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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We move on to Ephesian Chapter 2 - where Paul spells it out - and no matter where we read his writing, he spells it out - clearly and positive and challengingly.
You were dead - in your transgressions and sins - the ruler of the kingdom of the air - this enemy who attacks us at times pervades the very atmosphere - and he is still at work in those who are disobedient.
We were dead – not just weak or sick – but dead – and to change that situation, someone had to come from outside us – and that person was Jesus Christ. This is ‘good news’… ( Click for more )
We are reading in Ephesian Chapter 1 and learning of how Paul was a man who prayed and in Verse 18 we read of Paul praying for an enlightened heart. We need to pray at times that God will give us LIGHT - light from the inside - inside information - so that I can say, "I see".
"I see what is happening - I see what is going on in the world - I see why people said that - I see why that is being taught - I see why that decision has been made".
Getting to know GOD better comes from the inside too. Then you will understand the HOPE to which you were called… ( Click for more )
We move on in Ephesians Chapter 1 - and following the introduction - and this opening greeting of Praise - Paul moves on to one of his big themes - "in Christ".
He speaks about - Blessing - Being chosen to be holy and blameless - Creation. He speaks about the Word of Truth - The Holy Spirit - and now Prayer and Praying.
Verse 15 - Paul not only preaches and writes - but he prays for people.
Pray for people - that is something which each one of us can do - without exception.
Because of all that I have mentioned in the opening words of my letter -… ( Click for more )
In Ephesians Chapter 1 we read of the Grace that has come to us – verse 6. This is a word which is hardly used outside the Church. We can almost translate it "generosity" - God's generous love - God giving and giving and giving - again and again.
Verses 7,8 – We have been redeemed and forgiven!
Redeem – the pawnbroker’s shop – it was a common word in the first century – used in the freeing of slaves. He frees us from the slavery of sin – or to sin!
God - You have spent so much on me - and He wants us to… ( Click for more )
Ephesians Chapter 1Verses 1,2 are typical of Paul's introduction - Apostle - Sent - sent by the choice or the Will of God. This is the Word of God - not just the words of Paul.
Paul is not writing here simply giving us his own opinion.
We can accept the apostle's words as The Word of God.
We know there was that day when Paul wanted to kill the Gospel dead - and every disciple of Jesus with it - but God had other plans.
Paul becomes an apostle - and it was GOD Who chose him.
He describes himself – and he describes the recipients of this letter. … ( Click for more )
Following some weeks looking at who Jesus Christ really is, let me now turn to a New Testament letter – to Ephesians 1 verse 1.
A pearl is made when a little piece of grit gets into the shell of an oyster - and it begins to irritate and rub against the soft flesh inside. So the oyster protects itself by secreting a hard substance - and a pearl grows. A pearl is produced. What an amazing argument to support Creation!
In that sense this is a pearl of a letter - and as part of the Word of God it is so precious as well as being practical.
Ephesians is a… ( Click for more )
All I know about God comes to me through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Sin – forgiveness through the blood shed on the cross at Calvary – his love – his joy – his peace – his gifts – his holy character – his nature – his ways of working which are so very different from our ways – all this comes to us through Jesus Christ.
YOU ARE THE KING OF GLORY!
“Who is this? Who is THIS JESUS?” We have the complete answer. Do we? Or is it just half the answer?
God… ( Click for more )
“Who is this Jesus?” That has been the question we have been focusing on over these past few weeks – and an important question it is.
If we do not get this right – if we do not build on a solid sound foundation then when the storms come Jesus has already indicated and taught about the crashing consequences. Matthew Chapter 7 verses 24 to 29.
1 – Consider the claims Jesus made for himself – Jesus does not claim to have found the answer to man’s needs – Jesus claims to be the answer to man’s needs. “Come… ( Click for more )
We have been looking at that question – “Who is this Jesus?” We read from Matthew 21, focusing our thoughts upon the humanity of Jesus – the manliness of Jesus Christ.
We saw that from every page of the Gospels – as we roamed all over the life of Jesus – and there emerges that picture of Jesus the man – “Down to such a world as this”.
Today we look at Jesus Christ – God, the Son.
I have no idea as to what the answer to these questions might be – but have you ever imagined what it must have been… ( Click for more )
“Who is this Jesus?” He is the Messiah – the Son of God – the Saviour – the Lord of Lords – the King of the Jews. This is the question raised by the people in Jerusalem as Jesus rides into Jerusalem. We read the context in Matthew Chapter 21 and at verse 10. Do read the passage – I have often found that God has a special blessing for those who take time to read the Scriptures.
Lovingly and humbly Jesus comes with one main purpose – to forgive sin and sins.
He breaks the chains of evil habits. He sets prisoners… ( Click for more )
“Who is this?” It is the question raised by the crowds in Jerusalem when Jesus entered the city. Read the passage in Matthew chapter 21 and understand the context and setting.
In Jesus, God has come to man – born in Bethlehem – in an outhouse beside the animals.
For some 30 years we hear very little about Him.
Jesus had neither financial wealth nor official position anywhere.
His friends were like Himself – fishermen – tax collectors – workmen – like one of us.
When Jesus did leave home to start preaching… ( Click for more )
Having been in the book of Isaiah and having looked at that amazing call of Isaiah it was suggested to me that I consider the question – “Who is Jesus?”
In Matthew Chapter 21 at verse 10 – The setting is Jesus Christ is riding into Jerusalem a week or so prior to His being crucified.
It is a highly emotional scene. It is a highly emotional season as the Passover approaches. At this time of the year emotions and passions and hope and dreams would be running high – family times – meals – presents – spending – as the… ( Click for more )
Isaiah had this vision of God, and we have the details of the vision and his call in Isaiah Chapter 6.
He saw something of the holiness of God.
We seldom hear much about the holiness of Almighty God in these days
Isaiah heard the sounds of heaven.
He saw something of what was going on - like John in the Book of Revelation.
There was a sense of the holiness of God in the Temple, and Isaiah realised his own sinfulness - and we read of how he was suddenly forgiven.
Isaiah has a vision of himself – and his nation. He realised he was dirty –… ( Click for more )
Having Looked at certain passages in the prophecy of Isaiah perhaps we need to ask – Who is this Isaiah and how did he get into this prophetic preaching – the answer is given us in Isaiah Chapter 6
We read in Isaiah Chapter 6 – the details of the way in which Isaiah was called to be a prophet of God. This is his testimony.
In Paul's testimony to how he met Jesus Christ - we see how clear it was. Paul explained what happened – and with such detail.
So did Isaiah. Isaiah went into the Temple, at a very specific and important time.
One… ( Click for more )
The scene in Isaiah Chapter 1 is that of a courtroom, and God is the Judge. Judah and Jerusalem are in the dock and they are on trial. Heaven and earth are the jury. There are witnesses - there is the prosecution - there is the defence - and there is a sentence announced.
GOD is acting as Prosecutor and Judge.
The three basic charges are – Iniquity in the nation.– Insincerity in the Temple – and Injustice in the city.
Verse 2 – Look at the situation in the nation - the charge is that of juvenile delinquency.
God is the Father of… ( Click for more )
We are in Isaiah Chapter 1 and reading of what the circumstances were in Israel when Isaiah was called and raised up to speak out.
Rome was rising at this time, as was the city of Athens.
Why were things so terribly wrong among God’s chosen people?
There was spiritual decline throughout the land. They blamed the Philistines. They blamed the Edomites who kept raiding them from the south. They blamed the Moabites who kept raiding them from the east. The blamed the Syrians who raided the land from the north.
They even blamed God - but they never blamed… ( Click for more )
Having looked at these gracious and inviting words in Isaiah Chapter 55, let us turn to Isaiah Chapter 1.
Who is this man Isaiah? When did he live? What is his significance?
Does what he said have meaning and relevance for us today?
We so frequently need to be reminded that these are not just the words of a man - but The Word of God - The Word of God coming through a man inspired by the Holy Spirit.
We go back to the 8th Century B.C., where in the nation of Israel circumstances had become very serious.
Isaiah had been brought up in the Royal Court… ( Click for more )
Give ear – pay attention – come to me – hear me. We are reading these opening words of Isaiah Chapter 55 – and these are such simple words in verse 3 – words of one syllable.
Isaiah goes on to speak to the people of Israel - reminding them of who they are and of what almighty God is going to do - and the influence they are about to have.
In verse 6, Isaiah issues a word of command that has blessed thousands over the years. “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near.”
We cannot find Jesus Christ, the… ( Click for more )
Would you like something free and as much of it as you needed? The price has already been paid and the gift on offer is priceless.
There was a man who called out to all who were thirsty to come and drink. He even pointed out the source of the refreshing waters. His name was Isaiah and I would ask you to turn to Isaiah Chapter 55 in the Bible.
"Come - all you who are thirsty - come to the waters - and you who have no money - come, buy and eat! Come - buy wine and milk - without money and without cost."
If anyone ever needed a relevant word from the… ( Click for more )
A mother can try to get her son to wash his face, brush his hair, to appear reasonably tidy – and almost fail.
One day, some 16 or 17 year old girl walks into his life and onto the scene, and she achieves more in two weeks than mother has managed in this area over a period of months.
There is a new devotion – someone new to please.
That is what happens when a man or woman is born again, in the spiritual realm.
Attitude and outlook is suddenly and radically transformed.
It can be attractive and even exciting to search for something new in the Christian… ( Click for more )
Peter writes about the origins of God’s people. How did they get their existence? Where did they come from? What is God calling His people to be and do?
These are massive questions to which Peter gives answers – answers which will help disciples grow and mature, and who are prepared to cope with opposition and persecution when it comes.
Peter explains how men and women became and become disciples of Jesus Christ – by being born again into a living hope, having been chosen and sanctified by God the Holy Spirit, and cleansed and sealed by the blood of Jesus. … ( Click for more )
Leaders lead positively or negatively – for good or for ill. These seven disciples were out all night fishing, with nothing to show for it. Fishing had been something they had been good at.
The risen Jesus appears on the Galilean shore. He calls to them - "Lads - boys - have you caught anything?" Jesus knew there was nothing in that boat, but disappointed men.
What a challenge for every disciple. This was a scene of complete failure. Jesus gave them advice. They took it, and with just one cast of the net, they catch 153 fish.
Something… ( Click for more )
Whatever the bankers may have done over these past years with interest rates, investments, and inheritances, nobody can touch this inheritance. It is indestructible, non perishable, unfading and cannot be spoiled – and it is reserved for you.
No one can take it from you and give it to someone else. Your inheritance in Christ Jesus will be kept for you, and you will be kept for it.
When Peter takes up his pen, his writing is saturated with the relevance and significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This amazing inheritance is for those who have come to… ( Click for more )
How did this man who had so many weaknesses and obvious failings suddenly become courageous and fearless, and with an amazing concern for others?
Peter experienced many ‘ups and downs’ during his three years in Jesus Christ’s discipleship school. What was it that changed this fish merchant? What happened in his life to cause such a profound and visibly lasting transformation?
In his early days, Peter was a jumble of fears and confusions, like many of us, and Jesus Christ was the only person who could sort him out, and put together this jigsaw of a man. … ( Click for more )
Everyone is building a life. Building is inevitable – through education, further study, or hard work. The question is – what is your foundation?
Jesus speaks specifically about foundations In Matthew Chapter 7, at the close of what is generally accepted to be “The Sermon on the Mount” – but these words must be among the least quoted and referred to sentences in “The Sermon on the Mount” – I wonder why?
Jesus Christ spoke about two men each building a house, using an illustration from his building days. One man was wise.… ( Click for more )
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