Jesus, Lord, Redeemer,
Saviour, Brother, Friend,
Alpha and Omega,
Who had no beginning nor end
Emmanuel, Bright Morning Star,
David's Greater Son,
Lion of Judah, Jesse's Rod
Bridegroom of Your chosen ones
Written by me this morning (11th December 2009)
Friday 11 December 2009
Tuesday 17 November 2009
Just Remember...
The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
Mary Magdalene was, well you know
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer..AND
Lazarus was dead!
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
Mary Magdalene was, well you know
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer..AND
Lazarus was dead!
Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the
messenger.
In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your
full potential.
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the
messenger.
In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your
full potential.
Some Acronyms
F.R.O.G. - Fully Relying On God
P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens
W.W.J.D. - What Would Jesus Do
W.W.J.T - What Would Jesus Think
W.W.J.T - What Would Jesus Think
A.C.T. - Accept Christ Totally
B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
C.R.O.S.S. - Christ Redeems Ordinary Sinners' Souls
One Hundred Biblical Names for Christ
100 Biblical Names and Titles of Christ
Dan Corner
The whole Bible is filled with references to Jesus in one way or another. Beyond that, the primary message spread by the Lord Himself and his followers was to go directly to Jesus Himself, place a submissive-obedient faith and trust in him and continue [endure] to the end for salvation. It is very easy to see why we are directed by God to do this after noting the various ways the Lord Jesus is described by his many names and titles. Each refers to yet another important place or position that Jesus holds in God’s plan for man’s salvation. Please ponder how precious and preeminently important Jesus is for man’s salvation. The truth is: Jesus is the all-sufficient Savior. No other savior is needed besides Him or with Him. (Please know that the following is just a partial listing of the many Scriptural names and titles of the Lord. There are others not listed here.)
Advocate (1 John 2:1)
Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18)
Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1)
Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)
Author of Life (Acts 3:15)
Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)
Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)
Bread of God (John 6:33)
Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)
Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7)
Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)
Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)
Christ (1 John 2:22)
Creator (John 1:3)
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)
Everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6)
Gate (John 10:9)
Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)
Faith and True Witness (Rev. 3:14)
First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)
Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)
God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.)
Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)
Holy One (Acts 3:14)
Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)
Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)
I Am (John 8:58)
Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)
King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)
King of Israel (John 1:49)
King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)
King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)
King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)
Lamb (Rev. 13:8)
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)
Light of the World (John 8:12)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Living One (Rev. 1:18)
Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)
Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord of All (Acts 10:36)
Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)
Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16)
LORD [YHWH] our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6)
Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)
Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6)
Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)
Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9)
Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)
Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)
Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)
Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)
Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)
Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22)
Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)
Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)
Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14)
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)
Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)
Son of David (Lk. 18:39)
Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)
Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)
Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)
Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9)
The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)
True Bread (John 6:32)
True Light (John 1:9)
True Vine (John 15:1)
Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)
Way (John 14:6)
Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6)
Word (John 1:1)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)
JESUS can be fully trusted and relied upon 100% for our personal salvation. There is no surer source of truth, for he himself is the truth and only way to God (John 14:6).
Some Christian One Liners
"Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case."
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited--until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete: thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them, God cleans them.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete: thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them, God cleans them.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over religious nuts!"
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Copilot, swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions--just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message; the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over religious nuts!"
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Copilot, swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions--just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message; the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given
Monday 9 November 2009
The Gulf
There it is so vast and empty
Darkness covering such a span
No way over for the person
Massive gulf 'tween God and man
Sin destroyed the pure communion,
That God had, with His creation!
Gulf so dark, so vast, so empty
Separating God from every nation
There He stands in finest glory
The One to come and bridge the span
The One who descends from brightest Heaven
The one true God who comes as a Man.
Gulf so vast, so dark and empty
Created because of the awful Fall.
Look! There lies one to restore communion
Tiny Babe in animal stall
There it is so dark and empty,
No way to God; all seems lost
But on a hill outside the City
The God-Man nailed to a cross
The gulf so dark, lonely, empty
Is being bridged by this Man,
Dying to provide redemption,
Making a way across the span
There He hangs, dead on the tree.
God, who came from human womb,
Now the gulf is being covered
As He lies in darkest tomb.
Oh the cross, so evil, wicked,
God has used for redemption's plan,
The Sinless One - He now is risen,
Through His death we cross the span!
written by me 9 November 2009
Darkness covering such a span
No way over for the person
Massive gulf 'tween God and man
Sin destroyed the pure communion,
That God had, with His creation!
Gulf so dark, so vast, so empty
Separating God from every nation
There He stands in finest glory
The One to come and bridge the span
The One who descends from brightest Heaven
The one true God who comes as a Man.
Gulf so vast, so dark and empty
Created because of the awful Fall.
Look! There lies one to restore communion
Tiny Babe in animal stall
There it is so dark and empty,
No way to God; all seems lost
But on a hill outside the City
The God-Man nailed to a cross
The gulf so dark, lonely, empty
Is being bridged by this Man,
Dying to provide redemption,
Making a way across the span
There He hangs, dead on the tree.
God, who came from human womb,
Now the gulf is being covered
As He lies in darkest tomb.
Oh the cross, so evil, wicked,
God has used for redemption's plan,
The Sinless One - He now is risen,
Through His death we cross the span!
written by me 9 November 2009
Friday 6 November 2009
Ruth Chapter 1 (25th October 2000)
These studies on Ruth were taken from notes I wrote when on a Carmarthen Evangelical Church holiday in Bryn-Y-Groes, Bala in the year 2000. The speaker was the Rev Graham Hind. As they are in notes form they are not as comprehensive as they could be, but I hope, reader, you get blessing from them.
The book is set during the time of the Judges - archaeologically not a lot is found during this time! The period of the Judges covers approximately 300 years - 1,200 years before Christ - about 3,200 years ago. There were ups and downs during this time. The people of God would slip into sinful ways and God would raise a judge - the people would turn from their wicked ways, but after a generation or so, they would slip back into their sinful ways and God would raise another judge and so on.
This book speaks to us because it tells of ordinary people - Naomi and her family. Christ shines through i this wonderful little book.
There was a famine in Bethlehem so Elimelech decided to take his family (Naomi, and their sons Mahlon and Chilion) to the other side of the Dead Sea and to Moab.
1). Elimelech's decision. He wanted to go, even if only for a little while, perhaps until the problems in Bethlehem had gone. But they stayed there (v2) - Elimelech and both his sons died there and were buried in Moab! Elimelech's name means God is King - a name he definitely didn't live up to! He took all the decisions and didn't leave anything to God. We see a parallel with Lot in Genesis - he made the decision on his own and didn't trust God.
Naomi means 'pleasant'. When she went back to Bethlehem she had nothing because of her husband's decision. He felt his decision was the best for his family even though he should have stayed in Bethlehem, with God's people, despite the hard times! What God says is important not what I think is best! (Psalm 73) Elimelech needed to pray (James 4:8). Going our own way leads to disaster. The consequences of his sons is shown in Elimelech's decision by them marrying pagan wives - this is forbidden in Scripture. If Elimelech stayed in Bethlehem, his sons would not have married Moabites.
Naomi lost her husband and her sons. Naomi was a woman of tremendous faith and not a moaner (v6). Perhaps she looked out for Israelites passing through Moab so that she could find out what was happening back in her homeland. She loved the Lord and she loved the news of His people! The love of God burned in her heart and she longed to go home!
2) Naomi's decision. Because of her faithfulness she would rather have been back in Bethlehem with God's people. She needed fellowship with them as we need fellowship with believers. God doesn't forget His people (Hebrews 13:5b).
Naomi probably didn't love Orpah less than Ruth because they were all close! Both of her daughters in law went to the border with her, but then she told them to go back to their land. Moabites were not welcome in Israel. If they went with Naomi they would have faced contemp and poverty. Naomi probably had their future in mind - they could find husbands amongst their own people! Orpah went back!
3) Ruth's decision. She was determined to turn her back on the world - she made a powerful and godly decision. She was joined to Naomi, not just as an in law but spiritually. She wanted Naomi's God. Her heart was moved and she wasn't bothered about her life. Ruth was willing to give up her pagan life in Moab - she was willing to leave her family, upbringing and religion behind even though she may have faced poverty and rejection in her new country! She would do anything to follow Naomi's God [Jehovah]. Ruth was being drawn. Naomi was amazed with Ruth's decision, but it was a work of God - Naomi was drawn and Ruth also was drawn. God loves lost sinners. Following Christ means turning ones back on the world and everything it holds dear. Repent means to turn around - we have to turn our backs on the world if we want to follow Christ! Turn from the world to draw closer to God and receive His blessings. He never turns away those who cry out to Him! Amen!
The book is set during the time of the Judges - archaeologically not a lot is found during this time! The period of the Judges covers approximately 300 years - 1,200 years before Christ - about 3,200 years ago. There were ups and downs during this time. The people of God would slip into sinful ways and God would raise a judge - the people would turn from their wicked ways, but after a generation or so, they would slip back into their sinful ways and God would raise another judge and so on.
This book speaks to us because it tells of ordinary people - Naomi and her family. Christ shines through i this wonderful little book.
There was a famine in Bethlehem so Elimelech decided to take his family (Naomi, and their sons Mahlon and Chilion) to the other side of the Dead Sea and to Moab.
1). Elimelech's decision. He wanted to go, even if only for a little while, perhaps until the problems in Bethlehem had gone. But they stayed there (v2) - Elimelech and both his sons died there and were buried in Moab! Elimelech's name means God is King - a name he definitely didn't live up to! He took all the decisions and didn't leave anything to God. We see a parallel with Lot in Genesis - he made the decision on his own and didn't trust God.
Naomi means 'pleasant'. When she went back to Bethlehem she had nothing because of her husband's decision. He felt his decision was the best for his family even though he should have stayed in Bethlehem, with God's people, despite the hard times! What God says is important not what I think is best! (Psalm 73) Elimelech needed to pray (James 4:8). Going our own way leads to disaster. The consequences of his sons is shown in Elimelech's decision by them marrying pagan wives - this is forbidden in Scripture. If Elimelech stayed in Bethlehem, his sons would not have married Moabites.
Naomi lost her husband and her sons. Naomi was a woman of tremendous faith and not a moaner (v6). Perhaps she looked out for Israelites passing through Moab so that she could find out what was happening back in her homeland. She loved the Lord and she loved the news of His people! The love of God burned in her heart and she longed to go home!
2) Naomi's decision. Because of her faithfulness she would rather have been back in Bethlehem with God's people. She needed fellowship with them as we need fellowship with believers. God doesn't forget His people (Hebrews 13:5b).
Naomi probably didn't love Orpah less than Ruth because they were all close! Both of her daughters in law went to the border with her, but then she told them to go back to their land. Moabites were not welcome in Israel. If they went with Naomi they would have faced contemp and poverty. Naomi probably had their future in mind - they could find husbands amongst their own people! Orpah went back!
3) Ruth's decision. She was determined to turn her back on the world - she made a powerful and godly decision. She was joined to Naomi, not just as an in law but spiritually. She wanted Naomi's God. Her heart was moved and she wasn't bothered about her life. Ruth was willing to give up her pagan life in Moab - she was willing to leave her family, upbringing and religion behind even though she may have faced poverty and rejection in her new country! She would do anything to follow Naomi's God [Jehovah]. Ruth was being drawn. Naomi was amazed with Ruth's decision, but it was a work of God - Naomi was drawn and Ruth also was drawn. God loves lost sinners. Following Christ means turning ones back on the world and everything it holds dear. Repent means to turn around - we have to turn our backs on the world if we want to follow Christ! Turn from the world to draw closer to God and receive His blessings. He never turns away those who cry out to Him! Amen!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Name meanings:
Elimelech - My God is King
Naomi - Pleasant
Mahlon - Sick
Chilion - Pining
Orpah - Gazelle
Ruth - Friendship
Bethlehem - House of Bread
Elimelech - My God is King
Naomi - Pleasant
Mahlon - Sick
Chilion - Pining
Orpah - Gazelle
Ruth - Friendship
Bethlehem - House of Bread
Ruth Chapter 2 (26th October 2000)
This is an important chapter as it shows us the Sufficiency of Christ!
In Bethlehem [House of Bread] there was a barley harvest and everybody was involved as the harvest was precious to them. Even the lowest level of society was provided for by the poor people being allowed by law to glean what was left. Boaz, being a godly man, allowed the poor to glean from his fields. Ruth was 'at the bottom of the pile' as a foreigner (deuteronomy 23 esp. verse 3) - the Moabites were judged for not allowing the Israelites into the promised land. Ruth was not wanted in the worship of God! She is a picture of what we are by birth - alienated from the people of God because the Law of God is against us naturally.
Leviticus 11: 44 For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. - we cannot be like this without Christ's sacrifice! We cannot work to be justified - the Law provides a barrier between God and man and we could never satisfy God with our works! Chapter 2 has great hope both for Ruth and sinners.
Ruh had nothing at all and was pleased to glean the barley. She would rather be with Naomi than back in idolatrous Moab. She didn't know Bethlehem that well and she happened upon a field - God was leading her to Boaz! God's hand is over us always and He works for His people! God's hand was also on Christ [Acts 2:23]
Psalm 107 - He guides them to their desired haven. Ruth was being led and guided. Boaz was wealthy but this wasn't the key issue (see v20). Boaz was placed by God and was very special because he could provide for Ruth - he could do something about the Law for Ruth and could help her settle her accounts. He was her kinsman redeemer - under the Law he could marry Ruth! She would become a person of God - Gods Law has to be dealt with properly!
In Boaz there was strength, he was someone Ruth could lean upon and find in him what she needed! The same is true regarding Christ and His people! We come to God through our Kinsman Redeemer. Christ is the delight of the Father (Proverbs 8). Christ took flesh to be like one of us, not just to be a Saviour, but to be a Relative - a Kinsman Redeemer!
A Kinsman Redeemer has to be able to pay but our problem isn't money - it is sin! Jesus ha paid our debts in full by His death on the cross. Christ is more than sufficient.
Is the Kinsman Redeemer willing? God didn't have to save. John 10: 17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again." Christ was willing to be our Saviour! Salvation is personal - Christ saved ME!
In Bethlehem [House of Bread] there was a barley harvest and everybody was involved as the harvest was precious to them. Even the lowest level of society was provided for by the poor people being allowed by law to glean what was left. Boaz, being a godly man, allowed the poor to glean from his fields. Ruth was 'at the bottom of the pile' as a foreigner (deuteronomy 23 esp. verse 3) - the Moabites were judged for not allowing the Israelites into the promised land. Ruth was not wanted in the worship of God! She is a picture of what we are by birth - alienated from the people of God because the Law of God is against us naturally.
Leviticus 11: 44 For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. - we cannot be like this without Christ's sacrifice! We cannot work to be justified - the Law provides a barrier between God and man and we could never satisfy God with our works! Chapter 2 has great hope both for Ruth and sinners.
Ruh had nothing at all and was pleased to glean the barley. She would rather be with Naomi than back in idolatrous Moab. She didn't know Bethlehem that well and she happened upon a field - God was leading her to Boaz! God's hand is over us always and He works for His people! God's hand was also on Christ [Acts 2:23]
Psalm 107 - He guides them to their desired haven. Ruth was being led and guided. Boaz was wealthy but this wasn't the key issue (see v20). Boaz was placed by God and was very special because he could provide for Ruth - he could do something about the Law for Ruth and could help her settle her accounts. He was her kinsman redeemer - under the Law he could marry Ruth! She would become a person of God - Gods Law has to be dealt with properly!
In Boaz there was strength, he was someone Ruth could lean upon and find in him what she needed! The same is true regarding Christ and His people! We come to God through our Kinsman Redeemer. Christ is the delight of the Father (Proverbs 8). Christ took flesh to be like one of us, not just to be a Saviour, but to be a Relative - a Kinsman Redeemer!
A Kinsman Redeemer has to be able to pay but our problem isn't money - it is sin! Jesus ha paid our debts in full by His death on the cross. Christ is more than sufficient.
Is the Kinsman Redeemer willing? God didn't have to save. John 10: 17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again." Christ was willing to be our Saviour! Salvation is personal - Christ saved ME!
Ruth Chapter 3 (26th October 2000)
You can never exhaust Scripture! In Ruth 2:5, Boaz enquires after Ruth before she notices him - he is concerned and cares for her! While we were yet sinners Christ died for us, His people (Romans 5:6).
Boaz gave Ruth food and she found him satisfying. Christ is satisfying to the believer! In verses 15 and 16 we see Boaz iving more and more - Christ gives abundantly and everything is provided in Him!
[Chapter 3] How is Ruth going to come to Boaz? What is our attitude as we come to Christ? We must come carefully to Him!
Ruth wanted more than acceptance from people, she wanted God! Naomi points Ruth to Boaz - a picture of a believer pointing an unbeliever to Christ! Christians have a responsibility and duty to point people to Christ!
verse 3 - 3 things Ruth must do
1) Isaiah 1:16 - a sinner must realise the need to repent and be clean. Ruth could have been insulted but she wasn't - she had to be cleansed of the past! Repentance must be daily to gain a continuing refreshing.
2) Ruth has to humble herself to Boaz. She mustn't rush in on him because she must remember who she is approaching. God has to be approached in reverence and humility! cf the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector - the TC recognised who He was before God and approached Him in great humility of spirit!
3) She is obedient (v4), and we have to be willing and obedient! We are approaching the Lord Jesus Christ - this is His full title! We have to be willing to obey and repent.
Ruth would have been atrractive so by going to Boaz she was risking everything - she was risking humiliation and being tarnished with a bad reputation! In verse 9 she speaks humbly to Boaz and she was willing to do what Boaz commanded! Boaz was her only hope - everything else was vain! All her hope and trust was on and in Boaz. Here we see her being transformed and is a picture of coming to Christ; coming to His feet and trusting in Him completely! We come to Him because He is our hope in eternity. The apostle Paul was subject to the will of God and he knew it!
In verse 11 we see that see was a virtuous woman and everyone knew it. Coming to Boaz as she did risked the reputation she had with people. When we come to Christ we need to forget our reputation and cast it aside - all must be sacrificed for Him because the Lord is willing to give!
Boaz gives her a promise which is precious. He does not rest until all is completed (v18). We have to go to Christ - He always keeps His promises. He will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax [Isaiah 42:3]. What a promise God gives in Hosea 14: 4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.
We have a precious Saviour - let's drink of the richness of Christ. May the Lord draw us so others may see the beauty of Christ in us! Amen!
Boaz gave Ruth food and she found him satisfying. Christ is satisfying to the believer! In verses 15 and 16 we see Boaz iving more and more - Christ gives abundantly and everything is provided in Him!
[Chapter 3] How is Ruth going to come to Boaz? What is our attitude as we come to Christ? We must come carefully to Him!
Ruth wanted more than acceptance from people, she wanted God! Naomi points Ruth to Boaz - a picture of a believer pointing an unbeliever to Christ! Christians have a responsibility and duty to point people to Christ!
verse 3 - 3 things Ruth must do
1) Isaiah 1:16 - a sinner must realise the need to repent and be clean. Ruth could have been insulted but she wasn't - she had to be cleansed of the past! Repentance must be daily to gain a continuing refreshing.
2) Ruth has to humble herself to Boaz. She mustn't rush in on him because she must remember who she is approaching. God has to be approached in reverence and humility! cf the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector - the TC recognised who He was before God and approached Him in great humility of spirit!
3) She is obedient (v4), and we have to be willing and obedient! We are approaching the Lord Jesus Christ - this is His full title! We have to be willing to obey and repent.
Ruth would have been atrractive so by going to Boaz she was risking everything - she was risking humiliation and being tarnished with a bad reputation! In verse 9 she speaks humbly to Boaz and she was willing to do what Boaz commanded! Boaz was her only hope - everything else was vain! All her hope and trust was on and in Boaz. Here we see her being transformed and is a picture of coming to Christ; coming to His feet and trusting in Him completely! We come to Him because He is our hope in eternity. The apostle Paul was subject to the will of God and he knew it!
In verse 11 we see that see was a virtuous woman and everyone knew it. Coming to Boaz as she did risked the reputation she had with people. When we come to Christ we need to forget our reputation and cast it aside - all must be sacrificed for Him because the Lord is willing to give!
Boaz gives her a promise which is precious. He does not rest until all is completed (v18). We have to go to Christ - He always keeps His promises. He will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax [Isaiah 42:3]. What a promise God gives in Hosea 14: 4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.
We have a precious Saviour - let's drink of the richness of Christ. May the Lord draw us so others may see the beauty of Christ in us! Amen!
Ruth Chapter 4 (27th October 2000)
The book of Ruth is far more than a love story. It tells of God restoring us - He loves to have us back. Our salvation is not what I have done but is on what Christ has done.
Ruth was welcomed by Boaz - he didn't turn her away. None of us have anything to recommend us to Christ, but He never turns us away and He always accepts us!
In chapter 4 Ruth had already gone to Boaz, but there is more here in this chapter. We are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18), it is a daily process. Christ continues to work in us. His love is new every morning. 1 John 1:3 tells us that it doesn't appear what we shall be yet, but when He appears we shall be like Him! Our Salvation is past present and future. The saving work of Christ will be declared
In this chapter things will be revealed - Boaz comes to the city gate, this was the most public place, and he makes a public declaration about Ruth! This is a picture of Christ's return. Who is the un-named relative? This is a picture of the law again! Christ will prove the vindication of His people. [2 Corinthians 5:10 - we must all appear before the judgement seat of God]
The Law is the perfect will of God, but we have all broken it in our sins. We are born in debt to the Law and we cannot meet the payments so we are in debt and as time goes on the 'interest' becomes greater and greater, but the account must be settled! Such a dilemma!
Boaz tells the un-named relative that he has prior claim on Ruth. At first he did want it, but he had to redeem her, but he couldn't do it! The Law can never save - 'by works of law none can be justified'. We try to do better but can never meet the demands of the Law! What the Law cannot do, Boaz can do it and he is willing to do it! Christ can redeem us (Romans 8:3). God sends His Son to meet the cost of the Law. In Scripture, the emphasis is on the resurrection of Christ. When we die ordinarily we are rightfully death's, but when Christ rose from the dead - death could not hold Him because He is perfect - He was not a debtor to the Law. He is the living proof that He can redeem sinners. At judgement the Law stands against us, but Christ paid the penalty and He will publicly declare it to all!
v5-10 Boaz paid the debt on behalf of Ruth, now he is claiming her - he is specific! Salvation is personal and specific! Hallelujah! The miracle is that any are saved. Christ chose a specific people [cf. Titus]. Christ desired me before the foundation of the world - that is grace!
Ruth was made willing to come to Boaz! We are all made willing by the work of the Holy Spirit! He draws us to Christ - there will come a day when all will bow!
There is no half-hearted salvation and there is no two-tier salvation. Ruth was nothing but she was bought into the line of the Lord, along with Rahab. We are precious in the sight of God. We are bought fully into God's people when we are redeemed by Christ's blood. We are fully joined to Christ and will eventually be like Him! Amen!
Ruth was welcomed by Boaz - he didn't turn her away. None of us have anything to recommend us to Christ, but He never turns us away and He always accepts us!
In chapter 4 Ruth had already gone to Boaz, but there is more here in this chapter. We are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18), it is a daily process. Christ continues to work in us. His love is new every morning. 1 John 1:3 tells us that it doesn't appear what we shall be yet, but when He appears we shall be like Him! Our Salvation is past present and future. The saving work of Christ will be declared
In this chapter things will be revealed - Boaz comes to the city gate, this was the most public place, and he makes a public declaration about Ruth! This is a picture of Christ's return. Who is the un-named relative? This is a picture of the law again! Christ will prove the vindication of His people. [2 Corinthians 5:10 - we must all appear before the judgement seat of God]
The Law is the perfect will of God, but we have all broken it in our sins. We are born in debt to the Law and we cannot meet the payments so we are in debt and as time goes on the 'interest' becomes greater and greater, but the account must be settled! Such a dilemma!
Boaz tells the un-named relative that he has prior claim on Ruth. At first he did want it, but he had to redeem her, but he couldn't do it! The Law can never save - 'by works of law none can be justified'. We try to do better but can never meet the demands of the Law! What the Law cannot do, Boaz can do it and he is willing to do it! Christ can redeem us (Romans 8:3). God sends His Son to meet the cost of the Law. In Scripture, the emphasis is on the resurrection of Christ. When we die ordinarily we are rightfully death's, but when Christ rose from the dead - death could not hold Him because He is perfect - He was not a debtor to the Law. He is the living proof that He can redeem sinners. At judgement the Law stands against us, but Christ paid the penalty and He will publicly declare it to all!
v5-10 Boaz paid the debt on behalf of Ruth, now he is claiming her - he is specific! Salvation is personal and specific! Hallelujah! The miracle is that any are saved. Christ chose a specific people [cf. Titus]. Christ desired me before the foundation of the world - that is grace!
Ruth was made willing to come to Boaz! We are all made willing by the work of the Holy Spirit! He draws us to Christ - there will come a day when all will bow!
There is no half-hearted salvation and there is no two-tier salvation. Ruth was nothing but she was bought into the line of the Lord, along with Rahab. We are precious in the sight of God. We are bought fully into God's people when we are redeemed by Christ's blood. We are fully joined to Christ and will eventually be like Him! Amen!
Friday 16 October 2009
Monday 14 September 2009
Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Saturday 15 August 2009
Who is Jesus Christ?
Joyful Saviour (Hebrews 12:2)
Eternal King (1 Timothy 6:15)
Suffering Saviour (Luke 22:44)
Underneath are His everlasting arms (Deut 33:27)
Sun of Righteousness risen with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2)
Captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10)
Holy (1 Peter 1:15)
Righteous (1 John 2:1)
Initiator of our salvation (Ephesians 1:4)
Sharon's rose (Song of Solomon 2:1)
Treader of the winepress (Isaiah 63:3)
Eternal King (1 Timothy 6:15)
Suffering Saviour (Luke 22:44)
Underneath are His everlasting arms (Deut 33:27)
Sun of Righteousness risen with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2)
Captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10)
Holy (1 Peter 1:15)
Righteous (1 John 2:1)
Initiator of our salvation (Ephesians 1:4)
Sharon's rose (Song of Solomon 2:1)
Treader of the winepress (Isaiah 63:3)
Friday 14 August 2009
The virtuous wife - Proverbs 31:10-31
The woman in this chapter of the Bible - I believe is referring to the church as a whole and not just women! Why do I say that? Well the church is a picture of Christ's Bride (wife) so every Christian, male and female should behave in the manner that this woman did in Proverbs!
The wife was virtuous and did her husband good - in our walks as Christians - do we do Christ's name good or not! We are witnesses to Him from the time we rise until the time we go to bed - in our homes, workplaces, streets, shops, on the phone, on the internet, out with friends. How WE behave is how people see Christ! Sobering thought! Am I a witness for Christ or am I just another person in the world who isn't making an impact for the furtherance of the gospel?
The virtuous wife worked hard day and night - she was willing to prepare food even at night time! Are we willing to be put out by others to further Christ's church? Even when things don't go as we plan - how do we react? How do I react? Do I work hard? How about in times of trial (the night) do I moan and groan or do I rejoice in the Lord (Phil 4:4)? Do I do kind things etc to those who aren't my flesh and blood (Spiritually)? How do I treat non-Christians?
Are we willing to go that extra mile to feed people in need the words of truth as spoken by Christ? Do I bring the merchandise from afar? Are people delighted in the 'exotic' words of my Saviour because of what I say (how I feed them)?
Do I consider my neighbourhood as being a vineyard where I can plant the words of Christ in people's hearts? He is the true vine (John 15:1) so His church is the vineyard!
Her light continues to shine even in the dark times! In trials how do we react? Are we grumpy and complaining or do we go about with joy and praise on our lips? How do I react in times of trial?
Is our household clothed in scarlet (covered in the blood of Christ). Do we teach our children about spiritual things throughout the day (Deut 6:7ff)? Do they know about Jesus? Are we afraid of the snow (trials or the times of winter in our spiritual lives) or do we trust continually in God's love, grace and mercy.
Do I pray for those in poverty? Does the church pray for those in difficult situation or do we sit in our comfy zones?
What words come out of our mouths? Unloving or edifying words, spiteful or kind words, gossiping or gentle words? Or is Christ foremost in our thoughts when we speak - is He sitting at the gates of our hearts, eminating our whole beings. Penetrating our hearts with His love?
Strength and honour are her clothing - let's wear this strength, let's not worry about what people will say to us/about us because we are Christians. Let's fear the Lord (not a groveling fear, but with reverance and respect)! We worry and moan about people hurting our feelings but do our words and actions hurt God's feelings?
Let's advance the church by putting God/Christ in the forefront or our lives so that once more the church will advance 'awesome as an army with banners' Song of Solomon 6:4b.
May praise, glory and honour be given to the One whose name is above all other names! AMEN!
The wife was virtuous and did her husband good - in our walks as Christians - do we do Christ's name good or not! We are witnesses to Him from the time we rise until the time we go to bed - in our homes, workplaces, streets, shops, on the phone, on the internet, out with friends. How WE behave is how people see Christ! Sobering thought! Am I a witness for Christ or am I just another person in the world who isn't making an impact for the furtherance of the gospel?
The virtuous wife worked hard day and night - she was willing to prepare food even at night time! Are we willing to be put out by others to further Christ's church? Even when things don't go as we plan - how do we react? How do I react? Do I work hard? How about in times of trial (the night) do I moan and groan or do I rejoice in the Lord (Phil 4:4)? Do I do kind things etc to those who aren't my flesh and blood (Spiritually)? How do I treat non-Christians?
Are we willing to go that extra mile to feed people in need the words of truth as spoken by Christ? Do I bring the merchandise from afar? Are people delighted in the 'exotic' words of my Saviour because of what I say (how I feed them)?
Do I consider my neighbourhood as being a vineyard where I can plant the words of Christ in people's hearts? He is the true vine (John 15:1) so His church is the vineyard!
Her light continues to shine even in the dark times! In trials how do we react? Are we grumpy and complaining or do we go about with joy and praise on our lips? How do I react in times of trial?
Is our household clothed in scarlet (covered in the blood of Christ). Do we teach our children about spiritual things throughout the day (Deut 6:7ff)? Do they know about Jesus? Are we afraid of the snow (trials or the times of winter in our spiritual lives) or do we trust continually in God's love, grace and mercy.
Do I pray for those in poverty? Does the church pray for those in difficult situation or do we sit in our comfy zones?
What words come out of our mouths? Unloving or edifying words, spiteful or kind words, gossiping or gentle words? Or is Christ foremost in our thoughts when we speak - is He sitting at the gates of our hearts, eminating our whole beings. Penetrating our hearts with His love?
Strength and honour are her clothing - let's wear this strength, let's not worry about what people will say to us/about us because we are Christians. Let's fear the Lord (not a groveling fear, but with reverance and respect)! We worry and moan about people hurting our feelings but do our words and actions hurt God's feelings?
Let's advance the church by putting God/Christ in the forefront or our lives so that once more the church will advance 'awesome as an army with banners' Song of Solomon 6:4b.
May praise, glory and honour be given to the One whose name is above all other names! AMEN!
Sunday 12 April 2009
HAPPY RESURRECTION SON-DAY
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