Messiah, 12

~ Messiah Would Rise from Death ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’ Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you’”  (Genesis 22:1-5).

The Messiah  

“Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high’” (Luke 24:46-49). 

“For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’  Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on His throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Acts 2:25-33). 

 “And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’ And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption’” (Acts 13:32-35). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

EXTRA: Choice

~ Would You Make the Same Choice? ~

The original source of this material is unknown. 

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening. In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.
 
“A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast,” he began, “when a fast-approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.”

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who, for the first time since the service began, looked somewhat interested in the proceedings. The aged minister continued with his story. “Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy he would throw the other end of the life line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw out the life line to his son's friend.”

“By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered.”

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth. “The father,” he continued, “knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us.”

“Our heavenly father sacrificed His only begotten son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take hold of the life line He is throwing out to you in this service.”

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.

The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. However, no one responded to the appeal. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. 

“That was a nice story,” politely stated one of the kids, “but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian.”
“Well, you've got a point there,” the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible.

As a big smile broadened his narrow face, he once again looked up at the boys and said, “It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I’m standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me.”

“You see—I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend.”  

CONTEMPLATE:  Where will you spend eternity? Smoking or non-smoking?

Bible 210

~ Selected 2:10 References From Scripture ~

A Mini-Bible Course:  Concerning Jesus Christ based upon Chapter 2, verse 10 references.

Jesus Christ is the Author of our Salvation  ~  “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the Author of their salvation through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10-11).  If you were killed tomorrow, are you sure, beyond a shadow of doubt, of your salvation?

Jesus Christ is the One who Builds Character in Us  ~  “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).  Are you allowing the Spirit of God to actively build your character? 

Jesus Christ is the Source of Joy  ~  “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people’” (Luke 2:10).  Do you have the inner joy that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can provide?

Jesus Christ is the One who Fulfills our Lives  ~  “And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:10-11).  Is your life full?  Do you have Abundant Life Now?

Jesus Christ has a Name Above Every Other Name  ~  “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).  Have you bowed to the Creator?  Or will you be forced to bow when it is too late to accept His free gift of salvation?  Do you have a personal relationship with the One who has the name which is above all names? 

Jesus Christ is the One who will Crown Us  ~  “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).  Is there a crown waiting for you in heaven?  Or is there a terrible day of judgment for your sins awaiting you in the future?  

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 11

~ Messiah Would Be a Descendant of Isaac (2) ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture  

But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.” (Genesis 21:12).

The Messiah  

Jesus was about thirty years old when he began His public ministry. Jesus was known as the Son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Heli. … Jacob was the son of Isaac. Isaac was the son of Abraham (Luke 3:23, 34).

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers (Matthew 1:1-2). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

Bible 101 (2)

~ The Basics for Daily Christian Living ~

A Mini-Bible Course:  How to live your life based on Psalm 101 where David, “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), promises faithfulness to his God.

Psalm 101 (paraphrased for 2011 by Robert Lloyd Russell)

(1)  My theme song is God's love and justice, and I can’t help singing about You—my God!

(2)  I’m finding my way down the road of Christian living, but I long for You to show up and take me and the rest of your believers to be with You forever. I’m trying hard to do the very best I can, and I’m doing it in the trenches of my daily living—trying to make every day count for You.

(3)  I refuse to take a second look at corrupt people, tempting items, or to participate in degrading activities.  I reject making anything more important in my life than my relationship with You—I work hard at staying clear of contamination.

(4)  As a result some who have a deceptive heart stay clear of interaction with me.  I refuse to join in with those who plan evil or purposefully sin.

(5)  I do not repeat gossip which I hear.  I can no longer stand arrogance.

(6)  Now I enjoy genuine salt-of-the-earth people—they’re the ones I want to be with.  Men, women, children, and families who seek to follow You—those are the ones that I enjoy fellowship with.

(7)  Those who live a life of deception and lies do not receive favors from me.  I no longer have patience with liars and cheats.  As I find wickedness in my life, I confess my sin and turn from its practice.

(8)  I am purging all known sin from my life where Your Spirit lives and I seek to honor You in all that I do.

We could grow a lot by reading this psalm of David’s every morning and seeking to apply it throughout each day.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 10

~ Messiah Would Be a Blessing to Gentiles (2) ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture  

“And the Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?’” (Genesis 18:17-18).

The Messiah  

“The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’ So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Galatians 3:8-9).

“You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities” (Acts 3:25-26).

   

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

Pea Patch

~ Pay Attention to the P’s in Your Life ~   

Many are gardeners, others by necessity must spend time working with the soil—whether preparing the soil, watering, weeding or planting. In our daily lives we should also be consistent about cultivating our thoughts, watering good thoughts, weeding out other thoughts, and planting the Word of God. Consider a pea patch based on what the Word of God tells us. 

Pride  ~  Pride is a core root of all sin! The first sin in the Garden of Eden had a root of Pride—wanting to be like God—and so has every sin since. Pride easily enters our life regarding Possessions, Position, Power, and Prestige. Pride tends to cause us to be Picky about minor things with others and to become quite Petty. “First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall” (Proverbs 16:18, The Message). “If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind” (Proverbs 8:13, The Living Bible).

Perspective  ~  Perspective is critically important for the Christian. “Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude [perspective on life] that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to… He took the humble position… He humbled Himself in obedience to God. Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor” (Philippians 2:3-9, New Living Translation).

Prayer  ~  Praying on a regular basis is critical to a reduction in Pride, maintaining a Biblical Perspective, and allowing you to abide in Peace. With the Prayer of a righteous person comes Perseverance, Proper Priorities, Patience, a suitable People-orientation, Productivity, and perhaps most important great Passion to know Him better, for our families, and for the lost all around us. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, New International Version). “The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16b, The Living Bible).

Peace  ~  Perfect Peace is the result of reduced Pride, a Proper Perspective, and Purposeful Prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, New King James Version). “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3, New King James Version). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW