Thursday, May 30, 2019

Martin Luther's Gospel (Romans 1:16-17) - Dr. Ligon Duncan

Thank you Dr. Ligon Duncan for this powerful message. What a blessing!

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Romans 1:17 Bible Study - Dr. Steven J. Lawson (part 1)

This was helpful in my preparations

Romans 1:16-17

Romans 1:16-17

The Hope for All Mankind

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Paul is Unashamed by the Good News Jesus Christ

i. 2 Timothy 1:12

Christ is the giver of the power of God unto salvation

i. Romans 3:23-26

Christ is the Savior of all that would come to him

i. There is no limit on His grace. All peoples of the earth are welcome to find salvation in Jesus.

1. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Christ is the source of the righteousness of God revealed to mankind

i. Romans 3:21-22

ii. 2 Corinthians 5:21

iii. Romans 10:4

iv. Philippians 3:9

Christ is the hope of scripture

i. Habakkuk 2:4

ii. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Christ is the source of faith

i. Galatians 2:16-21

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Appalachian Talk: How the Bible Influenced Our Language

After living in Tennessee for some time I can see the truth in this. Very fascinating certainly.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Appalachian Talk: How the Bible Influenced Our Language

By AppalachianMagazine -

March 20, 2019

13835

In 1611, when the English language was at its zenith, the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible was published after seven years of work by a committee of 54 translators commissioned by the King of England to provide the people of his kingdom with the Written Word.

Prior to this time, most churches did not have a copy of the Bible and hearing its pages read was a luxury denied from the common people.

In May 1611, the first “Authorized Version” of the Bible rolled off the press and the original copies were so rare and expensive, churches would chained them to the front pulpit in order to prevent them from being stolen.

In the years that followed, what would become known as the King James Version would undergo a handful of minor revisions, i.e., many of the letters appearing as “f” would be turned to “s” as the alphabet’s symbols became more standardized; however, the book itself has remained nearly unchanged for more than four hundred years.

Free of any copyright protection, the KJV is the best selling book of all time and has been printed an estimated one-billion times since its first run roughly 408 years ago. Because of its widespread acceptance and the reach of the English Empire, the King James Version has found its way onto the pulpits and coffee tables of peoples in every corner of the globe in both hemispheres — including the homes of settlers in the mountains of Appalachia.

Resistant to newer, more modern-versions, which came into popularity in the late-1800s, the pioneer families along the Blue Ridge Mountains clung to the King James Version, learning to read from its pages and quoting its words as proverbs to live by.

With a faith heavily rooted in the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 of the New Testament, it should come as no surprise that the language of the people who came to age in the mountains is heavily influenced by the Word of God which influenced every aspect of their life.

Today’s residents of Appalachia may be surprised to learn that the following sayings have their origins in the texts of the Scriptures:

“Bite the Dust” Psalms 72.9: “They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.”

“The Blind Leading the Blind” Matthew 15.14: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

“By the Skin of Your Teeth” Job 19.20. “I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.”

“Broken Heart” Psalms 34.18: ”The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…”

“Drop in a Bucket” Isaiah 40.15: “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket…”

“Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” Ecclesiastes 8.15: “because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry…”

“Eye for Eye, Tooth for tooth” Matthew 5.38: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”

“Fly in the Ointment” Ecclesiastes 10.1: “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”

“Go the extra mile” Matthew 5.41: “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

“Put words in one’s mouth” 2 Samuel 14.3: “So Joab put the words in her mouth.”

“Rise and shine” Isaiah 60.1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”

“See eye to eye” Isaiah 52.8: “Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.”

“Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing” Matthew 7.15: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Other common words still spoken in the hills of Appalachia which can be directly traced to the King James Version Bible include “verily”, “cockcrow”, “damned”, “thrice”, “flux”, “twain”, “graff”, “prick”, “wont” and even “piss”.

Appalachian-English is rich in old English to begin with and the influence the King James Version of the Bible has had upon the culture is quite evident — especially in the language spoken by the common man.

Here is the link to the original article

Friday, May 24, 2019

WILLIAM PERKINS'S LARGEST CASE OF CONSCIENCE | JOEL BEEKE

This is a great summary of our study in 1 John. Assurance of faith is the place we must start if we want to see believer begin to act like Christians. Thank you Dr. Joel Beeke.

Romans 1:8-15

Romans 1:8-15

Paul’s Vision for the Romans

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Rom 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

Rom 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Rom 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Primarily Paul is Thankful for All of the Romans – vs. 8*

The Reason Paul is thankful for them is because of the renown of their faith. They had brought much glory to God because of their faithful service.

i. 1 Peter 2:5

Paul Prays Continually for the Roman Church – vs. 9*

Prayer is a passion for Paul and he knows that the Gospel does not advance but on our knees. It is important to be in prayer for the needs of our church and to pray for those that are hurting.

i. Pray confidently

1. 1 John 5:14-15

ii. Pray when you are fearful

1. Philippians 4:6-7

iii. Pray to change things for the better

1. James 5:16

iv. Pray for other believers

1. Ephesians 6:18

v. Pray for forgiveness of sin

1. 1 John 1:9

vi. Pray to give thanks

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

vii. Pray with proper motives

1. James 4:3

Paul’s Prayer is that He Could See the Romans Face to Face, Because He Knows that is the Most Effective Way to Reach People – vs.10*

In a day and age when we can increasingly talk to people more and more who are not near us; we need to take time to minister to those that live closest to us.

i. 1 Peter 5:14

Paul Longs to Impart Some Spiritual Gift to the Romans – vs. 11*

The reason for the spiritual gift is to establish them firmly in the faith. To root the church in good doctrine that will build unity.

i. 2 Timothy 1:6-8

Spiritual Gift Would Be That Paul and the Romans Would Be Encouraged Together Through Fellowship Around the Word – vs. 12*

3 John 1:3-4

Paul is Coming Because He Wants to See the Romans Knowledgeable and Fruitful in their Faith – vs. 13*

Unfortunately a wrong understanding of the gospel paralyzes God’s people and deprives them of the fruit that God longs to produce through them. The reason for the book of Romans is to correct the false understanding of the true and glorious gospel.

i. Hosea 4:6

ii. John 15:16

Paul is Burdened to not Leave those that are Lost in Ignorance Behind – vs. 14*

Acts 26:14-18

Paul Wants to Preach the Gospel in Rome – vs. 15*

Paul is looking beyond the scope of the ministry in Rome. He knows that Rome is an important cross roads of culture and he knows it could be used mightily for the advancement of the gospel. This is why he is driven to see a church firmly established there.

i. 2 Corinthians 10:15-16

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Romans 1:1-7

I am making a second attempt on Romans. This book has literally changed my life and I am not the first. St Augustine said:

"Suddenly I heard a voice from nearby house chanting as if it might be a boy or a girl... saying and repeating over and over again 'pick it up and read, pick it up and read.' ...I interpreted it solely as a divine command to me to open the book and read the first chapter I might find... So I hurried back to the place where... I had put down the book of the apostle when I got up. I seized it, opened it and in silence read the first passage on which my eye lit: 'Not in riots and drunken parties, not in eroticism and indecencies, not in strife and rivalry, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in its lusts' (Romans 13:13-14). I niether wished nor needed to read further. At once, with the last words of this sentence, it was as if a light of relief from all anxiety flooded into my heart. All shadows of doubt were dispelled." (Augustine, Book VIII, 19-29, pp. 146-153)

Romans 1:1-7

Jesus Then Paul

Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Rom 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

Rom 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Rom 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Rom 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Rom 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul – vs. 1*

A Slave of Jesus Christ

i. Paul was willing, and did in fact, give all for Christ his master – Paul was so effective for Christ because he had already forfeited his life.

1. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Called to Be an Apostle

i. Paul was an apostle in both senses of the word (the word apostle means sent one or a modern term could be a missionary)

1. Paul was certainly an apostle in the sense that he had a special calling to serve God in a specific way

a. Galatians 2:8

2. Paul was also an Apostle as in the title given to the disciples or the 12

a. Paul was the true replacement for Judas

i. Acts 1:21-26

b. Paul says this clearly as well

i. 1 Corinthians 9:1-2

Set Apart to Preach the Gospel

i. Romans 15:16

Jesus – vs. 2-4*

Was Promised by God of Old – vs. 2*

i. By the Prophets who said:

1. Born of a virgin

a. Isaiah 7:14

2. Born in Bethlehem

a. Micah 5:2

3. Would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey

a. Zechariah 9:9

4. Would be crucified

a. Psalms 22:14-18

ii. By the Holy Scriptures

1. Genesis 3:14-15

Was God as Well as Man – vs. 3*

i. Jesus was the Son of God and therefore fully divine Himself

1. 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9

ii. Jesus was also fully a man of flesh as well, and a descendent of David

1. John 1:14

Was Proven to be the Son of God by the Following Evidence – vs. 4*

i. With Power – His Teaching

1. Mathew 7:28-29

ii. With Perfection – His Life

1. 2 Corinthians 5:21

iii. With Presentation – His Resurrection

1. Revelation 1:17-18

Some More About Paul – vs. 5*

Three Reasons for Paul’s Apostleship

i. To Encourage them to Obedience to the Faith

1. 2 Timothy 4:2-4

ii. So All People Could be Reached with the Gospel

1. Matthew 28:19-20

iii. To Glorify the Name of Jesus

1. Ephesians 1:12

Them and You – vs. 6-7*

Jesus Calls You By Name

i. Isaiah 43:1

You are in Rome (Or wherever God has placed you - Stonyford)

i. Acts 8:3-4

You are Beloved of God

i. Jeremiah 31:3

You Are Called to be Holy

i. 1Peter 2:9

You are Given Grace – By God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

i. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

You are Given Peace – By God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

i. Philippians 4:7

Thursday, May 9, 2019

1 John 5:13-21

1 John 5:13-21

This is the True God and Eternal Life

1Jn 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1Jn 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1Jn 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1Jn 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

1Jn 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

1Jn 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

1Jn 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Salvation Comes Through Belief in the Name of Jesus. – vs. 13*

Scripture Produces Faith

i. Romans 10:17

ii. 1Thessalonians 2:13

iii. John 20:30-31

Faith Produces Eternal Life

i. 1 John 1:1-2

Belief in the Name of Jesus Gives Us Confidence When We Petition. – vs. 14-15*

If you ask for salvation in Christ, do you think that He would deny such a salvation to anyone that asks?

i. 1 John 2:1-2

ii. Romans 8:26-30

Belief in the Name of Jesus Gives Us Confidence in Our Preservation. – vs. 16-18*

There is a sin unto death and that sin is a rejection of the Son. All other sin can be cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.

i. 1 John 1:7-10

ii. 1 John 3:1-6

Those that are in Christ will be sustained by His grace

i. John 10:27-30

Belief in the Name of Jesus Gives Us Confidence in Our Position. – vs. 19*

Ephesians 2:4-7

Belief in the Name of Jesus Gives Us Confidence in Our Passion – That Passion Should be Christ. – vs. 20-21*

Jesus came to dwell among us

i. John 1:14

Jesus opened our eyes to the truth

i. 2 Corinthians 4:6

Jesus reveals us that we are safe in Him

i. 1 John 2:24-25

Jesus is the true God

i. 1 Timothy 3:16

Jesus is eternal life

i. 1 Peter 1:3-4

How could we worship anything else?

i. Jude 1:24-25