- araratchurch
- Apr 21, 2024
- 4 min read
In preparation for our discussion over the next several days please read and meditate on the following scriptures:
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.“
2 Timothy 1:8-12 ESV
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.“
Hebrews 2:14-18 ESV
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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.“
Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.“
Hebrews 5:1-10 ESV
Sadly, in the United States of America, we have an epidemic of fatherlessness. Indeed, we see the resulting degradation in our society as children are often left to “wing it” in finding their way to living a productive, godly life. [I am in no way ignoring the influence of mothers—many of whom struggle to support their family and see to their children’s needs; but for our purposes here, we are looking at the impact of an absent father.]
No, make no mistake. Our heavenly Father is not an absent parent. Our Father not only provided for our salvation through Jesus Christ, but has also provided for our sanctification, eventually leading to our glorification.
In the coming days, we will discuss how the Lord as Author and Finisher of our faith, has by no means left us to wing it on our own. Indeed, He has gone to unimaginable lengths to provide for our salvation, as well as the means to have a victorious walk all the way Home.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
- araratchurch
- Apr 19, 2024
- 5 min read
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.“
I John 3:1-3 NKJV
I believe that those who truly know the Lord, understand that Jesus showed us Who God is, in a way we could understand.
Indeed, when Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, He made it clear that they had already seen the Father through Him.
“Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?“
John 14:8-9 ESV
Yes, the glory of the Creator was made accessible for us to behold in the face of Jesus.
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.“
II Corinthians 4:6 NKJV
Interestingly, it seems that many who understand that Jesus showed us the Father, do not understand something else He showed us: Remarkably, we can also see OUR future glory through Jesus!
“For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who 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, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.“
Hebrews 2:5-10 NKJV
It’s easy to miss the point that when sin entered into man, more was lost than eternal life with God. The glory God had given us in our creation was extinguished, making it impossible for us to imagine the dominion the Lord had wanted to invest in us. And, as the writer of Hebrews explains in the above scripture, we still don’t see evidence of our dominion, as we still live in a fallen world and are not yet in our glorified bodies. But we do see Jesus. Indeed, ALL authority was given to Him.
“And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.“
Matthew 28:18 ESV
But consider this: God already had all power and authority. However, man had lost his power and authority. Therefore, the Lord took on flesh and did what He did, although fully God, as one also fully man. In so doing, Jesus made it possible for us to share in His glory, the glory He obtained as a man.
Also bear in mind, Jesus prayed that we would be able to be where He is and to share in His glory.
“”I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.“
John 17:20-24 NKJV
In our opening scripture we see John marveling at God‘s great love that was shown in the lengths to which He went to restore our sonship. He also says that when Jesus returns, and we finally see Him as He is, we will be made like Him.
Yes! When we fully see Him, we will know Him as well as He now knows us.
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.“
1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV
Child of God, as you keep your eyes on Jesus, not only are you set free from fear, not only are you given the strength to endure, not only are you seeing the things of Heaven, you are seeing your future! Yes, your future glory is seen in the face of Jesus!
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.“
Revelation 22:1-5 ESV
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
- araratchurch
- Apr 18, 2024
- 4 min read
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
As a child, I greatly dreaded when it came time in the school year to do gymnastics in PE. And, it came every single year, even in my first year in High School! I struggled to do what other more agile and lean bodies did, often with painful consequences.
However, I noticed an interesting phenomenon: Every once in a while, the gym teacher would show (reel to reel, of course) movies of people performing the gymnastic feats we were attempting. These gymnasts made it look so easy! They did what they did so effortlessly, that for a few moments, I felt I could do what I thought I could never do.
Now, the sad reality is, that feeling of courage to try the feats one more time, evaporated as I struggled to put “legs” (pun intended) on my courage. But nonetheless, for those few moments, I felt like I could do it.
You see, the fact is, seeing an expert doing any number of things, makes it look so easy that someone watching them may think, even if for just a moment, they’re able to do what they are SEEING these experts do. Indeed, inspiration by example has proved to be enough motivation to steer some people to actually accomplish what they had thought was impossible for them.
On the other hand, some will—as I did (concerning the tumbling)—get discouraged when they try to put their confidence into practice.
Paul, in instructing the church at Corinth, tells them this:
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.“
1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV
As their apostle, Paul knew that he was reflecting Christ to them; and, they would learn to do the same, by first following his example.
When Paul knew that the time of his execution was drawing near, he warned his spiritual son, Timothy, to not follow after those who go astray.
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV
Paul could encourage Timothy to endure, remain steadfast, even under harsh circumstances, because he knew Timothy had seen him endure many hardships. He was an example of how to endure.
“Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.“
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 ESV
In our opening scripture we see that the writer of Hebrews, having just expounded concerning those who had been examples of endurance through faith, turns to presenting the ultimate example of endurance: Jesus Christ.
After our opening verses the writer of Hebrews says this:
“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.“
Hebrews 12:3 NKJV
Yes, Jesus is our ultimate example of endurance. But even beyond that, looking to Him makes sure we have His help to do what He did!
Unlike those expert gymnasts who could only inspire me, but not assist me, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, supplies the example AND the ability for us to be able to endure. But make no mistake, this only happens when our eyes are stayed on Him!
“I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.“
Psalms 16:8 NKJV
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!