Week of 2 Advent C
This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), “Prayers of the Day…” (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:
and:
The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, “Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers,” United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 – 304, Philadelphia, 1918.
The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:
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Podcast: Week of 2 Advent C
2nd Advent - Sunday C
First Posted Dec 6, 2009
Podcast: 2 Advent Sunday C
Malachi 3:1-4 – The Lord's Messenger;
Psalm 126 – Restorer of Fortunes;
Philippians 1:3-11 – Thankfulness;
Luke 3:1-6 – Restored Fortunes;
Malachi:
Watch and see! The Lord is sending his messenger, heralding the Messiah, before the coming of the Lord, to prepare his way. The Lord whom his people seek will come suddenly into his temple. The Lord of hosts declares that the Lord's messenger (the Messiah; Christ) of the covenant in whom we delight is coming. In the day of his coming, who will be able to endure it; who will be justified in his judgment
He will be like a refiner's furnace, and like fuller's soap. Like a refiner of gold and silver he will refine the sons of Levi (the Jewish Priesthood; the Church leadership), until they present acceptable offerings to the Lord. Then the Lord will be pleased with the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem, as in former times.
Psalm:
God's people felt like they were dreaming, when the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion (Jerusalem; God's City in heaven). Laughter filled their mouths and shouts of joy were on their tongues. The surrounding nations realized that the Lord has done great things for Israel.
We are glad; the Lord has done great things for us! Like a river in the wilderness, restore our fortunes, O Lord! “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. He that goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:5-6).
Philippians Background:
Paul was imprisoned, awaiting trial and possibly execution, for preaching the Gospel. The church at Philippi, in Macedonia, was the first Christian Church in Europe, founded by Paul's preaching of the Gospel. The congregation had sent a gift by Epaphroditus for Paul, in prison, and Paul wrote this letter for him to carry back to the congregation.
Philippians:
In his prayers, Paul always remembered the Philippians with joy and thanksgiving for their partnership in the Gospel from the first day until the present. Paul reassured the congregation that the Lord who had begun a good work in them would bring it to completion at the Day of Judgment at Christ's return. Paul was right in thinking thus, because they were very dear to him. The Philippian congregation shared in God's grace with Paul in both his “imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Philippians 1:7). Paul yearned for the congregation with the affection of Christ. Paul's prayer was that they would grow more and more in overflowing love, knowledge and discernment. Then they would be able to choose what is excellent, and keep themselves unstained by sin, and blameless, full of the fruits of righteousness at the Lord's return.
Luke:
John, the baptizer, began his public ministry in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar (A.D. 26 or 27). Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, was the ruler of Galilee and his brother Philip was the ruler of the adjoining area (Gaulanitis) to the east of Galilee and the Jordan River. Annas, high priest emeritus, and his son-in-law Caiaphas, the current high priest, were in control of the temple and priesthood.
At the call of God, John began to preach water baptism for repentance and forgiveness of sin (disobedience of God's Word) throughout the region along the Jordan River. John was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3-5: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it" (compare Luke 3:4-6).
Commentary:
God has designed Creation to allow us freedom to choose whether to trust and obey God or not. Disobedience of God's Word is the definition of sin. God has consigned us all to sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), so that we all need forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal death which is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23). God doesn't want anyone to die eternally, so he has provided salvation as a free, undeserved gift, through faith (obedient trust) in his “anointed” Savior and eternal King of God's heavenly kingdom (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus is God's only provision for our forgiveness and salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).
God has designed Jesus Christ into the structure of Creation from the very beginning (John 1:1-5, 14), and he has promised and has been revealing his Savior to us in his Word (the Bible) from the very beginning (Genesis 3:15). God called Abraham (Abram) to go to a new land which God promised to give to Abraham's descendants.
The Promised Land became a foreshadowing of the Eternal Promised Land of God's heavenly kingdom. Moses prefigures the Christ, who leads us out of bondage to sin and death in the “Egypt” of this world, through the “wilderness” of this lifetime, through the “river” of physical death and into the eternal “Promised Land.” David, the great earthly “shepherd-king” prefigures Jesus, the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14) and heir to the eternal throne of David (2 Samuel 7:5-13; Psalm 89:20-29; Matthew 1:1; 21:9). These are just a few examples.
The author of Malachi is believed to have been living between B.C 500-450. The Lord promised through Malachi to send a messenger to prepare the people to receive the Messiah (Christ; both words mean “God's Anointed”). John the Baptizer fulfilled that prophecy (Luke 3:2-6; Luke 7:27; Matthew 17:10-13). Jesus Christ is the messenger (teacher; mediator) of the “New Covenant” of grace (unmerited favor) which replaces the Old Covenant of Law. Jesus is the delight of his disciples and the New Covenant is a better one (Matthew 26:26-28; Hebrews 8:8-10; 12:24).
Jesus came to teach us, by word and example, to live in obedient trust in God's Word. He came to become the only sacrifice acceptable to God for forgiveness of our sins, and for our salvation from eternal condemnation. Jesus came to give us eternal life.
We're all born physically alive, but spiritually “unborn.” This lifetime is our only opportunity to seek and find God (Acts 17:26-27) and be spiritually “born-again” to eternal life. These promises are only fulfilled through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6), by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Jesus' resurrection demonstrates that there is existence after physical death. Jesus is eternally alive and every truly “born-again” Christian, including myself, testifies to that reality. We all die physically once, and then face judgment, not reincarnation, and not “nothingness” (Hebrews 9:27).
There is a Day of Judgment coming, when everyone who has ever lived will be accountable to Jesus for what each has done in this lifetime. Jesus is the righteous judge and the standard of judgment, because he has lived in this world in human flesh in obedient trust in God's Word, without sinning.
When Christ returns, he will separate the righteous from the wicked. Those who have accepted Jesus as Lord, who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will have been “reborn” by the indwelling Holy Spirit in this world, and will enter eternal life in God's eternal kingdom. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus will be condemned to eternal death and destruction in Hell with all evil Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Judah, the remnant of Israel, did not learn from the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of the ten tribes of the divided monarchy, and didn't heed the warnings of God's prophets. So God removed his favor and protection from them and they were conquered and carried into exile in Babylon by the Chaldeans (in 587 B.C.).
Before that happened God had promised that they would return from exile after seventy years (Jeremiah 25:(11)-12), and that promise was fulfilled (in B.C 517). Incredibly, Babylon was conquered by Cyrus of Persia, and Cyrus returned the gold and silver vessels taken as booty by the Chaldeans, released the Israelites, and gave money and help to rebuild the temple. Can you imagine how it must have seemed like a dream to God's people.
Paul (Saul of Tarsus) is the prototype and example of a “modern,” “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple (student) and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ. By the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, Paul proclaimed the Gospel to the Philippians for the first time, and they believed and joined in partnership of the Gospel with Paul from that time on (Acts 16:12-15). When Paul was imprisoned for the preaching of the Gospel, they didn't forget or withdraw from him. They supported Paul both in his imprisonment, and in the proclamation and confirmation of the Gospel.
Paul was “discipling” new believers until they were “filled” with (“baptized” with; “anointed” with; “given”) the gift of indwelling Holy Spirit,” as Paul had been (Acts 9:10-18). He was teaching “born-again” believers to repeat the process with others (2 Timothy 2:2). As believers were “born-again” they were discipled by the Holy Spirit to spiritual maturity at the Day of Judgment at Christ's return.
When believers accept the Gospel and begin to trust and obey Jesus they will be “born-again.” Only after the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8) are they able to go into the world with the Gospel to make disciples and teach those disciples to obey all that Jesus taught in obedience to the Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
Sowing the seed of the Gospel is going to be costly. The world hates the Gospel and the disciples of Jesus as much as they hated and crucified Jesus. Don't expect the world to treat us better than they treated Jesus, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit within us we can be guided, empowered, sustained, and consoled, so that we can ultimately produce the fruit of righteousness at the Day of the Lord.
Believers need to read the Bible completely and also regularly. Any average reader can read the entire Bible in one year, and there are numerous plans available. I favor plans that consist of both Old Testament and New Testament texts each day (see Free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, top right).
Believers should set aside some time regularly each day to read God's Word with prayer and meditation, to seek God's will and guidance for that day, preferably in the morning. Then try to remember and do God's will for that day.
Christians are by definition “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples (Acts 11:26c) of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is a process. We must learn to trust and obey God's Word, fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in Jesus Christ (John 1:1-5, 14). We must be guided by spiritually mature “born-again” disciples until we have been “spiritually reborn, and then we must be discipled to spiritual maturity by the indwelling Holy Spirit within us. The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit within us is the beginning of the “good work” within us which will grow to completion at the Day of Judgment.
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
2nd Advent - Monday C
First Posted Dec 7, 2009
Podcast: 2 Advent Monday C
Isaiah 12:2-6 The Lord is My Strength;
Look! My God is my salvation. I will trust in him and not be afraid. “The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2b).
“With Joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: 'Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name; make known his deeds among the nations, proclaim that his name is exalted'” (Isaiah 12:3-4).
The works of the Lord are glorious; let us sing his praises! Let his works be known throughout the earth. Let God's people shout and sing for joy. Great is the Holy One, in our midst.
Commentary:
Those who have trusted in the Lord have come to know that he is our Savior, our strength and our song. Everyone is looking for salvation from the troubles of this lifetime, but many are looking in all the wrong places.
Nothing in this world can ultimately save us from death except Jesus. Jesus came to save us from bondage to sin (disobedience of God's Word) and the fear of physical death (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Jesus warns us that it isn't physical death we should fear, but eternal death in hell (Luke 12:5). Jesus came into the world to save us from spiritual death (John 3:16-17), the second, eternal death (Revelation 20:6, 14), and to give us eternal life.
How do we know what is beyond physical death? Because the Bible tells us, and because Jesus' resurrection demonstrates that there is existence beyond physical death. Jesus' resurrection was witnessed by over five hundred people (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), is attested to in the New Testament by eyewitnesses, and by every truly “born-again” disciple since. We know he is risen and alive, because “born-again” disciples have daily fellowship with him by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only Jesus gives the gift of (“baptism;” “anointing”) of the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). Jesus gives us eternal life by the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
We are all born physically into this world, but are spiritually “unborn.” This lifetime is our only opportunity to seek and find God (Acts 17:26-27) and to be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to spiritual life; these goals are fulfilled only through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
It is not true that one cannot know what is beyond physical death before we die. The only ones that don't know what lies beyond are the ones who are perishing (John 3:18-21). People die (physically) once and then comes judgment; not reincarnation, or “nothingness” (Hebrews 9:27). When we die, our eternal destiny is fixed and unalterable.
God is our Creator, and he has designed this world according to his purpose and his rules. The Bible reveals his purpose and his rules. We cannot design our own “hereafter” by wishing.
God has done great things for us! He created a wonderful Universe and has given us life in it, with everything we need. His great deeds for Israel are recorded in his Word, the Bible. As we begin to trust and obey his Word we will experience his great deeds in and for us personally.
He has given salvation as a free gift to all who are willing to receive it by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ.
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
2nd Advent - Tuesday C
First Posted Dec 8, 2009
Podcast: 2 Advent Tuesday C
Zephaniah 3:14-18a – Gospel of Salvation;
Let the daughter of Zion sing aloud! Let Israel shout! Let the daughter of Jerusalem rejoice and exalt with all her heart!
The Lord has removed the judgments against you, and has cast out your enemies. The Lord the King of Israel is in your midst. You shall no longer fear evil. In that day Jerusalem will be assured not to fear or let your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a warrior giving you victory. As on a day of festival he will exalt over you; in his love he will renew you.
Commentary:
God's purpose has always been to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly trust and obey God. This lifetime is our opportunity to seek, find and have personal fellowship with God.This is only peace through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (John 14:6-7).
Zion is the temple mount in Jerusalem where God was among his people, and also his eternal temple in heaven. Jerusalem is the heavenly city of God. The Church is the “New Jerusalem,” on earth and its people are the “New Israel.”
God has always intended to be the King of God's people. Israel insisted on having a human king, like the nations around her (1 Samuel 8:4-22). Through Samuel, God warned them of the disadvantages of having a human king but allowed them to have one (1 Samuel 8:7). Monarchy didn't work out for Israel. The kingdom eventually divided into two. Neither the Northern Kingdom or the Southern Kingdom heeded the warnings of the prophets and so God lifted his favor and protection from them.
The Northern Kingdom and the people of the ten tribes effectively ceased to exist in 721 B.C. with the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians. The Southern Kingdom, of two tribes, was the remnant of Israel. They were conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar of Chaldea (southern Babylonia) in 587 B.C. with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. The people were exiled in Babylon for seventy years, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah 25:11-12. When the exiles returned in 517 B.C. they reestablished a theocracy similar to that which existed before the monarchy, although a (largely autonomous) province of the Persian Empire.
Zephaniah's ministry is believed to have been around 630-620 B.C..* This text is believed to be a later addition.** It has the form of a psalm of enthronement. Its prophecy was fulfilled in the return of the exiles to their Promised Land in 517 B.C..
Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise of the Lord who will reign eternally as the King of God's People. Jesus is the Savior God designed into Creation from the very beginning (John 1:1-5:14).
We have all sinned and fallen short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). That judgment upon us is removed through obedient trust in Jesus Christ (see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, right, home).
Jesus is God's only provision for our forgiveness and salvation (Acts 4:12; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Jesus is the only one who can cast out our spiritual enemies. We are all slaves of sin and death, and only Jesus can set us free (John 8:34-36; Hebrews 2:14-15).
Jesus is Lord and King of God's people, whether we recognize and accept him or not. He is present within each truly “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit within us, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The presence of the Holy Spirit within us encourages us when we are afraid, and strengthens and empowers us. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Jesus is the spiritual warrior who has won the victory over sin and death for us at the cross. We will no longer fear evil. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we experience the love of God, and his presence within us.
God's Word is eternal and always fulfilled, over and over, as the conditions for fulfillment are met. God's promise of forgiveness and restoration apply to us today. We can receive the fulfillment of that promise through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ.
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Introduction to Zephaniah , p. 1140, New York, Oxford University Press, 1962.
**ibid Zephaniah 3:14-20 note, p 1143.
2nd Advent - Wednesday C
First Posted Dec 9, 2009
Podcast: 2 Advent Wednesday C
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice and Give Thanks;
Rejoice in everything; its so important that it bears repeating. The Lord (his Second coming; “Advent”) is at hand. Don't worry about anything but pray about everything, in supplication with thanksgiving, making your requests known to God. “And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Commentary:
Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus), the author of this letter, is the prototype and example of a “modern,” “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple (student) and apostle (messenger; of the gospel) of Jesus Christ, as all of us can and should be. Paul was confronted by the Spirit of the risen and ascended Christ (Jesus; Romans 8:9) on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-21). Paul accepted Jesus as his Lord (Acts 9:5), trusted and obeyed Jesus' command (Acts 9:4-8), acknowledged and repented of his sin (Acts 9:9), and was “discipled” by a “born-again” disciple, Ananias, until Paul had been “born-again” (Acts 9:10-18).
Paul then repeated the process of making “born-again” disciples of Jesus Christ, and teaching them to repeat the process (Acts 9:19b-22; 2 Timothy 1:5-7; 2:2). Paul was fulfilling the Great Commission which Jesus gave his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), to be carried out after they had been “born-again” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).
The only thing unique about Paul's conversion and spiritual “rebirth” was that it took place in about three days instead of the three years of the Twelve of Jesus' original disciples. But note that Paul had already been formally trained in Judaism, and he loved God. It also suited God's purpose, to replace Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer, with Paul, instead of Matthias, whom the disciples chose without the benefit of the Holy Spirit, as they awaited the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:15-26).
Paul suffered great persecution for his proclamation of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Paul was in prison, probably in Rome where he was probably executed, when he wrote this letter.
Imprisoned and facing execution, Paul taught by word and example how to rejoice and give thanks to God in every situation. Paul was continuing to disciple the Philippian congregation, the first Christian Church on the European continent, which Paul had founded on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6-15). Throughout his judicial trials and imprisonment he had numerous opportunities to testify to the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 28:16-31).
Truly “born-again” Christians can rejoice and give thanks in all things, because we have daily fellowship with the Lord through the gift (“baptism;” “anointing”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
By the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God within us (Romans 8:9) we experience the love of God. The Holy Spirit within us continues to “disciple” us. He teaches us all things, helps us recall Jesus' teachings, (John 14:26), and gives us what to say at the moment needed in testifying to the Gospel (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12). The Holy Spirit reassures, encourages, calms our fears, and comforts us in times of distress. We need not fear even physical death (Hebrews 2:14-15), because we know that Jesus is eternally alive by the presence of his Spirit within us. Through the Holy Spirit we have the peace of God within us, and he will keep our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.
Jesus has promised to come again, at the end of time, on the Day of Judgment. That day is imminent; it will come for everyone who has ever lived. No one knows when that day will be, and no one can be certain that tomorrow will come. Today is the only day we can be sure of; today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). At the moment of our death, time will stop for us and we will immediately be at the throne of judgment. Our eternal destiny will be fixed and unalterable.
We will either spend eternity in God's heavenly kingdom or in eternal anguish and destruction in Hell with all evil. Jesus is the righteous judge, and the standard of judgment by which all will be judged. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will have been “born-again” in this lifetime, and will enter eternal life in paradise with the Lord. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus will enter Hell for all eternity (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
2nd Advent - Thursday C
First Posted Dec 10, 2009
Podcast: 2 Advent Thursday C
Luke 3:7-18 – John the Baptizer's Preaching;
Background:
John the Baptizer was called by God to prepare the people of Israel to receive the Messiah. His message was that people should repent, return to obedient trust in God's Word, and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins (disobedience of God's Word; Luke 3:1-6).
Luke:
John was in the wilderness around the Jordan River. Multitudes of people were drawn to him for baptism. John began preaching, saying, “You brood of vipers (snakes)! Who warned you to flee from the wrath (Day of Judgment) to come? Bear fruits that befit repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father;' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Luke 3:7-9).
When the multitudes asked John what they should do, he told them to share what they have with the less fortunate: If one has two coats, give one to someone who has none. Those who have food should do likewise. Tax collectors asked, and John told them to collect no more than required. To soldiers who asked, John told them not to use violence or false accusation to rob anyone, and to be content with their wages.
The people were expecting the coming of the Messiah, so some though John might be he [the Christ; both mean (God's) “anointed” in Hebrew and in Greek respectively]. So John clarified his understanding of his role: John was baptizing with water, but the one (the Messiah), whose coming John was heralding, was so much greater than John that John was unworthy to be his most menial servant. The coming Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (compare Acts 2:3). The Messiah was bringing a winnowing fork (used to separate wheat from chaff) to clear off his threshing floor. He will then gather the “wheat” into his “barn,” and will burn the “chaff” with unquenchable fire.
“So, with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people (Luke 3:8).
Commentary:
I love this passage! Would anyone dare to preach like this in our churches today? In too many instances church “members” want to hear what makes them feel good about themselves, and they want to be entertained. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, his protege minister of the Gospel, that the time was coming when people would not accept sound teaching, but would get teachers who taught what people wanted to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). That time has certainly come!
The people to whom John was preaching thought they were righteous and worthy of salvation because they were Abraham's physical descendants; they had been born into Judaism. Actually it is not the physical descendants of Abraham who will be saved but the spiritual descendants (Galatians 3:6-9); those who believe (trust and obey) God's Word, in the Bible, and in Jesus Christ, the “living Word;” the fulfillment, embodiment, and example of God's Word lived in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14).
Many today think they have salvation from having been “born into” or "members "of the Church. Believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, is not going to save anyone; even the demons believe that and shudder in fear (James 2:19; Luke 4:33-34). Church ritual such as (water) baptism or affirmation of faith will not save anyone. Only a personal relationship with Jesus by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit will save us.
Jesus declared that we must be (spiritually) “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8), by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, in order to see the kingdom of God which is all around us now, and to see it (and enter it) in eternity. Only Jesus gives the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Those who have been truly “born-again” will begin to bear the fruit of repentance and salvation. We are saved by grace (as a free gift; unmerited favor), but we can only receive that salvation by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Doing “good deeds” won't save us; but “good deeds” indicate that we have been truly saved (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17-18)
The axe is the Day of Judgment at the Second Coming (“second Advent,”) which will come to everyone who has ever lived. Those who have been spiritually reborn in this lifetime will eternal life in God's Kingdom restored to perfect paradise; those who have rejected Jesus as their Lord, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus will be condemned to eternal destruction in Hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
I believe that the Church has inherited the role of John the Baptizer. The Church is to preach the coming Day of Judgment, and call people to repent and be baptized for forgiveness of sin, so that people will be prepared for the coming of the Messiah by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, and also at the Day of the Second Coming and Judgment. The Church is to be a congregation of “born-again” disciples who are making disciples and teaching them to trust and obey Jesus, so that they are also “born-again,” before they are sent into the world to make other “born-again” disciples (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5, 8). Only “born-again” disciples can make “born-again” disciples, because the “unregenerate” (un-reborn) don't know what they lack, or how to get it.
There are mainline denominations today that are failing to make “born-again” disciples. They are teaching that the Holy Spirit is automatically received through some church ritual such as water baptism or “affirmation of faith.” If members believe such doctrine, what will be their eternal outcome? They are not encouraged to seek spiritual rebirth and will die eternally in Hell, believing false doctrines of unregenerate, false teachers (see False Teachings, sidebar, right, home).
In what sense is John's preaching “good news?” Those who endure and consider it can be saved from eternal spiritual disaster!
I personally testify to these spiritual realities. All who sincerely begin to trust and obey Jesus' teachings will experience for themselves their eternal truth personally.
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
2nd Advent - Friday C
First Posted Dec 11, 2009
Podcast: 2 Advent Friday C
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Servants of Christ;
Christians should be regarded as “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). As stewards we must be worthy of trust. Human judgment is not what counts, even one's self-judgment. One is not acquitted by one's own judgment. It is the Lord's judgment that matters. We must not declare judgment before the time of God's judgment, on the day of Christ's return. Christ will reveal what is now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the inner intentions of the heart. Then every individual will receive his verdict from God.
Commentary:
Christians are by definition “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples (students; followers of the teachings; Acts 11:26) of Jesus Christ. We are to learn to serve Jesus and carry on his mission of bringing forgiveness and salvation to a spiritually dying world.
“Born-again” disciples of are to make “born-again” disciples, as we have seen exemplified in Jesus' earthly ministry, and as he has commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), and in the conversion and ministry of the Apostle Paul (see entry for Wednesday, 2 Advent, year C). Jesus invited people to follow his teachings, by word and example, and learn from him. As they did so, he promised to give them the gift (“baptism;” “anointing”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).
As long as Jesus was physically present on earth the original disciples didn't need the Holy Spirit, but Jesus could only be in one place at a time (John 16:7). After Jesus' ascension into heaven, the disciples were to wait in Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8), before going into the world with the Gospel. The promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit began to be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13).
We have all sinned [disobeyed God's Word (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10) ]. Jesus had to die as the one and only blood sacrifice acceptable to God for the forgiveness of our sin, and salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6), which is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Faith (obedient trust) in Jesus cleanses us from sin by his blood and makes it possible for us to receive the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Only Jesus gives the gift of, the “baptism” of, the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
The Church inherited the role of John the Baptizer, to call people to repent, to return to obedient trust in God's Word, and to be baptized with water for forgiveness of sin, in preparation for them to receive the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit.
The Church is to be a “disciple-making” organization. The true Church is a body of “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) leaders and members. The Church is the “New Jerusalem” on earth. The Church is to disciple converts until they have been “born-again.” Only then are the disciples to go into the world with the Gospel (Luke 24:49, Acts 1 4-5, 8).
Tragically, in too many instances this is not happening. Unless the Church makes “born-again” disciples, there won't be any “born-again” apostles and leaders. Some mainline denominations are not only not making “born-again” disciples; they're actually discouraging and hindering their members from seeking and receiving the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit by assuring them that the Holy Spirit is automatically conferred by some ritual such as water baptism or “Confirmation” of baptized members (see False Teachings, sidebar, right, home).
It takes “born-again” disciples to make “born-again” disciples, because they obviously are the only ones who know what they need and how to get it. They are the stewards of the mysteries of God.
The Church is to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The purpose is to save those who are lost, not to condemn them, although the unsaved may perceive it as condemnation (see John 3:17-21). It is not loving to allow the lost to believe they are saved.
There are lots of false prophets and false teaching, in the world (and even in the nominal Church today). The test of doctrine is the Bible, the Word of God. False teaching and false prophets thrive because church “members” don't read their Bibles. The Bible is the only way protect oneself from spiritual deception (see free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, top right).
There is a Day of Judgment coming when every person who has ever lived will be accountable to God for what they have done in this lifetime, and the Righteous Judge and the standard by which we will be judged is Jesus Christ. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will have been spiritually “reborn” by the presence of the Holy Spirit within them, and will enter eternal life in God's kingdom in heaven. Those who have rejected Jesus, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus will be condemned to eternal death and destruction in hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
2nd Advent - Saturday C
First Posted Dec 12, 2009
Podcast: 2 Advent Saturday C
Matthew 11:2-10 – John the Baptizer;
After John the Baptizer's imprisonment he heard what Jesus was doing, so he sent his disciples to confirm that Jesus was the Messiah (Christ; both mean “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively). Jesus answered, telling them to tell John what they saw and heard: that the blind were restored to seeing, the lame walked, lepers were cleansed, and the deaf heard; the dead were raised to life, and the poor were hearing good news. “And blessed is he who takes no offense at me” (Matthew 11:6).
When John's disciples left, Jesus asked the crowd around him what they had sought when they went into the wilderness to John. Did they want to see a reed shaking in the wind? Did they expect to see a man wearing fine clothing? Those in fine clothing are seen in palaces. So why had they gone? Were they seeking a prophet? Jesus agreed that John was a prophet, but more than that. John was the fulfillment of God's Word, which prophesied a messenger before the coming of Messiah, to prepare the people to receive him.
Commentary:
John had witnessed and testified to Jesus as the Messiah at Jesus' Baptism (John 1:31-34). But in prison he was discouraged and sought confirmation that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. John heard what Jesus was doing but wasn't able to see for himself. Jesus pointed to the works he was doing in fulfillment of the prophecies of the Messiah in the Scriptures (Isaiah 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1).
Jesus added that those who were not offended by what Jesus was saying and doing would be blessed. The Gospel of Jesus is offensive to worldly people. The Gospel convicts us of sin (disobedience of God's Word). We are all guilty of sin, and fall short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23), but unless we're willing to admit our sinfulness, we cannot be forgiven (1 John 1:8-10). Jesus is God's only provision for our forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6), which is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).
At the time of Jesus' first advent (coming), the Jews considered themselves righteous by their keeping of the Law of Moses. They couldn't see that they failed to fulfill the whole Law (James 2:10), so the Gospel of Jesus was offensive to them.
John was more than a prophet; he was the herald of the Messiah's coming, prophesied in Malachi 3:1. He was the “Elijah” (Matthew 11:12-14; 17:10-13), who was prophesied to return before the coming Messiah.
John was more than a prophet. He was a prophet like Elijah, the greatest of Old Testament prophets, and he was the herald of the coming of the Messiah. He facilitated Christ's coming. But the least “born-again” Christian is greater than John. John had a personal relationship with God, but each “born-again” Christian has the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit within him in a way John did not. Jesus' blood sacrifice on the cross was necessary for our spiritual cleansing, so that we could be “temples” of the Holy Spirit.
I assert that the Church is the heir to the ministry of John the Baptizer. John came preaching a water baptism for repentance and forgiveness of sin to prepare us to receive Jesus. The Church is to testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. It is to call people to repent, confess their sin, and be baptized with water for forgiveness, in preparation for the coming of Jesus by his Holy Spirit within us, now, and for his ultimate coming on the Day of Judgment at his Second Coming.
I assert that the role of the Church is to make “born-again” disciples of Jesus Christ in obedience to the Great Commission which Jesus gave to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), to be carried out only after his disciples have been spiritually “reborn” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1 4-5, 8). The Church is to teach its members to learn, trust and obey Jesus' teachings and to seek spiritual “rebirth” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians are by definition “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples (Acts 11:26) of Jesus Christ.
There are many false teachers and false teachings in the world and within the nominal Church today. Calling ourselves Christians and calling Jesus our Lord doesn't make it so (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46). There are mainline denominations today who teach that obedience to Jesus' teachings are not necessary for salvation (see False Teachings, sidebar, top right), and that the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is automatically conferred by some church ritual such as water baptism or “Confirmation” of baptism (False Teachings, sidebar). Such “churches” are not only not doing their members any favors; they're actually hindering their salvation and doing them great spiritual harm.
Only Jesus gives the gift (“baptism;” “anointing”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
