Christ Rules Nature

~ “Even The Wind and The Waves Obey Him” ~

Principle From Scripture  ~  “O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord?  Your faithfulness also surrounds You.  You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them” (Psalm 89:8-9).  “But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with Him, and in My name his horn shall be exalted.  Also I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand over the rivers” (Psalm 89:24-25).  “Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.  For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea” (Psalm 107:23-25). 

Example 1  ~  “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.  And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.  Now when evening came, He was alone there.  But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.  Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out for fear.

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.’  And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  So He said, ‘Come.’  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’

“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:22-33, parallel passages are Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:15-21).

Thoughts  ~  (1) Jesus is aware of our struggles in this life.  At times it may seem He is unaware, but He always knows our situation!  (2) Sometimes He sends us into situations where He knows we will face difficult times—but it is always for our good.  In our future heavenly home we will understand His purposes with regard to our life on earth.  (3) If we keep strong faith, He will perform miracles through us. 

Example 2  ~  “When evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’  Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.  And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’  And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?’  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”(Mark 4:35-41, parallel passages are Matthew 8:23-27 and Luke 8:22-25). 

Thoughts  ~  (1) While our Savior was asleep in the boat He was fully aware of their struggles.  He came to them in their hour of need.  In the process they learned more fully how trustworthy He is.  We can be assured that He will not allow us to pass through waters more turbulent than we can endure and if we trust Him we will emerge stronger because of the experience.  “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).  (2) Scripture assures us that if we live the life the way our Lord desires that we live, we will see difficult times—but we can remain calm.  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  “You will keep him in perfect peace [regardless of circumstances], whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). 

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

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If you would prefer to copy this post, 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 (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

Messiah, 151

~ Messiah Would Be Righteous ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

Regarding the Messiah we read, “Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins” (Isaiah 11:5a). 

The Messiah  

“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!’ (Luke 23:44-47). 

The Messiah said, “I can of Myself do nothing.  As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30). 

~~~ 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

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, 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 (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

8 Images of a Christian

~ Word Pictures of the Effective Christian in 2 Timothy 2 ~

In this single chapter of the Scriptures we find five specific analogies of things to which an effective Christian is similar.  Then we have a passage of application of the qualities of those word pictures.  Finally we have three general analogies of an effective Christian.  In each of the eight images, or word pictures, there are characteristics which should be present in the life of a child of God.

Son  ~  “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (verse 1).  A son belongs to a family.  Key aspects of family relationships are affection and love.

Teacher  ~  “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (verse 2).  Teachers faithfully impart knowledge and wisdom.

Soldier  ~  “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (verses 3-4).  Soldiers speak of subjection to authority and endurance even in tough circumstances.

Athlete  ~  “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (verse 5).  An athlete must possess well-developed skills and follow the rules.

Farmer  ~  “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops” (verse 6).   Farmers are faithful and are compensated for their work.

application:  “Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.  Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.  Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.  If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.  If we deny Him, He also will deny us.  If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.  Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers” (verse 7-14).

Worker  ~  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.  And their message will spread like cancer.  Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.  Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity’” (verse 15-19).  Key characteristics of an effective worker are accuracy and diligence.

Vessel  ~  “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.  Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (verses 20-23).   There are good and bad vessels.  The Christian is encouraged to be a good conduit that is clean and ready for use.

Servant  ~  “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (verses 24-26).  Key qualities of an effective servant are humility and obedience.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, 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 (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

A Busy Chapter

~ An 8 “P” Outline of Acts 12 ~

The twelfth chapter of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles displays interesting interactions between a variety of individuals—which is a good picture of the early Christian church. 

Persecution of the Saints (Herod’s violence directed at the early believers)  ~  “Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.  Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.  And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also.  Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.  So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover” (verses 1-4). 

Prison for the Servant (Peter is released from prison after being incarcerated for his faith)  ~  “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.  And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.  Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, ‘Arise quickly!’  And his chains fell off his hands.  Then the angel said to him, ‘Gird yourself and tie on your sandals;’ and so he did.  And he said to him, ‘Put on your garment and follow me.’  So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.  When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.  And when Peter had come to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people’” (verses 5-11).

Prayer by the Church (in Mary’s home)  ~  “So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.  And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer.  When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.  But they said to her, ‘You are beside yourself!’  Yet she kept insisting that it was so.  So they said, ‘It is his angel.’  Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.  But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.  And he said, ‘Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.’ And he departed and went to another place” (verses 12-17).  

Preservation by the Lord (through His angels)  ~  “But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.  And he said, ‘Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.’  And he departed and went to another place.  Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.  But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.   And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.  Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.  So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.  And the people kept shouting, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!’  Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died” (verses 17-23, especially 17 & 23). 

Punishment by Herod (the guards sentenced to death)  ~  “Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.  But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.  And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there” (verses 18-19).

Progress of the Word (God’s power on display)  ~  “But the Word of God grew and multiplied” (verse 24). 

Pride and It’s Punishment (Herod gets his due)  ~  “So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.  And the people kept shouting, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!’  Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God.  And he was eaten by worms and died.  But the word of God grew and multiplied” (verses 21-24).

Perseverance by the Disciples (Barnabas and Saul specifically cited) ~  “And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark”( verse 25).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, 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 (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).