Christ Is…

~ Jesus Christ Meets All Our Needs—Consider The Implications ~

Christ Is The Savior Of Mankind (receive Him)  ~  “has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). 

Christ Is The Door (enter and be saved)  ~  “Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture’” (John 10:7-9). 

Christ Is The Way (walk in Him)  ~  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). 

Christ Is The Light Of The World (walk in the light)  ~  “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12). 

Christ Is The Bread Of Life (eat and be satisfied)  ~  “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst’” (John 6:35). 

Christ Is The Smitten Rock (drink of the living streams)  ~  “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink.  For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

Christ Is Our Peace (rest in Him)  ~  “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both [Jew and Gentile] one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:14).   

Christ Is Our Shepherd (listen to His voice)  ~  Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Christ Is Our Example (follow in His footsteps)  ~  Jesus said, “For I have given you an example [of serving others], that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).

Christ Is Our Priest (look up to Him)  ~  “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.  For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever” (Hebrews 7:26-28).

Christ Is Our Lord (obey Him)  ~  Jesus said, “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am” (John 13:13).  

Christ Is The King Of Kings (wait for His appearing)  ~  “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:  KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16).   

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

Messiah, 125

~ Messiah Would Be From Galilee ~

 “Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (Isaiah 9:1-2).

The Messiah 

“But when he [Joseph, with Mary and Jesus] heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene’” (Matthew 2:22-23). 

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned’” (Matthew 4:12-16).  “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15).  “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all” (Luke 4:14-15).

~~~ 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? 7

~ “Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child” ~

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 seventh (and last) listed phrase was “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” 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. 

Spare the rod and spoil the child  ~   The author of that piece supported his position by quoting the following verses. 

 (1) “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently” (Proverbs 13:24).   

(2) “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15).

(3) “Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol” (Proverbs 23:13-14).

(4) “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15). 

The principle of “spare the rod and spoil the child” is clearly implied by these verses. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

2 Banquets

~ John’s Gospel Opens And Ends With a Feast ~   

The Gospel of John opens with a wedding banquet in Cana of Galilee.  This was the start of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  John closes his Gospel account with a special banquet which included an anointing.  This time it was in the town of Bethany at the home of Mary and Martha.  Both events are pictures of something bigger.

The Start of John’s Gospel (A Wedding in Cana)  ~  This banquet occasion is the first recorded miracle of Jesus Christ where Mary came to her Son with an unusual request.  “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. … When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. … This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him” (John 2:1, 9, 11, read verses 1-12). 

don’t miss the big pictures:  1.  Not to be overlooked is that this scene is a picture of a future wedding at the marriage of Jesus Christ.  In a future day the Lamb of God will be united with His church in a great marriage feast. 

2.  Also note that Messiah’s first miracle was turning water into wine—Moses’ first miracle was turning water into blood.  What a contrast between the Law handed down through Moses versus “grace and truth” coming to us through the Savior.  “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

The End of John’s Gospel (Jesus at Bethany for supper)  ~  The scene is a dinner party for the Messiah at the home of three siblings: Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.  “Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.  There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him” (John 12:1-2, read through verse 8).  

don’t miss the big picture:  Lazarus had been raised from the dead (John 11) by the Messiah and is in full fellowship with his Savior.  In the future all Christians will be resurrected from the dead and will be in full fellowship with their Savior.  In the three individuals you have three pictures; 1. fellowship with Christ (Lazarus), 2. growing in knowledge of the Savior (Mary), and 3. serving our Lord (Martha).  All three elements are critical for effective Christian growth.

So what is your reaction?  Do you know the Messiah, the Savior—Jesus Christ?  Are you in communion with the One who died for you?  Are you growing in your knowledge of Him?  Are you serving Him?  If not, maybe you do not understand the continual abundance that is available through Him.  Your life on earth can be a never-ending abundant feast regardless of your circumstances.  

closing note:  In a prior post entitled “2 Priests” (May 7, 2013) we noted that the Gospel of Luke opens and closes with a priest.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Jesus Christ in 1 Kings

~ Jesus Christ is the Only Perfect King ~ 

The Bible is about Jesus Christ  ~  “Jesus said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke 24:25-27).

In the book of 1 Kings we see Jesus Christ as the only perfect King, the One who is the builder of God’s Temple, and the One who is “greater than Solomon” (Matthew 12:42).  He is the reigning sovereign One.

Remember that God promised to establish David’s lineage in perpetuity.  He also explained to David that his offspring would build a house for Him (2 Samuel 7:11-16).  The Biblical account shows that Solomon built that temple.  In the next book, 2 Kings, we find Solomon’s temple has been destroyed. 

Today, Jesus Christ is building His temple that will last throughout eternity.  “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22). 

Comment  ~  We have only touched the surface of Christ in 1 Kings. Much more could be said about each of the previous examples.

additional comment: The book of 1 Kings is quoted in the New Testament.  Romans 11:3-4 quotes parts of 1 Kings 19:10-18.

The Apostle Paul told us the Scriptures present many shadows of things to come but the reality is found in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:17). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “JESUS CHRIST IN EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE” SERIES ~~~   

(1)  Approximately once a month ALN posts an overview of how Jesus Christ is seen in a specific book of the Bible.

(2)  In most cases these posts only scratch the surface regarding Jesus Christ in the particular book.

(3)  These posts will typically be in the same order as the books are found in the Bible.

(4)  These serial posts are in addition to our other ALN postings.

(5)  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

Messiah, 124

~ Messiah Would Be A Stumbling Stone ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 8:14).

The Messiah  

“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame’” (Romans 9:30-33).  “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,’ and ‘A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.’  They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed” (1 Peter 2:7-8). 

~~~ 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