The word Gospel was originally the name given of a gift given to someone who brought a good message. In time the word changed in use to mean the good message itself.
In the Nt the word evangellion - 'Gospel' is used in a special sense - as a declaration to men that God has provided salvation in Christ’s atoning death on the cross.
However the word Gospel is also used in a broader sense in the Nt for any message of goodwill to men and so great care must be exercised as to which message of goodwill the writer is referring to.
1. First of all we have what is called the 'Everlasting Gospel' This message of goodwill to men was proclaimed from the beginning, even in Adam's day. The message came directly from God the creator to man on earth. It was the message that God expects men to worship him as creator God. The message included the promise of blessing on the godly and the prospect of judgment on the ungodly. Enoch preached this Gospel. Jude 14-15. Noah preached this too. Heb 11v7 2Peter 2v5. this message will be preached again in a future day. Rev 14v7.
This Gospel looks forward to the cross and brings the sinner a sence of the fear of the Lord and of his need of salvation.
2. The second message of goodwill is the good news of the coming kingdom. This was promised to Abraham and to his seed. Gen 12v1-3. This message of goodwill to Abraham and his seed was gradually expanded and developed but it always came to the Sons of Abraham and latter called 'the children of Israel'.
This glorious message of goodwill to men was proclaimed to the Shepherds on the Judean hillsides.
'Behold l bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord'.
The immediate audience of this message were the children of Israel. It was a message from Jehovah calling upon Israel to return unto him in covenant relationship - in preparation for the coming Messianic kingdom.
in Acts 2v30 Peter explains exactly what Israel had done to Christ and how they stood in relation to him. And for the next 37 years this message went out to all Jews scattered throughout the Roman world.
In a future day this message will be preached again throughout the world during the Tribulation in preparation for the return of Christ in glory and power.
This Gospel looks forward to the Kingdom and brings the lost sheep of the house of Israel back unto fellowship with the Shepherd of their souls.
3. The third message of goodwill to men is the glad tidings of the cross and resurrection and glory of Christ. It is the Gospel of God. We see in Romans ch 1 that the message of Gods goodwill to both Israel and to the Gentiles goes out through out the world and its subject is the Cross and Resurrection of Christ from the dead. The special feature of this Gospel is the basis upon which it is preached. It is the Gospel of the GRACE of God.
This is a message to both Jew and Gentile that both might be blessed by simple faith in Christ’s atoning work.
This Gospel looks back to the cross and takes a man from being a sinner to being saved.
This Gospel is a proclaimation that God is willing to save men from the guilt and power of sin by faith in Christ and in what Christ has done.
Steve
21/02/2010
10/01/2010
Can a Christian loose his salvation?
Sin cannot separate the christian from God. When a person is saved they are justified from all things.
Thats not just sins of the past thats ALL sins.
Acts 13v39: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
The Justification of the sinner does not only refer to things that are past. Justification is a state that the sinner in brought into in which he is forever righteous before God.
Do who can bring a new charge against a man that is justified? No-one...
Rom 8v33: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?
And the answer is?
It is God that justifieth.
Because God has justified the sinner no charge can ever be brought against his because God has declared him righteous in Christ.
Rom 8v34: Who is he that condemneth?
Who can condemn the christian?
No-one - WHY?
Rom 8v34 It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
That is why Rom 8 started with the phrase - There is therefore now NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
But surely you say something must be able to separate the Christian from God?
Well we have established that it cannot be sin. So Paul goes on to list the things that might do it...
35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36: As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Is this the teaching of Christ?
Yes of course it is.
John 5v24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
The word condemnation means to face judgment to be condemned. How Can God condemn a man who he has declared Justified?
Impossible.
Steve
Thats not just sins of the past thats ALL sins.
Acts 13v39: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
The Justification of the sinner does not only refer to things that are past. Justification is a state that the sinner in brought into in which he is forever righteous before God.
Do who can bring a new charge against a man that is justified? No-one...
Rom 8v33: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?
And the answer is?
It is God that justifieth.
Because God has justified the sinner no charge can ever be brought against his because God has declared him righteous in Christ.
Rom 8v34: Who is he that condemneth?
Who can condemn the christian?
No-one - WHY?
Rom 8v34 It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
That is why Rom 8 started with the phrase - There is therefore now NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
But surely you say something must be able to separate the Christian from God?
Well we have established that it cannot be sin. So Paul goes on to list the things that might do it...
35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36: As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Is this the teaching of Christ?
Yes of course it is.
John 5v24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
The word condemnation means to face judgment to be condemned. How Can God condemn a man who he has declared Justified?
Impossible.
Steve
07/01/2010
The Seven congregations of Asia
Right at the beginning we have a clue as to who John is addressing his letters. He says ‘unto the angel of the Church’. The word angel means ‘the messenger’. Now NT churches do not have a single minister, let alone ‘an angel’. However the Jewish congregations that accepted Christ as the Messiah had a Chief Rabbi who led each service and he was referred to as the ‘Angelous’ the messenger. He was the presiding Rabbi. He was one of a group of overseers of the Jewish believers, v9. It is to this leader that the letters are addressed. He is representative of the elders and the whole congregation. John’s ministry is still focused on the Jewish congregations of Asia, where his ministry was based.
John writes these letters as the Prophet of God to these Jews.
(The Jews had what is called 'The leadership complex'. What this means is that when God has something to say he says it to the Religious leaders (and political if there are any) and they are expected to respond appropriately on behalf of the people that they lead. We see this in the ministry of John Christ and the Apostles and we see it here. Often when Jews are asked about why they reject Christ they will say if Jesus was the Messiah then why did the Elders reject him in his day. They trust their leaders and always assume that they do right. John addresses himself to the Leaders of each Jewish/Christian congregation. He addresses issues such as their righteous works, Their relation to the synagogue of Satan and the issue of false Jews who say they are Jews but are not. And the call is consistently in the context of The Gospel of the Kingdom i.e. Repentance and a return to the God of their fathers)
His first letter is to the congregation of Ephesus. Christ commends them for their works, labour and patience and for their hatred of the Nicolaitians. However they have left their first love (himself) and therefore he calls on them to repent and return unto the Lord and ‘do the works’ in other words keep the Mosaic law because they are Jews after all. If they do not repent then the Lord will remove the candlestick. This is the token of his presence. The promise Christ gives is ‘The Tree of life’ in the Paradise of God – In the Kingdom.
To the Smyrna congregation Christ says, I know your works, tribulation and poverty (Yet they are rich towards God) He says l know the Blaspheme of those who claim to be Jews but are the synagogue of Satan! He gives specific encouragement in tribulation to those who will be imprisoned for their faith in Christ. And he promises eternal life in the Kingdom.
To the Pergamos congregation he writes that he knows their works and the evil of the place they inhabit. He even calls it Satan’s seat. However there are a few things he holds against them. They allow those who follow Balaam who caused Israel to Sin. And how that they encourage abominations causing the judgment of God to come. He commends them for their hatred of the Nicolaitians. However he tells them to repent of judgment will come. None of these terms could ever be spoken to a NT Church.
To the Thyatira Jewish congregation he writes I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. These he commends, but he warns them of allowing a prophetess Jezebel to teach and draw men into the gross sins of fornication and Idolatry. Christ himself has warned her and yet she has not repented so He will act in severe judgment and destroy her and her offspring. Those who overcome will share with Christ his rule over the Nations in the Kingdom.
All these messages were strongly Jewish in flavour and addressed to the Jewish synagogues of Asia Minor (Turkey).
To the congregation at Sardis. Christ says, I know thy works. He says this every time and is saying I know all that you do which is commendable. He says you have a name that you are alive but you are dead spiritually. He says be careful because the congregation is ready to pass away. As always the call to Israel is a call to repentance and a return to the Lord and righteous living before God. Those who are righteous will escape the judgment of God of death.
To the Philadelphian congregation Christ says, I have the key of David. I.e.The total authority of the King. He can open and shut and no man can overcome it. He says, l know thy works etc He commends them for their strength even though it is little and their determination to keep to Christ’s word. Again they are plagued by those who are false Jews. He promises to keep them safe in the time of tribulation which will come upon the whole earth. Those who overcome will be granted a position as a pillar in the temple of the Kingdom. Those who overcome will have the name of God and Jerusalem and the New Name.
To the Laodicean congregation Christ says, He knows their spiritual state. They are not hot or cold. They are self-willed self-sufficient and self-satisfied. They say they are rich, yet they are actually poor. They say they see everything, yet they are blind. If ever there were a description of the LORD’s dealings with Israel it is in these words – ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent’. To those who overcome, he promises to sit with him in the glorious Kingdom ruling with him.
Steve
John writes these letters as the Prophet of God to these Jews.
(The Jews had what is called 'The leadership complex'. What this means is that when God has something to say he says it to the Religious leaders (and political if there are any) and they are expected to respond appropriately on behalf of the people that they lead. We see this in the ministry of John Christ and the Apostles and we see it here. Often when Jews are asked about why they reject Christ they will say if Jesus was the Messiah then why did the Elders reject him in his day. They trust their leaders and always assume that they do right. John addresses himself to the Leaders of each Jewish/Christian congregation. He addresses issues such as their righteous works, Their relation to the synagogue of Satan and the issue of false Jews who say they are Jews but are not. And the call is consistently in the context of The Gospel of the Kingdom i.e. Repentance and a return to the God of their fathers)
His first letter is to the congregation of Ephesus. Christ commends them for their works, labour and patience and for their hatred of the Nicolaitians. However they have left their first love (himself) and therefore he calls on them to repent and return unto the Lord and ‘do the works’ in other words keep the Mosaic law because they are Jews after all. If they do not repent then the Lord will remove the candlestick. This is the token of his presence. The promise Christ gives is ‘The Tree of life’ in the Paradise of God – In the Kingdom.
To the Smyrna congregation Christ says, I know your works, tribulation and poverty (Yet they are rich towards God) He says l know the Blaspheme of those who claim to be Jews but are the synagogue of Satan! He gives specific encouragement in tribulation to those who will be imprisoned for their faith in Christ. And he promises eternal life in the Kingdom.
To the Pergamos congregation he writes that he knows their works and the evil of the place they inhabit. He even calls it Satan’s seat. However there are a few things he holds against them. They allow those who follow Balaam who caused Israel to Sin. And how that they encourage abominations causing the judgment of God to come. He commends them for their hatred of the Nicolaitians. However he tells them to repent of judgment will come. None of these terms could ever be spoken to a NT Church.
To the Thyatira Jewish congregation he writes I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. These he commends, but he warns them of allowing a prophetess Jezebel to teach and draw men into the gross sins of fornication and Idolatry. Christ himself has warned her and yet she has not repented so He will act in severe judgment and destroy her and her offspring. Those who overcome will share with Christ his rule over the Nations in the Kingdom.
All these messages were strongly Jewish in flavour and addressed to the Jewish synagogues of Asia Minor (Turkey).
To the congregation at Sardis. Christ says, I know thy works. He says this every time and is saying I know all that you do which is commendable. He says you have a name that you are alive but you are dead spiritually. He says be careful because the congregation is ready to pass away. As always the call to Israel is a call to repentance and a return to the Lord and righteous living before God. Those who are righteous will escape the judgment of God of death.
To the Philadelphian congregation Christ says, I have the key of David. I.e.The total authority of the King. He can open and shut and no man can overcome it. He says, l know thy works etc He commends them for their strength even though it is little and their determination to keep to Christ’s word. Again they are plagued by those who are false Jews. He promises to keep them safe in the time of tribulation which will come upon the whole earth. Those who overcome will be granted a position as a pillar in the temple of the Kingdom. Those who overcome will have the name of God and Jerusalem and the New Name.
To the Laodicean congregation Christ says, He knows their spiritual state. They are not hot or cold. They are self-willed self-sufficient and self-satisfied. They say they are rich, yet they are actually poor. They say they see everything, yet they are blind. If ever there were a description of the LORD’s dealings with Israel it is in these words – ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent’. To those who overcome, he promises to sit with him in the glorious Kingdom ruling with him.
Steve
02/01/2010
Why does James say that we should call for and elder of the church if we get sick?
The period from the resurrection to the destruction of Jerusalem was a transitional period.
Firstly the Same message the Gospel of the Kingdom was still being preached from synagogue to synagogue right throughout the Roman world. God had spoken through John and through Christ calling Israel to restoration of their covenantal obligations under the Mosaic Law.
Secondly there slowly developed a second thread. The Gospel of the Grace of God to the Gentiles in which was he would bless them outside the Mosaic Covenant. There was a very big push to bring the new Gentile Believers in Christ into Judaism by Circumcision and Law observance. (This was just one of the battles Paul faced and his most lethal) This came to a head in Acts 15. Where the apostles agreed than Gentile believers were not required to convert to Judaism nor were they bound by the Mosaic law. This was an important event in the life of Christianity. Christianity broke free from Judaism. However, That’s not the whole story yet.
The third aspect of this transitional period is that While some Jews ceased to keep the Mosaic law. And that was ok. And Gentiles were not required to keep the Mosaic Law And that was ok too. What about whole Jewish communities some of whom accepted Christ as the Messiah. Well they were allowed to remain Jewish/Christians. In other words in family life, Social life, religious life and in commerce they stayed faithful to Judaism. However not because Judaism saved them. It didn’t, Faith in Christ has saved them. But remaining outwardly a Jew meant that the Jewish families remained in tact. and Jewish life and commerce continued as normal. So we get for example people who still eat Kosher. Not because this brings Gods favour - it doesn’t. but because to do the contrary would break apart ordinary Jewish life.
Fourthly, The Apostles ministry was directed primarily at the Jewish Nation they were continuing the work that Christ had begun. and for 40 years From the beginning of John's ministry at Jordan right up to 70AD the message that Israel is to repent and return to the Lord still went out to this unfaithful nation. However in AD 69 the Legions moved in and the following year the Temple was destroyed and 1,100,000 Jews are killed in Jerusalem. Israel had had an opportunity to hear the call to repentance for 40 years and they had rejected their Messiah and his apostles.
Now while these apostles were going from synagogue to synagogue they could easily be silenced with on word. 'You are unrighteous'. In other words that do not keep the Mosaic Law. This would silence then in a moment and render their message of no value. Therefore Paul Timothy Silas Barnabas Had to be careful not to break the Mosaic Law. WHY? So that they could be saved? NO they were already saved. Was it because it was their duty as a christian? NO they as christians were not obliged to keep the law. They were free from the law completely. So why did Paul the greatest preacher of freedom from the Law keep it? - So that he might keep open the channels to the Jews to whom he was to preach the gospel of the kingdom. [1]
Have you fallen asleep yet? I hope not.
These Jewish/Christians were in a majority in some places. Now the second half of the NT contains a number of NT letters written to christians who also happened to be Jews too. They were saved good enough yet they still lived within Judaism and therefore they lived under the blessings and curses of the Mosaic Law. These NT letters written to Jewish/christians are... Hebrews, James, 1/2 Peter, 1/2/3 John, Jude, Revelation.
They all address christians - but Jewish christians. They all speak in terms of Law. Their emphasis is 'live righteously'.
So coming back to James.
James writes to Jews some of whom had got sick because God always disciplines Israel with sickness when they sin. And what is the cure? The cure is not with the doctors but with the Rabbis. They come to the sick. Teach them to repent of their sin and anoint them with oil symbol of the restoration of spiritual life and they get well.
This has no parallel in the Church today.
Steve
[1] 1 Corinthians 9: 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Firstly the Same message the Gospel of the Kingdom was still being preached from synagogue to synagogue right throughout the Roman world. God had spoken through John and through Christ calling Israel to restoration of their covenantal obligations under the Mosaic Law.
Secondly there slowly developed a second thread. The Gospel of the Grace of God to the Gentiles in which was he would bless them outside the Mosaic Covenant. There was a very big push to bring the new Gentile Believers in Christ into Judaism by Circumcision and Law observance. (This was just one of the battles Paul faced and his most lethal) This came to a head in Acts 15. Where the apostles agreed than Gentile believers were not required to convert to Judaism nor were they bound by the Mosaic law. This was an important event in the life of Christianity. Christianity broke free from Judaism. However, That’s not the whole story yet.
The third aspect of this transitional period is that While some Jews ceased to keep the Mosaic law. And that was ok. And Gentiles were not required to keep the Mosaic Law And that was ok too. What about whole Jewish communities some of whom accepted Christ as the Messiah. Well they were allowed to remain Jewish/Christians. In other words in family life, Social life, religious life and in commerce they stayed faithful to Judaism. However not because Judaism saved them. It didn’t, Faith in Christ has saved them. But remaining outwardly a Jew meant that the Jewish families remained in tact. and Jewish life and commerce continued as normal. So we get for example people who still eat Kosher. Not because this brings Gods favour - it doesn’t. but because to do the contrary would break apart ordinary Jewish life.
Fourthly, The Apostles ministry was directed primarily at the Jewish Nation they were continuing the work that Christ had begun. and for 40 years From the beginning of John's ministry at Jordan right up to 70AD the message that Israel is to repent and return to the Lord still went out to this unfaithful nation. However in AD 69 the Legions moved in and the following year the Temple was destroyed and 1,100,000 Jews are killed in Jerusalem. Israel had had an opportunity to hear the call to repentance for 40 years and they had rejected their Messiah and his apostles.
Now while these apostles were going from synagogue to synagogue they could easily be silenced with on word. 'You are unrighteous'. In other words that do not keep the Mosaic Law. This would silence then in a moment and render their message of no value. Therefore Paul Timothy Silas Barnabas Had to be careful not to break the Mosaic Law. WHY? So that they could be saved? NO they were already saved. Was it because it was their duty as a christian? NO they as christians were not obliged to keep the law. They were free from the law completely. So why did Paul the greatest preacher of freedom from the Law keep it? - So that he might keep open the channels to the Jews to whom he was to preach the gospel of the kingdom. [1]
Have you fallen asleep yet? I hope not.
These Jewish/Christians were in a majority in some places. Now the second half of the NT contains a number of NT letters written to christians who also happened to be Jews too. They were saved good enough yet they still lived within Judaism and therefore they lived under the blessings and curses of the Mosaic Law. These NT letters written to Jewish/christians are... Hebrews, James, 1/2 Peter, 1/2/3 John, Jude, Revelation.
They all address christians - but Jewish christians. They all speak in terms of Law. Their emphasis is 'live righteously'.
So coming back to James.
James writes to Jews some of whom had got sick because God always disciplines Israel with sickness when they sin. And what is the cure? The cure is not with the doctors but with the Rabbis. They come to the sick. Teach them to repent of their sin and anoint them with oil symbol of the restoration of spiritual life and they get well.
This has no parallel in the Church today.
Steve
[1] 1 Corinthians 9: 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
How do l life the Christian life?
John says he writes so that the believers might become overcomers.
How does the Christian overcome the world?
4: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The Christian is saved by Faith in Christ
The Christian lives by Faith
The Christian overcomes the Flesh by Faith
The Christian overcomes the world by Faith
The Christian overcomes Satan by Faith
Steve
How does the Christian overcome the world?
4: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The Christian is saved by Faith in Christ
The Christian lives by Faith
The Christian overcomes the Flesh by Faith
The Christian overcomes the world by Faith
The Christian overcomes Satan by Faith
Steve
10/11/2009
In what way can you be sure that Jesus is the Messiah?
That’s a very simple and interesting question.
First we must remember that Israel were looking with a great longing for the coming of the Messiah in Christ’s day. They had discussed the matter in great detail and had come to the conclusion that when the Messiah came he would perform what they called Messianic signs. Messianic signs were miracles that were unusual. That is they could only be performed by the Messiah and nobody else. The Messianic signs were…
1. The blind who have never seen will be cured.
2. The lame who have never walked will be cured.
3. The lepers will be cleansed
4. The deaf demon possessed will be delivered
5. The dead of four days will be raised.
These are very specific miracles that no man could do even if he were empowered by the Holy Spirit.
There had never been a case of a blind man from birth healed.
There had never been a case of a man who has never walked been healed
There had never been a case of a leper of Israel healed
There had never been a case of a deaf and dumb possessed man delivered
There had never been a case of a man who had been dead four days healed.
The Rabbis has agreed that if one of these Messianic signs were seen in Israel then a delegation would be sent from the Jewish authorities and they would begin a ten day investigation. It this point they would listen only to the Messianic pretender. They would answer the question – Is this person a significant person to further investigate?
If the answer was yes then a second stage would be established in which they would ask him questions.
Now let us turn to scripture…
Luke 5v12: And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13: And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. 14: And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Now when the leper arrived at the high priest he was to present himself to Caiaphas for a sacrifice of two doves as a testimony of cleansing. At this point Caiaphas would go back to the OT and find three chapters dedicated to how to offer a sacrifice for a leper.
Then we find in the next passage that the first stage of the Messianic investigation has begun…
Luke 5v17: And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
Now why was there Pharisees and doctors of the Law from every town of Galilee Judea and Jerusalem? Because they were here as representatives of the High Priest, Caiaphas to begin the first part (the ten-day) investigation in to the man who had performed a Messianic sign, the cleansing of the leper.
True to form they come only to listen…
18: And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. 19: And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 20: And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. 21: And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 22: But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?
Now at this stage of their investigation they were not allowed to speak but Christ could know their blasphemous thoughts. So he challenges them regarding their assumption that he has no authority to forgive sins.
23: Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24: But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. 25: And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26: And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.
So Christ proves his Messianic authority for forgive sins but doing a greater miracle the raising of a lame man.
They return to Caiaphas no doubt to say that this man is significant and should be investigated more. Later they return with their questions.
We even see the same questions of his Messianic authority asked of John the Baptist…
Luke 7v20: When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21: And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22: Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
After Christ has displayed all his Messianic signs The Religious leaders reject Christ and attribute his power to Satan instead of to the work of the Holy Spirit in his life and so they damn themselves to the lake of fire. There will be no forgiveness to this blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.
From this time on Christ’s ministry changes very dramatically. From now on he speaks only in Parables so that those who have rejected him might not understand. Even the disciples do not understand his parables and ask him of the meaning in private. Prior to his rejection he spoke openly and healed all who came but now he heals only those who express faith in him first.
The Ministry of Christ does not stop at the Cross. His work is picked up by the Apostles. Luke describes this period as the continuation of All that Jesus began to do. And during the 37 years of the Acts the Apostles continue to Messianic signs now apostolic sign continue to be demonstrated to Israel in every city where there is a company of Jews gathered. Eventually the Jews rebel against the Romans and the legions in AD 69 move in to suppress the nation. 1,100,000 Jews die and the temple is destroyed. Jewish national and religious independent life ceases as does the apostolic ministry to the Jews.
Steve
First we must remember that Israel were looking with a great longing for the coming of the Messiah in Christ’s day. They had discussed the matter in great detail and had come to the conclusion that when the Messiah came he would perform what they called Messianic signs. Messianic signs were miracles that were unusual. That is they could only be performed by the Messiah and nobody else. The Messianic signs were…
1. The blind who have never seen will be cured.
2. The lame who have never walked will be cured.
3. The lepers will be cleansed
4. The deaf demon possessed will be delivered
5. The dead of four days will be raised.
These are very specific miracles that no man could do even if he were empowered by the Holy Spirit.
There had never been a case of a blind man from birth healed.
There had never been a case of a man who has never walked been healed
There had never been a case of a leper of Israel healed
There had never been a case of a deaf and dumb possessed man delivered
There had never been a case of a man who had been dead four days healed.
The Rabbis has agreed that if one of these Messianic signs were seen in Israel then a delegation would be sent from the Jewish authorities and they would begin a ten day investigation. It this point they would listen only to the Messianic pretender. They would answer the question – Is this person a significant person to further investigate?
If the answer was yes then a second stage would be established in which they would ask him questions.
Now let us turn to scripture…
Luke 5v12: And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13: And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. 14: And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Now when the leper arrived at the high priest he was to present himself to Caiaphas for a sacrifice of two doves as a testimony of cleansing. At this point Caiaphas would go back to the OT and find three chapters dedicated to how to offer a sacrifice for a leper.
Then we find in the next passage that the first stage of the Messianic investigation has begun…
Luke 5v17: And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
Now why was there Pharisees and doctors of the Law from every town of Galilee Judea and Jerusalem? Because they were here as representatives of the High Priest, Caiaphas to begin the first part (the ten-day) investigation in to the man who had performed a Messianic sign, the cleansing of the leper.
True to form they come only to listen…
18: And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. 19: And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 20: And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. 21: And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 22: But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?
Now at this stage of their investigation they were not allowed to speak but Christ could know their blasphemous thoughts. So he challenges them regarding their assumption that he has no authority to forgive sins.
23: Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24: But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. 25: And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26: And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.
So Christ proves his Messianic authority for forgive sins but doing a greater miracle the raising of a lame man.
They return to Caiaphas no doubt to say that this man is significant and should be investigated more. Later they return with their questions.
We even see the same questions of his Messianic authority asked of John the Baptist…
Luke 7v20: When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21: And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22: Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
After Christ has displayed all his Messianic signs The Religious leaders reject Christ and attribute his power to Satan instead of to the work of the Holy Spirit in his life and so they damn themselves to the lake of fire. There will be no forgiveness to this blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.
From this time on Christ’s ministry changes very dramatically. From now on he speaks only in Parables so that those who have rejected him might not understand. Even the disciples do not understand his parables and ask him of the meaning in private. Prior to his rejection he spoke openly and healed all who came but now he heals only those who express faith in him first.
The Ministry of Christ does not stop at the Cross. His work is picked up by the Apostles. Luke describes this period as the continuation of All that Jesus began to do. And during the 37 years of the Acts the Apostles continue to Messianic signs now apostolic sign continue to be demonstrated to Israel in every city where there is a company of Jews gathered. Eventually the Jews rebel against the Romans and the legions in AD 69 move in to suppress the nation. 1,100,000 Jews die and the temple is destroyed. Jewish national and religious independent life ceases as does the apostolic ministry to the Jews.
Steve
06/11/2009
Ten things l remember about my Dad Samuel Hugh Pugh
When my Father died last year l recalled many memories with my brothers and sisters. We had great times recalling events and stories that had surrounded our lives for many years. Recently l saw a small leaflet called ‘Ten things l remember about my Dad’ and l began to think, what would be the ten things that l remember about my dad? Here are my ten.
The first thing l remember about my dad was when he used to get me to go out into the shed and clean his shoes. I hated it, because no matter how much time l spent, the shoes never shone - as he wanted them and time stood still. My father was a man of smart appearance. He was always turned out well. Even at camp, a shirt and tie were the order of the day. (I did learn to polish his shoes and mine, they required hard brushing and elbow grease.) My father was a man who had pride in his appearance. He thought that tidiness was normal and that keeping himself, the car, the house and the garden clean and tidy was important, especially as a christian.
The second thing l remember was that he was strong. Being brought up on the family coal firm, he had developed real strength and stamina. He told me recently that he could deliver two lorry loads of coal a day - by himself. ‘And the biggest thing was filling the bags by yourself’ he said. He had always been a labouring man, working by the strength of his arm. He was a great supporter of the Labour party as most working men were. One year at camp he bet all the young men £5, that they could not climb up the marquee pole ropes, using only their hands. Nobody ever made it, but he did and he did it so quickly and effortlessly.
Thirdly, l must mention his faith. He was a man of unbreakable convictions. I don’t ever remember him giving his testimony, but l remember his preaching. It was easy to understand, down to earth and solidly fundamental. He had gone with his parents to the Presbyterian Church as a boy, but had associated himself with the Christian Brethren as a youth. There he developed a deep reverence for the Word of God and he had been encouraged to preach. In those days, he was secretary of the Shrewsbury Christian Youth, an interdenominational group of 400+ members. He was no intellectual, he was a man of practical faith. He was always preaching a ‘Christ centred Gospel’ somewhere. When the war broke out, he was a ‘conscientious objector’ (although he was exempt from action due to his occupation). He won his case and went out with the Royal Air Force as a fitter’s assistant. He met my mother at an evangelistic meeting, at a break in training. (She was singing on the platform). He was a man who knew what he believed, some would say ‘firm’, others ‘stubborn’. His children at times ‘unyielding’. His children were like him and huge ‘conflicts of will’ ensued as they grew up.
When he was posted to the western desert, he found that men trusted him because he was totally reliable. He got a job in the wages department. This is the next thing l remember about him. If he made a promise to you - he kept it. He was a man of honesty. Often he would come home with cigarettes in his pocket. Not because he smoked, he was looking after them for others. We were quite poor in those days. Feeding six children must have been difficult. We kept chickens and had a huge vegetable patch. I spent many an hour standing leaning on a fork in the garden.
The next thing that comes to mind was his laughter. We had family jokes, and when they were repeated he would howl with laughter. He had a great sense of humour, just the same as my mother. His humour was very dry and subtle. He would roar at the story of the black man who when he was being baptised and when asked what he believed he said ‘I believe - your trying to drown me’.
He was a man loyal to his wife and whose love for her was the most important thing in his life. He was proud of her ability to sing and would insist on her singing whenever he went out preaching. This didn’t mean they never had differences. They did, but they worked through them and were still together at the end, as at the beginning. For him the children were important, but his wife came first.
The seventh thing I remember about my dad was that we seldom sat down on a Sunday afternoon without visitors. He was a man of hospitality. He had learnt the value of taking in strangers when he was serving in the Middle East. On the night of the Battle of El-Alamein, he was being baptised in a pool in the backgarden of a house in Jerusalem. The war had given him a world perspective. It had made him what he was, but he could never forgive Hitler for keeping him from his mother during her closing years. When problems arose with the Christian Brethren he moved the family to the Baptists, were he saw a number of his children converted and baptised, but when problems arose there, he moved back to the Christian Brethren. He was a protestant through and through and a nonconformist at heart. He initial efforts to shield his children from Church of England influence at school eventually relaxed. However, his generosity always shone through. Even in times of shortage, speaker’s, missionaries and especially blind christians were found around the family Sunday tea table.
His greatest achievement was in the organisation of the Shropshire Assemblies Young Peoples Christian Camp and of his association with Bob Watson. The Camps were his brainchild, and his life work. Hundreds of people came to the camps over the years and they found my dad as Commandant, or ‘Comy’ as he was called. With Phil Bellingham and Edwin Hannay, they were a formidable team. On the first camp at least fifteen people were converted and as many Christians renewed their commitment to the Lord. I was converted at the first Camp. The Camp ran on the same pattern for ten years. The Shrewsbury Assembly was built up and many of his children found their sweethearts at camp.
The last thing l remember about my dad, was that no matter who loved and respected him - worldwide, he was My Dad. In the latter days, before he lost his mind and his faculties, he was a delight just to be with. I used to sit and ask him questions about his earlier life, the war and the people he knew. I remember too, years before, being so proud of him when one night unexpectedly, he said to me ‘Go and get you best clothes on were going out’. He took me to St John’s Hill Methodist Church, Shrewsbury, to listen to Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
S Pugh
The first thing l remember about my dad was when he used to get me to go out into the shed and clean his shoes. I hated it, because no matter how much time l spent, the shoes never shone - as he wanted them and time stood still. My father was a man of smart appearance. He was always turned out well. Even at camp, a shirt and tie were the order of the day. (I did learn to polish his shoes and mine, they required hard brushing and elbow grease.) My father was a man who had pride in his appearance. He thought that tidiness was normal and that keeping himself, the car, the house and the garden clean and tidy was important, especially as a christian.
The second thing l remember was that he was strong. Being brought up on the family coal firm, he had developed real strength and stamina. He told me recently that he could deliver two lorry loads of coal a day - by himself. ‘And the biggest thing was filling the bags by yourself’ he said. He had always been a labouring man, working by the strength of his arm. He was a great supporter of the Labour party as most working men were. One year at camp he bet all the young men £5, that they could not climb up the marquee pole ropes, using only their hands. Nobody ever made it, but he did and he did it so quickly and effortlessly.
Thirdly, l must mention his faith. He was a man of unbreakable convictions. I don’t ever remember him giving his testimony, but l remember his preaching. It was easy to understand, down to earth and solidly fundamental. He had gone with his parents to the Presbyterian Church as a boy, but had associated himself with the Christian Brethren as a youth. There he developed a deep reverence for the Word of God and he had been encouraged to preach. In those days, he was secretary of the Shrewsbury Christian Youth, an interdenominational group of 400+ members. He was no intellectual, he was a man of practical faith. He was always preaching a ‘Christ centred Gospel’ somewhere. When the war broke out, he was a ‘conscientious objector’ (although he was exempt from action due to his occupation). He won his case and went out with the Royal Air Force as a fitter’s assistant. He met my mother at an evangelistic meeting, at a break in training. (She was singing on the platform). He was a man who knew what he believed, some would say ‘firm’, others ‘stubborn’. His children at times ‘unyielding’. His children were like him and huge ‘conflicts of will’ ensued as they grew up.
When he was posted to the western desert, he found that men trusted him because he was totally reliable. He got a job in the wages department. This is the next thing l remember about him. If he made a promise to you - he kept it. He was a man of honesty. Often he would come home with cigarettes in his pocket. Not because he smoked, he was looking after them for others. We were quite poor in those days. Feeding six children must have been difficult. We kept chickens and had a huge vegetable patch. I spent many an hour standing leaning on a fork in the garden.
The next thing that comes to mind was his laughter. We had family jokes, and when they were repeated he would howl with laughter. He had a great sense of humour, just the same as my mother. His humour was very dry and subtle. He would roar at the story of the black man who when he was being baptised and when asked what he believed he said ‘I believe - your trying to drown me’.
He was a man loyal to his wife and whose love for her was the most important thing in his life. He was proud of her ability to sing and would insist on her singing whenever he went out preaching. This didn’t mean they never had differences. They did, but they worked through them and were still together at the end, as at the beginning. For him the children were important, but his wife came first.
The seventh thing I remember about my dad was that we seldom sat down on a Sunday afternoon without visitors. He was a man of hospitality. He had learnt the value of taking in strangers when he was serving in the Middle East. On the night of the Battle of El-Alamein, he was being baptised in a pool in the backgarden of a house in Jerusalem. The war had given him a world perspective. It had made him what he was, but he could never forgive Hitler for keeping him from his mother during her closing years. When problems arose with the Christian Brethren he moved the family to the Baptists, were he saw a number of his children converted and baptised, but when problems arose there, he moved back to the Christian Brethren. He was a protestant through and through and a nonconformist at heart. He initial efforts to shield his children from Church of England influence at school eventually relaxed. However, his generosity always shone through. Even in times of shortage, speaker’s, missionaries and especially blind christians were found around the family Sunday tea table.
His greatest achievement was in the organisation of the Shropshire Assemblies Young Peoples Christian Camp and of his association with Bob Watson. The Camps were his brainchild, and his life work. Hundreds of people came to the camps over the years and they found my dad as Commandant, or ‘Comy’ as he was called. With Phil Bellingham and Edwin Hannay, they were a formidable team. On the first camp at least fifteen people were converted and as many Christians renewed their commitment to the Lord. I was converted at the first Camp. The Camp ran on the same pattern for ten years. The Shrewsbury Assembly was built up and many of his children found their sweethearts at camp.
The last thing l remember about my dad, was that no matter who loved and respected him - worldwide, he was My Dad. In the latter days, before he lost his mind and his faculties, he was a delight just to be with. I used to sit and ask him questions about his earlier life, the war and the people he knew. I remember too, years before, being so proud of him when one night unexpectedly, he said to me ‘Go and get you best clothes on were going out’. He took me to St John’s Hill Methodist Church, Shrewsbury, to listen to Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
S Pugh
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