Is this a Survivor episode? 40 days without food. Sometimes it's hard to last 40 minutes without thinking about a snack or something to satisfy our hunger or physical desires. But the key, I believe, is found in v.1: Jesus, "full of the Holy Spirit", prior to the temptations by Satan; and in v.14: Jesus returned to Galilee in the "power of the Spirit", after the temptations.
-So, how are we to fight off temptations? With God's Word and by the power of the Spirit.
Jesus, like John in Chapter 3, was in the wilderness. But whereas John was already preaching the gospel to the people, Jesus was alone with the devil. Also note that both of them quoted or read from the book of Isaiah.
John spoke of the coming of the Lord; Jesus spoke of the fulfillment of the Scripture (v.21).
John spoke of how the crooked will be made straight, the rough roads smooth; Jesus specifically told of what his ministry would be:
1) to preach the gospel to the poor
2) to proclaim release to the captives
3) to give sight to the blind
4) to set free those who are downtrodden
5) to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
- Here I believe that Jesus came to minister to:
1) those who are lacking (materially, spiritually)
2) those who are in bondage (physically, emotionally, spiritually)
3) those who cannot see (physically, spiritually)
4) those who are without hope or have lost hope (emotionally, spiritually)
5) those who are looking for a Savior
Then I wonder why those he was speaking to in the synagogue were filled with rage (v.28) after Jesus spoke about the prophets Elijah and Elisha (Elijah was sent to a widow in Sidon, Elisha was cleansed a leper from Syria.)
- If I was to guess, though, I would say that Jesus mentioned that there were many widows in Israel at the time of Elijah and during the famine. And there were many lepers in Israel at the time of Elisha. But the two prophets ministered to and healed non-Jews (a widow in Sidon and a leper from Syria).
-Jesus may have been saying that God cares for, provides, and is able to heal all people (though He may not always choose to) and that salvation is indeed for both Jews and gentiles. This is just my thoughts, so feel free to comment on this.
Jesus spoke and taught with power and authority, and the people were amazed. Unclean spirits and demons were cast out by Jesus, but Jesus would rebuke them and not allow them to say who Jesus was: "the Holy One of God" (v.34), the "Son of God" (v.41).
- I wonder why Jesus did not want his identity to be revealed at this time. But Jesus was focused and knew his purpose and why he was sent (v.43): "to preach the kingdom of God to the other cities".
- Do we tend to hide our true identity? Clark Kent in glasses, Peter Parker with great power comes great responsibility, Bruce Wayne under the mask. I know I do at times. Why? Fear, shame, embarrassment, judgment, ridicule. We need be ashamed of our identity in Christ.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the POWER of God for SALVATION to EVERYONE who BELIEVES, to the Jew first and also the Greek (gentile)." - Romans 1:16
Have a blessed the weekend!
-Ying
Showing posts with label ying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ying. Show all posts
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Friday, July 6, 2007
Luke Chapter 3
v.2- "the word of God came to John in the wilderness"
-Interesting how the word of God came to him "in the wilderness". I remember when Dorman was preaching on the book of Numbers, which the title in Hebrew was "in the wilderness", or "in the desert" (bemidbar).
During many times of trouble, pain, or uncertainty, God's word will come to me to encourage me and give me hope despite the circumstances. Hope it does the same for you.
v.3- John preached a very specific message: "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins".
-This is not to say that you need to be baptized to be saved though, but rather repentance of one's sins, and salvation through Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
v.4-5 - The words in Isaiah speak of the way, paths, ravines, mountains, hills, and rough roads.
-These words remind me that the path and road to salvation and the Christian walk and journey afterwards is not always smooth and easy. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows, but the end goal in v.6 is "all flesh will see the salvation of God". Embrace and enjoy the journey and walk with Christ.
v.7-9 - John exhorts the people to "bring forth fruits" and to bear "good fruit", lest they be "cut down and thrown into the fire".
-Sounds pretty harsh to me, but there are times when I (we) need to hear the truth so I (we) don't become too complacent and rest on my (our) laurels.
v.10-14 - John gives practical suggestions to the people when they ask him what they should do.
-A lot of times, we ask God what we should we do about this and that. The answers that John offers us some practical suggestions too:
1) Share with others to meet their needs (v.11)
2) Deal honestly at work and have integrity (v.13)
3) Do not use power or authority over others unjustly (v.14)
4) Do not accuse others falsely (v.14)
5) Be content with what you have and are given (v.14)
v.15-18 - John pointed to Jesus as the one people should be looking for and the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- We, like John, should be pointing people to Jesus and the gospel (good news), not to gifted individuals.
v.19-20 - John was locked up in prison, for preaching the gospel.
- There are risks and there are people who will be opposed to us and the message we want to share.
v.21-22 - Jesus was baptized, was praying when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven.
- These verses are often referenced to when one speaks of the trinity. The Holy Spirit is referenced to as a person here.
v.23-38 - Jesus' humanity is revealed in his lineage through the male descendants (David, Abraham, etc.), fulfilling Biblical prophecy.
Blessings and thanks for reading.
-Ying
-Interesting how the word of God came to him "in the wilderness". I remember when Dorman was preaching on the book of Numbers, which the title in Hebrew was "in the wilderness", or "in the desert" (bemidbar).
During many times of trouble, pain, or uncertainty, God's word will come to me to encourage me and give me hope despite the circumstances. Hope it does the same for you.
v.3- John preached a very specific message: "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins".
-This is not to say that you need to be baptized to be saved though, but rather repentance of one's sins, and salvation through Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
v.4-5 - The words in Isaiah speak of the way, paths, ravines, mountains, hills, and rough roads.
-These words remind me that the path and road to salvation and the Christian walk and journey afterwards is not always smooth and easy. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows, but the end goal in v.6 is "all flesh will see the salvation of God". Embrace and enjoy the journey and walk with Christ.
v.7-9 - John exhorts the people to "bring forth fruits" and to bear "good fruit", lest they be "cut down and thrown into the fire".
-Sounds pretty harsh to me, but there are times when I (we) need to hear the truth so I (we) don't become too complacent and rest on my (our) laurels.
v.10-14 - John gives practical suggestions to the people when they ask him what they should do.
-A lot of times, we ask God what we should we do about this and that. The answers that John offers us some practical suggestions too:
1) Share with others to meet their needs (v.11)
2) Deal honestly at work and have integrity (v.13)
3) Do not use power or authority over others unjustly (v.14)
4) Do not accuse others falsely (v.14)
5) Be content with what you have and are given (v.14)
v.15-18 - John pointed to Jesus as the one people should be looking for and the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- We, like John, should be pointing people to Jesus and the gospel (good news), not to gifted individuals.
v.19-20 - John was locked up in prison, for preaching the gospel.
- There are risks and there are people who will be opposed to us and the message we want to share.
v.21-22 - Jesus was baptized, was praying when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven.
- These verses are often referenced to when one speaks of the trinity. The Holy Spirit is referenced to as a person here.
v.23-38 - Jesus' humanity is revealed in his lineage through the male descendants (David, Abraham, etc.), fulfilling Biblical prophecy.
Blessings and thanks for reading.
-Ying
Luke Chapter 2 - New American Standard Version (originally posted July 3)
The birth of Jesus happened quietly, at night, without many people around.
Imagine the Savior born in humble surroundings, with no announcement except that spoken by the angel, and then suddenly praises from a multitude of heavenly hosts.
v.10 - "good news", "great joy", "for all the people"
v.14 - "Glory to God", "peace among men"
-What does Christ's coming mean to me and to you? What words would you use to describe His birth?
Throughout the chapter, I found there are lots of "seeing and looking", things being "revealed" or made known, and things being said and told.
v.15-The shepherds went to Bethlehem to "see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to them".
v.17-The shepherds saw, and made known the statement which had been told them about Jesus.
v.18-All who heard wondered at the things told by the shepherds.
v.20-The shepherds praised God for all that they heard and seen, just as had been told them.
v.25-Simeon was "looking for the consolation of Israel".
v.26-It was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
v.30-Simeon says "For my eyes have seen Thy salvation".
v.32-"A light of revelation to the Gentiles".
v.33- Joseph and Mary were amazed at the things which were said about Him.
v.35b-"...to the end that thoughts from many hearts will be revealed".
v.38-Anna spoke of Him to all those who were looking for Jerusalem's redemption.
v.44-45: Joseph and Mary were "looking for Jesus".
v.47-48: All who heard Him were amazed, and when they (Joseph and Mary) saw Him, they were astonished. Joseph and Mary were anxiously looking for Jesus.
-What have we heard from others about Jesus? And what has been said about Him? --> "Who do the people say I am?...Who do you say I am?" (looking ahead in Luke 9)
-What has been revealed to each of us that we can tell others? Are we looking for something more? Is Jesus enough?
Reminds me of the following praise song:
"Enough" - Passion/Chris Tomlin
All of you is more than enough for all of me,
For every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with your love, and all I have in you is more than enough.
You’re my supply, my breath of life,
Still more awesome than I know,
You’re my reward, worth living for,
Still more awesome than I know.
You’re my sacrifice of greatest price,
Still more awesome than I know,
You’re my coming king, you are everything,
Still more awesome than I know.
More than all I want, more than all I need,
You are more than enough for me.
More than all I know, more than all I can see,
You are more than enough for me.
Again, thanks for reading my lengthy comment.
Good night, God bless.
-Ying
Imagine the Savior born in humble surroundings, with no announcement except that spoken by the angel, and then suddenly praises from a multitude of heavenly hosts.
v.10 - "good news", "great joy", "for all the people"
v.14 - "Glory to God", "peace among men"
-What does Christ's coming mean to me and to you? What words would you use to describe His birth?
Throughout the chapter, I found there are lots of "seeing and looking", things being "revealed" or made known, and things being said and told.
v.15-The shepherds went to Bethlehem to "see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to them".
v.17-The shepherds saw, and made known the statement which had been told them about Jesus.
v.18-All who heard wondered at the things told by the shepherds.
v.20-The shepherds praised God for all that they heard and seen, just as had been told them.
v.25-Simeon was "looking for the consolation of Israel".
v.26-It was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
v.30-Simeon says "For my eyes have seen Thy salvation".
v.32-"A light of revelation to the Gentiles".
v.33- Joseph and Mary were amazed at the things which were said about Him.
v.35b-"...to the end that thoughts from many hearts will be revealed".
v.38-Anna spoke of Him to all those who were looking for Jerusalem's redemption.
v.44-45: Joseph and Mary were "looking for Jesus".
v.47-48: All who heard Him were amazed, and when they (Joseph and Mary) saw Him, they were astonished. Joseph and Mary were anxiously looking for Jesus.
-What have we heard from others about Jesus? And what has been said about Him? --> "Who do the people say I am?...Who do you say I am?" (looking ahead in Luke 9)
-What has been revealed to each of us that we can tell others? Are we looking for something more? Is Jesus enough?
Reminds me of the following praise song:
"Enough" - Passion/Chris Tomlin
All of you is more than enough for all of me,
For every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with your love, and all I have in you is more than enough.
You’re my supply, my breath of life,
Still more awesome than I know,
You’re my reward, worth living for,
Still more awesome than I know.
You’re my sacrifice of greatest price,
Still more awesome than I know,
You’re my coming king, you are everything,
Still more awesome than I know.
More than all I want, more than all I need,
You are more than enough for me.
More than all I know, more than all I can see,
You are more than enough for me.
Again, thanks for reading my lengthy comment.
Good night, God bless.
-Ying
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Luke Chapter 1
Musings and Life Lessons from the book of Luke:
Chapter 1-NAS
v.1-4: There were those who were eyewitnesses to the things (miracles, healings perhaps) accomplished among them (disciples and followers of Christ I believe).
-People say seeing is believing, but faith is believing the truth that has been taught us and revealed to us in the Word and through the Holy Spirit. Thoughts?
But then there are "servants of the word (gospel)". When I think of the word servant, I usually think about the servant of a king, or master, or a human being.
-What does it mean to be a servant of the word?
Or when Mary calls herself "the bondslave of the Lord (or the Lord's servant [NIV]) in v.38, 48. And when she says that "He (God) has given help to Israel His servant" in v.54.
-Who or what are we a slave to?
I also observed the theme of fear throughout Ch.1...
v.12: Fear gripped Zacharias when he saw the angel of the Lord.
v.65: Fear came on all those living around Zacharias and Elizabeth, after Zacharias began speaking again, after having been kept silent.
-Fear is very real.
But then there is reassurance from the Lord...
v.13: "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, (why?) for his petition (prayer) has been heard".
v.30: "Do not be afraid, Mary; (why?), for you have found favor with God."
-God answers prayer and he is with us and wants to bless us.
-Interesting to note too that Elizabeth earlier in v.25 says that the Lord also looked with favor upon her, by allowing her to become pregnant, and taking away her disgrace among men. Interesting statement that she made, considering her circumstance and how both she and Zacharias were righteous and blameless in the sight of God (v.6).
Continuing on the thought of fear...
v.50: Mary states that "His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him".
v.74-75: Zacharias says that we might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
-So fear Him (because God is holy) and then serve Him without fear.
Now on to the Holy Spirit...
v.15: The angel tells Zacharias that his son John will be filled with the Holy Spirit and tells Zacharias all the things that John will do.
v.35: The angel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power that will come.
v.41: Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and blesses Mary.
v.67: Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.
-The indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His power to do and say things that bring glory to God.
Last thoughts:
The NAS uses the word "behold" 6 times in Ch.1:
v.20,31,36,38,44,48
-Each time a significant announcement is made.
I looked up the definition online:
to perceive through sight or apprehension; or to gaze upon.
-What do we consider significant enough that we can say "Behold!"
-I know this is a Luke study, but remember what John said in John 1:29:
"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
Thanks for reading...Good night and God bless.
-Ying
Chapter 1-NAS
v.1-4: There were those who were eyewitnesses to the things (miracles, healings perhaps) accomplished among them (disciples and followers of Christ I believe).
-People say seeing is believing, but faith is believing the truth that has been taught us and revealed to us in the Word and through the Holy Spirit. Thoughts?
But then there are "servants of the word (gospel)". When I think of the word servant, I usually think about the servant of a king, or master, or a human being.
-What does it mean to be a servant of the word?
Or when Mary calls herself "the bondslave of the Lord (or the Lord's servant [NIV]) in v.38, 48. And when she says that "He (God) has given help to Israel His servant" in v.54.
-Who or what are we a slave to?
I also observed the theme of fear throughout Ch.1...
v.12: Fear gripped Zacharias when he saw the angel of the Lord.
v.65: Fear came on all those living around Zacharias and Elizabeth, after Zacharias began speaking again, after having been kept silent.
-Fear is very real.
But then there is reassurance from the Lord...
v.13: "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, (why?) for his petition (prayer) has been heard".
v.30: "Do not be afraid, Mary; (why?), for you have found favor with God."
-God answers prayer and he is with us and wants to bless us.
-Interesting to note too that Elizabeth earlier in v.25 says that the Lord also looked with favor upon her, by allowing her to become pregnant, and taking away her disgrace among men. Interesting statement that she made, considering her circumstance and how both she and Zacharias were righteous and blameless in the sight of God (v.6).
Continuing on the thought of fear...
v.50: Mary states that "His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him".
v.74-75: Zacharias says that we might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
-So fear Him (because God is holy) and then serve Him without fear.
Now on to the Holy Spirit...
v.15: The angel tells Zacharias that his son John will be filled with the Holy Spirit and tells Zacharias all the things that John will do.
v.35: The angel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power that will come.
v.41: Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and blesses Mary.
v.67: Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.
-The indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His power to do and say things that bring glory to God.
Last thoughts:
The NAS uses the word "behold" 6 times in Ch.1:
v.20,31,36,38,44,48
-Each time a significant announcement is made.
I looked up the definition online:
to perceive through sight or apprehension; or to gaze upon.
-What do we consider significant enough that we can say "Behold!"
-I know this is a Luke study, but remember what John said in John 1:29:
"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
Thanks for reading...Good night and God bless.
-Ying
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