Category: Podcasts (Page 71 of 80)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Is it really all about me? Or is it about the Glory and Goodness of God? Be sure to check out our Youtube channel for high definition views of all our videos! Copy and paste the following line into your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoc2_BCLlFKclgPTU10k9yA

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

The Big Picture
In a previous lesson we discussed the fact that anything we read, whether a newspaper, magazine, math textbook, or novel, each will be approached in a way suitable to its purpose, and our purpose for reading it.

Then we pointed out that different literary forms are found in the Bible and should be understood accordingly. Historical narratives in the Bible are different than the hymns of worship found in the Psalms. The dialog in the dramatic plays of Job and Song of Solomon express their themes differently than the wise sayings of the book of Proverbs.

The parables of Jesus are in a class by themselves. Parts of Daniel, Ezekiel, and all of the Revelation combine drama, supernatural signs and symbols in a way that grips the reader and compels him or her to probe much deeper than any monthly magazine is likely to do.

From the beginning of this effort, my heart has been for anyone following this series of teachings to become highly capable of learning the great truths of the Bible by personal study on their own. Most of could use some help and inspiration along the way, however.

Not only that, but a basic premise can make a difference as well. Many large and important universities in the world examine and teach courses on the Bible that in my view, miss the point altogether. Untold millions of people for thousands of years have understood that the Bible has been handed down to us by God Himself. I myself did not come to this conclusion lightly. And I would not want anyone else to either.

I would ask you to be open to this possibility. At least accept that the writers who put these words to writing believed themselves to be acting on God’s behalf. That is the only way they themselves can be understood, as individuals who believed in an almighty Creator God who has acted in human history.

At least two major traditions in the world believe that the Old Testament, that is the Hebrew Bible, is inspired by God — Judaism and Christianity. Christians believe that what they call the New Testament is equally inspired by God. You might have already realized that I take the position that both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament make up the entire Bible. I am also proceeding from the conviction that the Christian view of the Bible is the most complete and accurate one.

Judaism does not recognize Jesus as their promised Messiah, and many still look for him to come. Christianity believes that Jesus did come and fulfill the prophecies that were due for that time, but that the plan of God has continued to unfold from that time on. This basic concept is also one that works for some of the most influential Bible students of all time. Feel free to challenge it, but please, only after you have given it a fair hearing!

Sooooo…… Here is my outline of the Biblical story:

God Created a good universe, and human beings in His image to rule over it and care for it.

The First Man and Woman disobeyed Him, and brought ruin and decay into the picture

God’s original plan for man included Redemption through a future descendant, specifically The Seed of the Woman. (Genesis 3:15).

First God would call out a man who would trust in Him, and through this man Abraham, bring forth a great nation, Israel. Even though Israel was often unfaithful, He kept His promise to bring forth redemption through an Israelite woman, Mary. Through the Spirit of God, Mary became the mother of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God.

After demonstrating His authority as the Son of God by His miracles and moral perfection, He subjected Himself to death on the Cross by the hands of the Roman and Jewish authorities.

Later His followers would realize that this was predetermined by God and foretold in prophecies throughout the Bible. His perfect life would result in not only forgiveness for Adams race, but the clearing of all guilt for those who trust in Him for their salvation. The proof of this fact would come in His resurrection from the dead, but also from His everlasting power to change the lives of those who love and trust in Him!

What is next? Well, while the specific details are yet to come, the consensus is that Jesus will ultimately fulfill the prophecies that both believing Jews and Christians anticipate: namely the restoration of the earth back to its original pristine glory, under His righteous reign!

This is the Good News of the Kingdom of God!

“Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not life up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war.” (Micah 4:3)

Isaiah 11:9: “They will not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”

It is my hope that we all will not only catch the vision of this great eternal purpose of God, but will also want to participate with Him in it. So let’s get into the details, the nuts and bolts, get the Word of God into your system! Let Him change the world today, by beginning His work in us!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Our God is certainly a miracle working God. This is one fact that all Christians should treasure. Here is one area where I believe prosperity and faith preachers and teachers have done us a service. Many have been greatly inspired by their stories and exhortations to believe in our God with Whom all things are possible! Ordinary believers can generally use a measure of encouragement to live in the anticipation and expectation of greater things to come in God. However discouraging your present circumstances may be, this kind of faith can lift you up in the present, and move you forward toward brighter days.

This kind of encouragement is found throughout the pages of Scripture. Consider these words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:7: (Love)” bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

If we take issue with any particular teachings that come from the lips of a popular televangelist, we should never criticize him or her for lifting our spirits with optimistic words like these from the pages of Scripture.

The greatest miracle of all is of course the New Birth, wherein a hopeless sinner becomes a saint, a child of the Living God, by the wonderful grace of God! That newly born child of God is immediately translated into a higher station of life — as a member of the most Royal Family of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

With proper leadership, teaching and guidance, the new-born Christian will normally be set on the road to prosperity in not only the spiritual dimension of life but also in the emotional, social, physical, and financial as well. This has been my personal experience, and that of countless thousands of others.

Those of us who have come from lower income families take great comfort from the words of Jesus and also of James, “Hear my brothers, has God not chosen the poor in this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to them that love Him?” (James 2:5). And yet, that inner transformation which made us rich in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17), has also contributed to changes in our outward circumstances. Our improved mental and emotional state transforms our attitudes and outlook which in turn affect our relationships, our work habits, even our physical health. It is easy to see how all these changes can work in a very practical way to help us to better deal with our problems.

What I am saying here is that real, genuine spiritual growth results in your becoming a better and wiser parent, child, worker, student, citizen, and manager of your finances and your health. This process has much more to do with our prosperity than a simple “positive confession.” That positive confession, as taught by many prosperity preachers must correspond with true and steady growth in the Grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What I am also pleading is that we should never measure our spiritual progress by our material circumstances, as some would suggest. Godliness is not a means of financial gain! The greater gain is in godly contentment with the normal and necessary provision of food, clothing and shelter. Better and safer it is to flee the love of money, which has led many away from the faith! (1 Timothy 6:5-11).

How poor are those who store up material wealth only, and how rich are those plain and simple folks who have found their infinite treasure in Christ! (Luke 12:20-21, 18:22)

“And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek for His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
(Luke 12:29-34 NAS)