Month March 2020

PUT ON

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Ruth's Gleanings

 

Many of us are sheltering in place and avoiding going out except for those things that are necessary due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

For those who are shut in, they may be lounging around, not knowing what to do with the abundance of time. Let me first warn us all, let’s not waste time. It’s one thing we can never get back.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” [Eph 5:16]

The next thing we all ought to do is PUT ON some things. Of course, get out of your PJ’s and put on some clothes. There are some other things we can PUT ON that may help us during this time of confinement.

First, PUT ON Prayer. First thing in the morning pause and pray. If you make a list for everything and everyone you could pray for you’ll understand better how to fulfill 1Thess 5:17; “Pray without ceasing.”

Next let us UNDERTAKE A ROUTINE. A routine will help you to ward off cabin fever. Undertaking a routine will help you make the best use of your time, not allowing it to escape from you. Time passes way too quickly to allow it to be wasted.

Then, Take Time each day to talk & teach your family about God, His word and His Son. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” [Deut 6:7]

ORGANIZE your day and your week. If you’re working or schooling from home, an ORGANIZED plan will keep you on track.

This plan will be NEEDFUL for your success at work, your sanity and your salvation. It’s when we don’t walk circumspectly [Eph 5:15] that we fall into sin.

That’s the physical plan, now let’s look at the Spiritual things we should PUT ON.

The best was to describe this is just by reading from God’s word.

COLOSSIANS 3:12-15

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, PUT ON tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

14 But above all these things PUT ON love, which is the bond of perfection.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

ROMANS 13:11-14

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us PUT ON the armor of light.

13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

14 But PUT ON the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

If you’re not a Christian, what are you waiting for? The day is far spent. Put on Christ through obedience to the Gospel and be baptized for the remission of sins.

If you’re a Christian, what are you waiting for? Put on the armor of light and let the world know you are a Hopeful, Happy child of God.

 

–Spencer

How will you redeem the time at HOME

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We’re all being urged to self-quarantine at Home during this COVID-19 panic. How will you be spending the time?

Will you be WASTING time or REDEEMING the time?

Here are 4 things we can do to REDEEM the time while we’re confined at HOME.

 

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Things to do at HOME during COVID-19 Isolation.

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COVID-19 & The things we can do.

In prayerful response to the COVID-19 concern, the church at Franklin & Juniper will cancel all services for the next 2 weeks.
We will continue to evaluate & update as the situation changes.

This decision is similar to how we cancel services during times of severe weather as well as how some make the personal choice to remain home when they are sick.

For some, if their condition prevents them from doing secular activities, it will prevent them from assembling with the saints.

This is not just a local situation, nor a national. It is an international situation.

Just because we’re practicing SOCIAL DISTANCING if we must go out for groceries (or take out) it doesn’t mean we’re no longer interacting with people in other ways. We may be in ISOLATION, but this is no time to be IDLE. There are several things we can do during the time we self-quarantine at HOME.

The first thing we can do is HEAL. This virus has a 14-day incubation period. Many may be asymptomatic, meaning they have the virus but have no symptoms. Let’s take time to HEAL our bodies.

We can HEED the warnings about limiting physical contact. We can HELP the helpless. There may be some who have compromised immune systems or other risk factors. Perhaps as some gather necessities, you could look out for their needs.

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” [Phil 2:4]

We can OPEN OUR BIBLES. Far too many have lived hectic & harried lives. While you may still be able to work from home, almost every non-essential activity has been canceled. What a great time to start that Bible Reading Program you resolved to do this year.  It only takes about 20 hours to read the New Testament. Everyone could read the entire NT during this time. (30 min in the morning & evening.

“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Chris)” [ Eph 3:4]

Another great thing we can do is we can now have MEALS with the family. This is a lost tradition in modern times. What a great way to return to this wonderful custom where we can connect & talk with our family. Resist the urge to graze all day long, eating our meals in front of electronics.

Married couples can find ways to improve their MARRIAGES. This goes beyond the physical and looks to the Spiritual.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” [Eph 5:25]

Let’s remember the lonely and we can connect to the lonely through MESSAGING & calls. There are some among us who were lonely before this and are now more so.

Lastly, just because the building is closed there is no reason to shut down EVANGELISM. Crisis causes many to turn to God. We see this repeatedly in Scripture. Keep you EYES & EARS open to how your friends & family talk about the present distress. As Christians we are have the comfort of God’s word that removes all fear.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” [2Tim 1:7-8]

We must maintain our hope & excitement for the Lord. When unbelievers see our enthusiasm, they may want to know why. Be ready to answer. [1Peter 3:15]

Be aware of a real phenomenon called cabin fever as well as the tendency for tempers to flare during confinement. Remember to ESTEEM others better than self. [Phil 2:3]

Trust in God, although our OUTWARD man is perishing, our INWARD man can be renewed daily. [2Cor 4:16]

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

–Spencer

4 Keys to an Exciting Worship

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You’ve heard it before, people saying, ‘church is boring.’ Some have even said, ‘I didn’t get anything out of the worship.’ This is one of the main criticisms of the church of Christ is that it’s too boring.

One visitor said, “this isn’t for me.” Another person said, “I’m not drawn to God by the bands, the food and the entertainment, but I would never go to church without them.” More frequently you’ll find folks comparing amenities between ‘churches’ like they choose options when buying a car.

Perhaps you’ve had similar thoughts. There are a variety of reasons people give as to why

their attendance drops off. The preacher is boring, the singing is flat, the building is ugly, the people are cold & unfriendly.

Allow me to make a bold statement, none of these are the reason. You and you alone are the reason worship is boring!

I’ll prove it to you by showing you the 4 keys to VAIN worship and the remedies for making worship exciting.

The 1st reason some find worship boring is they don’t like the old ways. It’s not in VOGUE with today’s music & styles. They’ll also be critical of the building, the pews & any number of things that appear old fashioned.

REMEDY #1; Remember that worship is ordered by God our creator. [John 4:24]. When we stylize worship to our taste buds, we become guilty of worshiping our bellies or our own selves.

“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” [Phil 3:19; cr Col 2:23]

We must do all in the name of Jesus, that means by His permission. We worship the way we do by the scriptural authority of Jesus, the one who purchased the church with His own blood. Remember that, and you’ll instantly see a boost in your excitement.

Reason #2 some find worship cold & boring is that they impugn others motives. They act as mind readers which is impossible. Communication is difficult under the best of circumstances and nearly impossible when you make up thoughts others are having and ATTACK them mentally. Are you not being judgmental yourself?

REMEDY #2; Leave the mind & heart reading to God. We’re not good at it. All we can do is go by their actions & words. Instead of thinking poorly about one another, we’re allowed to think loving thoughts.

“(Love)…thinks no evil;” [1Cor 13:5b]

Reason #3 that folks give is that the people are unfriendly. Really? Let’s see how the typical person enters the building. They come in and walk IMMEDIATELY to a rear pew, on the outside edge speaking to no one as they enter. Then they hold court as if on a “throne” expecting the rest of the congregation to come to them for a greeting. And you’re calling the rest of us cold?! It reminds me of the Pharisees; “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.” [Luke 11:43]

REMEDY #3; Here are 5 simple tricks you can do to instantly feel welcome while making others feel welcome also; SMILE.

  • Stand up, don’t race to sit down.
  • Make eye contact with us. You’re allowed to say hello.
  • Interest in others is a gift you give another.
  • Listen to them & they will listen to you.
  • Expect that others will like you instead of assuming otherwise.

Reason #4 some dislike worship, is that they’re NEEDY.  Needy people sound like this, “I didn’t get anything out of the worship.” What if everybody thought that way, where would the giving be?

REMEDY #4; We need to be NEEDY to give. Jesus said it’s more blessed to give. Worship is designed for givers.

  • Give teaching in song. Eph 5:19, Col 3:16
  • Give of means for spreading gospel. 1Cor 16:1-2
  • Give edification. Eph 4:29-32
  • Give heart to God. Mat 22:37-39, Mark 7:7
  • Give attention to scripture & doctrine. 1Tim 4:13

If you take this in the heart it is given, you will INSTANTLY find more joy in the worship that God has designed.

I love you all.

—Spencer

Where will you spend your eternity?

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The Destiny of Man
Keith Sharp | Mountain Home, Arkansas, USA
Introduction
September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as terrorists took the lives of almost 3000 people. Thousands of people like us, who hours earlier were beginning a normal work day with no hint of significant danger, were suddenly face to face with their eternal destinies. For many souls who moments earlier were absorbed with job, family, and pleasure, now only one thing mattered – were they right with God? Surely this should cause us to think. Our lives too, in any of a thousand different ways, could be instantly snuffed out. Each of us must face the destiny of his soul. In comparison to this, all other concerns shrink to utter insignificance.
For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what 
will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His 
Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works 
(Matthew 16:26-27).
What is your destiny?
 
Life
To the young, life seems endless; but both the inspired Word of God and the experience of the aged confirm that our time here is but a fleeting moment. “As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more” (Psalm 103:15-16).
 
Furthermore, human life is so terribly uncertain. While you anticipate many years of work and pleasure, your life could be ended in an instant, as quickly and unpredictably as the vanishing of the morning fog.
Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend 
a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will 
happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time 
and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and 
do this or that’ (James 4:13-15).
 
We must also realize there will be no second chance after death to make corrections for a misspent life. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
 
Death
As you consider your life, be realistic. Death is certain. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
 
The only alternative is the possibility the Lord may return while we are still alive.
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed– in a moment, 
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will 
be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
Spend your small amount of time here preparing for destiny.
 
After Death
After death, what then? The spirits of all the dead enter a realm known in the Hebrew tongue as “Sheol” and in the Greek as “Hades.” David prophesied the resurrection of Christ thus: “For you will not leave my soul in hades, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption” (cf. Acts 2:27). Thus, the apostle Peter explained, “He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption (Acts 2:31). This realm is variously defined as “the common receptacle of disembodied spirits,” “the unseen world,” or simply “the abode of the dead.”
 
There are two places within this realm. One is “Paradise,” where the blessed dead are comforted. As the Lord promised the thief, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). The other realm is “torments” where the lost departed spirits suffer. The Master said the rich man was “in torments in Hades” (Luke 16:23). These places are separated by a “great gulf” over which none can cross. When the rich man wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to comfort him, Abraham reminded him, “between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us (Luke 16:26).
 
Judgment Day
Then follows our unbreakable appointment with the Day of days. There have been many great days in human history. Americans remember Independence Day, July 4, 1776. Now September 11, 2001 has exceeded December 7,1941, Pearl Harbor Day, as “a day that will live in infamy.” But there is coming a day, “the judgment of the great day,” (Jude verse 6) which shall completely exceed all other days of all time.
 
On that monumental day, all the people, both good and bad, of all ages shall come forth from the grave. Christ warned:
Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear 
His voice and come forth–those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and 
those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29)!
Abraham and Sarah shall arise from Machpelah. Moses shall come forth from the unknown wilderness grave across from Beth Peor. The oceans shall deliver up the countless millions buried within. The righteous dead shall burst forth from the grave with the shout of victory. All, all from Adam down, shall be raised! All the peoples of all the nations of the earth, including you, my friend, will stand before the Lord to be judged.
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit 
on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate 
them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will 
set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left (Matthew 25:31-33).
 
The Judgment
Christ will be the Judge. “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22).
 
His Word will be the standard of judgment. “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him–the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). Reject His tender plea now if you will, but by that same Gospel your destiny will be sealed.
 
Eternity
On that day time will end and future eternity will begin. “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46).
 
Eternity – what does it mean? Actually, in human terms it is undefinable because it is infinite (unlimited), whereas all within our experience is finite (limited). But, to crudely illustrate its vast sweep, suppose that a tiny house fly were to scrape a minute particle of dust up on one of his little wings and begin the 92,900,000 mile journey to the sun at the rate of one mile per hour, deposit the particle, return to the earth at the same slow pace, and continue this process until the entirety of our globe, all six sextillion (6 followed by 27 zeros) tons of it, were transported to the sun. How would this compare with eternity? About like the snap of your finger compares to all human history from Adam to the present. And the comparison is inadequate, because, despite the enormity of the time involved, it is finite, not infinite.
 
Hell
If you have not prepared for destiny, you will spend that eternity in a horrible devil’s hell. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
 
The punishment will be terrible beyond human power to describe. Those miserable wretches so utterly condemned will burn without ceasing, with never any hope of relief. “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night” (Revelation 14:11). There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). Their companions forever will be the wicked of the earth.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, 
and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is 
the second death (Revelation 21:8).
“But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (Revelation 22:15). Man’s vicious adversary, Satan, and his angels will be their companions. “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41).
 
Heaven
On the other hand, if you have prepared to meet your destiny, the beauty of an eternal inheritance in Heaven will await you.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant 
mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ 
from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, 
reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation 
ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).
 
What joy to spend eternity in that sweet home where we shall never again face the suffering of disease, the heartache of death, or the tears of departure. The loving Father shall tenderly comfort His children forever and ever. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
 
He shall be our light throughout endless ages, and the curse of sin will be forever lifted. “There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).
 
How blessed to be in the very presence of God, His Son, our beloved Savior, and the Holy Spirit. “God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3). “And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him (Revelation 22:3; cf. 1 Peter 1:12). The angels of God will be our companions, for they too are “in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). How delightful to walk and talk with Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Paul, Peter, and all the great men and women of faith from every age. Don’t you long to go there?
 
Conclusion
Eternity is the common destiny of Adam’s race. Where you spend that eternity is your decision. It depends on what you do with Christ and His Word. You can believe in Him, obey Him, and give your life to Him, and your eternal destiny will be the wonderful joy of heaven. Or you can refuse Him and His Word and suffer forever in hell. Where will you spend eternity?

I Don’t Keep Any Of The Ten Commandments

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I Don’t Keep Any Of The Ten Commandments
William J. Stewart | Odessa, Ontario, Canada
 
When speaking with folks about the distinction between the Old and New Testaments, I will, to make a vivid point, often declare, “I don’t keep any of the Ten Commandments.” You ought to see the look such a statement elicits on the face of some people. Now, what do |I mean by that statement? I acknowledge the God of heaven and worship Him alone. I do not serve false gods. I do not misuse the name of God. I worship on the day which God has prescribed. I render the appropriate respect to my parents. I do not murder. I do not commit fornication. I do not steal. I do not lie. I do not covet other people’s goods. And yet, I earnestly say, “I don’t keep any of the Ten Commandments.”
 
The Ten Commandments (and indeed, the whole Law of Moses) were not given for me to keep, but for the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:44-45; 5:1-3). As we consider the testimony of Scripture, it ought to become evident that we are not under the Law of Christ, not the Law of Moses. Consider:
 
MATTHEW 5:17-18
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
 
Many will use this text to affirm that the Law would never cease, but the careful Bible student will realize that Jesus is saying just the opposite. In verse 17, the Lord states unequivocally that He came to fulfill the Law. In the next verse, He plainly indicates what would take place once it was fulfilled – it would pass away.
 
A parent may tell a child not to get off a chair until his “time out” is over. A union leader may tell management that the workers will not return until all their demands are met. There are countless statements where a given result will occur once a condition has been met. Shall we leave the child on the chair even after the “time out” is completed? Shall the workers forsake their jobs even after their demands have been satisfied? Of course not. Neither should we affirm the perpetuation of the Law, for the Lord has fulfilled it.
 
ACTS 15:1, 5
Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. … It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
 
These two statements were made by some first century Jewish Christians with regard to the Gentile converts to Christ. They, like some today, were proponents of the Law, and sought to bind it upon believers. Notice what the apostles had to say of them and their position:
  • Peter asked, “…why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither you nor your fathers were able to bear?” (15:10)
  • James, considering the coming of the Gentiles to Christ, in view of prophecy, stated, “…we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God…” (15:19)
  • The apostles distinguished themselves from the Law proponents, declaring, “…we gave no such commandment…” (15:24)
  • The apostles, inspired of God, wrote to the Gentiles, saying, “…it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.” (15:28-29)
Those who affirm that we are still subject to the Law of Moses today set themselves against the apostles of Christ and the Holy Spirit himself.
 
GALATIANS 3:23-26
But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
 
Paul revealed the purpose of the Law of Moses. It guarded the hearts of the Jews until faith came. Not personal faith, for personal faith has existed since creation began. The faith spoke of is the law of faith, which would be revealed in Christ. But notice, when the faith came (ie. the New Testament Law, the Gospel), then “…we are no longer under a tutor.” The purpose of the law had been served. Now, we are God’s people, not by the Law of Moses, but “…through faith in Christ Jesus.” (NOTE, it was only the Jews who had been kept under guard by the law, the Gentiles were never under the law)
 
HEBREWS 8:7-13
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says, ‘Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the days when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’ In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
 
Two covenants are under consideration here, the first being established through Moses, the second, through the Christ. In bringing forth a new covenant, what did God plan for the former? Was it to remain, and be kept in conjunction with the second? The Hebrew writer uses words such as “obsolete,” “growing old,” and “ready to vanish away” to describe the Law of Moses. We are not subject to the covenant established by God with Israel at Mount Sinai. We are subject to the law established with the entire world through the Christ at Calvary.
 
GALATIANS 5:1-4
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed, I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 
 
Those who contend that we are still subject to Moses’ law today fail to be consistent with their own claim. Paul indicated that if one presumes to keep part of the law, they are indebted to keep the whole law (v 3). Do those who claim to keep the law today continue in the sacrifices prescribed? Do they observe the feasts in the way they are commanded? Do they hold to the penalties instructed for crimes and offences under Moses’ law? Some who claim we should keep Moses’ Law even fail to keep the Sabbath day as instructed in the Law. Their claim fails support through their actions.
 
In Galatians 5, Paul wrote to Gentile Christians whom Judaizing teachers pressured to receive circumcision in obedience to the Law of Moses (the same issue which existed in Acts 15), Paul’s message was clear – don’t do it! You have been made free in Christ, why would you turn to a law of bondage (cf. Galatians 2:4)? To seek to be justified by Moses’ law is to separate oneself from Christ.
 
COLOSSIANS 2:14-17
…having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
 
What was the handwriting of requirements that was against and contrary to us? It is the law of Moses. Recall Peter’s statement in Acts 15 – the law was a yoke “…which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear.” It was “taken out of the way … nailed to the cross.” The Law of Moses had “become obsolete” and was “ready to vanish away” (Hebrews 8). That being the case, Paul urged the disciples not to allow people to judge them in matters related to the Law – food, drink, festivals, new moons, sabbaths. The disciples of Christ are not subject to these laws or any laws from Moses. He identifies the Law as a shadow – the reality, the true, is found in Christ and His law, the gospel.
 
Well, hang on. I said earlier that I acknowledge the one true God, worship Him alone, I don’t misuse His name and I worship on the day He prescribed. I have respect for my parents, I do not murder, commit fornication, steal, lie or covet my neighbour’s goods. By definition, am I not keeping the Ten Commandments? Nope, not a one. All of the commandments (except the Sabbath law) are repeated in the New Testament (Matthew 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:1; Colossians 3:20; Romans 13:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:9; Hebrews 13:5). The Sabbath is not repeated, for the prescribed day of worship in the New Testament is the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1-2; John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Friend, we are not subject to Moses’ law. It was not and is not our law, not even the Ten Commandments. We are subject to Christ, to the message of the gospel as revealed through the New Testament.

Names of Jesus

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Jesus the Christ is the central theme of the whole bible. He is the most important figure in the entirety of Scripture. It ought to be so, for He is the only way for man to reach God.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” [1Tim 2:5]

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” [Col 1:18]

With this in mind, this author thought it interesting to list for you all the Titles & Names of Jesus. [list from Naves Topical Bile.]

NAMES, APPELLATIONS, AND TITLES OF

  • Adam 1Co 15:45
  • Advocate 1Jo 2:1
  • Almighty Re 1:8
  • Alpha and Omega Re 1:8
  • Amen Re 3:14
  • Angel Ge 48:16; Ex 23:20-21
  • Angel of his presence Isa 63:9
  • Anointed Ps 2:2
  • Apostle Heb 3:1
  • Arm of the Lord Isa 51:9-10
  • Author and Finisher of our faith Heb 12:2
  • Beginning and end of the creation of God Re 3:14; 22:13
  • Beloved Eph 1:6
  • Blessed and only Potentate 1Ti 6:15
  • Branch Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8
  • Bread of life Joh 6:48
  • Bridegroom Mt 9:15
  • Bright and Morning Star Re 22:16
  • Brightness of the Father’s glory Heb 1:3
  • Captain of the Lord’s host (army) Jos 5:14
  • Captain of Salvation Heb 2:10
  • Carpenter Mr 6:3
  • Carpenter’s son Mt 13:55
  • Chief Shepherd 1Pe 5:4
  • Chief Cornerstone 1Pe 2:6
  • Chiefest among ten thousand Song 5:10
  • Child Isa 9:6; Lu 2:27,43
  • Chosen of God 1Pe 2:4
  • Christ Mt 1:16; Lu 9:20
  • The Christ (Messiah) Mt 16:20; Mr 14:61
  • Christ, a King Lu 23:2
  • Christ Jesus Ac 19:4; Ro 3:24; 8:1; 1Co 1:2,30; Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10,14
  • Christ Jesus our Lord 1Ti 1:12; Ro 8:39
  • Christ of God Lu 9:20
  • Christ, the chosen of God Lu 23:35
  • Christ the Lord Lu 2:11
  • Christ, the power of God 1Co 1:24
  • Christ the wisdom of God 1Co 1:24
  • Christ, the Son of God Ac 9:20
  • Christ, Son of the Blessed Mr 14:61
  • Commander Isa 55:4
  • Consolation of Israel Lu 2:25
  • Cornerstone Eph 2:20
  • Counselor Isa 9:6
  • Covenant of the people Isa 42:6
  • David Jer 30:9
  • Daysman Job 9:33
  • Dayspring Lu 1:78
  • Day Star 2Pe 1:19
  • Deliverer Ro 11:26
  • Desire of all nations Hag 2:7
  • Door, the Joh 10:7
  • Elect Isa 42:1
  • Emmanuel Isa 7:14
  • Ensign Isa 11:10
  • Eternal Life 1Jo 5:20
  • Everlasting Father Isa 9:6
  • Faithful and True Re 19:11
  • Faithful Witness, the Re 1:5
  • Faithful and true witness, the Re 3:1
  • Finisher of faith Heb 12:2
  • First and last Re 1:17; 2:8; 22:13
  • First begotten Heb 1:6
  • First begotten of the dead Re 1:5
  • Firstborn Ps 89:27
  • Foundation Isa 28:16
  • Fountain Zec 13:1
  • Forerunner Heb 6:20
  • Friend of sinners Mt 11:19
  • Gift of God Joh 4:10
  • Glory of Israel Lu 2:32
  • God (deity) Joh 1:1
  • God blessed forever Ro 9:5
  • God manifest in the flesh 1Ti 3:16
  • God of Israel, the Saviour Isa 45:15
  • God of the whole earth Isa 54:5
  • God our Saviour 1Ti 2:3
  • God’s dear Son Col 1:13
  • God with us Mt 1:23
  • Good Master Mt 19:16
  • Governor Mt 2:6
  • Great Shepherd of the sheep Heb 13:20
  • Head of the ekklesia (body) Eph 1:22-23; 5:23; Col 1:18,24
  • Heir of all things Heb 1:2
  • High priest Heb 4:14
  • Head of every man 1Co 11:3
  • Head of the corner Mt 21:42
  • Holy child Jesus Ac 4:30
  • Holy one Ps 16:10; Ac 3:14
  • Holy one of God Mr 1:24
  • Holy one of Israel Isa 41:14; 54:5
  • Holy thing Lu 1:35
  • Hope (our) 1Ti 1:1
  • Horn of salvation Lu 1:69
  • I AM Joh 8:58
  • Image of God Heb 1:3
  • Israel Isa 49:3
  • Jehovah Isa 40:3
  • Jehovah’s fellow Zec 13:7
  • Jesus Mt 1:21
  • Jesus Christ Mt 1:1; Joh 1:17; 17:3; Ac 2:38; 4:10; 9:34; 10:36; 16:18; Ro 1:1,3,6; 2:16; 5:15,17; 6:3; 1Co 1:1,4; 2:2; 2Co 1:19; 4:6; 13:5; Ga 2:16; Php 1:8; 2:11; 1Ti 1:15; Heb 13:8; 1Jo 1:7; 2:1
  • Jesus Christ our Lord Ro 1:3; 6:11,23; 1Co 1:9; 7:25
  • Jesus Christ our Saviour Tit 3:6
  • Jesus of Nazareth Mr 1:24; Lu 24:19
  • Jesus (of Nazareth), King of the Jews Joh 19:19; Mt 27:37
  • Jesus, the Son of God Heb 4:14
  • Jesus, the Son of Joseph Joh 6:42
  • Judge Ac 10:42
  • Just man, Just person, Just One Mt 27:19,24; Ac 3:14; 7:52; 22:14
  • King Mt 21:5
  • King of Israel Joh 1:49
  • King of the Jews Mt 2:2
  • King of Saints Re 15:3
  • King of Kings 1Ti 6:15; Re 17:14
  • King of Glory Ps 24:7-10
  • King of Zion Mt 21:5
  • King over all the earth Zec 14:9
  • Lamb Re 5:6,8; 6:16; 7:9-10,17; 12:11; 13:8,11; 14:1,4; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7,9; 21:9,14,22-23,27
  • Lamb of God Joh 1:29
  • Lawgiver Isa 33:22
  • Leader Isa 55:4
  • Life Joh 14:6
  • Light Joh 8:12
  • Light, everlasting Isa 60:20
  • Light of the world Joh 8:12
  • Light to the Gentiles Isa 42:6
  • Light, true Joh 1:9
  • Living Bread, the Joh 6:51
  • Living Stone 1Pe 2:4
  • Lion of the tribe of Judah Re 5:5
  • Lord Ro 1:3
  • Lord of Lords Re 17:14; 19:16
  • Lord of all Ac 10:36
  • Lord our righteousness Jer 23:6
  • Lord God Almighty Re 15:3
  • Lord from heaven 1Co 15:47
  • Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2Pe 1:11; 3:18
  • Lord Christ Col 3:24
  • Lord Jesus Ac 7:59; Col 3:17; 1Th 4:12
  • Lord Jesus Christ Ac 11:17; 16:31; 20:21; Ro 5:1,11; 13:14
  • Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour Tit 1:4
  • Lord of glory Jas 2:1
  • Lord of Hosts (armies) Isa 44:6
  • Lord, mighty in battle Ps 24:8
  • Lord of the dead and living Ro 14:9
  • Lord of the sabbath Mr 2:28
  • Lord over all Ro 10:12
  • Lord’s Christ Lu 2:26
  • Lord, strong and mighty Ps 24:8
  • Lord, the, our righteousness Jer 23:6
  • Lord, your holy one Isa 43:15
  • Lord, your redeemer Isa 43:14
  • Man Christ Jesus 1Ti 2:5
  • Man of sorrows Isa 53:3
  • Master Mt 23:8
  • Mediator, the only 1Ti 2:5
  • Cf Joh 14:6
  • Messenger of the covenant Mal 3:1
  • Messiah Joh 1:41
  • Messiah the Prince Da 9:25
  • Mighty God Isa 9:6
  • Mighty one of Israel Isa 30:29
  • Mighty one of Jacob Isa 49:26
  • Mighty to save Isa 63:1
  • Minister of the sanctuary Heb 8:2
  • Morning Star Re 22:16
  • Most holy Da 9:24
  • Most mighty Ps 45:3
  • Nazarene Mt 2:23
  • Offspring of David Re 22:16
  • Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) Joh 3:16
  • Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) of the Father Joh 1:14
  • Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) Son (the best mss. have “God” instead of “Son” here) Joh 1:18
  • Only wise God, our Saviour Jude 1:25
  • Overseer 1Pe 2:25
  • Passover, our 1Co 5:7
  • Plant of renown Eze 34:29
  • Potentate 1Ti 6:15
  • Power of God 1Co 1:24
  • Physician Mt 9:12
  • Precious Cornerstone Isa 28:16
  • Priest Heb 7:17
  • Prince Ac 5:31
  • Prince of Life Ac 3:15
  • Prince of Peace Isa 9:6
  • Prince of the kings of the earth Re 1:5
  • Prophet De 18:15,18; Mt 21:11; Lu 24:19
  • Propitiation (expiation, our Sin-offering) 1Jo 2:2
  • Rabbi, Rabboni Joh 1:49; 20:16
  • Ransom 1Ti 2:6
  • Redeemer Isa 59:20
  • Resurrection and the Life, the Joh 11:25
  • Redemption 1Co 1:30
  • Righteous Branch Jer 23:5
  • Righteous Judge 2Ti 4:8
  • Righteous Servant Isa 53:11
  • Righteousness 1Co 1:30
  • Rock 1Co 10:4
  • Rock of Offence 1Pe 2:8
  • Root of David Re 5:5; 22:16
  • Root of Jesse Isa 11:10
  • Rose of Sharon Song 2:1
  • Ruler in Israel Mic 5:2
  • Salvation Lu 2:30
  • Sanctification 1Co 1:30
  • Sanctuary Isa 8:14
  • Saviour Lu 2:11
  • Saviour, Jesus Christ 2Ti 1:10; Tit 2:13; 2Pe 1:1
  • Saviour of the body (ekklesia) Eph 5:23
  • Saviour of the world 1Jo 4:14
  • Sceptre Nu 24:17
  • Second Man, the 1Co 15:47
  • Seed of David 2Ti 2:8
  • Seed of the woman Ge 3:15
  • Servant Isa 42:1
  • Servant of rulers Isa 49:7
  • Shepherd Mr 14:27
  • Shepherd and Overseer of souls 1Pe 2:25
  • Shepherd, Chief 1Pe 5:4
  • Shepherd, Good Joh 10:11
  • Shepherd, Great Heb 13:20
  • Shepherd of Israel Ps 80:1
  • Shiloh Ge 49:10
  • Son of the Father 2Jo 1:3
  • Son of God
  • See JESUS, SON OF GOD
  • Son of Man
  • See JESUS, SON OF MAN
  • Son of the Blessed One (God) Mr 14:61
  • Son of the Highest One (God) Lu 1:32
  • Son of David Mt 9:27
  • Star Nu 24:17
  • Sun of Righteousness Mal 4:2
  • Surety (Guarantee) Heb 7:22
  • Stone Mt 21:42
  • Stone of Stumbling 1Pe 2:8
  • Sure Foundation Isa 28:16
  • Teacher Joh 3:2
  • True God 1Jo 5:20
  • True Vine Joh 15:1
  • Truth Joh 14:6
  • Unspeakable Gift 2Co 9:15
  • Very Christ Ac 9:22
  • Vine, the Joh 15:1
  • Way, the Joh 14:6
  • Which is, which was, which is to come (equivalent to the tetragrammaton (YHWH), the Eternal One, I AM THAT I AM Re 1:4
  • Wisdom Pr 8:12
  • Wisdom of God, the 1Co 1:24
  • Witness Isa 55:4; Re 1:5
  • Wonderful Isa 9:6
  • Word Joh 1:1
  • Word of God Re 19:13
  • Word of Life 1Jo 1:1

Take time to read each line. My hope is that you find it just as powerful as I do.

“May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” [Eph 3:18-19]