by Terry Laughlin | Mar 28, 2018 | Easter
A Biblical Examination of Jesus’ Trial Before the Religious of His Day
The path to the Cross finds it judgment before the religious. Matthew 26:57-68 holds truths that should shock all who read them. The Jewish religious leaders question our Lord’s authority, seek for false witnesses, mock and beat the heavenly final high priest, Jesus Christ. We read, “Those who arrested Jesus took Him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled.” (Matthew 26:57)
There are several key truths to Jesus standing before a religious spirit which needs to be considered. Understanding these truths will keep our spiritual hearts in good order for the Easter season.
1.) Jesus was taken before an illegal trial, Jews were not to hold trials at night or during festivals. (Barbieri, L. A., Jr. (1985). Matthew. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 85). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books; Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (Mt 26:57). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press; Barbieri, L. A., Jr. (1985). Matthew. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 85). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.) Jesus faced opposition from the religious. The Apostle Paul face oppositions from those in the synagogue and from Jews who claimed to be God’s children. We have just observed St. Patrick’s Day, he faced opposition from the church of his day. Martin Luther face opposition from the established church of his day. Christians will face opposition from a religious spirit of their day. Especially if their work for the Lord challenges the cancer of traditionalism produced by the will of mankind not birthed by the whole counsel of God’s Word.
2.) The religious were looking for false witnesses. “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus…” The Gospel of Mark tells us, “Many testified falsely against Him, but their statements did not agree.” (Matthew 26:59; Mark 14:55-56) It is not uncommon to see the so called church attack those in a Christ appointed work. They search to find evidence to bring down a work that does not fit in with the cancer of traditionalism. God pronounces a truth through Hosea, The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim, yet snares await him on all his paths, and hostility in the house of his God.” (Hosea 9:8) God sends His message of warning and direction, yet “those who have abandon their faith in the true Christ” will reject the words sent through the watchmen of God. (The Pulpit Commentary; Craigie, P. C. (1984). Twelve prophets (Vol. 1, p. 59). Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press) All through church history there has been hostility to God and His servants among those who are like the Israelites of old, a people who claim to be a people of God, yet the fruit of hostility arises as the whole counsel of God’s Word is taught. (Keil, C. F., & Delitzsch, F. (1996). Commentary on the Old Testament (Vol. 10, p. 81). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson.)
3.) Jesus Testifies About Himself: The Gospel of Mark tells us, “…the high priest asked, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am.'” (Mark 16:61b-62a) The Jewish Church of Jesus’ time boldly proclaimed their verdict, “The high priest tore his clothes. ‘Why do we need any more witnesses?’ he asked. ‘You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?’ They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at Him, they blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said, ‘Prophesy!'” (Mark 14:63-65) The Religious have only two choices. Jesus is the Messiah: aa.) They give their entire life in adoration, worship, and service or bb.) They reject Him.
A question that should never be asked, but sadly is, “Why was Jesus despised and rejected by religious people who claim to be God’s people?” Psalm 22 is often called the psalm of the Cross, catch this heart breaking truth, “scorned by everyone, despised by the people.” (Psalm 22:6) Isaiah hold’s another truth, “He was despised and rejected by mankind…” (Isaiah 53:3)
Getting to the heart of the reason why religious people despise the true Christ. He opposes traditions of worship which are not of the whole council of God’s Word. Jesus addresses the issue clearly with the Pharisees as He quotes Isaiah, “…people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Mark 7:6-7; Isaiah 29:13)
A.) Churches will fight over key Biblical Christian observances, while neglecting the heart of the purpose of the observances. aa). There is the conflict of mode of baptism while neglecting the heart of baptism. bb). There is the conflict how often to observe Communion, what happens during the Communion service, while neglecting the heart of the Lord’s Supper and it purpose. cc). There is the conflict on were and how Christians should congregate while missing the heart of God’s purpose. Like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time the cancer of traditionalism blinded their eyes to what all God is doing. An elderly pastor stood before a congregation and insulted an expanded view point of preaching the Word of God which would have been a fulfillment of 2 Timothy 4:2. “Preach the Word.” The congregation was incorrectly influenced, thus the expanded vision from God’s Word had to be exercised with a different ministry. Unfortunately, the cancer of traditionalism often prevents the expansion of God’s work in the church He wants to do a work in.
B.) Churches will select church officials, leaders and workers without even considering God’s Word on the Biblical qualifications of a person desiring a certain position. aa.) A Bible teacher giving a church recommendations of Bible studies on how to select elders, deacons, pastors, teachers, etc. was met with such opposition, the church eventually had a church split, of which it has never fully recovered. bb.) A Bible Scholar was teaching a group of church overseers of a key truth asking this question of candidates desiring to take on the task of church oversight, “Is the Holy Spirit moving you to be an overseer?” He was told in that meeting, “That does no bear witness with my spirit” – Someone in that meeting failed to read and study his Bible. The New Testament says, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28) The religious leaders of Jesus’ time was so focused on their traditions they insulted our Lord’s disciples, (Mark 7:1-3) on which the Lord replied. “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8)
C.) Church attendees will determine their relationship with God based on their attendance record, not on their sacrificial exercising of their Spiritual gifts which are given for the purpose of serving the Lord, other Christians and for the good of all mankind. This is the result of modern day Pharisees failing to Biblically teach all the Holy Spirit Gifts. A quality mature Bible teaching ministry will have some way of:
aa.) Teach how to Biblically determine Holy Spirit Gifts.
bb.) Teach how to Biblically mature Holy Spirit Gifts.
cc.) Teach how to sacrificially exercise those endowments.
You can find list after list of some of the Holy Spirit gifts, but to find a complete list, along with Biblical instructions on how to determine, mature and exercise those gifts, not likely.
Illustration.) A Bible teacher was visiting a church of certain denomination which is known for it’s hunger for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. When the God appointed watchman pointed out that the church as a whole around the world is guilty of not having teaching manual’s which can be handed out. The teacher did not feel as welcome as he did before he spoke up. Several places in the Bible give instructions of the importance of writing down God’s truths so they can be passed on and we are to be diligent about it. (Romans 12:6; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:13-15; Exodus 17:14; Isaiah 8:1; 30:8; Jeremiah 45:1; Malachi 3:16)
Application: Khole’s Kicking camps trains place kickers. There is a book they hand out to those participating in the camps. This training manual hold’s important content: 1.) Accountability, a list of several hundred of the names of place kickers who are presently kicking in college football all the way to the NFL. 2.) Key points to being a place kicker or punter. 3.) Conditioning program for kickers and punters. 4.) How to approach a potential college. 4.) They back their kickers by assisting them. They have determined, the kickers who go the farthest, are the ones who will read and make disciples of others.
Imagine what God would do with a church that takes her call seriously enough to do the hard work of Biblically teaching about the Holy Spirit Gifts, writing it down, then offering it out. Imagine what the Lord could do with a church who enables Christians to determine their gifts, develop their gifts, and challenges them to exercise their Holy Spirit Gifts under the influence of Agape love. One could only imagine what the Lord will do with such a church.
Examining the lives of the religious dead at the time of what is called passion week should cause us to pause, think and make the proper adjustments. Jesus told the religious leaders of His day, those who said they were God’s children, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” (John 8:44) When Christians make time to observe the Lord’s Supper, they are called to examine themselves, (1 Corinthians 11:28) The Communion Service was instituted when the Jesus met with His disciples, while having last supper. Jesus spoke a truth that should shake every living soul. While speaking about Judas, who was the betrayer who led the religious dead to Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus said, “…but owe to that man whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had never been born.” (Matthew 26:24)
The Bible teaches, a true love relationship with the Lord has the heart which examines itself before partaking in the Communion Service, so one may not be guilty of participating in an unworthy manner. (1 Corinthians 11:27) The Bible holds a truth written by the Apostle Paul, a truth which should guide all Christians, who have placed their sins under the blood of Christ, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
We should let the Holy Spirit of the resin Christ place truth within us as we take a Biblical look at the trail of Jesus before the religious spirit, the need of a disciplined heart.
by Terry Laughlin | Mar 28, 2018 | Easter
Before Pilate, Herod and the Crowd:
On the Path to the Cross, Jesus stood before Pilate and Herod. A Biblical examination of their dealing with Jesus will allow the Holy Spirit to give us a clear understanding of unrepentant mankind’s response to God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
It is interesting that Pilates wife was given a dream which troubled her enough to send a message to him, “Do not have anything to do with this innocent man.” (Matthew 27:19) Pilate knew that it was out of envy the Sanhedrin handed Jesus over to him. (Matthew 27:18) Pilate nor Herod found no basis of accusations that would warrant Jesus being put to death. (Luke 23:4; 13, 15, 16, 20, 22) The Bible says, “Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to the [Sanhedrin]” (Luke 23:20) three different times. (Luke 23:22) Pilate said, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. After examining Him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any charges against Him. Neither did Herod, for he sent Him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.” (Luke 23: 15, 22) Matthew tells us when Pilate saw he was getting nowhere he stood before the crowd, “[he] washed his hands with water and said, ‘I am innocent of this Man’s blood. It is your responsibility.'” (Matthew 27:24) The whole crowd responded, “His blood is upon us and our children.” (Matthew 27:25) The beloved John tells us when Pilate heard that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, he “even became more afraid.” (John 19:8) While Pilate spoke with Jesus he recognizes his God given authority, “Do you realize I have power to free you or crucify you?” (John 19:10) Jesus sets the record straight, “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11) The Bible says, “wanting to please the crowd, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15)
Thus the sin of Adam is still manifesting itself, man relinquishing his authority to please someone else. (Romans 5:12; Genesis 3 – The Fall) Just as Adam had the authority to say no to Eve, Pilate and Herod had the authority to set Jesus free. But their hard hearts caused them to be guilty of not believing in who Jesus was, thus they did not do what is right when it was evident Jesus was not guilty nor worthy of death.
God has placed mankind in places of authority, they have the power and freedom to do what is right in accordance to God’s Word, yet they let the influences of the crowd move them to please personal interest. Thus we see the legalization of shedding innocent blood (abortion), the approval of sexuality (homosexuality, transgender, fornication, multiple marriages) which pleases the view of mankind, not God. Hard hearts are embracing that which is evil, calling it good and calling what the Bible says is good, evil. There is that old falsehood which got it start with Eve, “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1)
The outcry of the crowd today has not changed, give us that which supports any rebellion to God’s truths and crucify any truth which is pleasing to God. Anyone who proclaims God’s truth in regard to what is misleading mankind today it at risk of public ridicule, mocking, and despising. There is nothing more pleasing to a world view than to make it difficult to preach and teach God’s Word as it pertains to mankind’s temptations and trials. Addressing these influences would bring sinful mankind to the Cross of Christ, pointing sinners to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
We see the hardness of people who are religious, but not surrendered to Christ in their lives. So hard hearted were the Jews at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion they said, “His blood is upon us and our children.” (Matthew 27:25) A people who knew the teaching of the Old Testament, they had read of God’s chastisements time after time. God moved other nations to take them captive because of their rebellion and sins. (Warnings from Israel’s Past, 1 Corinthians 10: 1-1; Ezekiel 21:24-27 Babylon as God’s Sword of Judgment; Genesis 6:5; Deuteronomy 29:24-26; 2 Chronicles 7:19,22; Jeremiah 18:9-10) They had seen their children not follow the ways of God time and time again. (Judges 2:10-15) Now they are calling down curses upon them and their children. Even in modern times we have read of the Holocaust of the Jews (The Lexham Bible Dictionary) and there will be coming attacks on the Jewish people up until the last days. (Luke 21:25-36) Exodus 20 holding the Ten Commandments shares a frightening truth which should had been a warning to the Jews at Jesus’ trial before the unbelievers, as well as us. “…punishing the children for the sins of their parents until the third and fourth generations…” (Exodus 20:5b)
We all need to walk in a reverent fear of the Lord, we must not let our children see in us a willful disobedience to God’s Word. When we slip into a sin, our children must have an understanding that we are seeking the Lord not only for forgiveness, but also His empowerment to overcome that sin that so easily beseeches and entangles us.
As Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor who authorized the crucifixion of our Lord said, “…for this reason I was born into and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to Me.” (John 18:37b) The truth (ἀλήθεια alḗtheia) relating the word of truth (God’s Word) which moves people to live a life of integrity before God and Christ which is enabled by the Holy Spirit of Christ.
(Borchert, G. L. (2002). John 12–21 (Vol. 25B, p. 243). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers; Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 378). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.) Truth is realizing a person may be academically right and theologically correct but still lack integrity in life. This is often seen among those who serve in governmental positions as well as in appointments of religious positions. (The New American Commentary)
The Bible says Pilate “retorted” (NIV) “What is truth?” (John 17:38) Here is Jesus, the full embodiment to of truth and Pilate misses the opportunity of full repentance. It is believed Pilate’s question was not genuine. The Bible does not record him waiting for an answer to his question, but he quickly walks out to the Jewish crowd. (John 18:38) Jesus has answer for those who would retort, “What is truth” – “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” (John 8:47)
Christians are called to teach and live God’s truths for all to see like Jesus did. (Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Bible; Ephesians 4:25) Where is your heart in regard to Jesus and the cost He paid for the sins of the world? Do people see in one who walks in the crowd, crucifying the truths or clinging to the whole truth of God’s Word?
by Terry Laughlin | Feb 6, 2018 | Valentine's Day
Your Marriage Should Be A Joyful Witness
In taking a Biblical look at marriage there are three truths that must be the foundation of our examination. 1.) Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and do not be harsh with them. (Colossians 3:19; Ephesians 5:25; ) 2.) Wives are to honor their husbands and be a blessing to them. (Proverbs 31: 1 Timothy 2:10; 5:10; 3:11) 3.) Marriage is not an eternal institution. (Mark 12:25; Luke 20:35) Do not waste your blessed opportunities!
The Bible teaches that Christians are living letters to be read by everyone and their call is to live lives which indicates Christ is written upon their hearts. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3) This especially true of Christians who have entered into the marriage covenant agreement with God. Marriage is God’s idea and couples can choose to enjoy relationships which are thriving not just surviving.The Book of Song of Songs hold the writings of wise old Solomon, which expresses the heart of friends who appreciate a couple who truly love one another, “We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine.” (Song of Songs 1:4b)
Everyone has been encouraged by Paul Harvey’s “Champion Lovers,” segments which recognized couples who have been married for many years. High respect and recognition is to be given to couples who have sought God to get them through the trials of life, the temptations of the world and especially for those who have held the hand of a beloved spouse who was being cast into the river of physical death.
Song of Songs, chapter 1-3 teaches about courtship and the passions which are to be enjoyed. A wise couple place their relationship under God’s hand so they may enjoy His favors. Proverbs 18:22 has a truth for men, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” The Bible holds this truth, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4) A truth for women, “An excellent wife who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:10)
God finds delight in men and women who uphold their spouses by speaking well of them and finding delight in one another. The Lord’s heart is blessed by couples who reject the common world view which believes only new or forbidden relationships are exciting, passionate and envisioned. Searching for and living out God’s plan for marriage enables couples to minister to one another joyfully. Couples who grasp God’s view on marriage see common every day shores and living as an opportunity to meet each other’s needs, not as a burden.
Couples who desire to embrace their God given gift of passion and intimacy are not influenced by the jaded world view of lust which has twisted God’s purpose of sexuality. No where in Scripture is passion and intimacy with your spouse to be approached as two ships passing in the night, only if you have extra time or if you haven’t exhausted your strength and energies on something else. Again, several places in Scripture, sexual passion is a gift from God, (Proverbs 5:15; 5:18) which is only to be enjoyed under the Biblical marriage covenant and enjoyed often enough so neither one in a relationship may be tempted by the devil to commit adultery. (1 Corinthians 7:2-7)
The most accurate Bible translations exhort couples with, “Let your fountain be blessed…” (Proverbs 5:18) Many who have loved the Lord enough to do a healthy Biblical exegeses on sexuality in the marriage covenant relationship are asking the obvious question, “What is the hold up?” Proverbs 5:19 tells men they are to be intoxicated with the love of their wives and captivated with what she has to offer. Women are to be enjoying her husband’s gift of passion for her. (Proverbs 5:15-20; Song of Songs 7:6-10)
The marriage God ordains, Christ is ahead of and enjoys the enablement of the Holy Spirit expresses a relationship for all to see by:
1.) Following The Example of Jesus: He said “Greater love has no one than this, than he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friend if you do what I command.” (John 15:13) Too often, we set our focus on ourselves not seeking the Lord on how to sacrificially use our Spiritual gifts for first serving Him, then second, our spouse. Couples who are growing apart, cold and inattentive need to lay down their lives, to please the Lord and please their spouse.
2.) Men It Starts With You: Our first instruction regarding marriage, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her…” (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19) Husbands are told, “…be good to your wives, honor them, delight in them…. Treat your wives as equals so your prayers [are not hindered.]” (1 Peter 3:7) The Bible says your are not your own, but you belong to Christ and your wife – you cannot give your body to someone else without offending and hurting God. Your adoration, attention and focus is to be first for the Lord and then your wife. Your eyes belong to your wife, this includes all your desires, affections and passions. A husband who loves his wife does not make her jealous in any way, he makes women jealous that he belongs only to his wife. Other woman should be saying, “Your wife is blessed.” Your life should express to your wife, “How beautiful your are and how pleasing are your delights.” (Song of Songs 7:6) Can your wife say, “I belong to my [husband] and his desire is for me.” (Song of Songs 7:10)
3.) Agape Love Is Your Guide: The Bible says, “Love is patient.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) Couples who love each other are patient and seek God’s help to express patience to their spouse. “Love is kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) Your spouse should be enjoying kindness from you. Love does not dishonor – Spouses never speak or live in a way that dishonors the person God gave them. They see each other as a treasure, thus they do not flirt, enter into emotional or sexual affairs. They wear their wedding rings with honor and a sign to others that they are taken. Loving each other never fails, it first protects. They learn each others weaknesses, then protect each other from falling into anything which breaks the heart of the Lord. “Love always trust.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)
The two people you should be able to trust with your heart, life and welfare is the Lord and your spouse. Spouses live in a way that never causes distrust, discontentment or uncertainty. “Love always hopes.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) Spouses give each other hope, they support one another, they encourage one anther. They work together and urge each other to seek the Lord’s help, guidance, provision and protection. “Love always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
One translation says, “endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:8) In this world there is no greater joy than the marriage covenant. It can only be enjoyed on this earth. It is a covenant agreement that Satan longs to attack, disrupt and destroy. Let God’s love be your guide.
4.) Return To Our First Love: Many people find themselves dissatisfied, uninterested in their partners lives and discontented in their relationships. Now a days, statistics indicate, in the evening more time is spent on computer games, face-book, and other social media. Too often, husbands and wives seldom cuddle, talk about shared visions, hopes and dreams. Amazingly, husbands spend more time in their man cave’s than they do speaking to their wives about their day, accomplishments or disappointments. Often wives are seen being more intrigued in conversation with others – than they do with their husbands. Before long, they are just two ships occasionally passing in the night.
The Biblical solution, see the one you made vows to as God’s treasured gift. Many have discovered God’s gift can be taken from them in a moment, or watch their lives be slowly taken through a prolonged illness. By then it is to late. God’s call, return to your first love – it is hard work. A good love relationship is like keeping yourself healthy and in shape. By the way, your love relationship is taken notice of, just like your effort in keeping yourself in good health and shape.
5.) Valentines Day – Deeper Than Candy and Cards: Valentines Day, goes beyond the card, the candy, and the social event. Tell your spouse you love them, then show them by your actions. The world view has cheapened what Valentines Day is really about. Like Santa Clause, there is a real Christian who is the foundation for the heart beat of what Valentines Day really is. There is just as much written material about St. Valentine as there is material written that has caused people to call his story, “Just a legend.”
According to Father Frank O’Gara and others. St. Valentine was a Christian martyr who was killed by Claudias II for his Biblical stance on marriage. In the Third Century, the Roman Empire made an edict prohibiting young people from getting married. St. Valentine officiated wedding ceremonies which landed him in prison. In his last days, St. Valentine, through his faith in Christ and God saw the miraculous healing of the blind daughter of the jailer. On the eve of his execution, St Valentine wrote a farewell message to the girl and signed it “From your Valentine.” The day of his execution, February 14. Now, how deep is your view of Valentine Love? St. Valentine had the same heart about marriage as God and Christ does.
In closing: Every one who has enjoyed marriage and relationships has tasted the great pleasures that come with being a couple and partner in life, they also have since or suffered the attacks of Satan who despises the gift of marriage. The world view creeps in, business and exhaustion overshadows hunger for passion, intimacy, and romance. Jesus used the phrase, “Return to your first love” in the Book of Revelations, calling the church back to their first love. The people attending were going through the right motion, attendance, singing and praying, but they had lost their first love excitement. He uses the comparison because the church is the Bride of Christ – just as the people of God need the Holy Spirit to rekindle a passion and intimacy with the Lord. Couples must constantly seek God, Christ and the Holy Spirit to rekindle their first love pleasures they enjoyed when the relationship was new and fresh. Except it or not – your marriage is a living letter, is it spoken of like the friends of Solomon’s time? “We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine.” (Song of Songs 1:4b)
by Terry Laughlin | Jan 17, 2018 | Creation
The Bible tells us that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17) “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:3) “…Through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:20)
The phrase “by Him, for Him and in Him indicates to us the personal relationship Jesus had, does have and will have in being the detailer of all creation.” (Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 217). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) The whole of Scripture teaches God the Father is the architect and Jesus executes and sustains God’s plan. (Hebrews 1:1-4) The saying, “by Him” means creation came about by Jesus’ power and ability. The beloved John tells us everything created owes its existence to Jesus. (John 1:3) Our text holds a truth that should lay a firm foundation for all us, “in Him all things hold together” (συνέστηκεν) means that Christ not only creates, but maintains everything in continuous stability and productiveness. (Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 3, p. 471). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.”) The Bible Knowledge Commentary lays it out so clearly, “Christ is not only the One through Whom all things came to be, but also the One by Whom they continue to exist.”
Jesus was there in the beginning and through Him all things were made…” (John 1:2-3) Jesus was there when light was created and He now sustains that light. Jesus was there when the atmospheric (Genesis 2:19; 7:3; Psalm 8:8) and starry heavens (Duertinomy17:3, Jeremiah 8:2; Matthew 24:29) were created and He still sustains them. He was there when all creation was created, He sustains all creation now. He reconciled all creation unto Himself when He gave up His life on the cross.
The Book of Romans holds a truth Theologians call natural revelation, “For His invisible attributes, His divine nature have been clearly seen by being understood from what has been maid…” (Romans 1:20) It interesting that Biochemist have discovered molecules which hold things together. One group being laminin, “high-molecular proteins which are important and are biologically active by influencing cell differentiation, migration and adhesion. They are a major component of the basal lamina, a protein network foundation for most cells and organs.” (Wikipedia; Laminin) Let me sum this up, laminin proteins are key components to holding cells and organs together. It is intriguing, the sketch for certain laminins for humans and animals is the shape of the cross. When certain human and animal laminin proteins are looked at under a microscope, you see a shape like that of the Christian cross. (Internet Searches, Human and Animal Laminin Images) The cross is the symbol recognized by Christians as the place were Jesus Christ gave His life for the redemption of all creation.
The words of the late Joe Kennedy, “There is no such thing as a coincidence, it is a God-incidence.” It is not a coincidence in nature shown through many things which resemble or reflect the Trinity. For example, the material substance of creation is made of atoms, all atoms are made of three particles, Protons, Neutrons and Electrons. Another example is fire. Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen to exist. It is not a coincidence the Lord through science has made known the Biblical truth, Jesus holds it all together and His sacrifice on the Cross enabled Him to have the authority to do so.
by Terry Laughlin | Jan 14, 2018 | Sanctity of Human Life
Forgiveness Offered
“Thirty six year old – Derek Paul Smyer pronounced guilty of two counts of murder for arranging the killing of Crystal Taylor and her 21 week old fetus because she would not have an abortion. Derek Paul Smyer was found guilty first-degree murder of the fetus, named Jeremiah Johnson Taylor. Skyler Jefferson Moore, 35 was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for the killing of Crystal Taylor which in turn caused the death of Jeremiah Johnson Taylor, her 21 week old fetus. According to Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers, “she understood the jury’s decision to find Derek Paul Smyer guilty of first-degree murder of the unborn child was because his, ‘intent was to kill the baby.’ The jury agreed, ‘Derek Paul Smyer had arranged the killing because he did not want to have to pay child support.'” (City News Service, May 8, 2017 at 4:21 p.m. / updated September 6. 2-17 at 4:25 p.m.)
Many believe justice was served in cases of Derek Paul Smyer and Skyler Jefferson Moore for the killing of Crystal Taylor and 21 week old fetus, Jeremiah Johnson Taylor, because of convenience – Derek not wanting to pay support and Skyler a hired killer.
Yet, most Americans say nothing about the aborting of the innocent for the convenience of people or over the fortune made by the medical field and planned parent-hood.
God’s Word Says Three Things:
1.) God hates the shedding of innocent blood – (Proverbs 6:17)
2.) According to the prophet Jeremiah’s commission and the teaching of the New Testament – God “Foreknew” (προγινώσκω proginṓskō) us prior to human history – He has a purpose for everyone He has or had created.
3.) God will forgive all who will produce the fruit of repentance of missing the mark of His will for mankind. (Acts 3:19-20)
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