God’s love for His people is eternal. He made that very clear when He sent His Son to bring redemption to planet earth. Paul said that there was nothing that could ever separate us from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus.
God’s love for the fallen family of Adam cannot be measured. Listen to the apostle:
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:4-7 NASB)
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The love of God is the Story of Jesus
As Jesus is facing the cross, we hear this statement concerning those who belong to Him:
“Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”(Joh 13:1 NASB)
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And God’s Word was made Flesh
The apostle John said that the Word of God came to tabernacle among us. Jesus is the very embodiment of God’s message from heaven.
The moment you open the Bible you begin to sense that there is an underlying message. The message starts with these words: “In the beginning God…”
Then we read, “And God said, ‘Let there be Light’; and there was Light.”
Here is where we begin our journey of discovery. God spoke and His Word went forth. When God said, ‘Let there be Light’, according to the ancient Hebrew belief, this was the Light of Life, also known as the Wisdom of God. It was the Light that Adam was to walk in.
When Adam turned from God’s Word, the Light of Life was taken away. But the sages said that the Light would return with Messiah. Any Jewish person would have understood what Jesus meant when He said,
“I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.” (John 8:12 NASB)
And so the discovery continues. What we begin to realize in the discovery is that the Light of Life had to do with God’s love.
The Light of God and the Love of God cannot be separated. The apostle nailed this down when he said, “God is Love.” Then he also said, “God is Light.”
John went further in saying,
“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1Jn 4:9-10 NASB)
Well, what else can be said? God’s love is a mystery. Let’s hear it from Andre Crouch…
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Remember…
There is much love to be had in Jesus
May the Lord richly bless you in your discovery of Him.
“Indeed, He will speak toTHIS people through stammering lips and a foreign tongue, He who said to THEM, ‘Here is rest, give rest to the weary,’ and, ‘Here is repost,’ butTHEY would not listen.” (Isa 28:11,12 NASB)
Journal,
The subject of speaking in a foreign tongue is one of the most controversial and often one of the most contentious subjects to be found today. Hopefully I can share some things that will help give understanding to the Biblical subject of speaking in other languages.
First let’s consider the above Scripture where the prophet Isaiah calls attention to speaking in a foreign tongue. Here are the terms we need to note:
‘He will speak to THIS people.’The Isaiah prophecy is specific to a single people group, the Jews.
“He who said to them, ‘Here is rest, give rest to the weary.'” Jesus is the one who called attention to God’s rest to be found in Him.
‘But they would not listen.’ Reflects on the leaders in particular rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah of Israel.
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Which brings us to Pentecost, 33 a.d.
Jews once again gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish pilgrim festivals. They came from many cultures and nations. They spoke many different languages.
However, this Pentecost would be different. It would be the ushering in of God’s new eternal covenant in Christ.
Suddenly a sound like a rushing wind filled the temple complex. A band of 120 men and women began speaking of the glory of God in the varied languages of the multitudes.
A question stirs through the crowd of worshippers,
“How is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?’
Thus we see the miracle of speaking in foreign languages with the prophecy of Isaiah coming to pass. The speaking in tongues on that day of Pentecost had a defined purpose. The Rest Giver had come.
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The Promised Rest Giver.
From long ages past there had been a deep hunger in the hearts of God’s people to find the promised rest from their painful labors. This longing is described in the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament as, ‘the desire of the nations.’
When Noah was born, they wondered if he was the Rest Giver.
“Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and became the father of a son. Now he called his name Noah, saying, ‘This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our handsarising from the ground which the LORD has cursed.” Gen 5:28-29 nasb
But Noah was not the Rest Giver. Only God could do that. We catch just a glimpse of this when Moses was speaking with the Lord God.
‘Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people.’ And He said, ‘My presence shall go with you,and I will give you rest.’“
Why is this language of, ‘I will give you rest,’ so hauntingly familiar? It is because we are hearing the voice of the Rest Giver. Now hear it from Jesus:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30
And so the purpose for speaking in other languages on the day of Pentecost was to call attention that Jesus Christ was the promised ‘Rest Giver.’
This day of Pentecost was a fulfillment to what had been written by the prophet Isaiah. The Messiah had come, died on the cross, was buried, resurrected, and ascended into heaven. When Peter stood up to preach, he drew attention to the ancient prophets in declaring that Jesus was the Christ of God.
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Additional Background on Speaking in Tongues
It should be understood, however, that through the centuries the Church has placed little attention on speaking in tongues. The early church accepted tongues as one gift among many. But this still leaves us with unanswered issues concerning speaking in other languages. Here is where we can take time to understand some Greek terms that relate to speaking in foreign languages.
The term ‘glossolalia‘ was introduced into English in 1879. It comes from glossais lelein, a term used in the New Testament, meaning “To speak in [with or by] tongues.” From this comes the expression, ‘the gift of tongues.’ The precise term ‘gift of tongues’ does not occur in the Scriptures.
One early Christian writer used the Greek term ‘glossomania‘ to describe the insane speech of Greek philosophers. The philosophers would jabber and babble in a way that made no sense whatsoever.
The Greek ‘akolalia‘ had to do with the perceived hearing of another language even when one was not spoken.
‘Echolalia‘ speaks of an agitated repetition of the words of another.
‘Idiolect‘ refers to a glossolalic dialect peculiar to an individual. Televangelists made this term popular by calling it a ‘prayer language.’
Then we have ‘exnoglossia.’ This word was coined in 1905, to describe a spiritualist medium, who, in a trance, wrote in modern Greek, without having knowledge of that language.
Now we see that there is a problem that has to be addressed. The problem is that ‘speaking in tongues is not peculiar to certain Christian groups. Speaking in tongues is a known phenomenon from around the world. You find it in Mormon history. You find it with Hindus and Muslims. It is found it in African occultic religions.
Here is a quote from the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, page 336;
“Spiritualistic glossolalia and related phenomena among spiritual mediums were among the first studied by psychologists near the beginning of the twentieth century. … Pathological glossolalia is known to medicine and psychiatry, the result of such causes as organic neurological damage, effects of drugs, or psychotic disorders. Schizophrenic disorders have furnished examples of glossolalia. Most relevant to Christian glossolalia are clearly reported cases of pagan glossolalia, both ancient and modern…. [Glossolalia] was used sparingly among American Indians but was widespread in African tribal religions.”
Paul likely ran into some of this pagan speaking in tongues. When he wrote the Corinthian Church, some of the background for the problems of this Church actually was pagan glossolalia. Less than 50 miles from Corinth, was Delphi. An inquirer would be brought into the presence of a young woman, a priestess of Apollo, who was said to possess a “pythonic spirit.” The priestess would speak in tongues and a male prophet would interpret. Paul may have had this in mind when he said,
“You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.” (1Co12:2)
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Let’s consider the Biblical position.
There is no question that speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost was a supernatural act of God. There have also been documented cases in Church history where missionaries have found themselves able to speak in the language of a primitive tribe, having had no knowledge of their language.
It is also possible that the Lord intended to bring this gift forward at different points in history to meet a purpose at the time. Paul seems to indicate such may be the case. He said,
“Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.” (1Co13:8)
The Greek word for cease is pauo. This is where we get our English word pause. Pauo means to make cease, or to no longer be stirred, or to idle or unemployed. In context, Paul is using terms that point to a maturing factor.
Some say Paul is speaking of heaven. This may be the case, but it is odd that Paul’s entire teaching takes its center on ‘maturity.’ He may have been telling the Corinthian believers not to overly concern themselves with the Delphic oracles. He also tried to place speaking in tongues as a less important gift in comparison to other gifts. He says,
“When I was a child, I use to speak as a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” (1Co13:11)
My encouragement for any child of God is not to take speaking in tongues beyond Scriptural precedents. When the apostles preached the gospel, they saw no need to put an emphasis upon speaking in tongues.
The Acts of the Apostles is conclusive in this regard. The three recorded times that people spoke in other languages, were all sovereign acts of God. They were in a group setting. And each time it was unexpected. And Acts covers over 35 years of early Church history.
In all this each believer needs to reach their own conclusions.
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Finally a call for caution
A major study by K. G. Meador and other researchers reported in a monthly journal of the American Psychiatric Association, that the rate of major depression in Pentecostals was three times greater than in any other religious affiliation.
(Pentecostal is a general term for any group that places a great stress on esoteric experiences and in particular on speaking in tongues. The study covered several thousand cases.)
I have seen that when an undue emphasis is placed on speaking in tongues it can cause mental and spiritual disturbances in a person that is not healthy. Paul tried to warn the Corinthians about putting too much stress on the supernatural.
“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by is craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
“For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.” (2Co11:3,4)
What are we left with? Perhaps the way to deal with the gift of speaking in other languages is to make sure that we are following clear Biblical instructions. Paul said,
“All do not speak in tongues, do they?”
He then went on,
“But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you still a more excellent way.” (1Co12:30,31)
What did he mean,‘a still more excellent way?’Paul went on to outline the walk of love. He said that when everything else fails, love will stand the test of time. He said,
“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Just some things to think about
Always in Christ,
Buddy
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We just graduated our 43rd School for Christian Workers. They now belong to that select group of believers who have entered the world of the Biblical disciple. And now we get to watch these new disciples branch out into their respective stewardships from the Lord.
Some will continue their training. All of them have responded to how Jesus directed us to pray. He said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to sent out laborers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
The Christian Challenge logo has a story to tell concerning the disciple. The elements of the logo consists of the dove, representing the Holy Spirit, the Bible, representing the gospel of Jesus Christ, the mountains, representing the kingdoms of the world, and the rising and setting sun in the circled background, representing the gospel age. Yes, I firmly believe that we are at the closing moments of the gospel age as we know it.
The logo is based upon Isaiah, which reads,
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
(Isa 52:7-10)
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” (Isa 52:7-10 kjv)
This Isaiah passage is also the theme song of Christian Challenge International. You can listen to a non-professional rendering of it here:
Then we have this passage that speaks to the world of the disciple.
“From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised.” (Psa 113:3 nasb)
The Christian Challenge International School for Christian Workers is not a Bible college.
We have structured our courses for the work-a-day believer. This is why the classes are generally evening classes. Our courses have been extended to other areas and also in Mexico.
While we don’t propose to take the place of a Bible college, it needs to be pointed out that all our courses have a specific goal, which is to open up a believer’s spiritual life by way of introducing him or her to the walk of Biblical disciple.
We’ve had students tell us that they received much more of a spiritual value in our one course, ‘The Disciple’s Heart’, than they did in two years of Bible college. The primary reason for this again is our emphasis on the walk of a Biblical disciple. A second reason is because most Bible colleges are concerned primarily with a denominational setting. That is not the case with Christian Challenge. We are non-denominational and non-sectarian. We have one interest alone, and that is to take the gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world.
The 44th School for Christian Workers begins in February, 2010.
We normally offer two schools a year. Because of interest, sometimes we squeeze in an extra school. The dates and additional information for the next school will be forthcoming.
However, with this next school we will be offering a new course, the Disciple’s Heart Class #2. This class expands on the world of the disciple. It is for those who have taken the initial Disciple’s Heart course. The Disciple’s Heart #2 serves as a bridge between the Disciple’s Heart class #1 and the Shepherd’s Heart class. The theme of this class is ‘Learn to Walk with God.’
At present our line up of classes will consist of the following:
The Disciple’s Heart
The Disciple’s Heart #2
The Shepherd’s Heart
Old Testament Survey
New Testament Survey
Conversational Spanish
If you would like to know more about the School for Christian Workers, you can call our office at 318 640-4300. You can also email me at Buddy@ChristianChallenge.Org
Finally, for those within driving distance of Pineville, Louisiana, you may want to consider registering for the next school. (We’ve had students drive 100 miles each way to attend the school.) Those who are able to relocate, or are praying about a relocation, see if the Lord has Pineville on your scope.
In the meantime here is a short video to share a bit of history on Christian Challenge…
Are you fully assured of your salvation in Christ? Listen to David describe the person who lives in the security of the Lord:
“HOW BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN YOU, IN WHOSE HEART ARE THE HIGHWAYS TO ZION! PASSING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF BACA THEY MAKE IT A SPRING; THE EARLY RAIN ALSO COVERS IT WITH BLESSINGS. THEY GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, EVERY ONE OF THEM APPEARS BEFORE GOD IN ZION.” (PSAL84:5-7 NASB)
Paul said he was confident that the good work which GOD began in each believer, GOD Himself would perfect until the day of JESUS CHRIST. (Phi1:6) This tells us that the work of salvation is GOD’S work and not our work. It also tells us that the total of our walk in life will remain under the Lordship of JESUS CHRIST. This is what the apostolic writer meant when he said that JESUS CHRIST is author and the finisher (completer/perfecter) of our faith.
This does not mean that we have no choices in life. It means that understanding GOD’S ultimate purposes in our life is all-important to a life of faith. He can turn our down turns into victories. Paul said, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2Co2:14
Most frustrations that believers face in life are due to not keying in on GOD’S life purposes. Our last session was about ‘Biblical Salvation.’ Now let’s talk about affirming our life in JESUS.
I – Our Ancient Spiritual Heritage
1.The place to begin is to realize our uniqueness in the earth. GOD’S people have always shared an apartness in the world. This apartness is our heritage. Knowing we are the people of GOD is a major key to affirming our life in Christ. Cf. 1Pe2:6-11.
2.This heritage reaches back to the original promise that the seed of the woman would ultimately crush Satan’s authority. We see the heritage expressed in the Abrahamic promises that would be fulfilled in JESUS. Cf. Gen12:3; 22:16-18; Gal3:16,26-29.It is our apartness that Satan hates. The world has lived in a death culture ever since fall of Adam. GOD’S people are called to a ‘life’ culture. We are to give testimony to the life we’ve found in JESUS. We are the evidence of GOD’S lovingkindness, of his mercy, and of His grace and forgiveness. Cf. John15:18,19; 17:14,15.
II – The Battle
1.The One thing Satan must do to counter Christianity is to cast doubt on GOD’S Word. This is what can be called ‘bottom-line’ spiritual warfare. You find it in place in the garden of Eden. Cf. GEN3:1-7.
2.Many don’t realize that if you add to or take away from GOD’S Word, this becomes grounds for deception. Satan is called in the Scriptures both a liar and a deceiver. Eve was deceived! When JESUS was confronted by Satan in the wilderness, what was the battle about? Cf. MATT4:1-11.
3.Heresy always begins with a twist on truth. If you see someone down-playing the Word of GOD, that is a sure sign that deception is at work. Compare these warnings: PSA12:6; PRO30:5,6; MATT15:1-9; MATT23:15.
4.God has given us words to live by. Join the book to JESUS and you have the keys to living a godly life. Cf. 2 Tim 3:14-17; 4:1-4, 6; Rev. 22:18,19.
III – Living Our Life in Christ
1.The life that JESUS gives is unlike anything the world has ever known. We are heavenly born people in earthly bodies. This is why we often struggle within ourselves. This is also why true believer’s carry in themselves a longing for their final transformation. Cf. Phil3:20,21; Rom8:15-17,23,28-31.
Paul speaks to this in saying, “As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as in the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have born the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1Co15:48,49)
2.We affirm our life in CHRIST in being who we are. But we also affirm our life in CHRIST when we gather as the people of GOD. In our gatherings is a unique promise of GOD’S presence. Cf. Gen49:10; Exo20:24; Matt18:20.
3.There is a special prophetic Psalm that describes the feelings, emotions, desires, affections, visions, and movements of GOD’S people towards the LORD. Notice the language of Psalm 84. Now compare this to Hebrews 11:8-10,13-16.
IV – Declaring God’s Way
1.This is another reason Satan hates believers. We refuse to be molded or controlled by this world’s dark view of life. The Bible tells us that we are ever moving towards a divine destiny when time as we know it is no more. We believe in a final judgment, in a resurrection. We laugh at every form of godless philosophy the world has to offer.
2.This is why Satan greatly fears the people of CHRIST. He knows that when the people of the world make contact with believers, it stirs their hearts. And Satan has nothing to compete with the child of GOD who is led by the SPIRIT of the LORD. This is what Paul is talking about in 2Co2:14-17; 3:5,6,14-18
3.The most important thing a person can do in life is to take the message of the Bible to heart. There are many voices clamoring for our faith. The voice we must listen to is the same voice that dictated what was to be placed in the written Word. Paul tells us to learn to never exceed what is written. The prophet said, “If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because they have no dawn.” (No light in them. ISA8:20)
It is important to realize that God prepares us for what He has prepared us for. Believers have been shaped intellectually, emotionally, physically, historically, environmentally, relationally, and above all spiritually to fulfill a certain role in God’s kingdom. There will never be another you. Cf. Psalm 139.
“How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca [valley of tears] they make it a spring; the early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion.” – Psalm 84:5-7
Do you yet struggle with a fear of losing your salvation? You really shouldn’t. Paul said the good work which God began in each of us, the Lord Himself would perfect until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phi1:6)
This tells us that the work of salvation is God’s work and not our work. It also tells us that the total sum of our walk in this life will remain under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The apostolic writer said that Jesus is both the author and the finisher of our faith. (Heb12:2) This does not mean that we have no decisions to make in life. What it means is that when we understand God’s ultimate purpose in our life, it is from this that we learn to live a life of faith and trust. Paul said,
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2Co2:14
Most frustrations that believers face in life are due to not keying in on God’s life purposes.God has a blueprint for the new covenant. Here it how it reads:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, …
“…so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:28-31)
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Our Ancient Spiritual Heritage
The place to begin is to realize the believer’s unique place in the earth. God’s people have always shared an apartness to the Lord. This apartness is our heritage. Knowing that we are the people of God is a major key to affirming our life in Christ. Peter said,
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1Pe 2:9-10)
Our heritage reaches back to the original promise that was given to Adam and Eve, in that the seed of the woman would ultimately crush Satan’s authority. We see the heritage expressed in the Abrahamic promises that was to be fulfilled in Jesus. Cf. Gen12:3; 22:16-18; Gal3:16,26-29.
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It is our apartness that Satan hates. The world has lived in a death culture ever since fall of Adam. God’s people are called to a ‘life’ culture. We are to give testimony to the life we’ve found in Jesus. We are the evidence of God’s lovingkindness, of his mercy, and of His grace and forgiveness.
The one thing Satan must do to counter the Christian testimony is to cast doubt on God’s Word. This is ‘bottom-line’ spiritual warfare. You find it in place in the garden of Eden. (Gen3:1-7) Eve was deceived! When Jesus was confronted by Satan in the wilderness, what was the battle about? (Matt4:1-11) However, Satan has a real problem with new covenant believers. True believers are living witnesses that God’s Word is true. Satan’s attempt to discount the Bible is stifled because of the multiplied millions of people on this planet whose lives have been changed because of the gospel message. This is why Jesus said, “You shall be My witnesses.”
Affirm your life in Christ
If you see someone down-playing the Word of God, that is a sure sign that deception is at work. Compare these warnings: Psa12:6; Pro30:5,6; Matt15:1-9; Matt23:15.
God has given us words to live by. When you join the Bible to Jesus, you then have the keys to living a godly life. Cf. 2 Tim 3:14-17; 4:1-4, 6; Rev. 22:18,19.
The life that Jesus gives is unlike anything the world has ever known. We are heavenly born people in earthly bodies. This is why we often struggle within ourselves. This is also why true believers carry in themselves a longing for their final transformation. The life we have is eternal life, which means it is a life that never be lost. Cf. Phil3:20,21; Rom8:15-17,23,28-31.
Paul speaks to this in saying,
“As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as in the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have born the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1Co15:48,49)
We affirm our life in Christ in being who we are. This is another reason Satan hates believers. We refuse to be molded or controlled by this world’s dark view of life. The Bible tells us that we are ever moving towards a divine destiny when time as we know it is no more.
We believe in a final judgment, in a resurrection. We hold in distain every form of godless philosophy the world has to offer. This is also why Satan greatly fears the people of Christ. He knows that when the people of the world make contact with believers, it stirs their hearts. And Satan has nothing to compete with the child of God who is led by the Spirit of the Lord. This is what Paul is talking about in 2Co2:14-17; 3:5,6,14-18
The most important thing a believer can do in life is to take the message of the Bible to heart. There are many voices clamoring for our faith. Paul tells us to learn to never exceed what is written. The prophet said, “If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because they have no dawn.” (No light in them. Isa8:20)
It is important to realize that God prepares us for what He has prepared us for. Believers have been shaped intellectually, emotionally, physically, historically, environmentally, relationally, and above all spiritually to fulfill a certain role in God’s kingdom. There will never be another you. Cf. Psalm 139.
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What then is Lamb Assurance
Lamb assurance simply points to what happens when a person is given heavenly life. When a person truly believes on Jesus Christ, and receives Jesus as their Lord and Savior. it is at that moment of faith that the Holy Spirit takes of the blood if the Lamb and sprinkles it on the believer’s heart. In the sprinkled blood is the very life of God.
From that moment on the believer carries in their spirit being both the nature of Christ, the seal of Christ, and the testimony of Christ. This person has moved far beyond religion and into the reality of knowing God personally. He carries in his heart Lamb assurance.
Let me repeat – Did you know that the blood that is sprinkled on this new believer’s heart is actually God’s blood? Listen to these Scriptures: (Follow the bold)
“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Act 20:28)
And again;
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:
“May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1Pe 1:1-5)
So the question remains – Do you have Lamb assurance?
While you are thinking about this, take time to listen to “Thank God I Am Free” by JD Sumner & the Stamps:
Have you heard the story of a marvelous book that actually speaks for itself. I mean it literally has a voice. No? Well there is such a book. The Bible talks about it. Listen:
“On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD, and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” (Isa 29:18,19)
Did you catch it? There is a book that has a voice that can be heard. The book has a message to tell. The book can even sing. But not everyone can hear the voice of that book or the songs that it sings. It is only those to whom it is intended. Are you interested? Let me talk with you about the book that talks and sings.
In the study to follow I would encourage my readers to use your Bible to check the references that I’ll provide. They will speak to your heart.
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THE BIBLE AS GOD’S WORD
By Lawrence E. (Buddy) Martin
“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 NASB
The last book of the Bible ends with a warning, which says, “And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” [Rev22:19] Does this warning simply apply to the book of Revelations, or is it a warning concerning the whole of the Bible? It is safe to assume that the warning applies to all the Scriptures, since the Bible is one book, and has one underlying message of redemption. The book of Revelations simply completes the written record of God’s redemption.
We find a similar warning in Proverbs 30:5,6, where it says, “Every Word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His Words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” There are numerous other references to the purity of God’s written word. In fact the apostle Paul tells us to never exceed what is written. God has given the Bible as a safeguard for the faith of His peoples.
Why is the Bible so important to a believer? After all, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, did not have a Bible, and they all walked with God. Let’s find out how the Bible relates to learning to walk with God. In this teaching we want to take a deeper look at this book we call the Bible.
I – The Canon of Scripture
1.First we need to understand what the word ‘canon’ means. Canon comes from the Greek word kanon (kan-ohn’) which means a rule of measure. Metaphorically it speaks of any rule, standard, principle, or law that is used for investigation, judging, living, and acting. The canon of Scriptures is the Bible in its completed form. Nothing is to be added to it. Nothing is to be taken away from it. (Psalm 119:89)
2.The Old Testament canon begins with the writings of Moses and concludes with the book of Malachi. (The Bible was written over a period of about 1600 years.) The Protestant Bible as a rule accepts the Hebrew canon. (The Catholic Bible adds the apocrypha. These 13 books were written after Malachi. They were never accepted in the Hebrew canon.) Why should we accept the Hebrew Scriptures? Because it was to the Jewish prophets alone that God committed the written oracles. Cf. John 4:20-22; Rom. 3:1-4; Rom. 9:3-5.
3.The formation of the NT canon was not a conciliar decision [Set in place by church council.] The apostolic writings were treasures of the churches. They came together in the providence of God. Over a short period of time, the New Testament received its fixed form with the twenty-seven books we now have. There are sixty-six books that make up the entire Bible. Revelations completes the canon of Scripture. (Rev. 22:16-21)
4.The test of the New Testament books to be included in the canon of Scriptures included three things: (1) Did it have Apostolic authority? Was it written by an apostle or by a close companion. (2) Did it have the witness of the Holy Spirit? Does it carry the testimony of truth that flows through the entire Bible. (3) Was it in use by the Christian church from earliest times? Was it beloved by the earliest Christians. (Eph. 2:19-21)
II – Things to Understand about the Bible
1.Modern language translations are important. Any living language is constantly changing. Older translations may not clearly convey what is being said in the language of modern readers. This is why, though the King James Version has its own beauty, it is not able to speak with clarity to our modern generation. It was written in Elizabethan English.
2.There is a difference between letterism and literalism. The letter without a proper revelation of the spiritual truth behind it genders to bondage. God’s people should seek the literal meanings in the Scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to transform literal truths into spiritual realities. (2 Co. 3:5,6, 12-18)
3.In the new covenant the Lord places in every believer the same Holy Spirit who breathed forth the Scriptures. Truth can be tested. (See John 16:13-15) Any teaching that is man-centered and does not agree with sound doctrine that conforms to godliness, or any teaching that does not lift up Jesus Christ is not to be accepted as Biblical.
4.As for Biblical teaching, the purpose of pastoral teaching is not to take the place of a believer’s direct access to truth. The primary calling of a pastor is overseeing those who are allotted to his care. His overseeing ministry is for the safety of the flock. His primary gift is that of teaching. Yet the Lord gives true believers a safeguard against false teaching. (The anointing.) Cf. 1 John 2:19-21, 27.
III – God’s Word: the Message
1.The term Word of God carries another meaning. It especially speaks of God’s message of the gospel. The message of redemption is the underlying theme of the Bible. Today we know it as ‘the Word of the Cross.’ (Acts 17:13; Rom. 1:16; 2 Co 2:17; 1 Thess 2:13; Heb 4:12; Gal 1:6-9)
2.The Bible is God’s written record of His redemptive plan in Christ. But it was also written to provide a guide for moral character. Therefore, the Bible is exclusively God’s Word to man. Paul said, “I would not have come to know sin except through the Law.” (MATT. 15:6; 2 TIM. 3:16)
3.The Greek term for inspired means to ‘out breath.’ The Scriptures came from God’s mouth. They come to us in their form completed through the apostles. Thus the Bible carries a living testimony to God’s truth. This is why Paul says that we are never to exceed what is written. [1Co4:6] The Bible as the written Word of God was given to guide God’s people in the way of salvation and in the paths of righteousness. (Psalm 19:7-14) The single greatest witness that our faith is correct, is if we are living by the testimony of the Scriptures.
4.Believers should seek to live according to revealed truths of the Scriptures, keeping in mind that the Bible is a progressive revelation. It finds its completion in the message of the cross. (Luke 24:44-47; 1 Co 15:1-5) With this in mind, the Holy Spirit never speaks to any believer in a way as to contradict God’s written record. (Isa 8:20; Matt 5:17,18; Acts 1:16; 1 Co 4:6; Rom 15:4)
IV – Jesus: The Word of God
The term ‘Word of God’ carries in it something else that is especially crucial to the life of a believer. The term ‘Word of God’ refers to the communication of God. Since God is a Person, obviously He needs to communicate. Therefore, He speaks. (Gen 1:1-3; Psalm 33:6,9; Heb 11:3)
All God’s born-again children know the communication of God. This is why songs like the Garden song are dear to the child of God. It says, in part, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.” It goes on to say, “He speaks, and the sound of His voice, is so sweet that the birds hush their singing.” This song carries the heart of what the Word of God means. The Word of God is God speaking into our hearts. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” [John 10:27]
1.In the new covenant, Jesus is expressly called “the Word of God.” He is God’s Word fully incarnate or personified in human flesh. This seems mysterious enough, but when we receive into our hearts Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He enters our heart as the living Word of God. Thus all our communication with God is found in Jesus Christ and takes place in our hearts. (John 1:1-3,14; 2Co 4:5-7; Rev 19:11-13)
2.To be born again, is to be born of God’s Word. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing (Speaking of His flesh at that time.); the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” [John 6:53] Cf. 1Peter 1:22-25.
3.The source of our faith is God speaking to us in Christ. (Rom 10:17 – The Greek word ‘Rhema’, means ‘that which is uttered by a living voice’.)
4.This brings us back to the Old Testament prophet and, in turn, to the Scriptures, and to the new covenant in Christ. Because Adam rejected the truth of God, he lost his ability to enjoy direct communication with God on a true spiritual level. Very few people had direct communication from God. These few peoples were generally known as prophets. The prophets came to serve as God’s mouthpiece. If you needed to hear from God, you went to, or, in the case of a King, sent for the prophet. (1 Sam 9:27; 1 Kings 12:22; 1 Chron 17:3; Luke 3:2)
5.This particular role of the prophet being God’s mouthpiece to His people diminished with the coming of Jesus, and under the New Covenant. See Heb 1:1,2. Also cf. Heb 8:10-13. There was an overlap of the prophetic ministry during the transition of covenants, but today there is no need for a prophet of the Old Testament level.
6.Jesus described the new covenant believer in prophetic terms: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38 Living water is a symbol for God’s living Word and God’s life.
Conclusion: So, why is the Bible so important to believers?
THE BIBLE AS GOD’S LIVING VOICE
“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 NASB
The last book of the Bible ends with a warning, which says, “And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” [Rev22:19]
It is safe to assume that this warning applies to all the Scriptures, since the Bible is one book, and since the Bible has only one underlying message of redemption. But the Bible will only speak to those who truly want to hear its message.
We find a similar warning in Proverbs 30:5,6, where it says, “Every Word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His Words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.”
Why is the Bible so important to a believer? After all, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, did not have a Bible, and they all walked with God. Let’s take a deeper look at this book we call the Bible. The book that has a message to tell. The book that speaks and sings to all of God’s children is a living book.
The term Word of God carries a special meaning. It especially speaks of God’s message of the gospel. The message of redemption is the underlying theme of the Bible. Today we know it as ‘the Word of the Cross.’ (Acts 17:13; Rom. 1:16; 2 Co 2:17; 1 Thess 2:13; Heb 4:12; Gal 1:6-9)
The Bible is God’s written record of His redemptive plan in Christ. But it was also written to provide a guide for moral character. Therefore, the Bible is exclusively God’s Word to man. Paul said, “I would not have come to know sin except through the Law.” (Matt 15:6; 2 Tim. 3:16)
The Greek term for inspired means to ‘out breath.’ The Scriptures came from God’s mouth. They come to us in their form completed through the apostles. Thus the Bible carries a living testimony to God’s truth. This is why Paul says that we are never to exceed what is written. [1Co4:6]
The Bible as the written Word of God was given to guide God’s people in the way of salvation and in the paths of righteousness. (Psalm 19:7-14) The single greatest witness that our faith is correct, is if we are living by the testimony of the Scriptures.
Now let’s talk about the voice that sings..
All God’s born-again children know the communication of God. This is why songs like the Garden song are dear to the child of God. It says, in part, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.” It goes on to say, “He speaks, and the sound of His voice, is so sweet that the birds hush their singing.” This song carries the heart of what the Word of God means. The Word of God is God speaking into our hearts. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” [John 10:27]
In the new covenant, Jesus is expressly called “the Word of God.” He is God’s Word fully incarnate or personified in human flesh. This seems mysterious enough, but when we receive into our hearts Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He enters our heart as the living Word of God. Thus all our communication with God is found in Jesus Christ and takes place in our hearts. (John 1:1-3,14; 2Co 4:5-7; Rev 19:11-13)
To be born again, is to be born of God’s Word. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing (Speaking of His flesh at that time.); the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” [John 6:53] Cf. 1Peter 1:22-25.
The source of our faith is God speaking to us in Christ. (Rom 10:17 – The Greek word ‘Rhema’, means ‘that which is uttered by a living voice’.)
And for the singing? Listen carefully –
saying, “I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE.” And again, “I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM.” And again, “BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME.” (Heb 2:12-13)
There is much more to Jesus singing over us. He will even give us songs to sing. Is it any wonder that believers fall in love with God’s holy book. In it we hear the voice of our Shepherd.
With that in mind, take time to listen to the Garden Song:
Well, have you heard the words of a book. You can you know. The apostle said it well enough, when he said, “And it shall come to past that whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”
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