Examples, Genesis 39:9

This post concerns three outstanding examples from the Old Testament.

Examples discusses what Joseph, Joshua, and King David did that showed their faith.

Joseph as a slave in Egypt was tempted to commit fornication with his master’s wife. His response helps us even today, Genesis 39:9. “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

Joseph teaches us that when we sin, we sin against God.

God liberated the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery and brought them to Canaan where He blessed their efforts with victories over the inhabitants. However, they were surrounded on all sides by idol-worshipping nations. Each person had to decide whether to worship idols or the Lord. Near his death, Joshua reviewed their history of the blessings and care God had given them. Then he set the standard, Joshua 24:14-15. “…choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

We must still choose today to serve the Lord and not the world.

King David wrote many psalms and worshipped the Lord. After God blessed him with victories, David made a thoughtful decision to build a house of worship to replace the tabernacle tent. Although God was impressed, He said that David could not build a temple, but that David’s son would. Then, God prophesied that He would build a house for David from his offspring.

Like David, we should worship with an awareness of God and His desires and seek to please Him.

These three are excellent examples of obeying, worshipping, and thinking of God. However, Jesus exhibits the ultimate example for us to follow, Matthew 16:24. “… Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Let us set Jesus before our eyes as the ultimate proper example and strive to follow Him.

So, what did we learn?

1.Joseph, Joshua, and David serve as excellent examples to duplicate.

2.Jesus provides the best example for us to follow.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#JosephJoshuaDavidJesusExamples #JesusBestExampleFollow

Preaching in Asia Minor, Acts 14

This post concerns persecution during preaching in Asia Minor.

Preaching in Asia Minor discusses the hardships Paul endured to preach the gospel.

When the Jews incited the leading people of Antioch to persecute Paul and Barnabas, they moved south and east to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

At Iconium, Paul preached in the Jewish synagogue and converted many Jews and Greeks. That preaching and miracles divided the city into two opposing camps, Jews and Gentiles, Acts14:5-6. “When an attempt was made …to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,”

In Lystra, Paul and Barnabas did not find a synagogue and were forced to preach publicly.

When they healed a man, the surrounding crowd decided they were two heathen gods and prepared to sacrifice to them. But Paul spoke up and reminded them that they were just men. Then, he began to speak of the real God, the creator of everything. This preaching angered the crowd who stoned Paul, dragged the body out of the city, and left him. However, Paul arose and departed for Derbe, a nearby city, where they had success preaching and converting many.

Then, after a time they retraced their steps, Acts 14:21-22. “they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

At the same time, they organized the churches, Acts 14:23. “…when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

Note two key facts. Every church received a plurality of elders. This appointment by inspired men made up church organization as God wished.

Paul and Barnabus then returned to their home congregation in Antioch of Syria, Acts 14:27. “And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.”

So, what did we learn?

1.Paul preached the gospel despite persecution.

2.Paul and Barnabas appointed a plurality of elders every church.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#preachingPersecution #eldersAppointedEveryChurch

 

 

Self-centered, Haggai 1:2; 4

This post concerns the self-centered attitude of the children of Israel after they returned from Babylonian captivity.

Self-centered discusses the feelings of the remnant of the Israelites that God freed from captivity, Haggai 1:2; 4. “These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD…

…Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”

These Israelites lived as Babylonian slaves for 70 years until God blessed them with liberation to go back to Palestine. Once back in their home country, they busied themselves with their own houses and did not expend effort to rebuild the temple destroyed by the Babylonians. God sent Haggai to preach to them and arouse them to do the work of building again God’s house.

God had warned them earlier that if they were unfaithful, He would not bless them. Haggai reminded them of their current situation, Haggai 1:5-6; 8. “…Consider your ways. You have sown much and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill…

…Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I… glorified,”

Thereafter, the people listened to Haggai, did as God directed, and began rebuilding the temple.

This post alerts us when our lives mimic the Israelites. We can selfishly spend our efforts, our self-interests, and activities on self rather than on serving God’s interests.

Let us evaluate ourselves and renew our work and interests in God’s work to give Him proper glory.

So, what did we learn?

1.The redeemed Israelites were more concerned with their own houses and affairs than in rebuilding God’s house.

2.Haggai reminded them of the need to put God’s work ahead of their own self-interests.

3.We need to also put God’s glory above our interests.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#IsraelitesSelf-interests #renewingTemplework

 

 

Unfaithfulness, Exodus 32:1

This post concerns the unfaithfulness of the Israelites at Mount Sinai.

Unfaithfulness discusses the mental breakdown of the people. Firstly, consider all the things that happened earlier to the Israelites. Surely, they viewed the ten plagues as miracles from God that accomplished their freedom from slavery. They had walked across the Red Sea on dry ground while the Egyptians drowned. Then, they stated their belief in God, Exodus 14:31. “Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.”

Three days into their journey, they experienced bitter water and complained to Moses. God directed him to put a log into the water that sweetened it.

Soon afterward, they grumbled about the food. So, God sent manna at sunup and quail at evening.

After three months of travel, they camped before Mount Sinai. God instructed them to purify themselves and not touch the mountain. Then, the people listened while God spoke. This voice caused them to be fearful and request that God speak through Moses.

So, Moses went up Mount Sinai, and God gave him the laws to govern the Israelites. Moses spent forty days. This lengthy period caused another rebellion, Exodus 32:1. “When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses…we do not know what has become of him.”

How could they think in this manner? God had liberated them and cared for their needs. But now they exhibited gross unfaithfulness and mentally turned back to their previous experiences of idols in Egypt.

Today we can parallel the Israelites when we turn away from God and obey the temptations of Satan. God blesses us daily. Let us learn from the poor example of the Israelites and stay true to the God who gives us so much.

So, what did we learn?

1.When Moses did not return soon, the people lost their faith in God and began worshipping an idol.

2.We should remain true to God who blesses us.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#IsraelitesGoldenCalf #GodCaredForIsrael

Refuge, Psalm 11

This post concerns safety and a refuge in God during trouble.

Refuge discusses how to deal with temptation during trials, Psalm 11. “In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The LORD…in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne… in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind… the portion of their cup. For the LORD… righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”

Times of difficulty from the temptations and trials put forth by Satan exist in every generation. In this psalm, the Devil’s minions counsel the child of God to flee. Instead of fleeing, the man of God should take refuge in God.

Sometimes, the foundations of our faith undergo attack. What can God’s people do? They can realize that God in heaven sees what happens. All through the trials of life and the tests of our religion, we must realize that God still punishes the wicked, if not in this life then in that life to come. Somehow, God will send coals of fire and sulfur on them with a scorching wind.

In summary, God remains righteous and loves righteous deeds. Ultimately, we will see the wicked punished and God’s face in eternity.

This psalm becomes an encouraging word to read when the going gets tough. Then, we can realize that God sees the wicked and will impart their just punishment.

So, what did we learn?

1.In times of trouble, we should take refuge in God.

2.We should always realize that God will punish the wicked.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#refugeGod #GodPunishWicked

Preaching at Antioch, Acts 13:14-52

This post concerns Paul’s preaching at Antioch in Pisidia.

Preaching at Antioch discusses how the Apostle Paul spoke to Jewish people. The sermon began with the liberation of the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery, Acts 13:17. “The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.”

Briefly, he then traced their history to King David and then introduced Jesus, the Messiah, Acts 13:23. “Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.”

But before Jesus came, John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance as a preparation or forerunner for the Messiah. Then, John loudly proclaimed “I am not he” concerning the Messiah.

Thus, Paul began a message about the Messiah, Acts 13:26-27. “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which… read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.”

This caused the crucifixion of Jesus. But God raised Him from the grave. Paul was a witness to the prophesied resurrected Messiah. Then, Paul announced what the Messiah offered, Acts 13:38. “therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,”

Many were interested and wanted to hear more.

The next Saturday almost the entire town assembled to hear Paul. But the leading Jews were jealous and reviled Paul to stop his preaching to Gentiles. When the gospel began spreading in the region, the Jews organized persecution that caused Paul and Barnabus to flee to the next city, Iconium.

The importance of this post lies in informing the reader of the persecution that Paul and Barnabus had to undergo to preach the gospel.

So, what did we learn?

1.Paul preached the gospel of Christ to Jews and Gentiles.

2.The Jews stirred up persecution that caused Paul and Barnabus to flee to Iconium

3.The gospel spread throughout the region.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#PaulPreachesAntioch #JewsOpposePreaching. #gospelSpread

Solomon’s Failure, 1 Kings 11:1-6

This post concerns Solomon’s failure.

Solomon’s Failure discusses Solomon’s sins.

After becoming king, the Lord appeared to Solomon, 1 Kings 3:5. “Ask what I shall give you.”

Then, Solomon recognized his limitations to govern as a king, 1 Kings 3:9. “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil,”

God, pleased, granted his request, 1 Kings 3:12-13. “… Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you…

…I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you,”

So, God gave Solomon both wisdom and riches.

Unfortunately, Solomon let his sexual desires overwhelm him, 1 Kings 11:1-6. “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines.

And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart … not wholly true to the LORD his God, as… the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So, Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD,”

Solomon’s real problem was not his sexual excesses. Instead, Solomon failed to set his heart to exactly obeying God’s commands. As God predicted, the foreign women led him into worshipping idols.

We need to be careful that our alliances today do not lead us away from strict obedience to God’s commands.

So, what did we learn?

1.Solomon did not obey God exactly.

2.Solomon’s foreign wives led him into idolatry.

3.We should be careful that our associations do not lead us away from obeying God.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#blessingsSolomon #SolomonWisdom #SolomonSinned

 

 

New Converts    Acts 11:26, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

This post stresses facts for new converts.

New Converts discusses basic knowledge needed by baptized believers. On being baptized into Christianity, one launches a new life as a member of the church. Baptized believers and fellow members use the name Christian, Acts 11:26. “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” This name means you believe and follow the teachings of Jesus as given in the New Testament.

In addition, a baptized believer calls other Christians brothers and sisters. The apostles used that term in selecting men for a needed work, Acts 6:3. “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute,” Then, these brethren began caring for Grecians widows in the church.

For a convert, a new relationship now exists, 1 Corinthians 12:27. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” Thus, the church, the body of Christ, the saved people, exists under a Head and a Savior, Ephesians 5:23. “Christ…the head of the church, his body, and… himself its Savior.”

In this new relationship new converts partake of the Lord’s Supper on Sundays at worship services with other saints, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This… my body which… for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup… the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Lastly, the Apostle Peter described our strivings in the Christian life, 1 Peter 1:15. “…as he who called you …holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,”

So, what did we learn?

1.New converts wear the name Christian, strive for holiness, and belong to the church, the body of Christ.

2.Members of the church wear the name brother or sister.

3.On Sundays, baptized believers partake of the Lord’s Supper while remembering His death.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#nameChristian #memberChurch #partakeLord’sSupper