Showing posts with label Hebrews 4:15-16. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hebrews 4:15-16. Show all posts

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Christ—Pivotal Events, 3of3



~ 3 Events in the Life of Christ Where He Fought Alone On Our Behalf: The Cross ~

The Situations  ~  Jesus Christ stood alone against the power of darkness on three distinct occasions.  The first may be thought of as primarily physical, the second mental, and the third spiritual.  In each case it was a spiritual battle against the unseen forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-13).  In each of these situations the “Light of the World” waged war on our behalf against the unseen forces of evil.  In conquering each situation He was tackling basic problems of fallen mankind on earth. 

The Result  ~  Jesus Christ provided, and provides, the solutions to the sin problems which we encounter today. We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). 

The Third Event Was The Cross of Calvary (spiritual)  ~  Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.  And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, ‘Father, “into Your hands I commit My spirit.”’  Having said this, He breathed His last.  So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, ‘Certainly this was a righteous Man!’  And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.  But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things” (Luke 23:44-49). 

Comments  ~  (1) When Jesus Christ, The Light of the World, was dying on the Cross there was darkness!  Just as many flowers maintain their faces toward the sun may we keep our faces toward the Son! 
(2) As often noted there is much significance in the torn veil of the temple.  No longer are we barred from entering in.  Christians have direct access to God, The Father, because of the Cross of Calvary.  There is no more mediator between God and man.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
(3) Perhaps the important thing for some of ALN readers is that last phrase where we find that some “stood at a distance, watching these things.”  May that not be true of you! 

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:
(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 
(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Christ—Pivotal Events, 2of3



~ 3 Events in the Life of Christ Where He Fought Alone On Our Behalf: The Garden of Gethsemane ~

The Situations  ~  Jesus Christ stood alone against the power of darkness on three distinct occasions.  The first may be thought of as primarily physical, the second mental, and the third spiritual.  In each case it was a spiritual battle against the unseen forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-13).  In each of these situations the “Light of the World” waged war on our behalf against the unseen forces of evil.  In conquering each situation He was tackling basic problems of fallen mankind on earth. 

The Result  ~  Jesus Christ provided, and provides, the solutions to the sin problems which we encounter today. We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). 

The Second Event Was The Garden of Gethsemane (mental)  ~  Coming out, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him.  When He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’  And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’  Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.  And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly.  Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow.  Then He said to them, ‘Why do you sleep?  Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation’ (Luke 22:39-46). 

Comments  ~  (1) In the previous chapter Dr. Luke tells us that we should pray continually (Luke 21:36).  Besides the sweet communion we have with God when we have constant prayer we are told here that such prayer keeps us from falling for temptation (“Pray that you may not enter into temptation”).
(2) In His time of need Jesus Christ was strengthened by an angel.  How much more important for us to not try to go it alone!

Our Responsibility  ~  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13).

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:
(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 
(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Christ—Pivotal Events, 1of3



~ 3 Events in the Life of Christ Where He Fought Alone On Our Behalf: The Wilderness Temptation ~

The Situations  ~  Jesus Christ stood alone against the power of darkness on three distinct occasions.  The first may be thought of as primarily physical, the second mental, and the third spiritual.  In each case it was a spiritual battle against the unseen forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-13).  In each of these situations the “Light of the World” waged war on our behalf against the unseen forces of evil.  In conquering each situation He was tackling basic problems of fallen mankind on earth. 

The Result  ~  Jesus Christ provided, and provides, the solutions to the sin problems which we encounter today. We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). 

The First Event Was The Temptation In The Wilderness (physical) ~  Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil.  And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.  And the devil said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.’  But Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”’  Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  And the devil said to Him, ‘All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.  Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.’  And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Get behind Me, Satan!  For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’  Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.  For it is written:He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you,” and,In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”’  And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘It has been said, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’  Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:1-13). 

Comments  ~  (1) Dr. Luke just prior to recording this event presents the genealogy of Jesus Christ.  Since the Gospel of Luke presents our Lord as the Son of Man it is the genealogy of Mary—the side from which He received His humanity. 
(2) The beginning of this passage notes that Jesus Christ was “filled with the Spirit” and “led by the Spirit.”  Do we dare to think we can win spiritual battles when we are not filled with and led by God’s Spirit?  Without the Spirit we have no chance of standing.  I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). 
(3) As often noted Jesus Christ answered each of these three temptations by quoting Scripture. 
(4) Satan knows Scripture—and quoted it to Jesus—pointing out the need for proper interpretation and application of Scripture. 

Our Responsibility  ~  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13).

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:
(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 
(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .