Some Roles of Christ

~ Jesus Christ as Seen Throughout Hebrews ~

The Sin Cleanser  ~  “Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).  

The Son of Man  ~  “‘What is man that You are mindful of Him, or the Son of Man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set Him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’ For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under Him. But now we do not yet see all things put under Him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:6b-9).

The Victor / Deliverer  ~   “That through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14b-15).

The Apostle  ~   “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house” (Hebrews 3:1-2).

Our High Priest  ~  “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man” (Hebrews 8:1-2). 

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20). 

Our Guarantee  ~  “‘The Lord has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek,”’ by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant” (Hebrews 7:21b-22). 

Our Great High Priest  ~  “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

Our Way Into The Holiest  ~  “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

The Coming One  ~  “After you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:36-37).

The Author and Completer of Our Faith  ~  “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). 

Our Mediator  ~  “Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant” (Hebrews 12:24a).   

Our Sanctifier  ~  “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood” (Hebrews 13:12a).   

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, 115

~ Messiah Would Be a Descendant of David, 6 ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“The Lord has sworn in truth to David; He will not turn from it: ‘I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body’” (Psalm 132:11). 

The Messiah  

“ While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, ‘What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?’ They said to Him, ‘The Son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How then does David in the Spirit call Him “Lord,” saying: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’?” If David then calls Him “Lord,” how is He his Son?’ And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore” (Matthew 22:41-46).   “Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, ‘How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’  Therefore David himself calls Him “Lord;” how is He then his Son?’ And the common people heard Him gladly” (Mark 12:35-37).   “Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: ‘Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David” (Luke 1:67-69).   “And He [Jesus Christ] said to them, ‘How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool. Therefore David calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son’”?’” (Luke 20:41-44).   “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” (John 7:42). 

~~~ 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.

Quote: Intimacy

~ Do You Have Intimacy With Jesus Christ? ~

You can learn from breakfast!  

The following is an excerpt from a book.

Intimacy and Lordship do not result from a casual involvement. They require commitment. People sometimes confuse the ideas of involvement with commitment.

There is an old story about a preacher who was once asked about the difference between involvement and commitment. He thought for a minute and then asked the questioner what he had eaten for breakfast. “Why, bacon and eggs,” came the reply. “That’s the difference!” the preacher replied. Noticing the confused look on the man’s face the preacher continued, “The chicken was involved with your breakfast, but the pig was committed!” 

Paul tells us, “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). The original word translated “good” relates to that which is morally good in relation to God. The word “acceptable” carries the connotation of an on-going lifestyle that is pleasing to God. “Perfect” involves a mature attitude—taking the grown-up action in life’s decision points. The opposite is to think and act immaturely, like a small child.

In essence Paul is telling you that as your mind is in the process of being renewed by Scripture, you are being equipped to figure out for yourself what the will of God is for you in the various life situations which you face. That is a great Biblical concept!

~ from “THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH: Understanding God’s Will for You” by Robert Lloyd Russell, pg 96 (ISBN: 9781606474303)

Learn more about this important book at Amazon, the Publisher, or the Author’s website. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

The 3C/3S Gospel

~ Converted/Saved, Consecrated/Separated, Commissioned/Sent ~

Saved by the Gospel   ~  “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but 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, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:8-12).

Conversion  ~  This salvation – new birth – born from above – born again experience is also termed “conversion.” We have been converted from darkness to light, from children of the first Adam to children of the second Adam—Jesus Christ. We are changed into a new creation and all things are becoming new (2 Corinthians 5:17) through the process of transformation or metamorphism (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

Separated to the Gospel  ~  “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God  which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name”  (Romans 1:1-5).

Consecration  ~  After conversion we are to be separate from the world system (John 15:19, 17:14-16), to live in the world but not be a part of the world’s system since we now are pilgrims passing through rather than tourists—we are His ambassadors (Ephesians 6:20).

Sent with the Gospel  ~  “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit [Barnabas and Saul], they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant” (Acts 13:4-5).

Commission  ~  Conversion and consecration result in following our commission. We are sent out to a needy world in a similar way that the Son of God was sent (John 20:21) and we are all His witnesses (Matthew 28:18-20).

How about you? Can you add other C/S combinations? What has been your experience? Have you experienced conversion? Are living a consecrated life? Are you fulfilling your commission?

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Jesus Christ Among Men

~ 7 Activities Of Jesus Christ ~

Hearing Among The Teachers  ~  “His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;  but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously’” (Luke 2:41-48). 

Suffering On The Cross  ~  “And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center” (John 19:17-18). 

Comforting The Disciples  ~  “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’  And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ …  And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him,  ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:19-22, 26-29).

Gathering In The Assembly  ~  “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19-20). 

Judging Among The Churches  ~  “I [John] was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying,  “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea” (Revelation 1:10-11 and the following chapters 2-3). 

Singing In Glory  ~  “Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.’ And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:27-30).

Reigning On The Throne  ~  “Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne” (Revelation 5:6-7 NLT). “No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and His servants will worship Him” (Revelation 22:3-4 NLT).

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