February 19, 2005
-
Well, my son now seems to appreciate going on little errands to the store, or coming in the car when I have to go some place. What a difference a tiny piece of paper called a learner’s permit makes.
We had an interesting Bible study on Friday, and I am going to share it, but please know that it is hard to lay all the groundwork down.
Basically our pastor was talking about the statements Christ made on the Cross, including the “My God, My God why has thou forsaken me.” He pointed out that in those days a one liner like that would open up a train of thought, and reveal the rest of the Psalm. In this case the 22nd Psalm which revealed all that was happening to Christ on the cross on the day Christ said those words.
He then pointed out that if he said, “The Lord is my Shepherd” we would get many of the images put on the 23rd Psalm.
All of this going to point to the fact that there is no scripture that states that God ever forsook any of his servants who were acting in obedience. Elijah was fed when depresed, Jonah was rescued from the Whale in the midst of rebellion and disobedience, Moses also was taken care of by God. So why would God abandon his servant Jesus on the Cross.
Isaiah 59 Jesus on the cross was not bearing HIS sin, but our sins. Jesus lived a sin-free life on the earth. and Isaiah 59 says God will not depart from His people.
If you look at the Passover, it was the Lamb without spot and blemish that was sacrificed, not the scapegoat which carried away the sins of the people. Jesus was the Lamb, not the goat.
We take our sins as limitations, and feel that because people have committed certain sins they are not able to serve. God rises above that and uses us, as we are covered by the Blood of Jesus.
God delights in us, Isaiah 62: 4, 5, 12
Jeremiah 51:5
It is not too late to change and turn things around 2 Chron 7:14, God will gladly defer punishment if we repent from the depths of our being.
We also must not make the assumption that God has written off the Jew, He hasn’t as Paul pointed out in Romans 11.
Basically the point was that often Christians are bound by satan into believing that because of satan’s accusations God would not count us as worthy to serve Him. But in reality, God longs for us to reach out, accept the forgiveness Christ died to provide for us, and to step out in faith and serve God.
I wanted to share this, but please know that our pastor was talking so fast that getting all the notes down on paper was challenging. He was excited about the topic. If there are any error in theology in this, they are most probably mine.
Heather
Comments (14)
That is GOOD!!!
Heather,
I think I would have been just as excited hearing it as your pastor was in speaking it. lol
This is beautiful. I hope you take it to heart. It surely has touched mine.
I don’t think it is that sins are deferred. He says when we repent the blood covers our sins and He remembers them no more. In ourselves we aren’t worthy, but because we are born again we are. We have to work out our righteousness, we have to grow in our faith. When I fail I go right to God and ask for forgiveness, then when satan ocmes to taunt me I can say yes, I failed, but I’m under grace and I’m being changed. Satan has no claim on me because I belong to the Lord. In otherword it doesn’t matter what he says, in only matters what Jesus says and He says I’m saved by grace and a new creature in Christ.
During one of my classes discussion on the “Why have you forsaken me” quote, someone pointed out that at that moment when Christ was dying that was when Christ took on all of our sins. He was feeling what it was like to be seperated from God.
peace of Christ to ya,
Learner’s permits. New driver. Prayers lol It is amazing how a little piece of paper changes all attitudes. Good post. blessings. lala
You and/or your pastor might be interested in this sermon by George MacDonald on the same subject. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s very good reading and tremendously profound. (Also this one is a continuation.)
Blessings,
EMP
My daughter is fifteen, and she is wanting her learners permit also. I hope I have enough nerve pills to get me through this.LOL. And you are right ,trust is hard. That is why the Bible says to fight the good fight of faith. It is a battle.
TY HEATHER…and you are in mine also:) BIG HUGS ROBIN
I have a difficult time with knowing I am forgiven, sometimes I feel like I have to repent over and over for the same thing. I am not sure why i do that. love ya.
Hugs,
Patty
God bless you Heather!! You are in my heart and my prayers!!
Love Lisa
Wondering, I wanted to invite you to my protected list if you are interested let me know.
Thank you for those additonal sermons, Pass the Aura. They were interesting. I only know George McDonald from his fiction stories, but he does awesome sermons.
Thanks for comments and prayers, Oh how I need them.
Heather
I appreciate the concern you posted on my site. I’m just crazy go nuts busy right now. I haven’t been able to post in a little while. BUt seriously, I appreciate the notice and the concern.
you’re right, God does want to/desire to have an intimate relationship with Him, and He paid the price to restore our relationship. ( and Satan is aptly called the accuser of the brethern, for he delights in trying to destroy what God has given us , attacking us when we are at the most vulnerable points in our lives)
i thought when our kids got their permits and we had to ride with them so many hours that i would be the one with the most trouble with it – stomping on the invisible brake, etc. but, that turned out not to be the case……… you will get thru it ( and i think the second was easier than the first).
yes, cats are unique creatures, very independent when they choose to be…… but i still prefer them to dogs – though we have both. they do like to have hiding places sort of up high, perhaps as a protection – to be able to keep track of their surroundings.