history.[vii]. 21:15-17 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs. [16] He said to him a second time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Tend my sheep. [17] He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? and he said to him, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. Autobiography, Vol. Im not saying that the Postmillennial view is perfect, but their mindset on the nature of the kingdom certainly seems to make more sense and align more Biblically to me. All desires and all hobbies, all people and all family must be His second fiddle. This is what we do, he says. That is a very important statement. But the point is this: That silver coin was worth a lot to this lady. DESIRE. In his love for us Jesus acts like a hound-dog, intense and focused as he pursues the hunt. [2] Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might and come to save us! How does it get in your mouth? We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. The Grace-Filled Poem That G.K. Chesterton and J.R.R. Tolkien Loved ", But Thompson also knew the unrelenting love of Jesus, the hound of heaven. [23] But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. She supposed Him to be the gardener. The power is invisible to you but for a flash of light and then the power surges through all your electronic gear until your stuff is completely fried by the magnitude of that power. [16]Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. In this culture hospitality was a very important part of the social order, and who you ate with was just as important. Today let us remember the beautiful thing about the gospel Jesus does all the work. John probably views the death and resurrection of Christ as inaugurating the long-awaited kingdom of the end times predicted by Daniel, which will now continue throughout the church age. But more than that. The man Jesus was a threat to the socio-political stability of the Jewish state, and he needed to be dealt with. He doesnt say, I am, The Lordship of Jesus Christ not only over the world and all created things, but over her life, That He is the one who can take away sins Hes the savior of the world (Christ), That He is working out His sovereign plan in the world and in her life and she is surrendered to that plan who is coming into the world. Is that not fantastic?! That is what is going on here Jesus has come to usher in the exodus and as He does this, He establishes His kingdom. The poem became famous and was the source of much of Thompson's posthumous reputation. This points to the linear nature of history God is working toward something. Like cockroaches, we are described as running from the light, not running to the light! Carson and F.F. As Moses says, this Word of God is our very life surely it is worthy of our attention today. 18:6-11 When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. He is ruling here He is involved in our lives His rule is not detached. When finally go to be with Christ after this world has been remade and renewed, there will be no sickness and no darkness. [ix] Again we see the call to Spiritual maturity, which is more than simply intellectual sophistication (Sproul). And in doing so, His words cut to Peters heart and remind him that though he claims to be the most loyal and dutiful disciples, he has a recent failure of such magnitude that with each passing word from the lips of Jesus, Peter must have been smarting all the more. These are great ideas to reflect upon in the coming days, and a marvelous reminder of the richness of Scripture. And they shall declare my glory among the nations. Her response shows she has still not transcended the explanation to which she had earlier gravitated (vs.2).. [18]Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. As long as ever I could, I rebelled, and revolted, and struggled against God. [33] Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. Praise God that we have been found by God in our sinful state and enjoy the privilege of being united to Christ through His loving, relentless pursuit! 51, [viii] For more on the linear nature of history, see Anthony Hoekemas Created in Gods Image. For those without education are less apt to project their assumptions onto Scripture and are often open to correction. [9] And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost. [10] Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.. I think its rather amusing that John had to mention this almost to get a little dig in on Peter (I always knew I was faster!). Id like to say yes, but its worth thinking on. The depth of the Sons suffering was the measure of his love for the Fathers glory. This is the nitty-gritty of sanctification, and its also why reading the Bible and meditating on Christs actions here and every word that proceeds from His mouth, is so important. Men of God are still men. They suffered from hard hearts that resisted the revelation of God in Jesus (Mark 6:52; 8:17, 21). Jesus had appeared to them prior, but apparently had not spent a lot of time in one-on-one discussion, or extended teaching of them yet (as in Acts 1:3). This is the moment at his lowest when he comes to himself. Sproul at this point at length: Many professing evangelicals today believe the kingdom of God is strictly in the future, although there is no biblical foundation for that. The Master-Key, Opening the Gate of Heaven "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good.". In fact, He later called Himself the bread from heaven, which is simply another way of saying that He is the Word of God incarnate. Make no mistake, Satan desire nothing more than to kill you (Gen. 3:15 speaks of enmity between us and Satan), though his spiritual power is significantly limited now that the gospel has been unleashed upon the nations, he still rules this world. [18]Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, [19]and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. [39]Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days. [40]Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?. They may not commend themselves to some readers. Let me suggest then that you do a few practical things: o Read the Word Daily: spend time taking in several chapters of the word each day. Ryle says, The amazing wickedness of human nature is strikingly illustrated in this verse. They were to be fishers of men.. A Sermon Published On Thursday, September 24, 1914. [3] For this is the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3a). The other nations were deceived by Satan into worship idols. As Geldenhuys says, the shepherd considers no trouble, sacrifice and suffering too great to find the lost sheep and bring it back.. How should we think of, and describe his reign? God be praised for His mercy. 12) so that He was able to endure the torment of the cross. The second principle is tied to the first, and it is this: The kingdom of God is dynamic. That is to say it is more than just this idea of God separately reigning in heaven, He is working out His will in and amongst us in time and space. This is a trait of a true follower of Christ. He isnt trying to just get himself out of a spot with the intention of going right back to the life he led before. Surely His love looks greater and greater the more we look at Peter and our own souls. Not following Jesus obviously did not occur to him as an option. The Remedy: Discernment Attained by Constant Practice 5:14b. As Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives, read to depart, His disciples asked him, Lord will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? (Acts 1:6). Heres what he says: I am ascending is part of the message Mary is to convey, not part of the reason Mary should not cling to Jesus. But feel free to keep in touch, you can contact us directly at info@sdgclothing.com or on the contact form on the home page. Now as soon as Mary turns around she runs smack into Jesus who then asks the same question that the angels asked her. [21] The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. But he will be frustrated and defeated by the return of Christ and the judgment that will result in his final destruction. This is where He finds us. Youve heard of seeker-sensitive churches, but in this chapter we learn that it is God who is the seeker, and we see his character and his chase highlighted herein. God be praised for His mercy. I do not think that anything is a coincidence or that anything is out of the control and plan of God Almighty. Lastly, I am personally reminded of the nature of light and how it sort of symbolizes purity and cleanliness a sort of antitheses to darkness and sickness. How is it that we behold His glory here? Now as we look again to the context of todays passage, lets once again examine verses 8-10. "The Hound of Heaven" was written by a young man named Francis Thompson over 100 years ago. Psalm 139: No Escape From God | Bible.org But I have also been blessed by the tribulations of this world; they are the fashioning hand of my gracious Lord who works out all things for good. 20:2-4 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. [3] So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. He has won them an everlasting inheritance, and is going to the Father, as will all who believe upon His name for everlasting life. [13] Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 28). The great signs (of which this is the 7th and final in Johns gospel) of this book point to the character of Jesus Christ and His true identity as the Son of God. But his willingness to join Jesus was a matter of accepting the inevitable, clearly without understanding anything of the joy of which Jesus had spoken, to say nothing of being able to share in it.. Hes using this Word to do that. 11:17-20Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. The overpowering presence and revelation of the Son of God brings them to their knees. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18), We behold that glory today by reading the Word of God. We read in Romans 3:11 that no one understands; no one seeks for God. And in Ephesians 2:2 we read that as unbelievers we followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. In John 8:44a Jesus says of those who are unbelievers, you are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your fathers desires., Theologian R.C. Luke 25.1-10. Only the sovereign grace of God will melt these hearts of stone. Such is the mercy that He has showered upon each one of us, even if we dont think very frankly about our state prior to His saving work. He came down here, and He entered into our toil, our frustrations, and our tears. Her breathless voice bursts out the news and immediately Peter and John take off for the tomb. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, (Hebrews 2:11), It is for discipline that you have to endure. While futurists await a future literal earthly kingdom (which we all look for), the way in which we speak about and think about Gods exercise of power and authority over the world, and the souls of lost people is important. All of this can be comprehended by identifying how the Bible speaks about the kingdom of God and the reign of His Christ in other places, and how we are to understand this in light of what we read in chapter 20. Ryken, Commentary on Luke, Volume II, Pg. Yet we as Christians are responsible to seek His face, to confess our sins, to pray and ask the Lord to change the desires of our hearts and conform our will to His in order that we might be able to discern what is right and that from a changed heart and a renewed mind, we will please and honor Him. (Deuteronomy 8:3). In that day men will either voluntarily bow in humble joy, or they will hit the dirt simply out of necessity. Then, John records an extraordinary series of teachings from Jesus to His disciples in the final hours of His life before the early morning events we read about in chapter 18. But He never allowed His humanity to prevent Him from making absolutely perfect and righteous decisions. Jesus went to the cross because He knew the joy that was set before him (Heb. 11:3So the sisters sent to him, saying, Lord, he whom you love is ill., Boice makes a good point that the sisters dont directly make an appeal to the Lord here for help, though that is almost certainly what their goal was. Peter understood that He was being tasked with the spiritual nutrition of the church. If heaven is rejoicing at these things, ought we not to give them our attention as well? His grace is so powerful and so effective, that when He calls you, He will not fail in His mission to bring you all the way from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. There is no greater mistake than to suppose that seeing miracles will necessarily convert souls. 53:10). [xv] However, we build upon this foundation in order to plumb the deeper mysteries and glories of Christ.[xvi]. As we continue on, remember the power He displayed here, and marvel at His obedience. So we see here that the character and majestic holiness of Jesus is bound up in the name, and the revelation of this is too much for the finite soul to really process. Yet He allowed Himself to be taken as a lamb to the slaughter for us! They like their sin. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 13:15). For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered., [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Meanwhile we long to be with him, and daily sing-, My heart is with him on his throne, Regarding the first truth, it is worth quoting R.C. I dont want to spoil the ending but above I've taken a snippet of how the poem starts, which I think is an apt description of how we started out before truly knowing Christ. But still, there are some observations that may hearten us and enrich the passage as a whole. And when fear governs your thinking, its very difficult to make wise discerning decisions (spiritual or otherwise). And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9]not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [xii]. Is Jesus reign something future, or is it now and to be seen with our eyes in the future? Only the Holy Spirit can effect that change in a mans heart. Certainly I believe that since Christ the world has been changed in huge part by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been given all power by the Father to execute His life-saving mission here on earth (see chapter 5).
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