INTIMATE RELATIONS

Part 1

Jack Davis

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” John 20:15-17

What are we to Jesus, and what is Jesus to us? Let us consider three ways the scriptures express our being related (joined or united) to Jesus Christ, (Brethren, His Body and His Bride).

Brethren: Jesus identified Himself with us in our fallen condition, was made sin for us and died in the place of the whole ruined old creation, that He might bring many sons to glory.

Why did Jesus say, “touch me not” to Mary? Consider this, He was to be the first fruit unto God of a new creation. God the Father was to receive the first enjoyment from His Son and the victory won at the cross. Oh, what a great joy that return of his Son to heaven must have been. It is evident that after Jesus ascended to the Father, He then returned and revealed Himself to His brethren as was recorded in Luke 24:39, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

“GO TO MY BRETHREN:” It seems that Jesus had partially fulfilled the prophecy of Psalms 22:22, quoted in Hebrews 2:12. He who has provided for our sanctification and is not ashamed to call us brethren, says, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.” It is certainly a joy for holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, to consider Him today. For He is the one who has made it all possible. Thank God, we, being born again, are members of God’s family. This is such a good “brotherhood.” I am glad to be part of the family of God. This is indeed a membership worthy of hearty participation! This is “the” brotherhood recognized by God. Let us enjoy the closeness in which we may partake with Him and His brethren.

As His brethren in the spirit, men may also experience being disciples, followers and friends. Paul reminds us, “God is faithful, by whom ye (we) were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” Paul prayed for us unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family of God in heaven and earth is named.

HIS FOLLOWERS: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” – Jn. 8:12. They who follow Jesus may enjoy an illuminated path on a uniting course. The Word was spoken, “Let there be light;” “The Word was made flesh.” Jesus Christ is the illuminator of man. Thank God for the illuminating power of the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Read Ps. 16:11 & Prov. 4:18.

Jesus provided for the unity of this brotherhood. He prayed for it and prayed for its reality in the lives of His brethren. “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice…I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” -Jn. 10:4,15-16. Also Jn. 17:20-21.

Wholehearted participation in this brotherhood promises an eternally rewarding companionship. “Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands. For my names sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” – Mt. 19:29. This total commitment does not teach us to mistreat, neglect, nor forget our loved ones. Yet love for Jesus must be predominate in all dealings during this earthly sojourn. There is a full inheritance for those who let nothing between, or hinder our closest relations with Him. Apostle Paul said in essence, “He is worth everything to me.” Some follow the Lamb from afar, some go a little farther, and praise God, some go on all the way.

HIS FRIENDS: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” Prov. 18:24. Jesus is that kind of friend. We wonder at Him as we consider the great distance He covered to make us friends of God. Just think of how He showed Himself friendly: He laid down His Life for His enemies. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” Prov. 17:17. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not…” Prov.
27:6,9,10.

There are friends of value. John called Himself “a friend of the bridegroom.” Abraham was called a friend of God. Thank God that we are able to make the choice today and not be an enemy of the cross of Christ, James wrote, “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” In Christian brotherhood we often find spiritual friendship far better than natural kinship. I greatly appreciate Christian brotherhood, but thank God, we find that there is mentioned in scripture a closer, more tightly knit union than brethren.

HIS BODY: which we call a mystical body, is indeed an amazing body, made up of those that believe upon Jesus Christ as their Savior during this Church Age. Col. 3:15, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Rom. 12:4-5, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

The scripture makes it very clear how we (children of God) have been bought into this relationship. This is a supernatural work, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…Now ye are the body of
Christ, and members in particular” I Cor. 12:13,27. Nothing about this membership is man-made, man could not plan, nor reason out, nor develop such a marvelous organism. This was not meant to be organized, managed, or manipulated by humanity. The natural bodily functions call for harmonious relations, while operating under the guidance of its head. So, also, the body of Christ has only one true head, Jesus Christ. His body is the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. He would impress upon every member of His body that each of us are very special and important to Him. For any individual assembly to function the way it was intended, each one is to fulfill their place. We are to bless and be a benefit to one another – Eph. 4:4,5,12-16. God’s Word solemnly entreats us each to be faithful in our place.

The Apostle faithfully warns us of another grave danger, that brings divisions. Col. 2:18-19, “Let no man beguile you of your reward…not holding the head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” We must honor our head, and be totally dependant, looking to Him as the author and finisher of our faith. Our sufficient head hates nicolaitanism. The Holy Spirit brings forth in each of us individually, that virgin characteristic that would hold Him alone personally as our head. This is essential to closer relations with Him.

The last part of this message “Intimate Relations” is Christ’s Bride and it will be in the next issue, September – Glorious Gospel.

WHAT CHRIST PROVIDED BY HIS CROSS

Pastor Anita Clark

Carbondale, Kansas

Our Lord Jesus’ death on the cross was the greatest sacrifice ever made by anyone. Let us meditate upon a few of the benefits of the cross. As I thought upon this, I remembered ten things that are ours because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, but there are many more.

1. LOVE – I John 4:8 says “God is love.” His very nature is “love.” His love came to the world in the form of His son. John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that he sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” This love is experienced when we actually accept Him as our Savior. This love grows in our hearts as we mature in Christ. It is so deep and so wide, and is totally inexhaustible. It’s eternal. Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:19 that his desire for the saints was “to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

2. SALVATION – God’s love provided this wonderful salvation whereby, we become the sons of God. This salvation comes to us by believing on Jesus and asking Him to come into our hearts and lives. Romans 11:18 says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel [Good News] of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” This salvation delivers us from our sins, and makes us a child of the living God, and gives us eternal life.

3. JUSTIFICATION – Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “Justification” in the Greek that the New Testament was written in, means “to render just, or innocent, or be made righteous.” When we believed on Jesus as our Savior, we were made righteous in God’s sight. We are made a New Creation in Christ Jesus (II Cor. 5:17). We are given a new life, the life of Christ that dwells in us - all because we are justified.

4. PEACE WITH GOD – He is no longer angry with those who believe. There is peace between us because Jesus is the Peace Bringer. Ephesians 2:14 says, “He is our peace, Who hath made both one.” Vs. 15 -18 Paul explains that Jews and Gentiles are now made one by Christ’s death. In Old Testament times God was dealing only with the Jews. Now, since the death of Christ, salvation is for all those who believe. Colossians 1:20 says, “...having made peace through the blood of the cross.” Besides this initial peace because of our acceptance of Christ as Savior, we can also experience peace in the midst of the trials of life.

5. GRACE – Romans 5:2 says, “By Whom (Jesus Christ) we have access by faith into this Grace wherein we stand; and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” We stand in grace. This means we are standing in His divine favor. The word “grace” in the Greek language means, “ a gift, a benefit or favor.” Ephesians 2:8 tells us, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, It is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” Romans 11:6 tells us, “And if by grace, then it is no more of works; otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be by works, then is it no more grace otherwise work is no more work.” We see by this verse that there is no mixing of the two concepts. It is in man to want to merit the salvation that God offers, but we must realize that without God’s grace we can never be saved, as our works to try to merit salvation are considered “filthy rags” by God (Isa. 64:6).

6. REDEMPTION – Redemption in the Greek means, “the act of ransom in full, to deliver by paying a price.” In the Old Testament sacrifices of animals had to be made to stop the wrath of God from coming upon the people because of sin. We are delivered from the curse of the law because of Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself. The price -death- was paid fully by Christ’s death. He paid the ransom to set us free from the slave market of sin in full. He gave His own life baring all our sins (past, present and future), and has forgiven all our sins. Hebrews 9:12 says, “Not by the blood of bulls and goats, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

7. SAVED FROM THE WRATH OF GOD –            1 Thessalonians 1:10, “... He has delivered us from the wrath to come.” This is speaking of the eternal damnation of those who refuse salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke of it while He was here on earth. In Colossians 3:6, it says, “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience.” Those who do not accept Jesus as Savior will suffer God’s wrath in the Lake of Fire. Psalms 7:11 states, “God is angry with the wicked every day.” But, God is not angry with those who believe and accept Jesus. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love. therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” Those who are saved by the blood of Christ will live forever in heaven with the Lord.

8. OUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE – Jesus said (Luke 10:20), “Rejoice, because you names are written in heaven.” Hebrews 12:23 Paul says, about the people of God, “...which are written in heaven.” In contrast. Revelation 13:8, those who worship the Antichrist, “...whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 20:15, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Also, chapter 21:27, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or worketh a lie, but they which are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Isn’t it precious that God keeps track of His own. He writes our name in His book with indelible ink.

9. WE HAVE A GREAT HIGH PRIEST – An advocate (an intercessor or lawyer) with the Father. (I John 2:1). Romans 8:34 says, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession (Gk. “To entreat in favor or against”) for us.” And, Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” The word “uttermost” has a great meaning in the Greek - “to completion, entire, perfectly, finally and for all time.” What assurance we have in God for giving us His Son as our Savior! Does God the Father hear His Son’s intercessory prayers for us? We are absolutely sure that He does. We are so blessed by receiving the Lord Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

10. HEAVEN – All these previous nine things have been provided for us by Christ’s death and resurrection plus eternity in heaven with Him forever. Heaven is a subject that is mentioned throughout the New Testament. When Jesus was here on earth he spoke 76 times about heaven as recorded in the book of Matthew. He came down from heaven to give mankind salvation that we might go there to that wonderful place to live with Him forever and ever. John 14:1-3, Jesus assures us, “And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there you may be also.” Throughout the New Testament “heaven” is talked about. Colossians 1:5, speaks of “the hope laid up for you in heaven.” We are looking for the soon coming of the Lord Jesus. Apostle Paul taught that, “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Let us rejoice in what the death of Christ and his resurrection has provided for us. We have not covered all of these blessings in this article. There are so many more. Let us praise Him for what His death has given us. We are the Sons of the Living God! Christ is coming back very soon.

Who Am I?

“Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that you have brought me till now?”  2 Samuel 7:18

God had just told David about some long term plans that included David and his house. This is David’s response. “Who am I? What is my house?” A response that should be elicited from us as we consider what God has promised us.

David was always humbled by God’s blessings, but also that God allows us to have a part in His work. As David and the people of Israel prepared for building the temple, this is what David has to say, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able  to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of you, and of your own have we given you.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. How many times have we given to the Lord and felt like we had really sacrificed something. We gave something that belonged to us. Consider David’s attitude.

I found a similar response from others in scripture. “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which you have showed to your servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.” Genesis 32:10. This is Jacob’s response as he considers his life and God has brought him. It would be good for us to consider our life and where God has brought us to.

“And Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”  Exodus 3:11. Moses, who previously thought he was going to liberate his people by his own strength, now recognizes he is not even worthy to be used by God. How could we ever be worthy of being used by the creator of the universe to bring about His purposes? How humbled we should be when God does uses us for His glory.

Paul was greatly used by God, and given great revelations. He could have boasted about his place as the apostle to the Gentiles. Instead, we read this: “To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”  Ephesians 3:8.

When we consider what God has done for us, and what he has promised to us, we must react the same. Who am I? Unfortunately, sometimes, God’s people act like God owes them something. Like they have accomplished something on their own. They lose the sense of awe at God’s grace and mercy. May we, like David, sit in God’s presence and recognize, “who am I?.”

In eternity we will not be glorying in ourselves. Read Revelation 4:10-11.
Gordon Crook

RUTH

Pastor Debra Isenbletter

Springfield, Missouri

Ruth 4:11 – “And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:”

They Certify the Transaction: “We are witnesses.” This verse begins with a wonderful declaration by all that are present, by “all the people” and by “the elders.” They answer the challenge of Boaz given in the previous verses. Boaz has said: “Ye are witnesses” (Vs 9-10), now they respond to him by saying: “We are witnesses.” This is the third time we see the word “witnesses” in this book. By their words they certify and finalize his transaction, they declare that his redemption as kinsman is complete. Boaz has done everything that the Law has required, and there were three witnesses that day. The Law declared that “at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” (Deut 19:15). The first witness was the other kinsman (a type of the Law in its failure). The second witness was the 10 elders (a type of the 10 Commandments, that Jesus obeyed). The third witness was the people (a type of all the prophets, scriptures that spoke of Jesus). Boaz, as a type of Christ doesn’t need to do anything else – All testify that it is finished! The work of our redemption at Calvary is a finished and completed work! Jesus like Boaz can say, “Ye are witnesses!” and all must respond with “We are witnesses!” We see that witness concerning Christ in so many ways.

1.    His Birth: “was made of a woman, made under the law” (Gal 4:4)
2.    His Promise: “of whom Moses in the law and prophets did write” (Joh 1:45)
3.    His Purpose: “to fulfill” the demands of Law (Mat 5:17)
4.    His Cry: “It is finished!” (John 19:30)
5.    His Assurance: “all things were fulfilled that were written in the law” (Luk 24:44)
6.    His Obedience “by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Ro 5:19)
7.    His Righteousness: He “is the end of the law for righteousness” (Ro 10:4)

They Bless the Union of Boaz and Ruth: First we see WHO will bless Ruth. It is “the Lord,” for only He can do this. They ask the Lord to bless Ruth; they ask that the Lord “make” something of Ruth. That word “make” means “to give” (Grace), “to bestow,” (Blessing), “to pour forth” (Abundance); “to lift up” (Exaltation). This is Grace in all its fullness! This blessing pictures all that the Lord gives and the abundance, the endless supply.

Next we see why, where and when Ruth will be blessed. It is because she “is come into thine house;” it is the moment she enters into the house of Boaz. This is the “household of faith” (Gal 6:10); this is the “household of God” (Phil 4:22). This is a place of provision, of protection, of satisfaction and of security. Ruth will enter that house, not as a servant, but as a wife. It is there that she will bear his name and his children.

Next we see the blessing continue in their desire that Ruth be fruitful. They pray that Ruth be “like Rachel and like Leah,” the wives of Jacob. Rachel gave Jacob two sons (Joseph and Benjamin) and her maid Bilah gave Jacob two sons (Dan and Naphtali). Leah gave Jacob six sons (Reuban, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun) and her maid gave Jacob two sons (Gad and Asher). Through these women Jacob was given twelve sons, we see their fruitfulness. Through their union with Jacob they “did build the house of Israel.” That promised blessing of fruitfulness was given to Abraham by God, for God said to Abraham, “I will make of thee a great nation” (Gen 12:2), yet at that time and for a long time, Abraham had no children and when the promise was fulfilled, he had one son, Isaac. So the promise was passed on to his son Isaac, Jacob’s father, who had 12 sons that became the 12 tribes. But that blessing of fruitfulness will come through the women they marry. As this happens we see them grow and multiply.

When we see Jacob’s mother, we see a great prophecy and promise given. It is made possible when Jacob’s father took a bride chosen by God. It is made possible when Jacob’s mother agreed to marry Isaac. There was a special blessing given to Jacob’s mother Rebecca. “…be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.” (Gen 24:60) It is this blessing that is passed on to Ruth through her union with Boaz!

First a Blessing is given to Ruth and then a Blessing is given to Boaz and his is a Double Blessing, it is a Personal Blessing. The same place is mentioned twice with two different names and two different blessings.

A blessing in Ephratha: “and do thou worthily in Ephratah.” Ephratah means “a place of fruitfulness,” it is another name for Bethlehem. This was the place where Rachel was buried (Gen 35:19; Gen 48:7) and had at one time been a place of sorrow. But now it a place of great blessing and great joy. The blessing is seen in meaning of its name “fruitfulness” and in the word “worthily,” which means “wealth, valor, or strength.” It is translated: “May thou do worthily and get wealth (power) in Ephratah” (Amplified/NAS) and “May you prosper in Ephratah” (RSV). I believe that this pictures a Place of Growth, a full growth, a fruitful growth. As great and wealthy as Boaz was before he married Ruth (he was “a mighty man of wealth”), he will be enriched by his union with Ruth!

A blessing in Bethlehem: “and be famous in Bethlehem.” Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Bread is the result of fruitfulness, the abundance the Lord supplies. Naomi came back to this place for this reason. She said “the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread” (Ruth 1:6). The blessing is seen in the meaning of the name and in the word “famous” is translated “renowned” (RSV). The word means “to address by name;” “to cry unto;” “to preach.” In those meanings you see how famous and renowned Boaz will become through his union with Ruth. Ultimately, this prophecy and its fulfillment points to the Messiah, to Christ. Micah prophesied the Messiah would come from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and Herod was reminded of this (Matt 2:6). It is His Name that is preached, that we cry unto, it is His Name that is remembered and exalted by us! Praise the Lord that we bear His Name!

Continued next issue

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Verta Giddings

Chapter 10:11-19 – Peter and Cornelius

The meaning of the word “Gentiles” is multitudes or people. In our study we will find it means those who are not Jews. Jesus told the disciples that they would be witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth. That would mean they would witness to Gentiles.

In Acts 9:43 it tells that Peter went to live with a man who was a tanner. That meant he worked with hides of animals. Jews felt that made people unclean to do that. Peter was learning a lot of lessons.

CORNELIUS – Acts 10:1-8. This man was a centurion which means he was a commander of 100 soldiers in the Roman army. He was not a Jew, but apparently he was aware of the Jewish teachings. He was a devout man – one who reverenced God. He even gave money to the poor and prayed to God. He was walking in all the light he had, so the Lord was about to give him more light. This man had a vision at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. An angel appeared to him and said that the Lord knew all about him. Then he was told to send men to Joppa and have Peter come to his house. He said Peter would tell him what he ought to do. Right away, Cornelius called two servants and a soldier close to him, to go and get Peter.

PETER – Acts 10:9-16 – We can see how the Lord worked on “both ends of the line.” The next day, before the men reached the house where Peter was staying, he was on the housetop praying. They had flat-roofed houses. This was at noon. While there he became very hungry. While they were preparing the meal, Peter fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and a sheet knit at 4 corners descending. This came from heaven and was spread out – like a world-wide outreach. On this sheet were all kinds of fourfooted beast of the earth and wild beasts, and creeping things, as well as fowls of the air. The ones the Jews were taught were clean were all mixed up with those which were unclean. A voice came to him saying, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.” Peter said, “Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.” V. 15 is a verse that must have startled Peter – “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” What do you suppose God was telling Peter? This same sheet was lowered three times.

THE MESSENGERS ARRIVED – Acts 10:17-22. Peter didn’t know what this all meant and while he was thinking about it, those men who had been sent to have Peter come to Caesarea to meet with Cornelius, arrived. V. 19 says Peter thought on the vision. It was then the Holy Spirit told him to go with those men not doubting a thing. They told Peter why they had come. Notice in V. 22 that Cornelius wanted to hear words of him.

PETER WENT WITH THEM TO CAESAREA – Acts 10:23-33. Peter had them spend the night, and so the next day Peter and six brethren (11:12) went with them. Cornelius was all ready for him, in fact he called his relatives in to be there when Peter would arrive. When Cornelius met Peter, he fell at his feet and worshiped him, but Peter didn’t allow that. He said – “Stand up, I myself also am a man.” Peter cleared the air by saying in V. 28 that it was unlawful for a Jew to keep company with those of another nation. Then he said, “But God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” How had the Lord showed him? It was by that vision of the sheet which he had seen on the housetop. He asked why Cornelius had sent for him. Peter learned of Cornelius and the vision God had given him and the message to send for Peter.

PETER’S SERMON – Acts 10:34-43. The first thing Peter said, was, “I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” He preached Jesus to them. V. 37 showed that they must have heard about Jesus, His life, His death, and His resurrection. Peter declared that he among others had seen Jesus after His resurrection. Then in V. 43, he said that through Jesus’ name whosoever (anybody) who believes would have their sins forgiven. The “whosoever” included all those in the house that day, and it includes you and me.

THE RESULT – Acts 10:44-48. These people must have immediately believed Peter’s message, for while he was still speaking to them about Jesus, the Holy Ghost fell on them just like He did on the believers on the Day of Pentecost. Remember that it says in John 14:17 that the Holy Ghost is not given to the unsaved. How did Peter and the 6 brethren know they had received the Holy Ghost? V. 46 says, “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.” Then they were baptized in water in the name of Jesus. Peter stayed there for awhile after that.

PETER’S EXPLANATION OF THIS EVENT TO THE APOSTLES AND BRETHREN – Acts 11:1-18. This was all new to the Jews, that Gentiles could hear and believe the Word of God without going through Jewish forms and ceremonies. Peter had just preached Jesus at the house of Cornelius, and didn’t say a word about keeping all those forms and ceremonies. He didn’t speak even about the Law of Moses. V. 3 They questioned Peter about why he would eat with those Gentiles. Peter told them all about what had happened, about his vision, and what the Lord had told him. He also told what the men had said about the vision Cornelius had. V. 14 is important. Here we learn that the angel had told Cornelius that Peter would tell words whereby he and all his house should be saved. Then he told about the result of his message. Peter’s conclusion was – V. 17 – that they had received the like gift they had received on the day of Pentecost – so Peter couldn’t withstand God. Since God chose to do this, it was right. They all listened and agreed that God had given salvation to the Gentiles.

CONCLUSION – In order for any one to be saved (Jew or Gentile) they must believe the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Cornelius was a good man. He had a good report, but he needed to hear about Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life. Have you done this? Acts 10:43 – gives that grand word “Whosoever.”

Continued in the next issue – September Glorious Gospel

SEEKING JESUS

Jack French

Wichita, Kansas

Luke 2:41-52 - “Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

We learn that Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem every year for Passover. Jesus being 12 years old and according to Jewish law, a lad that age was able to go to the Feast of Passover. They stayed the full time of the festival, then we read that Jesus stayed behind in the temple. The company traveled a day’s journey. When they could not find Jesus, they went back, arriving at Jerusalem, they went about SEEKING Jesus.

We read in Matthew 6:33, “seek ye first the kingdom of GOD; and His righteousness…”.

After three days they found Jesus in the temple, sitting, hearing and asking questions. Jesus said to his parents, How is it that ye sought me? Or in other words with uneasiness and distress, not trusting in GOD to care for him; especially in all the other places except the temple. “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

Psalm 40:7-8, “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Malachi 3:1,  “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” John. 4:34, (Jesus words red letter, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”  John 5:17, “”My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

We know Jesus came to preach the Gospel, Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Referring to Isaiah 61:1-2, 10. Those who sought Jesus in sorrow find Him in great JOY (Lk. 5:18-26).

When we read of all that Jesus did just in the Gospels, with great clearness, with so much concerns for the souls of men, arid (dry or barren) with great awfulness; in which Jesus took great delight; many, many miracles. But the main and principal part was to provide Salvation, making reconciliation and atonement for all sin, by His blood obtaining ETERNAL REDEMPTION, and it was JOY.

Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This He called HIS FATHER’S business; because HE (the Father) assigned it to Him, called Him to it. John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.” God enjoined it to Him (Jesus) as man and mediator. Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession.” II Peter 1:17, “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Thus we know that Christ was and is about His Father’s business, and is engaged to do it, throughout Eternity -Eph. 4:7-10. So let’s seek Christ first above and before all things, giving thanks always in prayer, and do not yield to the old creation, but to that new creation life of Christ in us, unto the Praise and Glory of our beloved Father!