There I Find Delight

Galatians 1:2-5

2007-01-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

"-and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

The first thing that strikes me is the reminder that Jesus gave himself for our sins. With that reminder comes all the details of what he went through here on earth (the betrayal, the waiting for the soldiers to come take him, the beating, torture, ridicule, and then death on the cross) and then what happened afterward (he returned to life, he let himself be seen here on earth, and then he went to sit at the right hand of the Father and is reigning in heaven still). It is so humbling to have this reminder of how much God sacrificed for us when I know full well how many times I have failed to do what is right. Which of course brings to mind just what Paul has prayed for in verse 3: "grace and peace ...from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Only God's grace can forgive us our sins and bring us peace in spite of them. The peace which God gives is not hindered by circumstance, but surpasses all understanding and is an incredibly precious gift.

Isn't it interesting that Paul begins his letter with a prayer? Imagine if you began the letters- or in this day and age, emails- that you wrote with a prayer. How might that effect the content of your letters? I imagine it would certainly change the tone of my letters or in the very least shift my mindset as I wrote them. Certainly it may not be wise to begin a letter to some nonbelievers with a prayer. They would likely be offended or at least annoyed, but perhaps we could adapt a different form of this. See, I think that the prayer at the beginning of Paul's letter is a reflection of the fact that he was constantly praying and thus it just naturally came out in his writing. So, as a step in that direction, perhaps we could develop a new habit and try taking a moment to pray before we write our letters or send our emails. What do you think?

Galatians 1:1-2

2007-01-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

"Paul, an apostle - sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead - and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia:"

Here Paul establishes that his authority is in Christ and not in man. I think this is a wonderful reminder for all of us that we are not sent or made by man or to please man, but instead were have been created by Christ and He has placed us where and when we are for His divine purpose. Our purpose is greater than us. We need to be focused not on what we want to get out of our life, but to continually seek what God wants from us. Why has He placed us where we are? What is His purpose for us? Are we seeking to fulfill our purpose as described by the Bible? Are we focused on God or ourselves? When we make a decision is God foremost in our minds?

Galations 1- an Apostle

2006-04-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)...........for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ............To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went .................And they glorified God in me. "

It is tempting, sometimes, to pass over the "formal" greetings of the epistles (letters to the churches). After all, it's just an overly long "hello", right? Yes and no. Technically it is "just" an introduction of self by the author... HOWEVER this introduction can be subtly and vitally important to setting the tone of the entire letter. When seen in that light, skipping over it can result in a decreased understanding of the full meaning of the epistle.

Galations is a perfect example of this. Paul opens his epistle by introducing himself as "an apostle". He further emphasizes his authority by stating that he is NOT sent by men, but by GOD. This introduction is making a point and this point is repeated throughout the first chapter.

Paul is dealing with a situation in the Galation church where others are teaching a false doctrine. His first step in dealing with this is to illuminate the fact that these others are sent by MEN, are seeking to please MEN, and have consulted other MEN in forming their beliefs and teachings, whereas Paul was sent by GOD, is seeking to please GOD, and had no need to consult other men regarding his beliefs and teachings because GOD Himself had taught Paul directly through divine revelation.

Note that Paul did not confer with other men nor seek out other men for further teaching before setting out to obey God's command to "preach him among the heathen". God's teaching was sufficient, and so he set out "immediately."

I particularly like the last verse in the chapter which seems to declare that Paul's purpose was fullfilled on this point: He did not seek to please men but to glorify God. The last verse states that he was not glorified for himself, but that GOD was glorified IN him.

Two thoughts occur to me in reading this chapter which apply to my life.

First, I think of my previous timidity in discussing scripture with others for fear of 1)screwing it up and causing someone to turn away from God, 2)looking foolish, 3)offending someone. Well, the first fear has been conquered with a right understanding of how salvation comes about, and the second and third are conquered by a right understanding that it is not important that the person with whom I am speaking think me a "brilliant theologian" nor is it important that they like me as a person. What is more important than their view of me is their view of God. If I simply proclaim God's Word with a right heart steeped in prayer and study, then I can trust in God to handle the rest.

Secondly, I wonder: Is God glorified in me? Do I seek His glory? Or my own? What do my actions say? Do they agree with the words I would use to answer these questions? Or do they call me a liar?

Galations 1

2006-04-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father, and [from] our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. "

God is in control

2006-01-05T01:13:00.000-08:00

I do believe that God is in control of who is saved and who is not saved, just as He is in control of everything else.

These verses clearly show that God can change a person's heart :

Exd 10:1 "And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him"

Deu 2:30 "But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day."

Jhn 12:40 "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

Act 16:14 "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul."

Job 23:16 "For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me"

These verses explain that we cannot "lose our salvation" because God will not let us go:

Jhn 6:37 - Jhn 6:40 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

A question of God's sovereignty

2006-01-04T23:25:00.000-08:00

Does God have control over who is saved and who is not? Please provide scriptural references with your answer. Mine will follow next week.

Calming Verses

2005-10-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today I am simply meditating on verses which emphasize trust in God and His faithful, loving, control. Please feel free to add some of your own to this brief list.

Job 2:10 "He replied, 'You are speaking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?'"

Philippians 4: 6-9 "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Philippians 4:11-13 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Psalm 16:1 "Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge."

Psalm 16:5 "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure."

Psalm 16:8 "I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Psalm 139:13-16 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Isaiah 40:26 "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host once by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."

Isaiah 40:30-31 "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Proverbs 16:4 "The LORD works out everything for his own ends - even the wicked for a day of disaster."

Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

Proverbs 16:20 "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Psalm 118: 6-7 "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies."

Psalm 118:13-14 "I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Psalm 112:7 "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD."

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 62:8 "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

Psalm 37:1-9 "Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your rightesousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land."

Psalm 18:6 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters."

Psalm 18:28-36 "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."

Psalm 120:1 "I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me."

Psalm 121:1-3 "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. he will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; ..."

Psalm 121:8 "the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Psalm 23 "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk thrugh the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

What I believe about the Person and work of the Holy Spirit

2005-10-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Person and work of the Holy Spirit ~ we believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; II Cor. 3:6; I Cor. 12:12-14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18).

Why this is important:

The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives connects us with the Father through the Son. The Spirit resides in us and gives us the power to love and serve in Jesus' name. When we live a life of ministry we do not do this in the flesh, but in the power of God through the Holy Spirit. The amazing gift of God to us that has sealed us for the day of redemption is the unique identity of God in us, giving us the power to serve and love. Without the Holy Spirit, nothing eternal or spiritual would take place in and through our lives. We are fully dependant on the Holy Spirit to be at work in our lives and ministries.

Genesis 3: 20 – 24, & 4: 1

2005-10-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Verse 20:
Notice that this is not the first time that Adam named Eve. (Gen. 2:23)

The Hebrew word for Eve’s name is, “Chavvah” {khav-vaw'}. It is defined as “life” or “living.” Scripture itself defines her name as meaning “mother of all the living.”

It is interesting to make a comparison of Adam’s name- which means “red earth” and is therefore associated with death- and Eve’s name – which means “mother of all living.”

Eve, until now, had simply been called “woman”. In Hebrew the word is, “'ishshah” {ish-shaw'} and means “woman, wife, or female.” Until now, her role had simply been that of wife. Now, Adam gave her a new name, “Eve”, which identified her as a mother. (Although the blessing to increase in number had been given in Gen 1:28, no child had yet been born.)

Adam’s choice of name clearly shows that he was paying attention to the serpent’s curse when God spoke of the woman’s seed crushing the head of the serpent. His naming of Eve also seems to indicate his repentant heart and renewed faith in God’s Word, both in the implied promise given within the context of the curse, and in the continuance of God’s original blessing given in Genesis 1: 28, “….Be fruitful and increase in number; ….” .

Verses 21 – 24 reveal God’s incredible mercy and grace. Despite their incredible sin, He is compassionate toward their shame and provides them with clothing. He is concerned for their souls and protects them from their own wickedness by placing a barrier between them and the tree of life.

These verses are also the first record of death in scripture. The animals whose skin was used must have been slain. So it is important to ask, “Why were these animals killed”? The answer: to cover the shame of Adam and Eve- to symbolicly cover their sin. Just as later jews would sacrifice a lamb at the altar, this was a symbolism of the ultimate sacrifice to come- Jesus Christ the Lamb of God sacrificed to cover our sin and shame. Also, it is important to notice, that in this original covering, Adam and Eve had no part in it. God provided the covering. They did not/could not cover themselves.

Chapter 4 verse 1:
Although the blessing/command to increase in number was given in Gen. 1:28, it is not until after the curse (in chapter 4 verse 1) that Adam lays with his wife. In fact, this is recorded as his second act after receiving his sentence. (His first being to rename Eve.) This would seem to be further proof of his repentant heart, for he is now acting in faith and obedience to God’s commands and blessings.

God’s grace and faithfulness is confirmed in the birth of Cain.

Eve recognizes this and gives God credit. Remember that her original sin was wanting to be God’s equal. In this verse she now recognizes her need for and inferiority to God by acknowledging that only with God’s help was she able to give birth.

**What a humbling truth, that it is so often only after we sin and are shown forgiveness that we then find a renewal in our faith in God? How many times must God prove His faithfulness to us, before we will trust in and obey Him faithfully in return?

Return to Genesis 3: 15

2005-10-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

There is one aspect of verse 15 which I noticed, but did not comment on, as I could not find the right words to explain my thoughts. However, it is a VITAL detail of this verse which cannot be overlooked. So I have continued to study it in hopes of being able to formulate the right words. As I have studied, I have come across a commentary by Matthew Henry. What he has to say regarding this detail of verse 15 is so well written, and includes so many other biblical references that, I cannot find my own words to be sufficient. So I am going to depart from my usual method and here simply paste a copy of what Matthew Henry has written. :

“A gracious promise is here made of Christ, as the deliverer of fallen man from the power of Satan. Though what was said was addressed to the serpent, yet it was said in the hearing of our first parents, who, doubtless, took the hints of grace here given them, and saw a door of hope opened to them, else the following sentence upon themselves would have overwhelmed them. Here was the dawning of the gospel day. No sooner was the wound given than the remedy was provided and revealed. Here, in the head of the book, as the word is (Heb. 10:7), in the beginning of the Bible, it is written of Christ, that he should do the will of God. By faith in this promise, we have reason to think, our first parents, and the patriarchs before the flood, were justified and saved and to this promise, and the benefit of it, instantly serving God day and night, they hoped to come. Notice is here given them of three things concerning Christ:—(1.) His incarnation, that he should be the seed of the woman, the seed of that woman; therefore his genealogy (Lu. 3) goes so high as to show him to be the son of Adam, but God does the woman the honour to call him rather her seed, because she it was whom the devil had beguiled, and on whom Adam had laid the blame; herein God magnifies his grace, in that, though the woman was first in the transgression, yet she shall be saved by child-bearing (as some read it), that is, by the promised seed who shall descend from her, 1 Tim. 2:15. He was likewise to be the seed of a woman only, of a virgin, that he might not be tainted with the corruption of our nature; he was sent forth, made of a woman (Gal. 4:4), that this promise might be fulfilled. It is a great encouragement to sinners that their Saviour is the seed of the woman, bone of our bone, Heb. 2:11, 14. Man is therefore sinful and unclean, because he is born of a woman (Job 25:4), and therefore his days are full of trouble, Job 14:1. But the seed of the woman was made sin and a curse for us, so saving us from both. (2.) His sufferings and death, pointed at in Satan’s bruising his heel, that is, his human nature. Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness, to draw him into sin; and some think it was Satan that terrified Christ in his agony, to drive him to despair. It was the devil that put it into the heart of Judas to betray Christ, of Peter to deny him, of the chief priests to prosecute him, of the false witnesses to accuse him, and of Pilate to condemn him, aiming in all this, by destroying the Saviour, to ruin the salvation; but, on the contrary, it was by death that Christ destroyed him that had the power of death, Heb. 2:14. Christ’s heel was bruised when his feet were pierced and nailed to the cross, and Christ’s sufferings are continued in the sufferings of the saints for his name. The devil tempts them, casts them into prison, persecutes and slays them, and so bruises the heel of Christ, who is afflicted in their afflictions. But, while the heel is bruised on earth, it is well that the head is safe in heaven. (3.) His victory over Satan thereby. Satan had now trampled upon the woman, and insulted over her; but the seed of the woman should be raised up in the fulness of time to avenge her quarrel, and to trample upon him, to spoil him, to lead him captive, and to triumph over him, Col. 2:15. He shall bruise his head, that is, he shall destroy all his politics and all his powers, and give a total overthrow to his kingdom and interest. Christ baffled Satan’s temptations, rescued souls out of his hands, cast him out of the bodies of people, dispossessed the strong man armed, and divided his spoil: by his death, he gave a fatal and incurable blow to the devil’s kingdom, a wound to the head of this beast, that can never be healed. As his gospel gets ground, Satan falls (Lu. 10:18) and is bound, Rev. 20:2. By his grace, he treads Satan under his people’s feet (Rom. 16:20) and will shortly cast him into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:10. And the devil’s perpetual overthrow will be the complete and everlasting joy and glory of the chosen remnant.”

As usual, you will find a link to this text’s original website by clicking on the title of this post.

What I believe about the Person and work of Christ

2005-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Person and work of Christ ~ we believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom. 3:24; I Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; I Pet. 1:3-5). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 7:25, Heb. 9:24; Rom. 8:34; I John 2:1-2).

Why this is important:

Jesus, the God-Man, is the unique revelation of God and the Savior of God's children. He has declared Himself to be the only way to the Father (John 14:6). In His sinless state, as God and man, we have obtained a perfect Savior to satisfy God's justice and judgment.

This reality calls us to a life of mission to minister to those whom He sought (Is. 61:1-3). We see ourselves as deserving nothing yet receiving everything necessary to have a right relationship with the Father through the work of the Son. As Jesus initiates with us, so He calls us to initiate with the lost. His love demonstrated towards us while we were yet sinners compels us to follow the same pattern and walk as He walked in the pursuit of the lost. Our motivation to love and serve the world comes from understanding the beauty of Jesus manifested in our desire to live a life worthy of the calling with which we were called.

Ezra 6:22

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Please read Ezra 6: 19 – 22. (I've provided a link to an online bible. Just click on the title.) If you can read the entire chapter, that’s even better. After you have read it, go back and read verse 22 again. Then, answer these questions (either as a posted Comment, or just in your own mind):

1) Do you believe that God can change your attitude?
2) Do you believe you have to do something (i.e. have a soft/willing heart) before God can/will change your heart?
3) What about changing the heart/attitude of a sinner?
4) Does God need permission to change someone’s heart?

I’ve found these questions to be very revealing in my own study. So much so, that I have a post-it with these questions stuck to the page with this verse. When I saw the post-it today, I thought I’d pass them along via this blog.

Genesis 16 – 19

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Verse 16: I find it interesting that God says he will “increase” her pains in childbearing. It seems to imply that some level of pain in childbearing had already existed.

It is important to understand the true meaning of the word “desire” as used in this verse. In today’s culture, desire is often associated with sex or lust. However, when you look up the Hebrew word that is actually used here, t@shuwqah {tesh-oo-kaw'}, you find that it is defined as: 1) desire, longing, craving, a) of man for woman, b) of woman for man, c) of beast to devour. T@shuwqah is from the root word, shuwq {shook}, in the original sense of stretching out after. The word, shuwq {shook}, is translated as “overflowing.” Thus, it seems safe to say that this would be an overwhelming desire. Furthermore, the word that is used for “desire” in this verse is also the same word that is used in Geneseis 4:7 when speaking of sin’s desire to rule over Cain. Just as sin desires to rule over Cain, so Eve will now desire to rule over her husband. This conclusion is confirmed by the rest of the verse which states: “and he will rule over you.” A once harmoneous relationship has now become embattled by sin.

It is also important to note that this verse is specifically addressing husbands not men in general. Women are not to be ruled by all men, but by their husbands.

Verse 17: Adam did not sin because he listened to and trusted his wife. Adam sinned because he listened to and trusted his wife above God. This distinction is made clear by God’s reiteration of His command not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, God is saying, “Look, I told you one thing, your wife told you another, and you chose to listen to her instead of Me.”

Verses 17 – 19: Notice that God does not say the ground is cursed because of the serpent, or the woman. God says to Adam “Cursed is the ground because of you”. He then goes on to describe the struggle man will endure in trying to produce food.

**Remember that man was ever intended to be idle, -see Gen.1:29, 2:15- but now the work of producing something to eat would be a burden instead of a blessing.

Lastly, God reminds Adam of where he came from- dust. The last part of this curse is a reference to death, but it is also a humbling reminder for Adam. Adam has sinned in trying to be like God. Here, God reminds Adam that he would not exist apart from God. He reminds him that Adam is the created and only God is the Creator.

**I find an interesting theme in the sentencing of all 3 sinners (the serpent, Adam, and Eve). Each of the curses addressed to them deals with conflict brought on by sin, and each deals with one’s desire to be superior. Just as they attempted to become equal with God by eating the fruit, now they are all cursed to struggle endlessly and fruitlessly for a higher position. The serpent will wish to conquer/destroy the woman and her offspring, but she shall crush his head. The woman shall desire to rule over her husband, but he shall rule over her. The man shall wish to produce food from the earth, but it shall produce thorns and thistles for him. How humbling for the man! He desired to become like God, but now he cannot even control the dust from which he came.

Genesis 3: 14 – 15

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These verses address the sentencing of the serpent.

Notice that God does not ask the serpent whether or why he has done what he has done. In regards to the serpent, God bypasses arraignment and moves immediately to sentencing. Also, God grants no reprieve and leaves the serpent no room for hope of redemption (unlike Adam & Eve). The serpent’s curse is final.

Verse 14: How appropriate it is that the serpent who used pride to entice the woman to eat, is now humbled by having to move about on his belly and eat dust.

**Reminds me of the saying, “let the punishment fit the crime.”

In verse 15, the serpent’s ability to strike at man is limited to the man’s heel, while man is permitted a vital, crushing blow to the serpent’s head. Of the two, who is depicted as the victor here?

In Genesis 3: 1 – 5, the woman and the serpent appear to be having an amicable- even friendly- conversation, in that no hostility toward one another is expressed. Notice, then how God’s curse upon the serpent in verse 15 includes an ongoing enmity between the woman and the serpent. While one could hardly argue that the serpent was acting as a true friend, it can be noted that relationships of all kinds are often destroyed by sin.

**Are there relationships in your life which have been adversely affected by sin – either yours or theirs?

**Do you have friends like the serpent who would have you follow them into sin?

Speak Up! RE: Salvation

2005-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Someone recently asked me the following question:

"What does being saved mean to you?"

In trying to answer them, I realized that it was more difficult than I would have thought to move from what I believed to trying to effectively explain it to someone else. And it led me to wonder whether others might find answering this question as challenging as I did.

So if you're willing to share what being saved means to you, just click on the Comments link and be sure to leave a name at the end of your post so I'll know who's speaking! (I only ask that you try to refrain from quoting someone else. The challenge is to answer in your own words. - Scripture is excepted from this rule, of course.)

What I believe about the Godhead

2005-10-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Godhead ~ we believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; II Cor. 13:14).

Why this is important:

The God who was and is and will be has declared Himself to be alone in the heavens. That means that He alone is God and there is none besides Him. In believing this we understand that many souls have place their hope in a god who is not there. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, as well as American pluralism wrongly assume there are many roads to the same God. In Scripture God reveals Himself as the only true God. The ramifications of this motivate us to witness to the world and declare with our lives and lips who this true and living God is.

"Crafty" (Gen. 3:1)

2005-10-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Genesis 3: 1 "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. ...."

Definition of the Hebrew word that was translated as "crafty":

`aruwm {aw-room'} - (1) crafty, Gen. 3:1 ; Job 5:12 ; 15:5 . (2) in a good sense, prudent, cautious, Prov. 12:16, 23 ;

Outline of biblical usage for this word:
1) subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible - a) crafty b) shrewd, sensible, prudent

(For more info on the word aruwm: http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/6/1128704259-4641.html )

The root word for aruwm is: aram {aw-ram'}

Definition of aram (as summarized from http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/6/1128704799-5935.html ):

(1) To make naked, ["To be naked"] to uncover, to be impudent, spiteful (manifesting one's malevolent mind). (2) to be crafty. (crafty, spiteful.) HIPHIL - (1) to make crafty, Ps. 83:4, "they make their counsel crafty," they take crafty counsels. (2) to act craftily, 1Sam. 23:22, and in a good sense, to act prudently, Prov. 15:5 ; 19:25.

Genesis 3: 8 - 13

2005-10-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

In these verses Adam and Eve once again put their shame into physical expression by attempting to hide from God. Like a father whose child is curled up face down and “hiding” in the middle of the floor, God calls out to them. In his response, Adam confesses that he hid because he was naked- his sin was exposed. He was again trying to hide his shame.

Although, God obviously knew what had happened, he asks Adam, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” This gives Adam an opportunity to confess his sin and request forgiveness. Instead he chooses to pass the blame. What may, at first, seem astounding is that not only does he attempt to pass the blame to Eve, but also to God for giving him Eve. Yet, in light of the fact that Adam and Eve’s sin had come forth from a desire to be equals with God, is it really so surprising that when confronted with his downfall, Adam would try to lower God to his own standards by accusing Him of also having failed in some way?

When God then gives Eve an opportunity to confess her sin, she too attempts to pass on the blame. She tells God, “The serpent deceived me and I ate.” In other words, “It’s not my fault the serpent tricked me.”

**It is easy to sit in judgment on Adam and Eve’s actions in this chapter:

Q: How could they be so foolish as to believe a serpent over God?
– Have you never been unable to answer a question regarding God’s Truth? Have you never been deceived- even temporarily?

Q: How could they be so foolish as to think that they could hide their sin / hide from God?
- Have you never felt that you could not approach God before you’d made some atonement for your own sin? Have you never felt that you had to let a certain period of “self-flogging” pass before you could really ask God for forgiveness? These, too are ways of trying to erase your own sin through your own power.

Q: How could Adam be so brazen as to attempt to blame God for the sin which he commited?
- Have you never treated God as your equal? Taken your relationship with Him for granted? Thought of Him as your friend more than your Lord? (Don’t answer too quickly- examine your actions first. Do your actions declare that God is your Lord or have they sometimes been less respectful?)

Q: Why did they not just confess their sins and ask for forgiveness? How could they think passing the blame would actually work?
- Right. Like you’ve never tried to pass the blame? Like you’ve never put off confessing your own sins?

It is easy to condemn Adam and Eve as sinners. It is more painful to admit how much like them we really are.

Inappropriate Comments

2005-10-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to notice random annonymous comments being added to some of my postings. Some of these are blatantly inappropriate, others clearly another form of spam, and others fall into a sort of gray area. If you notice such a comment which I have failed to remove, PLEASE email me at: thereifinddelight2@yahoo.com !!! Thank you for your help!

What I believe about Scripture

2005-10-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Scriptures ~ we believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally inspired word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:20-21; Matt 5:18; John 16:12,13).

Why this is important:

The revelation of God to us is the most unique and reliable witness we have to understand and know God. The Bible teaches in Rom. 10:17, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". Therefore the Bible is our tool to know and understand who God is according His own self-description, it is our tool to grow in faith and maturity and hold out the promises that God has given us. We take it literally. God's truth is the anchor for our soul. It calls us to dive deep into God and there discover His blessings and transformation he brings to our lives, our church, and our world.

What I believe

2005-10-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

There are just some times when others are better able to articulate what I mean than I am. I happened across my church's official doctrinal statement this morning (yes, of course, I've read it before) and I realized that attempting to summarize what it is that I believe is one of those times. Therefore, I am going to post a portion of this statement each day here on my blog. I will include a link to the full statement in the title of each of these posts. My hope is that doing this will give you a better idea of what it is that I believe and, more importantly, that it will inspire you to ask questions and/or make comments on what is being posted. I really would like this blog to be a little more interactive. So SPEAK UP! :-)

A Biblical description of Jesus

2005-10-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

As I was doing some word studies for my previous posts, I came across a list of all the names and descriptions given in scripture regarding Jesus. This is just a TINY portion of that list, but I felt great impact just in skimming over the adjectives/characteristics listed here. For the complete list, please visit the link I'm providing with this post. (Just click on the title.) And for future reference, www.blueletterbible.com is an excellent online Bible study tool!

He was Obedient ....................... Phl 2:8
He was Meek, Lowly ....................... Mat 11:29
He was Guileless ....................... 1Pe 2:22
He was Tempted ....................... Hbr 4:15
He was Oppressed ....................... Isa 53:7
He was Despised ....................... Isa 53:3
He was Rejected ....................... Isa 53:3
He was Betrayed ....................... Mat 27:3
He was Condemned ....................... Mar 14:64
He was Reviled ....................... 1Pe 2:23
He was Scourged ....................... Jhn 19:1
He was Mocked ....................... Mat 27:29
He was Wounded ....................... Isa 53:5
He was Bruised ....................... Isa 53:5
He was Stricken ....................... Isa 53:4
He was Smitten ....................... Isa 53:4
He was Crucified ....................... Mat 27:35
He was Forsaken ....................... Psa 22:1
He is Merciful ....................... Hbr 2:17
He is Faithful ....................... Hbr 2:17
He is Holy, Harmless ....................... Hbr 7:26
He is Undefiled ....................... Hbr 7:26
He is Separate ....................... Hbr 7:26
He is Perfect ....................... Hbr 5:9
He is Glorious ....................... Isa 49:5
He is Mighty ....................... Isa 63:1
He is Justified ....................... 1Ti 3:16
He is Exalted ....................... Act 2:33
He is Risen ....................... Luk 24:6
He is Glorified ....................... Act 3:13

Genesis 2: 8 - 25

2005-10-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

In verses 8-14 tell us that God placed man in a garden called Eden, and it goes on to describe many details of what that garden includes.

In verse 9 we learn that God caused many trees to grow out of the ground and that those trees had purpose. They were to be pleasing to the eye and good for food. We are also told that there were two special trees that were unique from the others. How do we know they are unique? They are specially mentioned with specific names: “the tree of life” and “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”.

In verses 10-14 we learn that “a rive watering the garden flowed from Eden” and that “from there it was separated into four headwaters.” The verses go on to give each headwater’s name and location. These names would have been the current names in use at the time Moses wrote the book of Genesis. The purpose seems to have been to give a general location for the Garden of Eden. However, two of the names and some details given have lost their meaning over the passage of time and so the locations described are not clear.

*I wonder if there is any significance to the number of headwaters??

In verse 15 we are reminded that God put man in the Garden of Eden, but this time with the added detail that man was put there for a reason. He was to work the garden and take care of it.

*Notice that man was to work even before “the fall.” He was never intended to be idle.

In verses 16-17 God gives His first command to the man: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,”
But God does not stop with just the command. He even goes on to graciously give a reason for His command: “for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

*Certainly the King of all creation was not required to give such an explanation. He might simply have stated His command and expected it to be obeyed. Instead, He chose to show incredible caring and grace in choosing to give this explanation.

In verse 18 God makes a statement that explains His purpose in creating a woman: to make a “helper suitable for him” and that he may not be alone.

*If a woman takes exception to being man's helper, she should know this: The word translated in this verse as "helper" is the Hebrew word "ezer". This same Hebrew word is used to describe God in many O.T. verses. (For example: Ex. 18:4 ; Duet. 33:29 ; Psa 33: 20 , 70:5 , 115:9 -11 , & especially Hsa 13:9 where God refers to himself with this word!)

In verse 19 we are reminded that God created all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. However, we are now told that even though God created them, He gave man the privilege of naming them.

Verse 20 confirms that the man accepted this gift and did indeed name all the livestock, birds of the air, and beasts of the field. It then goes on to say that Adam (this is the first mention of the man’s name) was not able to find a suitable helper among the animals.

*It is clear that this was not a surprise to God, for when he mentioned man needing a suitable helper (v18), He did not say, “I will find a helper suitable for him.” Instead, He said, “I will make a helper suitable for him.”

In verse 21 we learn that God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, took one of the man’s ribs, and closed up the place with flesh.

*Note the man’s total lack of aid in this. This was something God was doing. Man had no active part in it.

*It is also a bit humorous to note that this reads almost as the world’s first anesthetized surgery. Talk about ahead of your time! ;-D he he

In verse 22 we are told that God made a woman from the man’s rib and then brought her to the man.

*Again I notice man’s total lack of contribution and God’s truly awesome power of creation. It is a humbling contrast.

*Also, I find it interesting that the verse seems to imply that the man was not able to watch the woman being formed, for God first made her, then brought her to him.

In verse 23 we have man’s response to God’s creation of woman. In his response he names the new creation “woman” as a confirmation that she was made from a part of him.

Verse 24 makes the connection between what has just been described (the creation of man & woman) and the institution of marriage. It also establishes some of the method of marriage- that the man must leave his father and mother and be united to his wife. And it refers symbolically to the nature of marriage as being irreversable.

*The verse begins with the words, “for this reason”. Q: What reason? A: “for she was taken out of man.” (v23)

*”they will become one flesh” That which is one cannot/should not be divided into two.

*It seems obvious from the context of this verse that marriage is intended to be a monogamous relationship which is to continue for the duration of their lifetime.

Verse 25 provides us with some information that will help us to have greater insight into the story of “the fall” which follows in chapter 3. It tells us that both the man and his wife were naked and yet felt no shame. In chapter 3 we learn that the man and the woman only began to feel shame after they had sinned.

Genesis 2: 4-7

2005-10-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here the bible reverses in chronological time a bit in order to give more detail regarding the creation of Adam and Eve.

The details given in verses 4-6 tell us that the creation of man occurred after “streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface”, but before God sent rain to the earth. It also points out that because there had been no rain and there was yet no man to work the earth, “no plant of the field had yet sprung up.”

In verse 7, we learn that God formed man from dust of the ground. Not gold dust, or even very fine dust. Just dust of the ground. Ordinary dust. It is humbling to note that without God’s power we would be no more than ordinary dust. It is awe inspiring to note that God’s power is so incredible that He can create something as amazing as the human body from mere ordinary dust.

Do you ever wonder: “Why did God create me?” – “Why did God make my body the way that He did?” – “Why did God take the time to make me different?”

In verse 7, we also learn that God breathed the breath of life into the nostrils of man and that that is what caused him to become a living being. Dust could not form itself into a body. A body could not give itself life. We cannot live without the gracious blessing of our Lord’s power.

Do you ever wonder: “Why did God give me life?” – “Why did God breath life into my nostrils?” – “Did God create me for a reason?” – “What was God’s intention when He created me?”

Genesis 1 - 2:3

2005-08-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Surprise! It's still August (barely) and here I am posting again! Well, the explaination is that my friend and I have begun exchanging Bible study notes via email, so I figure, as long as I'm online, why not post my notes here too? This will be a greatly different format than I usually post in, as these are my raw, unedited, self-audienced notes (directly from my notebook), as opposed to my previous writings which were more thought out and streamlined for better communication. None the less, I think these are interesting (of course I wrote them ;-D) and may be of use to others in their studies, so I am posting them here. They are meant to be read with your Bible open before you, as the verses are not directly quoted. (I use an NIV Bible.) That said, here they are:

Genesis 1 - 2:3 (The first 7 days)

1:1 God created heaven & earth.

1:2 God, the Holy Spirit, was OVER the waters.

1:3 God merely SPOKE light into existance. WOW! Powerful words!

1:4 - 1:5 God separated darkness from light & created time. He specifically says that light is good. He took the time to designate the names, "day" and "night".

1:6 - 1:8 God created the sky intentionally. Time continues in the form of days. He named the expanse "sky".

1:9 -1:10 Not only did God intentionally create the land and the seas, He also named them.

1:11 -1:13 God seems like the ultimate artist, commanding a paint brush with His mere words. Yet His creation - His art- is not only beautiful, but practical as well. Unlike most artists, He does not merely name the finished whole product, but takes the time to individually name each aspect of it.

1:14 -1:19 God has already created time and now He is creating a way of measuring it. He is also creating the use of lighting the earth. For what purpose has He done this? Whom is He lighting the earth for? Who does He expect to count the days, years, and seasons?

1:20 - 1:25 There seems to be 3 categories of creatures whom God creates in these verses: sea creatures, birds, and land creatures. The land creatures are then further categorized as: livestock, wild animals, and creatures that move along the ground. If God took the time to bring distinction to each of these categories, surely they must each have their own unique purpose.

1:22 For the first time, (as recorded in scripture) God blesses something. He blesses the creatures of the sea and winged birds. His blessing appears to be in the form of a command: "Be fruitful and increase in number...." Curiously, God does not give (recorded in Scripture) this same blessing/command to the creatures of the land.

1:26 God creates man and explains the creation's (man's) purpose: to rule over the earth, fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the livestock, & over the creatures that move along the ground. (Funny that the specific category of "wild animals" is absent. Wonder if this is a translation issue? or is the list simply implicative of "all creatures"? or were "wild animals" intentionally left out?) God also describes man as being made in His own image - man is created to look like God... in some way. ***Note that God says "our image" when referring to Himself. This would support the idea that God is a plural entity. (The trinity.)

1:27 God creates male AND female in His image. He gives them each a distinction (denotes they are different) by giving them different names (male and female) but unites them in equality by giving them the same image (His own).

1:28 God gives His (second recorded by Scripture) blessing/commandment: "Be fruitful and increase in number ...." but this time He adds, "subdue it [the earth]". This would indicate that (as noted in verse 26 & as reiterated in this verse) man is different/ set apart from the animals, not only by the bearing of God's image, but also by his purpose/role here on earth. In being set as ruler over God's creation (under God of course), and in being given God's own image, it would seem that man (male & female) is unique in its position / value to God. Man is special to God.

1:29 - 1:30 God makes a gift of His vegetation. He gives it to "everything that has the breath of life in it" for food. ***Note that there is no mention of either man or animals eating meat. There is no mention of death.

1:31 God not only says all that He made is "good", He says that it is "very good".

2:1 -2:3 Even God rests. Perhaps He was pausing to enjoy the fruits of His labor (so to speak). Perhaps we, too, need to remember to take time to be still and enjoy what God has done.