Bringing in the harvest…
Devotional
JESUS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF GOD’S GLORY
Nov 6th
“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they”(Hebrews 1:1-4, NASB).
INTRODUCTION
Here is a book that is the center of much controversy. It should not surprise us that this is the case. Any writing that exalts the Lord Jesus Christ is bound to be the focus of attack from the evil one. He will attempt to neutralize the power of the message by diverting our attention to inconsequential matters.
Authorship There is, by no means, unanimity on the authorship of this book. Scholars are divided because God has not revealed it. Some are adamant in their opposition to Paul being its author, while others are equally insistent that he is. The following page contains a brief overview of the opinions of men on this subject. I share it with you to confirm that wise men differ where God has not spoken.
We must make it our business not to become distracted over the person used by God to write the book. I am of the opinion that the thoughts did belong to Paul. Who actually penned the book is of almost no consequence. For that matter, it is really of no consequence who among men was responsible for setting down the tenants of this book. God the Father purpose and revealed the book through the Holy Spirit, and gave it to us by the Lord Jesus, through Whom He has spoken in these last days. Little value will be gleaned from the book until we perceive and embrace this. It is a principle in Scripture that the Word is always to be associated with God, its ultimate Author; the Son, Who is the embodiment and personification of Scripture; and the Holy Spirit, through Whom it was given.
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ONLY TWO MEN
Nov 6th
(Romans 5:12,15)
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world . . . much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many”
INTRODUCTION
There are only two men in this section of Scripture. Adam and Jesus. All men sprang from Adam (Acts 17:26), but that proves to be a liability, not an asset. When it comes to humanity, our thinking must narrow down to two men. It will do no good for us to become absorbed in hero worship or role models. From God’s vantage point, there really are only two men, no more! Human conduct is ultimately traceable to Adam or Jesus. Achievements can be traced back to two men, Adam or Jesus. Ultimately, association with God goes back to Adam or Christ Jesus. There is a “natural man” and a “spiritual man” (1 Cor 2:14-15). The “natural” man came from Adam, the “spiritual man” comes from Christ. There is an “old man” and a “new man” (Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:9-10). The “old man” is related to Adam, while the “new man” is related to Jesus. Strictly speaking, there are only two men. Sound theology builds upon this premise.
THE CONCEPT OF A FEDERAL HEAD
The word “federal” speaks of centrality, origin, and authority. A “federal government” is a governing one, determining what is and is not to be done. When we apply this word to Adam and Jesus, we are speaking of them as the first of the kind. Those that are in their generation are like them. They think, act, and react like their head. Both Adam and Jesus determine the character of those in their generation. They are progenitors, and their offspring are their progeny. But Adam and Jesus are more than progenitors, and their offspring are more than progeny. A progenitor can have offspring unlike themselves, but that is not the case with Adam and Jesus. Their progeny are like them!
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Make Satan Listen to Your Praises
Aug 31st
By F.F. Bosworth
Instead of your listening to the Father of Lies, make him listen to your praising God for His promise!
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord” (Ps. 150:6). The sick man has breath. In other words, while you are still sick, praise Him because you are going to recover according to His promise. “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1, 27). “In nothing be anxious [distracted]; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6, RV). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).
Every sick Christian, while sick has a thousand times more to be happy over than the most cheerful sinner in perfect health.
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