July 25, 2022

Crossing the Terminator by Gary Rose

Crossing the Terminator by Gary Rose

 

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap010428.html



Three Dog Night and “Black and White”

 

I was a young man with three pre-school age children in 1971 and I loved “Rock and Roll” music. I just accepted the melodies I heard as “normal”, but didn’t really appreciate the music for what it was- simply wonderful! Yesterday, I was listening to YouTube videos and then a Three Dog Night song ( Black and White ) began playing. Now, I hadn't heard this in years, but I enjoyed it so much that I played it over and over again.


Later that day, I remembered a picture of the moon showing the terminator ( the point where darkness becomes light ) and thought about how individuals turn from sin to God is similar to crossing the terminator from darkness to light.


The Bible says...


John 8:12 ( World English Bible )

12 Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” note: see also John 9:5


Acts 26 ( WEB )

1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.

2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you this day concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

4 “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

5 having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

7 which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!

8 Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead?

9 “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 This I also did in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

11 Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

12 “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

14 When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

15 “I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

16 But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you;

17 delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,

18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’


Luke 15 ( WEB )

11 He said, “A certain man had two sons.

12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ He divided his livelihood between them.

13 Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living.

14 When he had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need.

15 He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

16 He wanted to fill his belly with the husks that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any.

17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger!

18 I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.

19 I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.”’

20 “He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

23 Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate;

24 for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ They began to celebrate.


God is the light of the world and we understand that light best as exhibited by the son of God, Jesus. And what does light do? Guides us, prevents our stumbling, helps us see the right way to live our lives. While in this world, Jesus gave us a perfect example of how to live, how to follow the heavenly light which leads us to God and helps us truly live.


Many people actually enjoy living in darkness; doing whatever they like and think this is genuine living; they are wrong. The apostle Paul was a perfect example of this and then he came to his own personal terminator ( point a which darkness and light intersect ). The heavenly vision began a change that completely changed him from a persecutor of “The Way” to one of its most prominent advocates. The “Prodigal son’s” terminator was when he realized how foolish and futile his hedonistic life style was and returned to his family in humility. Two different stories, but both with a change, a change from darkness to light.


I wonder, what event in your life will cause you to realize that you genuinely need the light that only God can supply. When you eventually reach this point, things will become crystal clear, as clear a Black and White. I pray that you never cross the terminator in the wrong direction; stay in the light!


"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" The Practice Of Prayer by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_04.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

The Practice Of Prayer

INTRODUCTION
  1. In our previous lesson, we discussed Principles Of Prayer, such as:
    1. Characteristics of acceptable prayer
    2. Obstacles to prayer
    3. Answers to prayer
  2. With a desire to encourage disciples of Jesus to more diligent praying, this lesson will offer suggestions as to The Practice Of Prayer...
  1. WHEN SHOULD WE PRAY?
    1. HAVING "SET TIMES" TO PRAY CAN HELP TO CREATE THE HABIT OF PRAYING...
      1. For example, consider the practice of:
        1. David, whom God described as "a man after My own heart" - Ps 55:17
        2. Daniel, whom the angel of God described as "O man greatly beloved" - Dan 6:10
      2. These great men of God made it a habit to pray at set times throughout the day; we would do well to imitate their example
      3. At the very least...
        1. Find some time each day to be alone with God in prayer
          1. Early morning may be best for some
          2. Others might find it easier to be alone late at night
        2. Make it a special time to be alone with your Heavenly Father!
    2. YET PRAYERS SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO "SET TIMES"...
      1. Special needs call for special times of praying
      2. Consider the examples of:
        1. Jesus, praying on important occasions - Lk 6:12-13
        2. Paul, praying in trying circumstances - Ac 16:25
        3. Nehemiah - praying on the spur of the moment - Neh 2:4-5
    3. THE GOAL IS TO "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING" - 1Th 5:17
      1. Having "set times" will help develop the experience in praying
      2. Praying "spontaneously" as needs arise will develop the disposition to pray in every circumstance (i.e., "without ceasing")
  2. WITH WHOM SHOULD WE PRAY?
    1. JESUS EXHORTED US TO PRAY "IN SECRET" - Mt 6:5-6
      1. Private prayer should occupy the largest portion of our total life of prayer
      2. Consider the value of "secret prayer":
        1. It forms a close union, communion and fellowship with God (it is just you and Him!)
        2. It is a true test of your sincerity and devotion
          1. You certainly are not doing it to please men (they can't see you)
          2. You can't be trying to falsely impress God (He will see right through you)
        3. Your Father will reward you "openly" - Mt 6:6
        -- Therefore, "private prayer" should be a priority!
    2. JESUS ALSO SPOKE OF PRAYING WITH "TWO OR THREE" - Mt 18:19-20
      1. The early Christians prayed together often...
        1. In times of trouble - Ac 4:23-24; 12:5,12; 16:25
        2. In times of departure - Ac 20:36; 21:5
      2. A sweetness of fellowship and sense of strength comes when God's people pray together
      -- Therefore, "praying with others" should be done as often as possible
  3. HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?
    1. JESUS TAUGHT HOW TO PRAY - Lk 11:1-4
      1. The "Lord's Prayer", as it is commonly called, is a model, a guide for learning how to pray
      2. A careful examination of this prayer reveals that proper prayer includes:
        1. To "whom" we should pray ("Our Father in heaven")
        2. Praising God ("Hallowed be Your Name")
        3. Supplication
          1. For God's purposes ("Your kingdom come. Your will be done...")
          2. For our physical needs ("Give us this day our daily bread")
          3. For our spiritual needs ("Forgive us our sins...")
          4. For spiritual needs of others ("For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us")
      3. He also stressed the importance of simplicity in our prayers - Mt 6:7-8
    2. A HELPFUL ACROSTIC IN LEARNING TO PRAY IS "A-C-T-S"
      1. A = ADORATION
        1. I.e., praising God
        2. A good example of this is found in 1Ch 29:10-13
        3. Spending time in sincere praise of God's greatness will help put us in the proper spirit of humility
      2. C = CONFESSION
        1. I.e., acknowledging our sins before God
        2. When we understand how sin can break the fellowship we have with God, we naturally desire its quick remission
        3. Fortunately, as Christians we can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus as we confess our sins - 1Jn 1:9
      3. T = THANKSGIVING
        1. An important part of prayer, even those in which we are making requests - Php 4:6
        2. The benefits of giving thanks are many:
          1. Causes us to acknowledge God's existence, love, and care
          2. Reminds us of His goodness
          3. Helps to shift our focus from what we don't have to what we do have
        3. The kind of things to be thankful for:
          1. Things we can see in our lives...
            1. Health
            2. Family and friends
            3. God's guidance, answers to previous prayers
          2. Things we may not be able to see...
            1. Our adoption as His children
            2. The forgiveness of sins
            3. The hope of eternal life
            4. The assurance of His continued presence
        4. God's people have every reason to be thankful, and to be known for "abounding in thanksgiving" - Col 1:12; 2:7; 3:15; 4:2
      4. S = SUPPLICATION
        1. I.e., making requests of God - Php 4:6
        2. If we are faithful in including the first three (adoration, confession, thanksgiving), this last will prevent prayer from being simply a spiritual "shopping list"
        3. When we broaden our requests to include others, we enter into one of the most noble realms of prayer: intercession
          1. Something which God wants us to do - 1Ti 2:1
          2. Examples of whom we can pray for are given in the next section...
    3. FOR WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY?
      1. IN THE SCRIPTURES, GOD INDICATES THAT HE WISHES US TO PRAY FOR:
        1. Self
          1. For physical daily needs - Mt 6:11
          2. For personal growth in Christlikeness and devotion to God - Col 1:9-12
        2. Family
          1. For spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.
          2. For their nurture and growth in the teaching of the Lord - Ep 6:4
        3. Community
          1. For peace to prevail
          2. E.g., Jer 29:7
        4. Church
          1. For love and unity to prevail - Jn 13:35; 17:20-21
          2. For the spiritual growth of each member - Php 1:9-11
          3. For the gospel to have free course - 2Th 3:1
        5. Nation
          1. For national repentance and consciousness of who God is - Psa 33:12; Pr 14:34
          2. For leaders to rule wisely - 1Ti 2:2
        6. Nonbelievers
          1. For their salvation - Ro 10:1
          2. For the effort of those involved in teaching them - Ep 6:18-20
        7. The sick
          1. For their restoration to health - Jm 5:14-15
          2. For spiritual strength and peace of mind - Jm 5:16
        8. The poor and oppressed
          1. Such as the homeless, fatherless, unborn children - Pr 29:7
          2. Those in other nations oppressed by their own rulers or outside influences
      2. IT MIGHT HELP TO HAVE A "PRAYER STRATEGY"...
        1. On Monday - Family
          1. Pray for both immediate and extended family members
          2. For both their physical and spiritual well-being
        2. On Tuesday - Church
          1. For members in the local congregation
          2. For Christians and congregations throughout the world
        3. On Wednesday - Community
          1. For community leaders
          2. For your neighbors
        4. On Thursday - Nation
          1. For elected officials
          2. For efforts to bring peace and righteousness
        5. On Friday - World
          1. For world peace
          2. For nations that are "closed" to the gospel
        6. On Saturday - Afflicted
          1. For the poor, homeless, jobless
          2. For those in prison
          3. For those who are sick
          4. For widows, single mothers, fatherless children
    CONCLUSION
    1. These are simply suggestions, to help us see that there is much we can be praying for; other suggestions could include:
      1. A "daily prayer strategy" (morning-family; noon-church; evening-community)
      2. When praying for the nation and the world, pray about the events described in the newspaper
      3. Keeping a "list" or "journal" of those for whom you are praying
    2. The important thing is to PRAY, and to do so:
      1. "always"
      2. "in everything"
      3. "earnestly"
      4. "being vigilant"
      5. "without ceasing"
    3. I hope these last two lessons will encourage us to be more diligent in utilizing this wonderful privilege of prayer!
    SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...
    1. Do you spend time each day in prayer to God?
    2. Do you find prayer an easy or difficult activity?
    3. Do you pray with other people at times other than before meals, in Bible classes, or in the assembly?
    4. Do your prayers include the needs of others, or just your own concerns?
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" Studying The Bible by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_05.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

Studying The Bible

INTRODUCTION
  1. An important element involved in our walk with God is BIBLE STUDY
  2. Some new Christians find difficulty getting started in this area
  3. But this is an important duty, one which the Bible emphasizes - Ac 2:42; 1Pe 2:2
  1. WHY BIBLE STUDY IS IMPORTANT
    1. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "SANCTIFICATION"...
      1. "Sanctification" means "to set apart"; as used in the Bible, to set apart for God's purpose
      2. The Word of God is the means by which God does this...
        1. As praised by David in his psalm - Ps 19:7-11
        2. As mentioned in the prayer of Jesus - Jn 17:17
        -- IF WE ARE GOING TO BE USEFUL TO GOD, THEN WE NEED TO STUDY HIS WORD!
    2. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "PRESERVATION"...
      1. A lack of knowledge has always destroyed the people of God - Ho 4:6
      2. But the YOUNG can keep their ways pure by the Word of God - Ps 119:9
      3. And the ELDERS were exhorted to keep the church by the Word - Ac 20:28-32
      -- ONE OF THE FIRST STEPS TOWARD BACKSLIDING IS TO NEGLECT GOD'S WORD!
    3. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "SALVATION" AND "CONDEMNATION"...
      1. Received properly, it can save our souls! - Jm 1:21
      2. It will be the standard by which we will be judged - Jn 12:48

      [Will the Word save us, or will it condemn us? Careful study and application of the Bible will make the difference!]

  2. WHY BIBLE STUDY IS OFTEN NEGLECTED
    1. SOME PEOPLE JUST "TAKE THE PREACHER'S WORD"...
      1. For this reason, they do not study for themselves
      2. Most preachers are good men, but they can still be wrong - Ac 18:24-26
      3. It is our responsibility to "test the spirits" (1Jn 4:1-2), and to be able to identify "false apostles" (2Co 11:13-15)
    2. SOME PEOPLE SAY "THEY CAN'T GET ANYTHING OUT OF THE BIBLE"...
      1. This may be because they read it so little, or because they do not know how to go about studying it
      2. Often it is because they do not use a modern English translation
      3. Most have simply made little effort to understand it
      4. Yet Paul assumed that people could understand it if they read it - cf. Ep 3:3-4
    3. SOME PEOPLE SAY "THEY DON'T HAVE THE TIME"...
      1. People who DO study are busy too, but they leave off things that are less important
      2. As Jesus commanded, we must put the things of the kingdom of God FIRST - Mt 6:33

      [There is really no excuse for neglecting the Word of God. In view of its importance, we would be foolish to do so.

      But how shall one study the Word of God? There are several different approaches...]

  3. METHODS OF BIBLE STUDY
    1. THE "PLANNED-LESSON" METHOD...
      1. "A Closer Walk With God" is an example of this method
      2. Someone prepares lessons on a subject, then it is studied in a class or at home
      3. This is a good way to study, but one's study should not be limited to this method
    2. THE "SUBJECT" METHOD...
      1. This involves selecting some subject (e.g., "baptism"), then collecting and studying each passage in the Bible on the subject
      2. This method has its advantages, but it can be easy to take things out of context and draw the wrong conclusion
    3. THE "BOOK" METHOD...
      1. This consists of an intensive study of a single book of the Bible
      2. Since the Bible was written a book at a time, this is probably the best way to study the Bible
      3. DAILY BIBLE READING programs can very easily utilize this approach to the Scriptures
        1. E.g., following a program to read through the entire Bible each year
        2. E.g., taking a chapter each week to read and study daily, you can cover the New Testament in depth over a five year period
        -- Doing both of these will give a person an OVERALL under- standing of the Bible and an INDEPTH understanding of the New Testament

      [To get more out of the studying you do...]

  4. SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR BIBLE STUDY
    1. SET A REGULAR TIME...
      1. Regularity is a key to success, so set aside some regular time for study
        1. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night, after the children are in bed
        2. For "morning larks", early morning before the children arise might be better
      2. Family study is a good practice, but each person needs also to have a regular time in which he or she can come face to face with God's message ALONE
    2. PRAY AS YOU STUDY...
      1. Begin your study with prayer - cf. Ps 119:18
      2. As you study, ask God for the wisdom and strength to understand and obey His Word - cf. Ps 119:5,6
      3. End your study with prayer - cf. Ps 119:10-11
    3. UTILIZE VARIOUS HELPS...
      1. TRANSLATIONS
        1. Using various translations can help make understanding the Bible easier
        2. The more reliable translations are:
          1. King James Version (a classic, but somewhat archaic)
          2. New King James Version (my personal choice)
          3. American Standard Version (most literal, but hard to read)
          4. New American Standard Version (a wordy update to the ASV)
        3. Some translations that are easy to read can be used as references (e.g., New International Version)
        4. One should not put much stock in versions translated...
          1. By one man (e.g., The Living Bible)
          2. By individuals from one denominational background (e.g., The New World Translation)
      2. DICTIONARIES
        1. Not knowing the meaning of words is the most common cause for not understanding the Bible
        2. An ordinary English dictionary can be used, but there are special Bible dictionaries that are more useful and accurate
        3. A good one is "Vine's Expository Dictionary"
      3. CONCORDANCE
        1. This useful work contains words in alphabetical order along with a list of verses in the Bible where they are found
        2. It can be a great time saver in finding verses based on a given subject
        3. If possible, use a concordance based upon the translation you use
      4. ENCYCLOPEDIAS
        1. This type of reference gives detailed articles on the people, places, and things mentioned in the Bible
        2. Two good sets are:
          1. Zondervan's Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible
          2. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
      5. COMMENTARIES
        1. These are books written by scholars commenting on various books of the Bible
          1. One must be careful, as these scholars are not inspired and are subject to mistakes
          2. But their insights and the fruit of their own study can be helpful
        2. It might be good to ask mature Christians what commentaries they can recommend
      6. These and other reference helps are often found in church libraries and may be available for your use; in time, you should gradually develop your own library of Bible study aids
CONCLUSION
  1. Such aids can be a great help, but make sure that the conclusions you draw are based upon your own careful study of God's Word!
  2. What is most important is that we are engaged in some sort of consistent, systematic study of the Bible so that we are ever being blessed by the Word of God!
SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...
  1. How long do you study the Bible daily?
  2. Do you study the class lessons at home (when available) that you have in church?
  3. If you are not doing so now, are you willing to spend 15-30 minutes daily in Bible study?
  4. What's your biggest problem in studying?
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" The Joy Of Singing by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_06.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

The Joy Of Singing

INTRODUCTION
  1. Another important element of our walk with God is the act of singing praises...
    1. We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this activity
    2. It also has a place in our private devotions to God
    -- And rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great spiritual benefits to those who engage in it properly
  2. It is clear that those who walked with God in Old Testament times delighted in singing - cf. Ps 146:1-2
  3. Christians were taught to respond to the goodness of God in a similar way - Jm 5:13
  4. But there are indications in many churches which cause me to wonder if some have lost the joy of singing
    1. Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion
    2. Some go one step further, and do not sing at all!
    3. I have personally known Christians, who...
      1. Complained because time available for classes was taken up by the singing of a few hymns
      2. Will not attend a worship service if they know it will be devoted primarily to singing
    4. In contrast, it was common in the past for people to travel some distance to attend a service devoted to praising God in song
  5. WHY DO SUCH CONDITIONS EXIST? I suspect it may be a failure to appreciate:
    1. The true purpose of singing
    2. How we can get more out of singing

[In an effort to assure that we will experience the JOY of singing, let's first examine...]

  1. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING
    1. TO PRAISE THE LORD - Ac 16:25
      1. This is the most popular concept of the purpose of singing
        1. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word "HYMN"
        2. Which comes from the Greek word HUMNOS, meaning "a song in praise of"
      2. Praising God should be "a natural" for Christians!
        1. For if David in the Old Testament reacted this way to the blessings God gave him ... - Ps 28:6-7
        2. How much more should we!
      3. In fact, singing is one of the "spiritual sacrifices" that we are to offer to God - He 13:15
        1. As "spiritual priests" we are to offer up "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God" - 1Pe 2:5
        2. If we are not careful, we might be guilty of offering "defiled" service to God as was the case in Malachi's day!
          - cf. Mal 1:7-8, 12-13
    2. TO TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER - Col 3:16; Ep 5:19
      1. Our singing is not just directed toward God...
        1. Certainly, many songs are
        2. But many of the songs are directed to each other
      2. That's because many songs are designed to teach one another
        1. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, enjoying the blessings of the Christian life
        2. It might even be said that "congregational singing" is often "congregational teaching"!
        3. Thus singing is a way that we can encourage our brethren and ourselves as well!

        [When done properly, singing can be a wonderful blessing; but how can we get the most out of singing?]

  2. GETTING MORE OF OUR SINGING
    1. WE MUST ENGAGE THE "MIND" AS WE SING...
      1. Remember, singing is "teaching and admonishing one another"
        1. This assumes that we UNDERSTAND what we sing
        2. We must be careful that our enjoyment of singing is not like the way many people enjoy their popular music (liking the music without necessarily understanding the words)
      2. Therefore, give careful attention to the WORDS of the song
    2. WE MUST ALSO ENGAGE THE "HEART" AS WE SING...
      1. When we sing, we must do so...
        1. "with grace in our hearts" - Col 3:16
        2. "making melody in your heart" - Ep 5:19
      2. This assumes that we involve our EMOTIONS as we sing!
      3. To sing without emotion (without grace in our hearts)...
        1. Will be evident in our countenances! - Pr 15:13
        2. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! - Mt 15:7-8

        [So as we sing, do so with BOTH the emotions of the heart and the understanding of the mind. In a further effort to assure that we experience the "joy of singing", consider some...]

  3. QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE YOUR SINGING
    1. DO YOU LIMIT THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING?
      1. Is your singing limited just to the public assemblies?
      2. Or do you utilize opportunities to sing at other times with others, or even alone?
      3. Singing, like prayer, ought to be spontaneous, arising whenever the circumstances call for it - cf. Ac 16:25; Ps 34:1-3
    2. IS THERE LACK OF EMOTION IN YOUR SINGING?
      1. Remember, singing is to involve the HEART
      2. And not with just "some" heart, but as in all that we do for the Lord, with "all" our hearts! - Mt 22:37
      3. When it comes time to praise the Lord, it should not be done "half-heartedly"
        1. Remember Mt 15:7-9
        2. "It is a great sign of mediocrity to praise always moderately." - Vauvenargues
      4. Not all may be talented in voice, but all can and should bless the Lord with their "whole being"! - Ps 103:1
    3. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SINGING?
      1. Again, singing must also involve the MIND
      2. Some songs, though sounding beautiful, can be so complicated as to hinder understanding
        1. E.g., the musical arrangement can be such that one spends more time concentrating on the notes rather than the words
        2. E.g., the pace of the song can be so fast that we don't absorb the meaning of the words
        3. E.g., the words used may be unusual and not understood by the average singer
      3. Song leaders can perform a valuable service by being careful in the songs they select to lead
        1. Carefully introducing songs that may be new to the congre- gation
        2. Taking a moment to explain the meaning of the song or unusual words in it
      4. But the ultimate responsibility falls on us who sing, so we should make every effort to understand what we are singing
    4. DO YOU STRESS MUSICAL HARMONY TO THE DETRIMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT SINGING?
      1. Fortunately, God stresses making melody in our hearts over making harmony with our voices
      2. In a natural desire to offer beautiful praise, do you discourage those who might not have trained voices but still love to praise God with their whole being?
      3. I have occasionally seen some Christians give a criticizing look at others who sang "off key"
      4. But the emphasis should be on praising God in heart and mind, and not how it may sound to the human ear!
    5. DO YOU HINDER YOUR OWN SINGING BY WHERE YOU SIT?
      1. Sitting alone or spread out naturally discourages many from singing as they otherwise might
      2. People become more involved, are more uplifted, edify others better, when they sit together and close to the song leader
      3. One of the first steps to better singing is to sit with others who love to sing!
CONCLUSION
  1. Have we lost the joy of singing?
  2. I believe that if we could see ourselves as song leaders do, we might be constrained to say "yes"!
  3. I hope that by reminding ourselves of the purpose of singing and how to get more out of it, we might rekindle this act of worship which can do so much for our walk with God!
  4. May David's attitude, a man after God's own heart, describe our own:
    "I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."
           - Ps 104:33
    "Praise the Lord!
    For it is good to sing praises to our God;
    For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful."
           - Ps 147:1
SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...
  1. Which is more important when we sing, how we sound or how we feel?
  2. Are we really teaching and admonishing one another in song if we just whisper or mouth the words?
  3. Do we sing because we are happy, or are we happy because we sing?
  4. Do you sing praises to God by yourself throughout the week?
  5. Does your family ever sing spiritual songs together (e.g., while traveling in the car)?
  6. Which is more unscriptural, singing with mechanical instruments, or singing without engaging the instrument of the heart?
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_07.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ

INTRODUCTION
  1. An important element in having a closer walk with God is fulfilling the command given by the apostle Peter in 2Pe 3:18
    1. What does it mean to "grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"?
    2. How can we be sure that we are growing in this "knowledge"?
  2. Peter has defined what is meant to grow in the knowledge of Christ, and his definition is found in 2Pe 1:2-11
  3. In this lesson, we shall:
    1. Look more closely at what is involved in "Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ"
    2. Consider reasons why we should desire to grow in this "knowledge"
  1. WHAT "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" INVOLVES
    1. FIRST, IT INVOLVES THE DEVELOPMENT OF EIGHT "GRACES"...
      1. These "graces" are listed in 2Pe 1:5-7
      2. Briefly defined...
        1. FAITH is "conviction, strong assurance"
        2. VIRTUE is "moral excellence, goodness"
        3. KNOWLEDGE is "correct insight"
        4. SELF-CONTROL is "self-discipline"
        5. PERSEVERANCE is "bearing up under trials"
        6. GODLINESS is "godly character out of devotion to God"
        7. BROTHERLY KINDNESS is "love toward brethren"
        8. LOVE is "active goodwill toward those in need"
      3. Notice carefully 2Pe 1:8
        1. We must "abound" in these eight "graces"
        2. Only then can it be said that we are "growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ"
      4. Therefore we are discussing something more than simply increasing our "intellectual" knowledge of Jesus Christ!
        1. Though such knowledge has a place, it is just one of the graces necessary
        2. Peter is talking about growing in a FULLER AND MORE PERSONAL knowledge of Jesus Christ!
          1. Which comes by developing the "Christ-like" attributes defined above
          2. The more we grow in these "graces", the more we really "know" Jesus (for He is the perfect personification of these "graces")
      5. That it involves more than intellectual knowledge is also evident from the Greek word used for knowledge in 2Pe 1:2-3, 8
        1. The word is epiginosko, meaning "to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know well" (THAYER)
        2. Such knowledge comes only as we DEMONSTRATE these "Christ- like graces" in our lives
    2. SECOND, IT INVOLVES DEVELOPING THESE "GRACES" IN CONJUNCTION WITH EACH OTHER...
      1. Notice the word "add" (or "supply") in 2Pe 1:5
        1. Before each grace mentioned, the word is implied
        2. The word in Greek is epichoregeo
          1. "Originally, to found and support a chorus, to lead a choir, to keep in tune"
          2. "Then, to supply or provide"
        3. This word then suggests the idea of "each grace working in harmony with the others to produce an overall effect"
      2. Notice also the preposition "to" (or "in") in 2Pe 1:5-7
        1. This suggests that "each grace is to temper and make perfect the grace that goes before it"
        2. To illustrate:
          1. "to knowledge (add) self-control" - the grace of self- control enables one to apply properly the knowledge one has
          2. "to self-control (add) perseverance" - self-control in turn needs the quality of perseverance to be consistent day after day
      3. Thus each grace is necessary!
        1. They must all be developed in conjunction with each other
        2. We cannot be selective and just pick the ones we like and leave others behind
    3. THIRD, IT INVOLVES DILIGENT EFFORT...
      1. Notice the word "diligence" in 2Pe 1:5,10
      2. It means "earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste"
      3. To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires much effort
      4. We do not "accidently" or "naturally" develop these graces!

      [Is the effort worth it? In the context of this passage Peter gives FIVE reasons why we should "give all diligence" to grow in this knowledge of Jesus Christ...]

  2. WHY WE SHOULD BE "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"
    1. GRACE AND PEACE ARE "MULTIPLIED" IN THIS KNOWLEDGE - 2Pe 1:2
      1. "Grace" and "peace" are common forms of greeting in the New Testament
        1. Grace - the greeting which requests God's unmerited favor upon the person addressed
        2. Peace - the greeting requesting the natural result of God's favor
      2. Note that these two blessings are "multiplied" in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
        1. All men experience God's favor and its result to some degree - cf. Mt 5:45
        2. But only in Christ can one enjoy the "fulness" of God's favor and peace - Ep 1:3; Php 4:6-7
    2. ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS ARE GIVEN THROUGH THIS KNOWLEDGE - 2Pe 1:3,4
      1. "Life" in this context refers to our spiritual life and well- being
      2. "Godliness" refers to the pious conduct which comes out of devotion to God
      3. Only as we grow in this knowledge do we enjoy the true, full life available by God's divine power!
        1. Which includes "exceedingly great and precious promises"
        2. Which enables us to be "partakers of the divine nature"
        3. Which can free us from the "corruption that is in the world through lust"
    3. FAILURE TO GROW IN THIS KNOWLEDGE RESULTS IN SPIRITUAL "MYOPIA" AND "AMNESIA" - 2Pe 1:9
      1. Our religion is "short-sighted" if we are not growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ!
        1. For what is the ultimate objective of being a Christian?
        2. To become like Christ! - cf. Ro 8:29; Col 3:9-11
        3. As we have seen, this is what it really means to grow in the knowledge of Christ
      2. Failure to so grow is an indication that we forgot why we were redeemed by the blood of Christ in the first place!
        1. To have our sins forgiven, yes...
        2. But then, that we might present ourselves to God and become what He wants us to be - LIKE HIS SON!
    4. WE WILL NEVER STUMBLE - 2Pe 1:10
      1. This does not mean we will never sin - cf. 1Jn 1:8,10
      2. The word "stumble" in Greek means "to fall into misery, become wretched; cf. the loss of salvation" (Thayer)
      3. We will never stumble so as to fall short of our ultimate salvation!
      4. But this is true ONLY if we are "giving all diligence" to grow in the knowledge of Christ and thereby "making our calling and election sure"
    5. AN ENTRANCE INTO THE "EVERLASTING KINGDOM" WILL BE ABUNDANTLY SUPPLIED - 2Pe 1:11
      1. This "everlasting kingdom" is likely the "heavenly kingdom" referred to by Paul in 2Ti 4:18
      2. In other words, the ultimate destiny of the redeemed!
      3. What is meant by the idea of an "abundant entrance"?
        1. "You may be able to enter, not as having escaped from a shipwreck, or from fire, but as it were in triumph." (Bengel)
        2. By possessing the eight graces, we will be able to live victoriously in this life and to joyously anticipate what lies ahead - cf. 2Ti 4:6-8
CONCLUSION
  1. These five reasons should sufficiently motivate us to be diligent in growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
  2. Give all diligence to make our calling and election sure, and have a closer walk with God, by making every effort to add these "graces" to our lives!
  3. Or have we forgotten that we were purged from our old sins?
    1. We have, if we are apathetic in our desire to grow in these "graces"!
    2. If so, we need to repent and pray for forgiveness!
SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...
  1. Which of these "graces" do you think you have developed best?
  2. In which are you most lacking?
  3. Do you feel you are making progress in the "knowledge of Jesus Christ"?
  4. If not, what can you do to begin making progress?
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

“We have the prophetic word confirmed” (2 Peter 1:19) by Roy Davidson

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/066-wordconfirmed.html

“We have the prophetic word confirmed” (2 Peter 1:19)
How the gospel was verified in the first century by signs, wonders, powers and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Peter emphasizes in 2 Peter 1:16-21 that God’s word is absolutely reliable. The “prophetic word” comes to us as Holy Scripture. Peter continues: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy1 never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20, 21).2

In what sense do we have this prophetic word “confirmed”? The Greek word translated “confirmed” [βεβαιότερον] is a comparative [of βέβαιος] meaning “more firm” or “more sure”. How can something that is already “sure” be “more sure”? If it is authenticated or confirmed.


How has God confirmed His word?

God has authenticated the prophetic word (1) by His own testimony, (2) by the testimony of His Spirit, (3) by the testimony of His Son, (4) by the testimony of inspired witnesses, and (5) by His verification of their testimony through signs, wonders, powers and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:3, 4).


The prophetic word is confirmed by the testimony of God the Father.

Peter had just written: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18). “We” refers to Peter, James and John: “Behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’” (Matthew 17:5).

The Father also testified when Jesus was baptized: “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:17).3

God’s testimony is trustworthy: “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son” (1 John 5:9, 10). There is no excuse for rejecting the testimony of God!4

God testified through the prophets:5 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). John the Baptist, the last Old Covenant prophet, testified: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” “I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29, 34).

God testifies through the Scriptures. In Revelation He tells John, “Write, for these words are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5). To unbelieving Jews, Jesus said: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John 5:39, 40).


The prophetic word is confirmed by the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told His apostles: “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26). “It is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth” (1 John 5:6). The sword of the Spirit is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).


The prophetic word is confirmed by the testimony of Jesus.

Jesus is the Logos, the Word of God (Revelation 19:13),6 “the faithful witness” (Revelation 1:5), “the Faithful and True witness” (Revelation 3:14).

Pharisees disputed His testimony: “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.” Jesus replied: “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true” (John 8:13, 14). “It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me” (John 8:17, 18).

The works of Jesus confirmed that God had sent Him: “But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish - the very works that I do - bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me” (John 5:36, 37).

The testimony of Jesus was confirmed by signs. “Many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did” (John 2:23). Nicodemus said: “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2). On Pentecost, Peter said that Jesus was “a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22).


The prophetic word is confirmed by the testimony of inspired witnesses.

We did not hear Jesus teach, but we know what He taught through the writings of inspired witnesses. Jesus appointed His apostles as witnesses.7 Their testimony is reliable because they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.8

Speaking to His apostles, Jesus said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). “And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning” (John 15:27).9

Peter stated: “We are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32).10


God confirmed the testimony through signs.

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” (Hebrews 2:3, 4).

The phrase “also bearing witness,” is one word in Greek [συνεπιμαρτυρέω] that means “co-witnessing,” “testifying together with someone else.” Thus signs were not independent testimony but supporting testimony. Signs supported the testimony of those who heard Jesus.

Other passages tell us that signs, wonders, powers and gifts of the Holy Spirit were done through the apostles.11 “Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43). “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people” (Acts 5:12).

The first non-apostle who “did great wonders and signs among the people” was Stephan (Acts 6:8)* who was one of the seven upon whom the apostles had laid their hands (Acts 6:5, 6).

The second non-apostle who performed signs was Philip (Acts 8:6) who also was one of the seven. Although Philip performed signs to confirm his message at Samaria, he could not give the Holy Spirit to others. Apostles had to come from Jerusalem for this (Acts 8:14-17).

“Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given” (Acts 8:18). Thus, through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, the Holy Spirit was given in some way that was not possible otherwise and is not available now, since the apostles are no longer with us.

What was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands?

Not the “gift of the Holy Spirit” received at baptism (Acts 2:38, 39) because it was promised to all, also subsequent generations, who are baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.

Remember that it was through the hands of the apostles that wonders and signs were done (Acts 5:12).12

That miraculous gifts, such as speaking in languages and prophesying, were given by the laying on of the apostles’ hands is also shown by an example of Paul. He taught twelve men at Ephesus that the baptism of John the Baptist was not sufficient: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:5, 6).13

Mark also states that signs were a co-testimony to confirm the prophetic word: “‘And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’” “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:17, 18, 20).

This prediction pertained to a specific purpose, namely, the confirmation of the prophetic word. Except for drinking poison, these signs are all recorded in Acts.14 Once the signs confirming the word were recorded in Scripture, that written testimony is sufficient to accomplish their purpose.

The rich man suffering pain in Hades wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers because he thought, “If one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” But Abraham replied: “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead” (Luke 16:30, 31).

John, who wrote the final books of the New Testament, said: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30, 31).


The testimony has been preserved as sacred Scripture.

The faith “was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

The eyewitnesses are no longer with us, but we have their testimony in written form, which has the same validity as oral testimony.15 God commanded that the gospel be made known to all nations by prophetic Scriptures (Romans 16:25, 26).

The Scriptures equip us thoroughly. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).


An evil generation seeks a sign.

When Jewish leaders said, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You,” Jesus replied, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:39, 40).

It is wrong to seek signs when sufficient signs have already been given and recorded! The resurrection is the sign for all times, proving that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). God “has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). We have this assurance through reliable testimony in Holy Scripture.16 “The Lord is risen indeed” (Luke 24:34).


In latter times signs are performed by false prophets.

The New Testament describes none other than false prophets performing signs in latter times.17 The second beast in Revelation (also called the false prophet) performs great signs (Revelation 13:13-15; 19:20). Spirits of demons perform signs (Revelation 16:14). Jesus said: “False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).18 Paul wrote: “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

One man asked me why God did not just state that signs would cease after the time of the apostles. Actually He did. We can know this truth from what the New Testament says about the purpose of signs.

Why was it not stated more clearly? Since God allows false teachers to perform great signs in latter times (Revelation 13:14), maybe it was to test our love for the truth. The lawless one comes with “lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10)


What have we learned?

God has confirmed the prophetic word (2 Peter 1:19). He has authenticated the word (1) by His own testimony, (2) by the testimony of His Spirit, (3) by the testimony of His Son, (4) by the testimony of inspired witnesses, and (5) by His verification of their testimony by signs, wonders, powers and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:3, 4). These signs were done through the hands of the apostles, either directly or by laying their hands on others. The signs recorded in Scripture are sufficient for us to believe and be saved.

Suppose you had a document authenticated by a notary public. What if you took it back the next day to have it notarized again? He would tell you that it can be confirmed only once. If you said, “But some have doubted the first notarization!” he would reply, “Well, that’s their problem, not mine.”

In latter times only false prophets perform signs. Seeking signs now is evil because sufficient signs have already been given to ratify the prophetic word and produce faith leading to salvation in those who love the truth.

Let us be thankful for God’s confirmation of the prophetic word. The inspired Scriptures are absolutely reliable and furnish us completely for every good work.19 Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Footnotes


1 The word “prophecy” in the Bible refers to an inspired message from God. Since God knows the future, prophecy sometimes contains predictions, but that is not the meaning of the word. A prophet is someone who speaks by direct inspiration of God.

2 The prophetic word is the inspired word of God.

3 Another confirmation is found in John 12:28 - “‘Father, glorify Your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’”

4 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

5 See also Luke 1:68-70; 24:25-27, 44; John 1:45; Acts 3:18-24; 24:14; 26:22; Romans 1:1, 2; 3:21.

6 See also John 1:1, 14.

7 See Acts 1:8, 21, 22; 4:33; 10:36-43; 13:30, 31.

8 See John 14:25, 26; 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13.

9 John wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life - the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us” (1 John 1:1, 2).

10 When Luke wrote his Gospel and Acts, he had (through inspiration) “perfect understanding of all things from the very first” (Luke 1:3) as they had been delivered by “those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” (Luke 1:1, 2).

11 A correct distinction must be made between the gift (singular) of the Holy Spirit that all Christians receive (Acts 2:38; 5:32; Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; 1 John 3:24; 4:13) and gifts that were not given to all Christians (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1, 3, 28-30; 13:1; 14:1, 12; Hebrews 2:4) and are not essential for salvation. Among the latter, a distinction must also be made between miraculous gifts given through the apostles and natural abilities that are also gifts of God. The gifts given by the laying on of the apostles’ hands served as signs. Thus they had to be miraculous gifts. It must also be understood that although the miraculous gifts given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands are no longer available, God still acts providentially in answer to prayer. We must always follow Christ’s example, however, and pray: “Not my will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

12 Paul told the Corinthians: “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:12). The distinctive sign of an apostle was the ability to give these gifts to others through the laying on of their hands. Philip had received the gift of signs, but he was not an apostle and could not give this gift to others (Acts 8:5-21).

13 Timothy received a gift through the laying on of Paul’s hands: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). Some have misapplied a passage in Paul’s first letter to claim that gifts could also be given by elders: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership” (1 Timothy 4:14). Notice that Timothy received the gift “through” the laying on of Paul’s hands and “by prophecy” and only “with” the laying on of the elders hands. Combining the two passages indicates that the eldership also laid their hands on Timothy when he was given a prophetic gift through the laying on of Paul’s hands.

14 Acts 2:6-12; 19:11, 12; 28:2-6.

15 See 2 Peter 1:12-21; 1 John 1:1-4.

16 The resurrection of Jesus was predicted in the Old Testament (Psalm 16:9-11, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:5-11) and eye-witness accounts of the resurrection are recorded in the New Testament.

17 Some refer to John 14:12 to claim the contrary: ““Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” Since this prediction applies to all believers, it does not refer to signs and wonders because even in apostolic times not all believers performed signs (1 Corinthians 12:30). Jesus predicts that His followers will continue His work after He returns to the Father. And just as the least in the kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist (Luke 7:28) because he is in the church of Christ, believers do greater works than Jesus because they, with His help and by the power of His Spirit, proclaim the gospel in all the world by which millions receive eternal life.

18 Jesus said to the church at Ephesus: “I know ... that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars” (Revelation 2:2).

19 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

* This of course refers to the New Testament period that began on the Day of Pentecost. Many signs and wonders were done in the Old Testament period that ended when Christ was crucified. This included signs and wonders by prophets and also by the 70 whom Jesus sent out during His earthly ministry.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
http://www.oldpaths.com