Saturday, August 18, 2012

Messiah, 59


~ Messiah Would Declare God’s Name ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”
— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture
“I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the congregation I will praise You” (Psalm 22:22).   

The Messiah  
For it was fitting for Him [Jesus Christ], for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.’ And again:I will put My trust in Him.’ And again:Here am I and the children whom God has given Me’ (Hebrews 2:10-13).

~~~ 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.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A Bunch of No Names


~ Exalt the Name Above All Names ~

A good friend once told me that Christians are just a bunch of no names trying to “exalt the name which is above all names.” Another friend has said that we should consider ourselves as “little people doing little things in a fine way for a great God.” Jim Elliot, a martyred missionary, once described Christians as “a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody.”

Do you ever wonder about the little people who…
...influenced Hudson Taylor enough to cause him to sell out to Jesus Christ?
…led Billy Graham to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?
…had a spiritual influence on Dwight L. Moody?
…spoke to Billy Sunday about his need for Jesus Christ?
…paved the way for the Prince of Preachers—Charles Haddon Spurgeon?
…taught a young Martin Luther about Jesus Christ?
…helped develop the compassion, faith, and vision of George Muller?

Sometimes I wonder who will receive the greater reward in heaven. Will it be the public figure who is utilizing great God-given gifts in a public way for His glory? Or will it be the Christian in the background faithfully exercising the role in which God has placed them, carrying out their role in the progress and success of another. Some examples…
…the prayer warrior in the closet (Matthew 6:6).
…the faithful Sunday School teacher.
…the camp counselor faithfully working with young campers.
…the Godly parent.
…the encourager in a local church.
…the one who gives of their time, talent, or treasure to “one of the least of these” (Matthew 25:31-46).
…the financial supporter of a missionary.
…the care-giver showing compassion and God’s love to those who desperately need a glimpse of Jesus Christ.

application:  Are you content to bloom where God has planted you? Are you faithful in the function of His body you are responsible for? Has God blessed you with talent, abilities, and spiritual gifts? “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Jesus Christ, 9


~ Jesus Christ the Deliverer ~

There are many short descriptions which summarize the content of the Bible. One phrase is a Book of Deliverance.

God is The God of Deliverance  ~  And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me [The Messiah—Jesus Christ], because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord’” (Luke 4:17-19).

Jesus Christ Will Deliver His People Israel  ~  And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins’” (Romans 11:26-27).

Jesus Christ Will Deliver His Church  ~  To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life” (Luke 1:74-75). Jesus Christ delivers His people from many things. Have you thought about the many ways you have been delivered because of your faith in Jesus Christ? Consider a few. 

Jesus Christ Delivers Us From the Curse of the Law“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:6). “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God” (Galatians 2:19). 

Jesus Christ Delivers Us From the Present World“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Galatians 1:3-5). “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:14).

Jesus Christ Delivers Us From the Power of Evil“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra — what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Timothy 3:10-11). “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Timothy 4:17-18). “And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren’” (Luke 22:31-32).

Jesus Christ Delivers Us From the Presence of Sin“The creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3). 

Jesus Christ Delivers Us From the Wrath to Come“For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Jesus Christ Delivers Us From the Lowest Hell“For a fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell; it shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains” (Deuteronomy 32:22). “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.  According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; the coastlands He will fully repay. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:16-19).

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

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Messiah, 58


~ Messiah’s Clothing Would Be Gambled Away ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”
— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture
They divide My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing” (Psalm 22:18). 

The Messiah  
“Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots’” (Matthew 27:35).

And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take” (Mark 15:24).

Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’
And they divided His garments and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).

“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,’ that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.’ Therefore the soldiers did these things” (John 19:23-24).

~~~ 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.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Never Be Discouraged!


~ 20 Cans of Spiritual Success ~

Someone has said that “success comes in cans and failure in cannots.” Consider for example the following 20 cans of spiritual success. 

The “20 Cans of Spiritual Success” taken from God’s Word will expand your knowledge of the object of our faith, the Almighty God. Building your faith by internalizing these truths will help lift you from the miry clay of the “cannots” to the reality that in Christ you can do all things—because He will strengthen you.  

NOTE:  The source of the original list of Bible “cans” is unknown.

1.  Why should I say I can’t when the Bible says “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)? 

2.  Why should I lack when I know that “God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)?

3.  Why should I fear when the Bible says “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)? 

4.  Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling, knowing that God has allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)? 

5.  Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1, Daniel 11:32)? 

6.  Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when “He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4)? 

7.  Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that “God always leads me in triumph” (2 Corinthians 2:14)?

8.  Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30, James 1:5)? 

9.  Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God’s loving kindness, compassion, and faithfulness, and have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)? 

10.  Why should I worry and fret when I can “cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me” (1 Peter 5:7)? 

11.  Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that “there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is” (2 Corinthians 3:17)?

12.  Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)? 

13.  Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)? 

14.  Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14)?

15.  Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?

16.  Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)?

17.  Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?

18.  Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:33, 2:12)?

19.  Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?

20.  Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?

“I do believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Messiah, 57


~ Onlookers Stared at Messiah ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”
— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture
They look and stare at Me” (Psalm 22:17b).

The Messiah  
And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God’” (Luke 23:35).

~~~ 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.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW