Deuteronomy 5:2 – 3 – The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.
God gave the Ten Commandments as a covenant to His people and for various other reasons.
The purpose of the law was to reveal the God of the law.
When you focus on the lawgiver you find delight in obeying his commands.
God revealed his greatness and His glory at Mt. Sinai when the law was given.
He wanted to remind us He is a Holy God.
God’s law gives us a gauge by which we should live and conduct our lives.
God wanted to write his words/law on the heart of every believer.
God’s law was meant to give us long lives full of purpose, greatness and humility.
Do you know that the law is given because of God’s love for you?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Listen, Hear and Obey
Deuteronomy 5: 1 – And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.
Hear O Christians – this call is still going forth for believers to listen, hear and obey.
The Israelites were to listen with a hearing that leads to obedience.
They were to listen attentively, to understand, heed and obey.
They were to learn the meaning of God’s laws and were to obey them. They were to have no other gods before Him.
Ten Commandments:
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth.
3. Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God Am a jealous God.
4. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
5. Keep the Sabbath day - six day thou shalt labor, and do all thy work.
6. Honor thy father and mother.
7. Thou shalt not kill.
8. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
9. Thou shalt not steal
10. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
The first four commandments deal with our relationship to God.
The 5th - moves us from focusing on our relationship to God to focusing on our relationship with others (Mark 12:28-34).
The 6th – Reminds us that God is the giver of life and only He has the right to take it.
The 7th – Calls for sexual purity and the honoring of marriage as God’s appointed way.
The 8th – God is concerned with the way we treat others.
The 9th – God forbids all form of lying, whether on the witness stand in court or with friends and neighbors.
How are you doing with these commandments?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Are The Ten Commandments For Today
Deuteronomy 4:1 – Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statues and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you.
How many of us could recite the Ten Commandments that God gave us to live by?
Are we living each day based on these commandments?
Moses’ introduced these commandments in his second sermon to the Israelites before they began their conquest of the Promised Land.
They were camped east of the Jordan River.
Before the people entered into battle, they needed to know what they were fighting for.
They were in a battle for more than their homeland; they were fighting to fulfill their faith covenant with God.
In his sermon, Moses recited the 10 commandments that were written by the finger of God because of His love for His people.
The Israelites and us must understand that just knowing and teaching the 10 commandments is not enough. As believers, we must all live by them as we develop a relationship with God and others.
The question is - how many of us know the Ten Commandments? Keep reading the next blogs for the answer.
Are the Ten Commandments for today?
How many of us could recite the Ten Commandments that God gave us to live by?
Are we living each day based on these commandments?
Moses’ introduced these commandments in his second sermon to the Israelites before they began their conquest of the Promised Land.
They were camped east of the Jordan River.
Before the people entered into battle, they needed to know what they were fighting for.
They were in a battle for more than their homeland; they were fighting to fulfill their faith covenant with God.
In his sermon, Moses recited the 10 commandments that were written by the finger of God because of His love for His people.
The Israelites and us must understand that just knowing and teaching the 10 commandments is not enough. As believers, we must all live by them as we develop a relationship with God and others.
The question is - how many of us know the Ten Commandments? Keep reading the next blogs for the answer.
Are the Ten Commandments for today?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Supporting One Another
2 Timothy 4:16 – At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Paul concludes His writing to Timothy by sharing some personal remarks about supporting one another.
· He needed Timothy to come see about him because Demas, his keeper, deserted him because of his love of the world.
· Luke was with him but he wanted to see Mark who was helpful to him in ministry.
· He warns Timothy to be on guard against Alexander who harmed him.
· He reminded Timothy that God will always repay the evil that is done to those who serve Him.
· Paul’s helpers had deserted him when he stood before his accusers but God faithfully stood by him.
· The Lord stood by Him and strengthened him and the message was fully given to Gentiles.
· He told Timothy that God would rescue him from every evil and take him safely to Heaven.
· He was exhorting Timothy to stand firm no matter the difficulties he faced.
Paul knew his destination and he was prepared to meet his Lord so he overcame all difficulties to obtain a reward.
Do you have a good support base?
Paul concludes His writing to Timothy by sharing some personal remarks about supporting one another.
· He needed Timothy to come see about him because Demas, his keeper, deserted him because of his love of the world.
· Luke was with him but he wanted to see Mark who was helpful to him in ministry.
· He warns Timothy to be on guard against Alexander who harmed him.
· He reminded Timothy that God will always repay the evil that is done to those who serve Him.
· Paul’s helpers had deserted him when he stood before his accusers but God faithfully stood by him.
· The Lord stood by Him and strengthened him and the message was fully given to Gentiles.
· He told Timothy that God would rescue him from every evil and take him safely to Heaven.
· He was exhorting Timothy to stand firm no matter the difficulties he faced.
Paul knew his destination and he was prepared to meet his Lord so he overcame all difficulties to obtain a reward.
Do you have a good support base?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Believer’s Reward
2 Timothy 4:8 – Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul shares with us the reward that believers will receive when we appear before the Lord:
There is a crown of righteousness that the Lord Himself will give as a reward to Paul and us on Judgment Day.
We will be rewarded for staying the course.
We will be rewarded for keeping the faith.
We will be rewarded for remaining steadfast and immovable.
The righteous crown we receive will be:
A band that encircles the head designating honor to a king or कुईं.
There are two types of crowns:
1. Stephanos – worn by athletes.
2. Diadema – worn by a king. I believe Paul is saying that we will wear the crown for kings and queens.
This will not be just any crown but a “Righteous Crown.” This crown speaks of godliness, of being upright and moral, having right standing with God, and speaks of virtue.
Paul said God will give him the crown as a reward for his labor, faith, faithfulness and finishing the race given to him.
He also said the crown will belong to those of us that are longing for the Lord’s return.
There is a reward for your faith, for pouring out your life for God, and for running your race to its completion. A crown is waiting with your name on it.
Are you preparing so that you will be crowned?
Paul shares with us the reward that believers will receive when we appear before the Lord:
There is a crown of righteousness that the Lord Himself will give as a reward to Paul and us on Judgment Day.
We will be rewarded for staying the course.
We will be rewarded for keeping the faith.
We will be rewarded for remaining steadfast and immovable.
The righteous crown we receive will be:
A band that encircles the head designating honor to a king or कुईं.
There are two types of crowns:
1. Stephanos – worn by athletes.
2. Diadema – worn by a king. I believe Paul is saying that we will wear the crown for kings and queens.
This will not be just any crown but a “Righteous Crown.” This crown speaks of godliness, of being upright and moral, having right standing with God, and speaks of virtue.
Paul said God will give him the crown as a reward for his labor, faith, faithfulness and finishing the race given to him.
He also said the crown will belong to those of us that are longing for the Lord’s return.
There is a reward for your faith, for pouring out your life for God, and for running your race to its completion. A crown is waiting with your name on it.
Are you preparing so that you will be crowned?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Finishing Strong
2 Timothy 4:7 – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
In his benediction Paul tells us how to finish strong in the Christian race. He said I have fought the good fight:
It was a struggle.
It was combat.
It was fierce and agonizing.
But it was a good fight because it was an assignment from God and was all about the salvation of mankind through His Son.
I have finished the race:
He had not been sluggish or hesitant to embrace his destiny.
He went to the starting line, he began the race and he did not stop until he reached the finish line.
In between the starting line and the finish line – he had been beaten, shipwrecked, left for dead, in prison, hungry, etc. but finished he did.
Adversity did not keep him from finishing. It propelled him further.
He understood that the race was fixed and that he had already won – he simply had to get to the finish line so he could begin to live his true and everlasting life in heaven.
In the midst of all he had endured, Paul kept the faith. He protected what God gave him.
He never doubted that God was with him.
He grabbed a hold of God through Jesus’ sacrifice and he held on tightly to the very end.
His faith went through some trials, some severe टेस्टिंग and some difficult seasons but he came to know God intimately.
Through the difficulties and testing, he met the real Savior.
Paul was satisfied with the outcome.
Are your running your race to finish strong?
In his benediction Paul tells us how to finish strong in the Christian race. He said I have fought the good fight:
It was a struggle.
It was combat.
It was fierce and agonizing.
But it was a good fight because it was an assignment from God and was all about the salvation of mankind through His Son.
I have finished the race:
He had not been sluggish or hesitant to embrace his destiny.
He went to the starting line, he began the race and he did not stop until he reached the finish line.
In between the starting line and the finish line – he had been beaten, shipwrecked, left for dead, in prison, hungry, etc. but finished he did.
Adversity did not keep him from finishing. It propelled him further.
He understood that the race was fixed and that he had already won – he simply had to get to the finish line so he could begin to live his true and everlasting life in heaven.
In the midst of all he had endured, Paul kept the faith. He protected what God gave him.
He never doubted that God was with him.
He grabbed a hold of God through Jesus’ sacrifice and he held on tightly to the very end.
His faith went through some trials, some severe टेस्टिंग and some difficult seasons but he came to know God intimately.
Through the difficulties and testing, he met the real Savior.
Paul was satisfied with the outcome.
Are your running your race to finish strong?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Running The Christian Race
2 Timothy 4:6-7 - For I am ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.
The Apostle Paul gave us a great example of running the race in our Christian walk. He shows us how to be victorious so we can attain the price.
Paul said his life had been poured out like a drink offering
He was empty – he had given all that he had.
There was nothing left in him to give. He had poured it all into the lives of unsaved people.
He had given everything God gave him back into the service to Christ.
Because he had accomplished all God called him to do, He was ready to face death and depart this life.
He was not afraid to die. He was ready to be offered up.
He was an offering.
Hi life was a sacrifice.
He was a gift that had been given to draw mankind to the one and only Savior and he had been victorious each step of the way.
How is your Christian race unfolding?
The Apostle Paul gave us a great example of running the race in our Christian walk. He shows us how to be victorious so we can attain the price.
Paul said his life had been poured out like a drink offering
He was empty – he had given all that he had.
There was nothing left in him to give. He had poured it all into the lives of unsaved people.
He had given everything God gave him back into the service to Christ.
Because he had accomplished all God called him to do, He was ready to face death and depart this life.
He was not afraid to die. He was ready to be offered up.
He was an offering.
Hi life was a sacrifice.
He was a gift that had been given to draw mankind to the one and only Savior and he had been victorious each step of the way.
How is your Christian race unfolding?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Believer’s Charge
2 Timothy 4:5 – But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Do the work of an evangelist.
Be the person who announces good news.
Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
An evangelist is not confined to one spot but moves about sharing the love of Christ to those who have not heard the message.
They inspire people to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
They bring people face to face with the risen Christ.
They discharge all the duties of the ministry.
Perform those duties that God has assigned specifically to you.
Work to spread the Gospel and the Love of Jesus Christ.
Use your gift to establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.
Are you working for God and sharing the message of the kingdom to those who don’t know Him?
Do the work of an evangelist.
Be the person who announces good news.
Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
An evangelist is not confined to one spot but moves about sharing the love of Christ to those who have not heard the message.
They inspire people to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
They bring people face to face with the risen Christ.
They discharge all the duties of the ministry.
Perform those duties that God has assigned specifically to you.
Work to spread the Gospel and the Love of Jesus Christ.
Use your gift to establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.
Are you working for God and sharing the message of the kingdom to those who don’t know Him?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Enduring Faith
2 Timothy 4:3 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lust shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.
Paul continues his charge to all believers:
Charge #6 – Paul encourages us to keep our heads in all situations
· Be steady
· Be sure
· Be steadfast
· He reminds us that our heads govern the movement and direction of our whole body - so it manages and directs the course of our lives
· Our heads will help us to have leadership and control over every situation we face
Charge #7 – Endure Hardship
· Paul reminds us that as we serve God we will endure difficulties
· Don’t quit when difficulties come
· Have faith and trust that the outcome is in God’s hands
· You will encounter some adverse circumstances
· They may be calamities like Paul faced
· Some of you may even suffer afflictions but Jesus said “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world”
Paul makes it abundantly clear that hardships would come and when it does, he gave us the key for success – steadfastness in Christ.
In the midst of the difficulties that are sent to try your faith - hold on to God, He will keep you steady in the storm.
What difficulty are you enduring?
Paul continues his charge to all believers:
Charge #6 – Paul encourages us to keep our heads in all situations
· Be steady
· Be sure
· Be steadfast
· He reminds us that our heads govern the movement and direction of our whole body - so it manages and directs the course of our lives
· Our heads will help us to have leadership and control over every situation we face
Charge #7 – Endure Hardship
· Paul reminds us that as we serve God we will endure difficulties
· Don’t quit when difficulties come
· Have faith and trust that the outcome is in God’s hands
· You will encounter some adverse circumstances
· They may be calamities like Paul faced
· Some of you may even suffer afflictions but Jesus said “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world”
Paul makes it abundantly clear that hardships would come and when it does, he gave us the key for success – steadfastness in Christ.
In the midst of the difficulties that are sent to try your faith - hold on to God, He will keep you steady in the storm.
What difficulty are you enduring?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Charge to Believers
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the Word of God; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
Before Paul was executed, he charged believers in the Presence of God and Christ Jesus about how to conduct ourselves.
Charge #1 – Preach the Word
Charge #2 –Be prepared in and out of season
Charge #3 – Correction –discipline people, as it is necessary
Charge #4 – Rebuke – to reprimand
Charge #5 – Encourage – Using great patience and careful instructions
Paul gave these charges to believers saying that a time is coming when men and women will refuse sound doctrine:
To satisfy their own desires, believers will gather teachers around them to say what their itching ears want to hear
Men and women will turn their ears away from the truth of the Word o f God
They will embrace myths: traditions, falsehood, fantasies but not the soundness of the Word of God
Paul challenges us to watch ourselves so that we will not be deceived and then drawn away from our love affair with God.
How are you doing with these charges in your Christian walk?
Before Paul was executed, he charged believers in the Presence of God and Christ Jesus about how to conduct ourselves.
Charge #1 – Preach the Word
Charge #2 –Be prepared in and out of season
Charge #3 – Correction –discipline people, as it is necessary
Charge #4 – Rebuke – to reprimand
Charge #5 – Encourage – Using great patience and careful instructions
Paul gave these charges to believers saying that a time is coming when men and women will refuse sound doctrine:
To satisfy their own desires, believers will gather teachers around them to say what their itching ears want to hear
Men and women will turn their ears away from the truth of the Word o f God
They will embrace myths: traditions, falsehood, fantasies but not the soundness of the Word of God
Paul challenges us to watch ourselves so that we will not be deceived and then drawn away from our love affair with God.
How are you doing with these charges in your Christian walk?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Living a Steadfast Christian Life
2 Timothy 4:1-2 – I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
The Apostle Paul is a perfect example of a person who lived a steadfast Christian life after he was converted on the Damascus road.
He concludes his writing of 2nd Timothy in a letter to Timothy, his bosom friend and trusted co-worker and shared some strong words of admonition and charge to Timothy.
Paul was re-arrested and brought back to Rome as a criminal and not because he was in violation of Jewish laws.
During this time Nero was crucifying Christians - He was arresting them and putting them to death.
It was while Paul was in the Roman prison he wrote this admonition to Believers to be steadfast and sure in their faith.
In this dark moment of his life, Paul writes to Timothy about being faithful to God and how to trust God during trials and difficulties.
Paul’s friend had forsaken him, leaving him to suffer alone. But there was no hint of regret in Paul’s writing and no doubt that the Church of Jesus Christ would be triumphant irregardless of who forsake their call.
As his execution approached, Paul reviewed his life and he knew that he had fought a good fight and kept the faith - he had been victorious, - he had won and he would receive a glorious welcome in Heaven for all he had done and endured for the sake of Christ.
Paul demonstrated what living steadfast looks like for the believer.
Are you living a steadfast life of faith and commitment to God?
The Apostle Paul is a perfect example of a person who lived a steadfast Christian life after he was converted on the Damascus road.
He concludes his writing of 2nd Timothy in a letter to Timothy, his bosom friend and trusted co-worker and shared some strong words of admonition and charge to Timothy.
Paul was re-arrested and brought back to Rome as a criminal and not because he was in violation of Jewish laws.
During this time Nero was crucifying Christians - He was arresting them and putting them to death.
It was while Paul was in the Roman prison he wrote this admonition to Believers to be steadfast and sure in their faith.
In this dark moment of his life, Paul writes to Timothy about being faithful to God and how to trust God during trials and difficulties.
Paul’s friend had forsaken him, leaving him to suffer alone. But there was no hint of regret in Paul’s writing and no doubt that the Church of Jesus Christ would be triumphant irregardless of who forsake their call.
As his execution approached, Paul reviewed his life and he knew that he had fought a good fight and kept the faith - he had been victorious, - he had won and he would receive a glorious welcome in Heaven for all he had done and endured for the sake of Christ.
Paul demonstrated what living steadfast looks like for the believer.
Are you living a steadfast life of faith and commitment to God?
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