BUILDING WITH THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

Listen to this message as taught at SHINE BRIGHT Church in Tucson, AZ.

John the Apostle was given “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” that we recognize as being not only the last book of the Bible, but the final revelation of inspired Scripture delivered to us from the heart of GOD.

Let’s turn to REVELATION 5 where the all-important question of the ages was asked regarding the title deed (indicating ownership) of the Earth, that’s described there as a “scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals”: The question: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loosen its seals?”

Who can claim ownership? Notice that when this question was asked, Satan didn’t step forward and make that claim, even though currently, temporarily he is the ruler of this present world system (2 COR 4:4).

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MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST In The Old Testament - A SUMMARY of the TTUF series

The following is a brief summary of a TTUF series on the Millennium, seventeen articles in all.

To hear this teaching in audio, visit the SHINE BRIGHT Church YouTube Channel by clicking here!

What is the “Millennium” all about? What’s its purpose – for Israel? for the church? For the world at large? What will transpire during this time? Will it be 'heaven on earth' then without any trace of sin, corruption and rebellion? Will everyone be saved at that time?

For Israel, it will be the fulfillment of all GOD’s promises to Abraham, to David, and the nation of Israel as a whole.

For the church, it will be a time when we saints shall rule and reign with Christ in our glorified state.

For the people of the world who have managed to survive the tribulation period of seven years and enter into the Millennium as believers, their children will need to obey the Gospel for salvation just as we do today. And some of them will – some won’t.

For the subsequent generations of Millennials (not those we recognize today), they will live in paradise, free from poverty, sickness, oppression, crime, free from all of the influences of a wicked, corrupt society. They will not experience temptations and deceptions by Satan and all of the fallen angels and demons because they will all be consigned to the abyss during the entire time of the Millennium (REV. 20:1-3).

This “proving ground” will demonstrate the wickedness of the human heart. At the end of this 1,000 year period, Satan will be loosed from his prison and given the opportunity to raise up another rebellion, and PEOPLE WILL STILL FOLLOW HIM AND BE DISLOYAL TO KING JESUS!

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GOD’s PERFECT PLAN: The GOSPEL – Part 4: A Series Exploring The Biblical Overview

INTRODUCTION: So, what do we have so far in regard to GOD revealing His Perfect Plan? Let’s review some of what we have seen up to GENESIS 11, shall we?

We have the Creation Week, Six Days of GOD’s handiwork, followed by the 7th where GOD rested (not that He was tired – the Hebrew word simply means “to cease from labor… to complete work”, which He did, and declared it not just “good” but “very good” because He saved the best for last on the sixth day – the creation of Adam and Eve!

Here we have the institution of marriage between husband and wife, for the purpose of communing, fellowship and the raising up of a family – all of which is a type of Christ and His bride (EPH 5:31-32; REV 19:7) and the desire of GOD to create His forever family (JOHN 1:12-13; EPH 3:15; 1:5-7)!

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The G.E.P.C Study – PHILIPPIANS 2: Part Two

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae

INTRODUCTION: Salvation from a theological and doctrinal perspective is both simple and profound; it’s also very deep and intricately complex. It’s a general term that refers to all of the redemptive processes that GOD uses in the operation of justifying, sanctifying and glorifying the repentant sinner turned to righteous saint. Involved in this process is also atonement, propitiation, substitution, calling and election, imputation, conversion, regeneration and adoption. In Systematic Theology, this study of salvation and all of it's component parts is called Soteriology.

It's quite easy to get these mixed up and misapplied, especially for those who haven’t studied them from the Scriptures. This can quite often lead to a works-based salvation or at the other end of the scale, a Gospel that needs no repentance and supposedly saves everyone (Universalism).

For an examination of many of these biblical words, check out the following three part TTUF series as taught by pastor Sonny Islas (SHINE BRIGHT Church, Tucson, AZ) and myself: DEFINITION Of BIBLICAL WORDS: PART One, PART Two, PART Three!

In the following two verses we have just such an example of how misunderstanding of what Scripture teach us can happen. We must be careful to note what it says as well as what it does not say. But before we get into vss. 12-13, we need to set things up. Please be patient, we have a lot to set up!

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Ch. 2 in JOSHUA: CONQUERING The ENEMY, INHERITING The LAND

INTRODUCTION: Wherever you find yourself in life, GOD is already fifty steps ahead of you, no – one hundred steps… OK, because He knows the end from the beginning of all creation as well as your tiny, little life, He knows every step of your way, from start to finish.

Does that comfort you? Does it give you confidence in this life, knowing that the Almighty GOD, the All-knowing One, Who loves you supremely (He sent His Son to die for your sin so that you could have an eternal relationship with GOD as your very own Abba Father!) is watching over your every move, is entirely aware – not at all surprised or caught off guard – when sudden tragedy strikes, or some unforeseen challenge seems to stop you in your tracks.

Joshua and the children of Israel are learning these lessons to an even greater degree. Remember, this is the second generation of Israel that has entered into the promised land. These were children during the exodus, so they were aware to one degree or another, of all that GOD did through His servant Moses. Now as grown adults, they are witnessing the everlasting and all-providing hand of GOD as He led them from one challenge to the next.

All that GOD required was their unwavering trust and commitment to be completely obedient to His every Word! It’s the same with us, isn’t it?

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TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES – Examining JOHN 14 – Part 1 of 2

TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES – Examining JOHN 12,13 & 14

Examining JOHN 14 – Part 1 of 2

Introduction: Last time from Ch. 13 we read the following verses:

JOHN 13:33
33 "Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I say to you.

It was for this reason that the hearts of the disciples were troubled. Yet, the LORD – always the Encourager – addresses this here (remember, chapter breaks are not inspired, so you can read uninterrupted from Ch. 13 to Ch. 14 as this is the same scenario within the same time frame):

JOHN 14:1-3
1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

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PROVERBS 25:20-28 Pondering the Profound Proverbs: Ministering in Meekness

You can also hear this teaching on the SHINE BRIGHT YouTube Channel here!

It states in:

GALATIANS 5:13-14
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Meekness is lowliness, it’s having yourself under control, it’s esteeming others more highly than yourself. Being recipients of the grace of GOD, we have been made free from sin, we have obtained liberty by which we have opportunity to love and serve the LORD, and others.

Aside from saving our souls from the just condemnation of our holy GOD and Judge, saving us from eternal punishment, and saving us for the kingdom of GOD as its holy citizens and a blessed relationship with the LORD – we are also redeemed so that we can serve one another and make an impact in this world for the glory of GOD!

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The G.E.P.C Study – PHILIPPIANS 2: Part One Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae

INTRODUCTION: Suffering is not a desirable experience; we try to avoid it as much as possible. Look into any medicine cabinet and you’ll find all sorts of pills for pain and alleviation from suffering. But suffering in this fallen world is unavoidable. The LORD Jesus said so:

“In the world you will have tribulation…” JOHN 16:33b. There are over 100 references in the KJV for the word “trouble”. Twenty six references for the word “tribulation(s)”

For the Christian who acknowledges GOD’s sovereignty over their lives as LORD, we understand nothing happens to us apart from His will (either for His purpose or with His permission). We sometimes struggle with the “why” question when we realize that GOD could have prevented such trials and tribulations but chose not to.

When reflecting on the life of Job and his complaints to GOD, there is never an answer to the question “why”! There may not be an answer that we with our finite minds could understand, and even if we did understand it, it probably wouldn’t bring much comfort anyway.

Rather than asking “why” what if we ask “what…” as in “what lesson do You want me to learn through this experience, LORD?” Because of the fact that He allows bad things to happen to us means He intends on teaching us some valuable lessons that will build our faith and strengthen our relationship with Him:

ROMANS 5:3-5
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

And the grace and comfort we receive from the LORD during such troublesome trials and tribulations (that sometimes seem interminable!) are precious resources that GOD expects us to “pay forward”!

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

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GOD’s PERFECT PLAN: The GOSPEL – Part 3: A Series Exploring The Biblical Overview

INTRODUCTION: Everything in the Bible ultimately either points to Christ by analogy and, or by type, or used in contrast to the perfection that is Christ (whether those contrasts are human or angelic). Every place name, every substantial idiom, persons by type, themes, doctrinal truths in some or in many ways all point to Christ, the very focal point of the Holy Revelation of GOD in the Bible.

As mentioned before, if you think of the Bible as a wagon wheel with sixty-six spokes, where Christ is the hub, you can appreciate that this book is literally, “all about Jesus Christ our LORD”.

PSALM 40:7
Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the volume of the book it is written of Me.

LUKE 24:44
Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."

And in order to introduce the Messiah in our world, prophetic Scripture is laid out to properly and gloriously present Him and His Gospel. This is why no detail in the Scripture is inconsequential or irrelevant – at all. In fact, the more years we put into the study of the Scriptures, the more we recognize that JESUS is on every page!

We’ll pick up where we left off, with Noah and the ark.

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PROVERBS 25:11-19 Conduct Counts & Words Can Heal or Hurt

PROVERBS 25:11-12
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

Catch the video of this teaching from the SHINE BRIGHT Church YouTube Channel (Address: 433 W. Lerdo Rd., Tucson, AZ)
Counsel given at the right time, the right place, with just the right words is a beautiful thing, served beautifully – like golden apples on a silver platter; but only so much as it has an obedient ear to listen to such counsel.

A wise rebuker won’t be overly harsh, but nor will they be extraordinarily soft either. A wise rebuker knows the balance between grace and truth. We think of a rebuke as something necessarily harsh, but the Bible makes the distinction between a rebuke (2 TIM 4:2) and a sharp rebuke (TITUS 1:13). Then there is an admonition (1 THESS 5:12), and exhortation (1 THESS 4:1).

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Ch. 1 in JOSHUA: CONQUERING The ENEMY, INHERITING The LAND – PART TWO

INTRODUCTION: Picture yourself as one of those Hebrews – ex-slaves of Egypt, traveling through the wilderness, heading towards what Moses had declared to be the land that GOD promised to the forefathers. It’s been decades and there is no promised land in sight. You look at your children and wonder how much longer can they endure this arduous trek.

On top of that, those children heard their parents, grumbling, complaining, murmuring about their situation, all motivated by hearts of unbelief. But the second generation who grew into adulthood by the end of their journey, did express faith in the LORD, and the LORD delivered! – in more ways than one!

Now their eyes have seen the Jordan River; they’ve laid twelve stones in it, and another twelve on the riverbank as a testimony to remember what GOD had done for them.

Then they are told to prepare to enter into Canaan by gathering up provisions (and the formidable task of breaking camp for some millions of people!) and in three days (a significant number) they’ll be crossing over. Not only were they anticipating some good fortune but were probably apprehensive as well about the unknown. How much more so for their leadership, and especially Joshua!

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The G.E.P.C Study – PHILIPPIANS 1 – Part Two

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae

INTRODUCTION: We can look at disappointments, set-backs, failures with a dejected attitude and feel like giving up, giving in to disillusionment, discouragement, even bitterness. At such challenging times in our lives, we must come back around to acknowledge that the LORD is sovereign, that He has a calling and a course for each one of us His children.

NO OBSTACLE WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP GOD’s WILL FROM OUR LIVES AS WE TRUST IN HIM, YIELD TO HIM, FOLLOW HIM!

The apostle Paul was on a roll; his missionary work was flourishing! People were getting saved left and right! But then something happened that brought his work to a screeching halt: yet it didn’t keep the LORD from working through others!

This apostolic letter is one of a few “prison epistles” (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and 2 Timothy) that, if Paul was never arrested, he might not have had the time to write them (as he was blazing from the Middle East into Europe with the Gospel of Jesus Christ). In this one instant alone, we can see where GOD brings blessing out of what appears to be an obstacle.

Continuing on now with Part 2 of Chapter One…

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TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES – Examining JOHN 12,13 & 14

Examining JOHN 13 – Part TWO

Introduction: Just as first impressions are lasting ones, so too are last words most impressionable. Timothy understood this when his father in the faith, apostle Paul wrote his last letter to him (2 TIMOTHY).

These are among the last words that our LORD would speak with His disciples prior to the Cross and His death. Yet unlike Paul, the apostles didn’t hear the last from Him! As the saying goes, “You just can’t keep a good man down!” Only in this case, we’re talking about the ONLY Good Man ever to be born (MATT 19:17)!

At this point in the chapter, the apostles are baffled by the LORD’s statement, “One of you will betray Me.” That must have really rocked their world! Imagine how they all must have looked at one another, completely mystified! I can picture Judas however, averting any eye contact with the others…

JOHN 13:23-27
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 25 Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

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GOD’s PERFECT PLAN: The GOSPEL – Part 2: A Series Exploring The Biblical Overview

INTRODUCTION: We continue now in this study, observing and tracing the plan that GOD has set forth to proclaim and initiate the Gospel Agenda, though Satan did his best to run interference and prevent it from taking place.

He failed, and this demonstrates GOD supreme authority and sovereignty!

He tried to prevent “the seed” from crushing him by goading Cain (I have no doubt he did!) into murdering his brother Abel. When that didn’t work, Satan used a tactic that many find quite bizarre!

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Ch. 1 in JOSHUA: CONQUERING The ENEMY, INHERITING The LAND PART ONE

INTRODUCTION: The great Leader and Law Giver of Israel, the one that GOD used as the Deliverer of the Hebrew slaves died. Up to that point, Joshua was accustomed to a supporting role to Moses. He was also placed in charge of Israel’s armies.

Towards the end of his ministry Moses was called by GOD to meet Him at the Tabernacle of Meeting. And he was told to bring Joshua with him…

NUMBERS 27:18-23
18 And the LORD said to Moses: "Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; 19 "set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation and inaugurate him in their sight. 20 "And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 21 "He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before the LORD for him by the judgment of the Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, he and all the children of Israel with him-all the congregation." 22 So Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. 23 And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses (See also DEUT. 31:3-8; 14-23).

After a rather significant, serious blunder on the part of Moses, the LORD ended his career, stating that he would not lead Israel into the promised land. That mission would go to Joshua (NUM 20:11-12).

If you’ve ever been asked to fill the shoes of your mentor, someone that you’ve held the highest respect for – you know something about how Joshua must have felt. Even Scripture itself states that there was never another prophet like Moses (DEUT 34:10). How could Joshua possibly live up to that?

This is why GOD had to keep reassuring this man (JOSH 1:5-9).

This story begins at the riverfront of the Jordan, where Joshua and Israel are about to crossover into Canaan land…

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Study in PROVERBS 25:1-9 About KINGS, COURTS, CONUNDRUMS & CORRUPTION

Introduction: True Wisdom in the Christian is born of the Holy Spirit; we can't have wisdom without GOD and His Word of Truth.

As we continue to go through Proverbs, let's understand that we are just as dependent on GOD for real wisdom as we are for salvation!

PROVERBS 25:1-2
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

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The G.E.P.C Study – PHILIPPIANS 1 – Part One

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae

INTRODUCTION: Philippi was, early on in Roman history, a city held in high esteem, having a port nearby and considerable gold mines that were still profitable. Paul the apostle left Troy and entered into Europe on his second missionary journey, due to a vision he received from GOD and first preached in Philippi (located in the province of Macedonia) and established the first church in the region, starting with a convert by the name of Lydia, an affluent woman, a trader in fabrics and dyes.

We read about Paul’s time in Philippi in ACTS 16:12-40.

It was during his first internment in Ephesus (or possibly Caesarea or perhaps even Rome) that he wrote this epistle to the Philippians. While he was quite hopeful for a release, it was far from a certainty. This might have meant an end to his ministry had not the LORD intervened!

Doctor Luke was from Philippi (but most likely born in Antioch) and probably attended a school there where he studied medicine, which would explain his affinity for this city and the church there. He joined the missionary team that the apostle assembled and helped to minister to the relatively new church but then remained behind to continue ministry there when Paul and Company moved on. Note the “we” in ACTS 16:10 – implying that the writer of ACTS (being Luke himself) – joined the team but then remained in Philippi once Paul moved on by the “they” in ACTS 17:1. There’s textual evidence that Luke rejoined the team on two subsequent occasions.

Paul returned to visit Philippi after he left Ephesus, again traveling to the region of Macedonia (2 COR 2:12-3; 7:5) and once more sometime later (ACTS 20:3). The apostle maintained regular communication with the Philippian church by way of messengers as well (ACTS 18:5; 19:22; 2 COR 11:9; PHIL 2:25).

The theme for this epistle has long been known as “joy in the midst of suffering” and we will see this theme again and again through this letter.

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GOD’s PERFECT PLAN: The GOSPEL – Part 1: A Series Exploring The Biblical Overview

INTRODUCTION: You can explain the Gospel to someone between two to three minutes and in such a way that even a child can understand it. So why is an entire series needed to explore the Gospel? The Gospel will be central to these articles, but they will encompass the entirety of the plan GOD set forth to bring the Gospel to fallen humanity.

Have you ever sat down and really thought about all that GOD would have to do in order to prepare for His Son, the Word made flesh to come to Earth and deliver the Gospel? And what about all of the ramifications of the Gospel, how it would work in the lives of those who received it?

MANDATE IN ETERNITY, IN TIME

Before GOD even began His work of creation, He existed from all of eternity, self-existent and self-defining, Three Persons in One Godhead. What does the Trinity (or triune GOD) have to do with the Gospel? Much! As we will (eventually) learn!

Then was the decision made in the halls of eternity, in the domain of the Third Heaven where GOD the Father would send GOD the Son to Earth as the propitiation for the sins of the world. That happened even before GOD said, “Let there be light.”

Then He began His creation – the entire angelic host that dwelled with Him in the Third Heaven, and possibly in the world before the creation of Man (?). Over the course of six days, He set in order all of the Earth with its firmaments, the separation of land and water, the establishment of the sun, moon and stars. He created life in the skies, on the Earth and in the seas.

Then came the pinnacle of His creation! His masterpiece: forming man from the dust of the Earth and breathing into him, creating a living soul. He placed Adam in the Garden of Eden and explained His one and single prohibition: Do not partake of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Adam named all of the animals – a monumental task, naming everything from the immense whales, down to aphids. No doubt he noticed that they all had a mate – unlike himself, who was alone…

Then GOD put Adam into a deep sleep, took a rib and with that formed a helper for Adam – the woman Eve.
All was well in paradise, that is, until the serpent (“seraphim” in the Hebrew) entered the picture. The idea of Adam, and that which came from Adam’s rib – the woman, is also very pertinent to the Gospel. More on this later on in subsequent articles!

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PROVERBS 24:23-28 A GOD Of FAITHFULNESS And WITHOUT INJUSTICE

PROVERBS 24:23-28
23 These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment. 24 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him. 25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. 26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. 27 Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house. 28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips?

PROVERBS 24:23
These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

We can say that all of the verses in PROVERBS, and the entire Revelation of GOD’s Word, expressions of divine wisdom “belongs to the wise”. The Holy Scriptures are our heritage, our foundation, in a sense – they are our custodianship (we keep the Word of GOD in our hearts). As Disciples of Christ Who is the Word made flesh, the source of all knowledge, all wisdom, all grace, mercy and peace, the Holy Word is the source for our spiritual food and life, our faith and belief, our conduct, the source of the culture of the Kingdom of GOD that we belong to!

Justice – or “judgment” is part of this Kingdom. The LORD is just, righteous, fair and equitable. He doesn’t allow His justice to be marred by bias or partiality. Justice is rendered to all those who are guilty of violating His Holy Law, with one exception, and only one!

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STUDY In NEHEMIAH – Completing the Series: TRIUMPH by TRANSFORMATION – Chapter 13, Pt. 1 & 2

INTRODUCTION: As was mentioned previously, the mission of Nehemiah was to restore the walls of Jerusalem and the management of the city. He was likewise involved in the restoration of the people of Jerusalem, which was the primary focus of Ezra the priest’s mission.

In this last chapter of this amazing book of Nehemiah, this godly man was indeed involved in restoring, “resetting”, and even rebuking the people of Jerusalem for their wayward behaviors after a twelve year departure by Nehemiah who returned to the King Artaxerxes as his cupbearer for a time.

There will never be a time in our lives when we won’t need exhortation, admonition and correction. As one who has walked with the LORD for over 44 years, I know for a fact that I’m in need of the LORD and all of the ways He brings correction, guidance, and discipline to me.

This happens when I read the Scripture and trials that enter into my life with the LORD’s stamp of approval. But like with Israel, the LORD’s intent is for my good, and for His glory!

So, let’s get into this last chapter and see what the LORD will tell us!

If this is your first time checking out this study on Nehemiah, you can start with this link to CHAPTER One.

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MOSES BEGINS HIS JOURNEY

Almost any superhero movie starts out with an origin story. How did Batman Begin? How did the Caped Crusader come to be? What happened to Dr. Bruce Banner that he became a raging, green Hulk? There’s backstory that the moviegoer witnesses that explains who the lead character is, how they became a superhero and why.

As we look at Moses’ origin story (he was no superhero, but he was certainly heroic!), we discover that Jacob and his twelve sons settled in Egypt as a result of a devastating regional famine. That terrible event is what brought Jacob to be reunited with Joseph, whom he thought was slain by a beast, and started the process rolling for Israel’s destiny.

They entered Egypt as a family, but they left in the exodus as a nation; GOD Himself taking them by the hand (like a parent, gently, slowly, carefully leading their precious little one who toddles along; JER 31:32) and leading them to the Promised Land, with Moses at the head of the line…

EXODUS begins with the word “Now…” in Chapter 1, verse 1 because it picks up where GENESIS leaves off in this narrative, even though it was 300 years since the death of Joseph, second youngest son of Jacob. And this story has to do with another of Jacob’s twelve sons, Levi – or more accurately a son of Levi: Moses…

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FIVE GREAT LIGHTS: PARTS FOUR & FIVE - Humanity Is Without Excuse

We are now going to conclude our series titled FIVE GREAT LIGHTS - Humanity is Without Excuse.

The five great lights are as follows (for each one of these LIGHTS, we will include a hyperlink to the corresponding teaching that pastor Sonny gave at SHINE BRIGHT Church):

1.THE LIGHT OF CREATION.

2. THE LIGHT OF CONSCIENCE.

3.THE LIGHT OF CONDEMNATION.

We will conclude with the Fourth and Fifth GREAT LIGHT OF GOD

4. THE LIGHT OF COMMANDMENTS.

5. THE LIGHT OF CHRIST.

God in His kindness has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind. The Creator has made Himself known to His beloved creatures - leaving everyone “without excuse” at the final Judgment. In ancient times, it was said that “all roads lead to Rome.” In time past and today all roads lead to the final judgment.

Jesus and divine truth rejecters will meet with God at the Great White Throne Judgement (REV 20) while genuine Jesus and divine truth lovers will meet with God at the Judgment (Bema) Seat of Christ also known as the judgment of rewards (1 COR 3).

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G.E.P.C. Series - Entire Teaching on the Epistle to the EPHESIANS

The book of Ephesians explains how the Church comes to full spiritual maturity in Christ. Perhaps more than any other book of the bible, the Book of Ephesians emphasizes the connection between SOUND DOCTRINE and RIGHT PRACTICE in the Christian life.
The first part describes the Good News of what God has done (EPH 1-3).
The second section gives instructions on how to live in light of those blessings (EPH 4-5).
Ephesians ends with an encouragement to stand firm in the face of any hardships (EPH 6).

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The G.E.P.C Study – GALATIANS 6: Part 2 of 2

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossi

A spiritual principle follows the same principle in the physical, and in particular, farming. Plant a lot of seed, reap a lot of harvest. Plant sparingly, reap sparingly. And in the spiritual domain, there’s no fooling GOD. You might fool your pastor, you might fool your church, you might even be able to fool your own family – possibly even your spouse.

But there is no fooling GOD. He sees all, He knows all. He’ll see to it that whatever we sow, we will harvest. If one sows to the Spirit, one will reap life everlasting; if sown to the flesh, one will reap corruption.

GALATIANS 6:7-9
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

So, may we be encouraged to do what’s right, sow to the Spirit – invest in your relationship with the LORD! Allow Him to do the work in you that He greatly desires to do which will bless you, and others, as well as bring glory to Himself (much deserved of course!). Even if we sow, and sow, and sow, and we’re not seeing a lot of results. No matter! Keeping going! The Scripture states that we “shall reap IF we don’t lose heart”!

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STUDY In The Book of NEHEMIAH TRIUMPH by TRANSFORMATION – Chapter TWELVE

INTRODUCTION: In studying chapter 12 of this treatment, I’m confronted with the fact that the building of the wall around Jerusalem was paramount to the peace, prosperity and productivity of the Jewish people. Without it, none of the rest would have been possible.

In our lives as biblical Christians, we must have the “walls of truth” protect us from the insidious seductions, allurements and enticements, to say nothing of the virulent attacks by Satan himself. There is also the wall of prayer, by which we intercede for ourselves, our loved ones, our pastors and church leaders.

There is a lot in our media today about borders and walls. It’s important to note that GOD intended that there would be separate, sovereign nations, and any globalism apart from the one world government that will be founded by and upon Christ is inspired by the occult.

Nations are meant to keep their cultural, societal and governmental distinctions just as GOD preserved the nation of Israel during the days of Nehemiah, Ezra and Zerubbabel. GOD’s vision was completed at this time, and the nation grew once again for more than four centuries, despite being ruled over by Gentile powers.

There will come a day when Israel will accept Jesus as their Messiah and this will inaugurate the Kingdom of Israel, and then, any walls will serve decorative purposes only!

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