In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 1:1-5 NKJV
The Greek word for "Word" used in John 1 is the Greek word Logos (Strong's Greek 3056, λόγος). The meaning is chiefly, reason.
The idea of the word Logos, to Chrisitans, is personified as the one who was from the beginning, who was with God, who was God. The word who became flesh, dwelt among men, and ultimately sacrificed for our Sins.
The Stoics (Greek Philisophy founded by Zeno) too, has a concept of Logos. In fact, they worshipped Logos and believed that Logos, a form of reason, is the power and presence of a universal, omniscient god, the driving force of human virtues. They worshipped god not as a person (like the Jews did), but as a concept or the logical aspect of it's virtues.
Paul's address to the Stoics with the Areopagus in Act 17 seeks to identify with them, and yet attempts to teach them what is lacking in their pantheon.
While the Stoics worshipped only an aspect of God, are we doing the same today? Are we worshipping a partial aspect of God and not a full revelation of him through his word? Are we worshipping his Grace without his Mercy? His Love without fear for his impending judgement? His words of comfort without the warnings? His Freedom without his Instructions.
Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
True Faith results in obedience
By Faith through faith in Jesus Christ is not just merely a concept of believing in Jesus. James 2:14-26, faith without works is dead, can faith save you when its void of obedience? Even demons believe and tremble.
How were the heroes of the OT saved? By their works? No. they are saved on the same basis as we do.. by faith through grace in Jesus Christ. How so? The Mosiac covenant was a preview of Jesus Christ, fully revealed in the New Covenant (Heb 10:1-10). The annual sacrifices in itself does not save, but it is required for those who faithfully follow it to be included in the New Covenant (Heb 10:11-18).
Did God required the OT heroes to be perfect? No. He only required them to be obedient, turn from their wicked ways (immorality, idolatry, etc), their Sins are covered in Jesus Christ through the admission of the Old Covenant (Isaiah 1:16-20). When Jesus died on the cross, all those who walked by faith (Hab 2:4) like prophet Daniel, Isaiah, King David, are eternally saved (Heb 11).
On the same token under the new covenant, Salvation is meant for those who DESIRE to keep the Law (Rom 7:22) but KNOWS that he cannot fulfill it (Rom 7:23, 24), and thank God for Jesus Christ who saves us from our shortfall (Rom 7:25). Hence faith includes obedience (1 John 1:5-10, 2:3-6) , and it does not require you to be perfect as no one can be perfect (Rom 2, 3).
Hence it is important to know that while we CANNOT fulfill the Law (perfection), God requires Faith of those who are obedient for Salvation. This is not Salvation by works, but Salvation is meant to saved those who desire to obey him but knows he cannot fully fulfill the Law.
How were the heroes of the OT saved? By their works? No. they are saved on the same basis as we do.. by faith through grace in Jesus Christ. How so? The Mosiac covenant was a preview of Jesus Christ, fully revealed in the New Covenant (Heb 10:1-10). The annual sacrifices in itself does not save, but it is required for those who faithfully follow it to be included in the New Covenant (Heb 10:11-18).
Did God required the OT heroes to be perfect? No. He only required them to be obedient, turn from their wicked ways (immorality, idolatry, etc), their Sins are covered in Jesus Christ through the admission of the Old Covenant (Isaiah 1:16-20). When Jesus died on the cross, all those who walked by faith (Hab 2:4) like prophet Daniel, Isaiah, King David, are eternally saved (Heb 11).
On the same token under the new covenant, Salvation is meant for those who DESIRE to keep the Law (Rom 7:22) but KNOWS that he cannot fulfill it (Rom 7:23, 24), and thank God for Jesus Christ who saves us from our shortfall (Rom 7:25). Hence faith includes obedience (1 John 1:5-10, 2:3-6) , and it does not require you to be perfect as no one can be perfect (Rom 2, 3).
Hence it is important to know that while we CANNOT fulfill the Law (perfection), God requires Faith of those who are obedient for Salvation. This is not Salvation by works, but Salvation is meant to saved those who desire to obey him but knows he cannot fully fulfill the Law.
Saturday, 11 March 2017
Jesus taught the 10 Commandments
Jesus taught the 10 Commandments:
Commandment 1 :
“You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3 “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:10).“You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Luke 4:8).“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and the great commandment” (Matthew 22:37). “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30). “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Luke 4:8).
Commandment 2 :
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;" Exodus 20:4 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam…to eat things sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:14). “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow…My servants to…eat things sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:20).
Commandment 3 :
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." Exodus 20:7 NKJV “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men” (Matthew 12:31). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,…blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20).
Commandment 4 :
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8. "is there among you who has one sheep, and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:11-12). “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath” (Matthew 24:20); there would be no reason to pray this if the Sabbath was not going to be in existence. “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath‘” (Mark 2:27); this verse tells all who will see which day is the Lord’s Day. “And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue” (Mark 6:2). “And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16). “Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths” (Luke 4:31). “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath…Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?“ (Luke 6:5,9). “But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath…The Lord then answered him and said, ‘Hypocrite…So ought not this woman…be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?‘” (Luke 13:14-16). “‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?‘…And they could not answer Him regarding these things” (Luke 14:3,6). “are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” (John 7:23).
Commandment 5 :
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 NKJV “For God commanded saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death‘” (Matthew 15:4). “Honor your father and your mother” (Matthew 19:19). “Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 7:10). “Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Honor your father and your mother” (Luke 18:20).
Commandment 6:
“You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder’, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not murder” (Matthew 19:18). “…murders…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:21,23). “Do not murder” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Do not murder” (Luke 18:20).
Commandment 7
“You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery’. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 5:32). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…adulteries, fornications…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery, and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). “You shall not commit adultery” (Matthew 19:18). “…adulteries, fornications…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:21,23). “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). “Do not commit adultery” (Mark 10:19). “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18). “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery” (Luke 18:20). “‘Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery’…And Jesus said to her…’sin no more‘” (John 8:4,11). “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation” (Revelation 2:22).
Commandment 8:
“You shall not steal." Exodus 20:15 “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…thefts…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not steal” (Matthew 19:18). “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’, but you have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13). “…thefts…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23). “Do not steal” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:… Do not steal” (Luke 18:20).
Commandment 9:
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. But I say to you, do not swear at all” (Matthew 5:33-34). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not bear false witness” (Matthew 19:18). “Do not bear false witness” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Do not bear false witness” (Luke 18:20). “And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars” (Revelation 2:2).
Commandment 10:
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17 “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matthew 6:25). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “…covetousness…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23).
Commandment 1 :
“You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3 “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:10).“You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Luke 4:8).“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and the great commandment” (Matthew 22:37). “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30). “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Luke 4:8).
Commandment 2 :
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;" Exodus 20:4 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam…to eat things sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:14). “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow…My servants to…eat things sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:20).
Commandment 3 :
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." Exodus 20:7 NKJV “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men” (Matthew 12:31). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,…blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20).
Commandment 4 :
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8. "is there among you who has one sheep, and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:11-12). “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath” (Matthew 24:20); there would be no reason to pray this if the Sabbath was not going to be in existence. “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath‘” (Mark 2:27); this verse tells all who will see which day is the Lord’s Day. “And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue” (Mark 6:2). “And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16). “Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths” (Luke 4:31). “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath…Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?“ (Luke 6:5,9). “But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath…The Lord then answered him and said, ‘Hypocrite…So ought not this woman…be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?‘” (Luke 13:14-16). “‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?‘…And they could not answer Him regarding these things” (Luke 14:3,6). “are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” (John 7:23).
Commandment 5 :
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 NKJV “For God commanded saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death‘” (Matthew 15:4). “Honor your father and your mother” (Matthew 19:19). “Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 7:10). “Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Honor your father and your mother” (Luke 18:20).
Commandment 6:
“You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder’, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not murder” (Matthew 19:18). “…murders…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:21,23). “Do not murder” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Do not murder” (Luke 18:20).
Commandment 7
“You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery’. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 5:32). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…adulteries, fornications…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery, and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). “You shall not commit adultery” (Matthew 19:18). “…adulteries, fornications…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:21,23). “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). “Do not commit adultery” (Mark 10:19). “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18). “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery” (Luke 18:20). “‘Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery’…And Jesus said to her…’sin no more‘” (John 8:4,11). “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation” (Revelation 2:22).
Commandment 8:
“You shall not steal." Exodus 20:15 “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…thefts…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not steal” (Matthew 19:18). “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’, but you have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13). “…thefts…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23). “Do not steal” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:… Do not steal” (Luke 18:20).
Commandment 9:
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. But I say to you, do not swear at all” (Matthew 5:33-34). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not bear false witness” (Matthew 19:18). “Do not bear false witness” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Do not bear false witness” (Luke 18:20). “And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars” (Revelation 2:2).
Commandment 10:
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17 “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matthew 6:25). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “…covetousness…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23).
Monday, 6 March 2017
Whose voice are you hearing today?
John 10:1-30. Is Jesus talking about literally hearing an audible voice or even an "inner voice" from the Holy Spirit?
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the DOOR, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the DOOR is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the DOORKEEPER OPENS, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:1-3 NKJV
What is the Door? Who is the Shepherd?
Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the DOOR of the sheep.
John 10:7 NKJV
“I am the good SHEPHERD. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11 NKJV
Who was Jesus talking to? Referring to Chap 9, the Pharisees did not believe that Jesus is the Messiah even when he healed a blind man. John 10 was a response to the Pharisees after they excommunicated the blind man who was healed.
Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
John 9:40-41 NKJV
So it is obvious that the Allegory was referring to them. They are the thief and robber, a hireling who does not care for the sheep. Therefore the DOORKEEPER in verse 3, refers to the one called to guard his sheep.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a HIRELING, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The HIRELING flees because he is a HIRELING and does not care about the sheep.
John 10:11-13 NKJV
Jesus is talking about false teachers. This is consistent with the OT, when the analogy of false sheperds was used against false feachers
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord . Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord . “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord .
Jeremiah 23:1-4 NKJV
And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them. ”
Ezekiel 34:1-6 NKJV
He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.
Isaiah 40:11 NKJV
Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.
Isaiah 56:11 NKJV
The Shepherd's VOICE refers to sound doctrine of one who is called by God to teach the word. False shepherd refers to False teachers who leads the flock astray from the Word (his VOICE).
This has nothing to do with an audible or "inner voice" promoted by the New Apostolic Reformation.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the DOOR, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the DOOR is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the DOORKEEPER OPENS, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:1-3 NKJV
What is the Door? Who is the Shepherd?
Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the DOOR of the sheep.
John 10:7 NKJV
“I am the good SHEPHERD. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11 NKJV
Who was Jesus talking to? Referring to Chap 9, the Pharisees did not believe that Jesus is the Messiah even when he healed a blind man. John 10 was a response to the Pharisees after they excommunicated the blind man who was healed.
Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
John 9:40-41 NKJV
So it is obvious that the Allegory was referring to them. They are the thief and robber, a hireling who does not care for the sheep. Therefore the DOORKEEPER in verse 3, refers to the one called to guard his sheep.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a HIRELING, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The HIRELING flees because he is a HIRELING and does not care about the sheep.
John 10:11-13 NKJV
Jesus is talking about false teachers. This is consistent with the OT, when the analogy of false sheperds was used against false feachers
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord . Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord . “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord .
Jeremiah 23:1-4 NKJV
And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them. ”
Ezekiel 34:1-6 NKJV
He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.
Isaiah 40:11 NKJV
Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.
Isaiah 56:11 NKJV
The Shepherd's VOICE refers to sound doctrine of one who is called by God to teach the word. False shepherd refers to False teachers who leads the flock astray from the Word (his VOICE).
This has nothing to do with an audible or "inner voice" promoted by the New Apostolic Reformation.
Saturday, 4 March 2017
Was Peter talking about Healing?
1 Peter 2:24 is not talking about "by his stripes you are healed". Apostle Peter was talking about slaves submitting to their masters as a good testimony, just as how Christ suffered for our sake.
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, NOT ONLY TO THE GOOD AND GENTLE, BUT ALSO TO THE HARSH. For this is COMMENDABLE, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you DO GOOD AND SUFFER, if you take it patiently, this is COMMENDABLE BEFORE GOD. FOR TO THIS YOU WERE CALLED, BECAUSE CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED FOR US, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, THAT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, WHEN HE WAS REVILED, DID NOT REVILE IN RETURN; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE DID NOT THREATENED, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness— BY THOSE STRIPS YOU WERE HEALED. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
I Peter 2:18-25 NKJV
Hence if you use this verse to claim healing from God, you have totally defeated the purpose of Peter writing these very words.
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, NOT ONLY TO THE GOOD AND GENTLE, BUT ALSO TO THE HARSH. For this is COMMENDABLE, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you DO GOOD AND SUFFER, if you take it patiently, this is COMMENDABLE BEFORE GOD. FOR TO THIS YOU WERE CALLED, BECAUSE CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED FOR US, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, THAT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, WHEN HE WAS REVILED, DID NOT REVILE IN RETURN; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE DID NOT THREATENED, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness— BY THOSE STRIPS YOU WERE HEALED. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
I Peter 2:18-25 NKJV
Hence if you use this verse to claim healing from God, you have totally defeated the purpose of Peter writing these very words.
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