Messiah, 114

~ Messiah Was Sent By God ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed You from the house of the Lord” (Psalm 118:26).  “Blessed is the One who is coming, the One sent by the Lord. We bless You from the Temple” (Psalm 118:26, TLB). 

The Messiah  

“Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:9).  “Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!’” (Mark 11:9-10).  “Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: ‘“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” (Luke 19:37-38).  “The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The King of Israel!’” (John 12:12-13). 

~~~ 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

Is That In The Bible? 5

~ “This Too Shall Pass” ~

This posting is a response to a blog entitled “7 Things You Won’t Find in the Bible… I Dare You to Look.” I am taking that challenge! The fifth listed phrase was “This too shall pass.” I would agree that the phrase is not found in our English Bible—but what about the principle behind the phrase?

Words by themselves are meaningless—it is only when we attach meaning to the words that communication occurs. The principle behind this phrase can be found in the Bible, but the phrase can be heresy when different meanings are behind the words and the phrase. 

The author of that piece supported the position by quoting the following verse. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).  The blogger also said, “Trials and difficult circumstances are difficult to bear and one comfort that many have come to share with friends assailed by trouble is the saying: ‘This too shall pass.’ Though the possible origins of this saying are too many and varied to review in depth, one early reference comes from the Old English poem, Deor (c. AD 10th century).” 

Clearly the role of the Christian is to not sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate.  The Christian is to always be conscious of his role on earth as Christ’s ambassador and His second coming for His church.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

In summary, regardless of the situation in which a Christian finds himself, he can be confident that in the end all things will work out well. With regard to current difficult situations he can confidently rest in knowing that “this too shall pass.”

additional comment: Consider also that Jesus prayed for the situation to pass, “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will’” (Matthew 26:39). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

EXTRA: Gold Medal

~ “GOD LIGHT Sunlight Sonlight” – Wins 6th Award ~  

“GOD LIGHT: Sunlight Sonlight” by Robert Lloyd Russell has been named the Gold Medal Winner in the “Religion: Non-Fiction” category of the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards.

Russell’s latest book in the Christian Concepts Series received a perfect “5” score in all judging categories.  In summary, the reviewers stated: 

“This book is very well-written and formatted.  At the end of each chapter, the Sunlight—Sonlight parallels are explained, and there is a Think and Grow section with a few questions to answer.  ‘God Light’ could easily be used as a personal Bible study, or a study for small groups or Sunday school class.  Though there is a lot of information, on account of the way the book is written, it is easy to read and understand. Each chapter is pretty short so that it can be read and discussed in one sitting.  I highly recommend ‘God Light’ to help with any type of Bible study.” 

 

GOD LIGHT identifies fascinating parallels and contrasts between natural and spiritual light.  The author includes practical applications of both natural and spiritual light in his thought-provoking book.

GOD LIGHT has been awarded five previous awards.  Altogether the first three releases in Russell’s “Christian Concepts Series” have received 11 awards. 

More information about this award-winning book can be found at Infinity Publishing, Amazon, other retailers, as well on the author’s web page.  Robert Lloyd Russell lives in Washougal, Washington.

Best GPS

~ The Ultimate GPS ~

Overview  ~  I’ve found the best available GPS!  Consider some of its features:

*  It does not require batteries

*  It always maintains perfect accuracy

*  It does not require the use of functioning satellites 

*  It contains no software errors 

*  It will safely route you to your most important destination

*  It is the first and last GPS you will ever need

*  It will never be outdated

The best GPS is “God’s Plan of Salvation”!  Consider the Divine GPS 1) guidance system, 2) guarantee, 3) en-route benefits, and 4) the final destination.

Guidance System  ~  There are a number of ways to describe this wonderful GPS.  Here is a tried and true method.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23-24).  “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10b).  “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  “But as many as received Him [believed in God’s only Son—Jesus Christ], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).  “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  “Behold, I [Jesus Christ] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). 

Guarantee  ~  “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” [not “might be saved”] (Romans 10:13).  “God also has sealed us [those who have accepted His GPS] and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2 Corinthians 1:22). 

En-Route Benefits  ~  “I [Jesus Christ] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b).  “You [God] will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5). 

Final Destination  ~  “I [Jesus Christ] go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2b-3).  “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride [all true believers in Jesus Christ] adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.  God Himself will be with them and be their God.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’” (Revelation 21:2-4). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Jesus Christ Working For You

~ 3 Aspects of Jesus’ Working for Your Benefit ~

Suffering In Weakness For Your Benefit (as a Worm)  ~  “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed. But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people” (Psalm 22:3-6).

Guiding You Faithfully For Your Benefit (as a Shepherd)  ~  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake” (Psalm 23:1-3).

Reigning In Righteousness For Your Benefit (as our King)  ~  “Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:7-8). 

note:  A related post “Christ Our Shepherd” (October 19, 2010) also connects Psalm 22, 23, and 24.

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