’“ETERNITY”
ISAIAH 57 VERSE 15
W
e thank God for sparing our lives till this moment whereby we are about saying good bye to one another, it is a thing of joy to share with ourselves something that has the capability of remodeling, renewing and reviving our lives and carrier.
Whatever we are doing here on earth is incomplete without refreshing ourselves with the word of God and to remember that this world is not a permanent place for anybody….
My prayer is that as we look at this message titled: “ETERNITY” the spirit of God would direct His Word into everyone’s heart and that Satan will not hijack this message and misinterpret it in the heart of people as a religious message in Jesus Name Amen.
What is eternity? It is an endless world, it’s timeless or one can say it is the life time of the never dying God.
Suppose, it were possible to tie a rope from the earth to Heaven and an ant were to go to the sun and return on this rope, when the ant had done that a hundred times, then a small fraction of eternity had passed
Isah.57 verse 15:- this is talking about God “the Holy one dwelling in a holy hill…
In 1Jn 3 verses 8, 9….
This reveals to us that there are two eternities because God cannot dwell with devil in the same place.
The question then, is where would you spend eternity?
I divide this message into three sub-headings:-
1 Reality of Heaven and hell
2 Regrettable damnation of the lost Souls
3 Qualification for entering into eternity where God dwells
P1. Reality of Heaven and hell:- (Lk 16 verse 19-24; Mt 11verse 23; Ps 119 verse 89)
P2. Regrettable Damnation of the lost Souls:- (Lk 16 verse 23,24,Rv 21 verse 8, Hb 9 verse 27)
There is no repentance in the grave , this is the time to repent (Ps 66 verse 18)
P3. Qualification for entering into eternity where God dwells. (Ps 66 verse 18; 15 verses 1-5; 24 verses 3, 4).
For anyone hoping to enter into the Kingdom of God after the tenure here on earth, he or she must possess the following qualifications:-
He or she must walk uprightly.
He/she must walk righteously
He/she must speak the truth in his/her heart
He/she must not backbite with the tongue
He/she must not do evil to his/her neighbour
He/she must not be a gambler
He/she must not take a reward against the innocent
In Ps 24 verse 3, 4…
He/ she that have clean hands …
He/she that has pure heart…
The one that has not lifted up his/her soul unto vanity
The one who doesn’t sworn deceitfully.Mk 8 verses 36, 37….for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
The question I want to ask you is, will you allow your soul to be lost in hell because of sin? If your answer is no as it’s expected of you, then you must come under the Blood of Jesus and be washed from your sins because judgment is coming soon upon the sinners. In Rv 20 verse 11-15.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
BECOMING GOD’S CHILDREN IN A DEPRAVED WORLD.
In 1John 3 verse 8,9……
T
he issues of sin cut across the frontier of every religion and went as far as revealing God’s stands by warning every one to repent and accept Christ as personal Lord and Saviour.
Our text revealed very clearly that for anyone to be a child of God, he/she must do away with every form of sin….
This message is divided into three sub-headings:-
1. God’s plans For Mankind.
2. God’s Offer Of Redemption.
3. God’s Revealed Possible Hindrances To His Kingdom.
P1. God’s Plans For Mankind :( Gen 1verse 27-31, Jer 29verse11,12)
Man wasn’t satisfied with the great offers of God, he went into sin and he lost everything:-
He lost the Image of God.
He lost the relationship with God.
He lost the protections of God.
He lost God’s provisions.
In Rm 6verse23:- It tells us that the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let’s explain the meaning of death, which is the wages of sin:- In Rv 21verse 8…But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death. (Hb 9verse27)
God is not willing that anyone should perish in hell-fire, this is why He sent His only begotten Son to redeemed man back to Himself, my prayer is that the plan of God would be fulfilled in our lives in Jesus name-amen.
P2. God’s Offer Of Redemption :- (Hb 9verse22, Ex 12verse13, Mt1verse21)
Redemption is providing a substitute that meets the demand of the law to take the place of another. Let’s consider the story of a young boy who made a watch for himself, and he was proud of it and he always put it on when playing with his friends. On one faithful day as he went to play with his friends, the watch got lost and all attempt to recover it proved abortive. After a long period as he was walking through the street, he saw in one of the shops the very watch hung there, he quickly went to the shop keeper with the hope of recovering the watch, but all attempt fell on deaf ear as the shop keeper told the boy that he must pay if he must get the watch back.
The boy have no choice than to rush home, gathered all his savings together and went back to the shop keeper and recovered the watch again. He looked at the watch and said to it ‘I made you and I bought you back again, you are twice mine,
This is what God did for man, God created man, but because of sin Man’s soul became lost and it has to take the price of the sinless Blood of Jesus Christ before it could be redeemed back again, so, we see that the purpose of Christ first coming to this world was to reconcile man who had been alienated from God through sin, so that man can have fellowship with God again both here and in eternity. I pray that God will qualify everyone of us to enter into His kingdom in Jesus name amen.
P3. God’s Revealed Possible Hindrances To His Kingdom: - (1cor 6verse9, 10 Gal 5verse19-21, Luke 16verse19-24)
According to the first two Bible references, the following are revealed as possible hindrances to the kingdom of God:-
Adultery
Uncleanness
Abusers of themselves with mankind
Murder
Unrighteousness
Idolatry
Effeminate
Extortion
Thieves
Covetous
Drunkards
Lasciviousness
Witchcraft
Hatred
Variance
Emulation
Wrath
Strife
Envying
The Bible say’s that they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
If one does not inherit the kingdom of God, therefore he/she is heading for the kingdom of the devil which is hell-fire:- (Lk16verse19-24)
Eternity in Heaven or in hell, the choice is yours and it’s in your hands:- The story of a boy was told, as one that is curious and inquisitive, and in the same community where he leave’s there was a man highly gifted with wisdom and he never made mistake, this boy purpose in his heart that he was going to cause the old man to make mistake, in his heart he thought to get a live bird and he will place his right tomb at the neck of the bird, with the hope that when he ask the old man what he (the boy) was holding, he will surely say’s it’s a bird, then he will ask him, this bird is it dead or alive? When the old man said it’s alive then he will press the neck of the bird with his right tomb and drop it down dead, and if he say’s the bird is dead, then he will open his hand and the bird will fly thereby proving the old man wrong.
So he did as he has purposed in his heart, he asked the man the planned question, the old man looked at the boy and said, boy, whether the bird is dead or alive the bird is in your hand. In the same way, the choice of Heaven or hell is in your hand…. The spirit of God is inviting you now,…(Rv 22verse17) And the spirit and the bride say come, let him that heareth say come, and let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Salvation is free; you can become a child of God even in this depraved world as you repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness from the Lord, He is able to wash you clean with the Blood of Jesus Christ that was shared on the Cross of Calvary.
In 1John 3 verse 8,9……
T
he issues of sin cut across the frontier of every religion and went as far as revealing God’s stands by warning every one to repent and accept Christ as personal Lord and Saviour.
Our text revealed very clearly that for anyone to be a child of God, he/she must do away with every form of sin….
This message is divided into three sub-headings:-
1. God’s plans For Mankind.
2. God’s Offer Of Redemption.
3. God’s Revealed Possible Hindrances To His Kingdom.
P1. God’s Plans For Mankind :( Gen 1verse 27-31, Jer 29verse11,12)
Man wasn’t satisfied with the great offers of God, he went into sin and he lost everything:-
He lost the Image of God.
He lost the relationship with God.
He lost the protections of God.
He lost God’s provisions.
In Rm 6verse23:- It tells us that the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let’s explain the meaning of death, which is the wages of sin:- In Rv 21verse 8…But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death. (Hb 9verse27)
God is not willing that anyone should perish in hell-fire, this is why He sent His only begotten Son to redeemed man back to Himself, my prayer is that the plan of God would be fulfilled in our lives in Jesus name-amen.
P2. God’s Offer Of Redemption :- (Hb 9verse22, Ex 12verse13, Mt1verse21)
Redemption is providing a substitute that meets the demand of the law to take the place of another. Let’s consider the story of a young boy who made a watch for himself, and he was proud of it and he always put it on when playing with his friends. On one faithful day as he went to play with his friends, the watch got lost and all attempt to recover it proved abortive. After a long period as he was walking through the street, he saw in one of the shops the very watch hung there, he quickly went to the shop keeper with the hope of recovering the watch, but all attempt fell on deaf ear as the shop keeper told the boy that he must pay if he must get the watch back.
The boy have no choice than to rush home, gathered all his savings together and went back to the shop keeper and recovered the watch again. He looked at the watch and said to it ‘I made you and I bought you back again, you are twice mine,
This is what God did for man, God created man, but because of sin Man’s soul became lost and it has to take the price of the sinless Blood of Jesus Christ before it could be redeemed back again, so, we see that the purpose of Christ first coming to this world was to reconcile man who had been alienated from God through sin, so that man can have fellowship with God again both here and in eternity. I pray that God will qualify everyone of us to enter into His kingdom in Jesus name amen.
P3. God’s Revealed Possible Hindrances To His Kingdom: - (1cor 6verse9, 10 Gal 5verse19-21, Luke 16verse19-24)
According to the first two Bible references, the following are revealed as possible hindrances to the kingdom of God:-
Adultery
Uncleanness
Abusers of themselves with mankind
Murder
Unrighteousness
Idolatry
Effeminate
Extortion
Thieves
Covetous
Drunkards
Lasciviousness
Witchcraft
Hatred
Variance
Emulation
Wrath
Strife
Envying
The Bible say’s that they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
If one does not inherit the kingdom of God, therefore he/she is heading for the kingdom of the devil which is hell-fire:- (Lk16verse19-24)
Eternity in Heaven or in hell, the choice is yours and it’s in your hands:- The story of a boy was told, as one that is curious and inquisitive, and in the same community where he leave’s there was a man highly gifted with wisdom and he never made mistake, this boy purpose in his heart that he was going to cause the old man to make mistake, in his heart he thought to get a live bird and he will place his right tomb at the neck of the bird, with the hope that when he ask the old man what he (the boy) was holding, he will surely say’s it’s a bird, then he will ask him, this bird is it dead or alive? When the old man said it’s alive then he will press the neck of the bird with his right tomb and drop it down dead, and if he say’s the bird is dead, then he will open his hand and the bird will fly thereby proving the old man wrong.
So he did as he has purposed in his heart, he asked the man the planned question, the old man looked at the boy and said, boy, whether the bird is dead or alive the bird is in your hand. In the same way, the choice of Heaven or hell is in your hand…. The spirit of God is inviting you now,…(Rv 22verse17) And the spirit and the bride say come, let him that heareth say come, and let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Salvation is free; you can become a child of God even in this depraved world as you repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness from the Lord, He is able to wash you clean with the Blood of Jesus Christ that was shared on the Cross of Calvary.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
THE DIVINE ATTRIBUTES OF THE LIVING GOD
Special Study:
The triumph of Daniel’s faith produced a great testimony to the power, care and love of the living God for His own. It was faith in God that made Daniel dare the decree of the king. It was faith that made him remain calm under life-threatening trouble and trial. It was faith that brought assurance that all would be well at the end. It was faith that breathed peace and patience to his heart in the hour of danger and probable death. It was faith that moved God’s heart; to send His angel into the den to shut the mouths of all the lions. God recognises faith and responds to its call and petition. “No manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God” (Daniel 6:23). The deliverance of Daniel brought a great discovery to Darius, the king. He saw God as the living God, having personality, love, affection, heart of compassion, power, kingdom, dominion, majesty and glory. The great God is not just a great, mighty force, He is the living God. He is not an impersonal powerful substance or entity like electricity or thunder, He is the living God. And He is not like man, living and growing, who passes from infancy to manhood in life, He is the unchanging God.
It touched the spirit of Darius that there is a Being, the living God, who could accomplish such great, supernatural act, uncommon to man since the
beginning of the world. He could not resist the urge to proclaim and publish the knowledge and revelation of the living God to “all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth.”‘Let the earth hear, and all that is therein” (Isaiah 34:1). All those who know the true and living God, through redemption and salvation in Christ, His only begotten Son must make Him known to others, by all possible means.
1. THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE LIVING God.
Daniel 6:26a; Deuteronomy 32:39,40; Jeremiah 10:10; Daniel 4:34; Isaiah 40:28; Acts 14:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:9,10; 1 Timothy 4:10; Psalm 90:2; Revelation 4:9-11; 10:5,6; 1 Timothy 1:17.
The God of heaven is the living God. He is the Fountain of life, the Giver of life. All living creatures derive their lives from Him. We all depend on Him, but He is independent, immutable, infinite and eternal. “He liveth for ever” - His existence is from everlasting, as well as to everlasting. He is without beginning, as well as without end. How mysterious! “Seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things, in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:25,28).
God “hath life in Himself” (John 5:26). Here Christ Himself affirms that God is the source of all life, as He is the living God. The living God is the eternal King who had been alive before time began and who will continue to live when time shall be no more. He’is immortal and incorruptible in His essence. He is permanent, unchangeable and eternal. He is revealed as Almighty, eternal and supreme, He is the true God, the living God, the holy God, the righteous God, the merciful God, the faithful God, the mighty God, the eternal God. He is the God of heaven, the God of heaven and earth, the God of the whole earth, God of the spirits of all flesh, the “God of truth and without iniquity, just and right’ the LORD God of knowledge, the God of g1or, the LORD God of truth, the God of all flesh, the God of peace, the God of all grace, the God of patience and consolation, the God of our salvation. He is omnipresent: “Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LOR1Y’ (Jeremiah 23:24). He is omniscient: “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). He is omnipotent: “Ah Lord GOD! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee” (Jeremiah 32:17). He is the Owner of all things:
“Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is” (Deuteronomy 10:14). He is a God of unspotted and perfect purity: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). He is a God of infinite wisdom: “0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledqe of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). He is good and merciful: “God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” (Ephesians 2:4,5).
2. THE AUTHORITY OF THE LIVING GOD
Daniel 6:26b; Exodus 15:18; Psalms 93:1; 146:10; Daniel 2:44; 4:3,34; 7:14,27; Psalms 45:6; 145:11-13; Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15; Jude 24,25.
It is common knowledge that the great kingdoms of the past have been destroyed. When Nebuchadnezzar and Darius received revelations from heaven they became enlightened and awakened to spiritual realities and divine truth. They both affirmed that only the living God, the eternal God, will have a kingdom, a dominion, which shall not be destroyed. “He is the living God, and stedfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end” (Daniel 6:26). “Thine, 0 LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, 0 LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above alt’ (1 Chronicles 29:1 1). “The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever’ (Psalm 29:10). The reign of the eternal God, the everlasting King, extends over all people in all nations from generation to generation. God’s authority and dominion are unlimited and unrestricted. His sovereignty is unconfined and His power is irresistible.
The Scriptures are full of the revelation of God’s everlasting dominion. God’s dominion is not only in the world but in heaven; not only in time but in eternity. The duration of His reign extends through eternity. God’s dominion over men and angels will be for evermore. All men, Pharaoh, Saul, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Alexander, Herod, Caesar, Nero, etc. came to an end and their kingdoms and dominions also came to an end. We shall continue to see the end of man’s reign but time is not long enough to put God’s reign to an end, the eternal God shall reign for ever and ever. The government of the eternal King shall be forever. All His creatures, all men and angels, shall be ruled by His will and His laws. As the Almighty God He is qualified in every way to govern and rule over all men, all things and all angels. Dominion is His and He has supreme power to exercise it over all. By His omnipotence He has established and sustained the earth and the heaven with all the inhabitants therein, by His infinite power and wisdom will He reign over all for ever and ever. He is clothed with majesty and the robe of His royalty will be ever glorious. His kingdom and dominion, His majesty and glory, His wisdom and strength will be shown in eternal splendour in the sight of saints and angels for ever and ever.
3. THE ACTS OF THE LIVING GOD
Daniel 6:27; Psalms 34:7,17,19; 97:10; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; Job 5:8-12; 9:4,10-12; 33:26-30; Psalm 40:4,5; Jeremiah 32:1 7-20,27; Acts 14:1-3; Romans 15:19-21; Hebrews 2:1-4.
Darius saw the supernatural act of God, His miraculous protection and preservation of Daniel just like Pharaoh, Balak, Ahab, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod saw “the miracles and the acts” of the God of Israel. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Moses, Elijah, all Israel, Peter, Paul, and the saints of God in all generations have also seen the mighty acts of God who is in no way limited in power and wisdom “But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which He did” (Deuteronomy 11:7). “Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all His praise?”“One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts” (Psalms 106:2; 145:4).
Darius praised God for His mighty act which he saw and he publicized it for all people and nations in his realm to know and reverence God, to “tremble and fear before the living God”. “And men shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts: and I will declare Thy greatness”. “To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom” (Psalm 145:6,12). “He delivereth and rescueth.” God’s power is sufficient to govern and control all His creation - The fire, the lions, the raging tempest, the winds and the waves, the storm-tossed sea, even demons and men. Our God will use all means at His disposal, angels, men and all His creation, to deliver His righteous children who trust in Him. He has power to deliver and He will deliver His sons, saints and servants who are committed to His will, from troubles, temptations, trials and tyrants. “And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible” (Jeremiah 15:2 1). Though troops of messengers of danger and destruction surround us, He has promised to deliver and keep us safe and secure. And we are “fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was (and He is) able also to perform” (Romans 4:21).
Congregational Song:
THE LORD JEHOVAH REIGNS
1.The Lord Jehovah reigns: 3.Through all His mighty works
His throne is built on high, Amazing wisdom shines,
The garments He assumes Confounds the powers of hell,
Are light and majesty: And breaks their dark designs;
His glories shine with beams so bright, Strong is His arm, and shall fulfil,
No mortal eye can bear the sight. His great decrees and sovereign will.
2.The thunders of His hand 4. And will this sovereign King
Keep the wide world in awe; Of Glory condescend?
His wrath and justice stand And will He write His name
To guard His holy law; My Father and my Friend?
And where His love resolves to bless, I love His name, I love His word,
His truth confirms and seals the grace. Join all my powers to praise the Lord.
The triumph of Daniel’s faith produced a great testimony to the power, care and love of the living God for His own. It was faith in God that made Daniel dare the decree of the king. It was faith that made him remain calm under life-threatening trouble and trial. It was faith that brought assurance that all would be well at the end. It was faith that breathed peace and patience to his heart in the hour of danger and probable death. It was faith that moved God’s heart; to send His angel into the den to shut the mouths of all the lions. God recognises faith and responds to its call and petition. “No manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God” (Daniel 6:23). The deliverance of Daniel brought a great discovery to Darius, the king. He saw God as the living God, having personality, love, affection, heart of compassion, power, kingdom, dominion, majesty and glory. The great God is not just a great, mighty force, He is the living God. He is not an impersonal powerful substance or entity like electricity or thunder, He is the living God. And He is not like man, living and growing, who passes from infancy to manhood in life, He is the unchanging God.
It touched the spirit of Darius that there is a Being, the living God, who could accomplish such great, supernatural act, uncommon to man since the
beginning of the world. He could not resist the urge to proclaim and publish the knowledge and revelation of the living God to “all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth.”‘Let the earth hear, and all that is therein” (Isaiah 34:1). All those who know the true and living God, through redemption and salvation in Christ, His only begotten Son must make Him known to others, by all possible means.
1. THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE LIVING God.
Daniel 6:26a; Deuteronomy 32:39,40; Jeremiah 10:10; Daniel 4:34; Isaiah 40:28; Acts 14:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:9,10; 1 Timothy 4:10; Psalm 90:2; Revelation 4:9-11; 10:5,6; 1 Timothy 1:17.
The God of heaven is the living God. He is the Fountain of life, the Giver of life. All living creatures derive their lives from Him. We all depend on Him, but He is independent, immutable, infinite and eternal. “He liveth for ever” - His existence is from everlasting, as well as to everlasting. He is without beginning, as well as without end. How mysterious! “Seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things, in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:25,28).
God “hath life in Himself” (John 5:26). Here Christ Himself affirms that God is the source of all life, as He is the living God. The living God is the eternal King who had been alive before time began and who will continue to live when time shall be no more. He’is immortal and incorruptible in His essence. He is permanent, unchangeable and eternal. He is revealed as Almighty, eternal and supreme, He is the true God, the living God, the holy God, the righteous God, the merciful God, the faithful God, the mighty God, the eternal God. He is the God of heaven, the God of heaven and earth, the God of the whole earth, God of the spirits of all flesh, the “God of truth and without iniquity, just and right’ the LORD God of knowledge, the God of g1or, the LORD God of truth, the God of all flesh, the God of peace, the God of all grace, the God of patience and consolation, the God of our salvation. He is omnipresent: “Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LOR1Y’ (Jeremiah 23:24). He is omniscient: “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). He is omnipotent: “Ah Lord GOD! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee” (Jeremiah 32:17). He is the Owner of all things:
“Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is” (Deuteronomy 10:14). He is a God of unspotted and perfect purity: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). He is a God of infinite wisdom: “0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledqe of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). He is good and merciful: “God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” (Ephesians 2:4,5).
2. THE AUTHORITY OF THE LIVING GOD
Daniel 6:26b; Exodus 15:18; Psalms 93:1; 146:10; Daniel 2:44; 4:3,34; 7:14,27; Psalms 45:6; 145:11-13; Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15; Jude 24,25.
It is common knowledge that the great kingdoms of the past have been destroyed. When Nebuchadnezzar and Darius received revelations from heaven they became enlightened and awakened to spiritual realities and divine truth. They both affirmed that only the living God, the eternal God, will have a kingdom, a dominion, which shall not be destroyed. “He is the living God, and stedfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end” (Daniel 6:26). “Thine, 0 LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, 0 LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above alt’ (1 Chronicles 29:1 1). “The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever’ (Psalm 29:10). The reign of the eternal God, the everlasting King, extends over all people in all nations from generation to generation. God’s authority and dominion are unlimited and unrestricted. His sovereignty is unconfined and His power is irresistible.
The Scriptures are full of the revelation of God’s everlasting dominion. God’s dominion is not only in the world but in heaven; not only in time but in eternity. The duration of His reign extends through eternity. God’s dominion over men and angels will be for evermore. All men, Pharaoh, Saul, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Alexander, Herod, Caesar, Nero, etc. came to an end and their kingdoms and dominions also came to an end. We shall continue to see the end of man’s reign but time is not long enough to put God’s reign to an end, the eternal God shall reign for ever and ever. The government of the eternal King shall be forever. All His creatures, all men and angels, shall be ruled by His will and His laws. As the Almighty God He is qualified in every way to govern and rule over all men, all things and all angels. Dominion is His and He has supreme power to exercise it over all. By His omnipotence He has established and sustained the earth and the heaven with all the inhabitants therein, by His infinite power and wisdom will He reign over all for ever and ever. He is clothed with majesty and the robe of His royalty will be ever glorious. His kingdom and dominion, His majesty and glory, His wisdom and strength will be shown in eternal splendour in the sight of saints and angels for ever and ever.
3. THE ACTS OF THE LIVING GOD
Daniel 6:27; Psalms 34:7,17,19; 97:10; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; Job 5:8-12; 9:4,10-12; 33:26-30; Psalm 40:4,5; Jeremiah 32:1 7-20,27; Acts 14:1-3; Romans 15:19-21; Hebrews 2:1-4.
Darius saw the supernatural act of God, His miraculous protection and preservation of Daniel just like Pharaoh, Balak, Ahab, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod saw “the miracles and the acts” of the God of Israel. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Moses, Elijah, all Israel, Peter, Paul, and the saints of God in all generations have also seen the mighty acts of God who is in no way limited in power and wisdom “But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which He did” (Deuteronomy 11:7). “Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all His praise?”“One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts” (Psalms 106:2; 145:4).
Darius praised God for His mighty act which he saw and he publicized it for all people and nations in his realm to know and reverence God, to “tremble and fear before the living God”. “And men shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts: and I will declare Thy greatness”. “To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom” (Psalm 145:6,12). “He delivereth and rescueth.” God’s power is sufficient to govern and control all His creation - The fire, the lions, the raging tempest, the winds and the waves, the storm-tossed sea, even demons and men. Our God will use all means at His disposal, angels, men and all His creation, to deliver His righteous children who trust in Him. He has power to deliver and He will deliver His sons, saints and servants who are committed to His will, from troubles, temptations, trials and tyrants. “And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible” (Jeremiah 15:2 1). Though troops of messengers of danger and destruction surround us, He has promised to deliver and keep us safe and secure. And we are “fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was (and He is) able also to perform” (Romans 4:21).
Congregational Song:
THE LORD JEHOVAH REIGNS
1.The Lord Jehovah reigns: 3.Through all His mighty works
His throne is built on high, Amazing wisdom shines,
The garments He assumes Confounds the powers of hell,
Are light and majesty: And breaks their dark designs;
His glories shine with beams so bright, Strong is His arm, and shall fulfil,
No mortal eye can bear the sight. His great decrees and sovereign will.
2.The thunders of His hand 4. And will this sovereign King
Keep the wide world in awe; Of Glory condescend?
His wrath and justice stand And will He write His name
To guard His holy law; My Father and my Friend?
And where His love resolves to bless, I love His name, I love His word,
His truth confirms and seals the grace. Join all my powers to praise the Lord.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
THE KING'S DIVINELY INSPIRED, TIMELESS DECREE
Systematic, expository study a/God's Word 02/03/2009
Study 31:
THE KING'S DIVINELY INSPIRED, TIMELESS DECREE
Daniel 6:25,26
"Then king Darius wrote unto all people, 1 make a decree." A decree is an official order, or royal statute, a ruler's command or law made by a king - an order with the power of legislation issued by a king or any person with authority. King Darius had signed an earlier decree but that decree was an unrighteous decree (Isaiah 10: 1), a temporary decree (Daniel 6:7), a decree inspired by sin, self and Satan (Daniel 6:3-9). This new decree was not temporary but timeless, not unrighteous but righteous, not inspired by Satan but inspired by God. "1 make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God' (Daniel 6:26). It is a universal decree as well as an unchangeable decree. Among "all people, nations, and languages", from all "that dwell in all the earth" God cannot expect anything less. "This is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12: 13, 14) in every place, at all times. Prophets in the Old Testament and preachers in the New Testament, angels in heaven and Christ on the right hand of majesty on high all declare the same decree (Isaiah 8: 13; Psalms 33:8; 34:9; 1 Peter 2: 17; Matthew 10:28; Revelation 14:6,7; Luke 12:4,5).
This is not merely the decree of an earthly king, it is the decree of the eternal King. The decree of God is His eternal, unchangeable, holy, wise and sovereign purpose - the will of the infinite, absolute, eternal, unchanging God. He demands from small and great, from the beginning of creation to an unending eternity, that we fear Him. In view of His infinite greatness and man's total dependence on Him, "men tremble and fear before God, the living God." The living God is the eternal God who has life in Himself and He is the fountain of life, without Him there is no life. He is the Author and Giver of life. "He is steadfast for ever." He abides and lives forever while "presidents and princes", "governors, counselors and captains" (Daniel 6:4,7,24) rise and fall, live and die. All things change; but He is unchangeable. "His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." No human power can prevail against Him and His kingdom is upheld by His omnipotence. His might, power, omnipotence is irresistible. All the earth will fear Him. His saints do fear Him (Psalm 34:9). Sinners will fear Him at the White Throne Judgment and throughout eternity (Revelation 6: 14-17; 20: 11-15). Demons tremble and fear now in anticipation of coming judgment; sinners, demons and Satan will "fear God" throughout eternity while suffering torments in hell fire (James 2:19; Matthew 8:29). "Be wise now therefore, 0 ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Hindi' (Psalm 2: 10-12).
1. THE DECREE OF AN EARTHLY KING
Daniel 6:25,26; Deuteronomy 4:7-10; 6:24,25; 13:4-11; 31:12,13; Joshua 4:24; 24:14; 2 Chronicles 19:6,7,9; Luke 12:4,5; Revelation 14:6,7.
The exhortation in this decree is "fear the living God." This exhortation is not only found here, but it is in several other texts of the Scripture. It is expressed and pressed upon us both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (Exodus 20:20; Deuteronomy 10: 12; Joshua 24: 14; 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 33:8; Proverbs 3:7; Ecclesiastes 12: 13; Luke 12:4,5; Romans 11 :20; 2 Corinthians 7: 1; Ephesians 5:21; Colossians 3:22-24; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 14:6,7). We should not confuse the exhortation to "fear God' with the passages of encouragement that command us to, "fear not." These passages of Scripture assure us of God's presence, provision and protection and so exhort us not to fear men, enemies, circumstances, trials, things present or things to come in the future. As God's children we do not have slavish fear or tormenting fear towards God but we have godly fear, reverential fear, filial fear. It is such mial fear - the fear of a son or of a daughter for the father - that makes us to hate what God hates and love what God loves, that makes us to permanently depart from evil and iniquity. "A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then 1 be a father, where is mine honour? And if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the WRD of hosts unto you" (Malachi 1:6). All New Testament believers who have God as their Father must have the reverential, godly, filial fear for God. "As obedient children, be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. Fear God' (1 Peter 1:14-17; 2:17).
The scriptural fear of God is the fear of causing grief in the heart of our Father - God (Genesis 6:5,6), the fear of bringing divine wrath and judgment upon ourselves (Luke 12:4,5), the fear of giving occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme (2 Samuel 12:14), the fear of misleading our own children and leading them into hell fire (Matthew 18:6), the fear of becoming a stumblingblock to the brethren and destroying souls for whom Christ died (1 Corinthians 8:9,11,12), the fear of missing heaven and our promised inheritance (Hebrews 4:1; Jude 5). This is the fear of the LORD that makes us to hate evil and to depart from evil (Proverbs 8:] 3; 3:7).
THE DEMAND OF THE ETERNAL KING
1 Timothy 1:17; Deuteronomy 5:29; 10:12,13,20; Malachi 1:6; 2:5-7; Jeremiah 32:38-40; 5:22-24; Hebrews 12:28,29; Revelation 19:5-9; Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Fear God. Fear the living God. Fear the LORD. Fear the LORD your God. Fear Him. Angels demand it. Christ demands it. God, the eternal King, Himself, demands it. From the beginning of divine revelation to the end, it is demanded we fear God, honour Him and give Him the glory due unto His Name. This is the whole duty of man; it is the salt that seasons every other duty. There is no duty performed by us that can by any means be accepted of God, if it be not seasoned with God-honouring respect, reverence and godly fear. "But as for me, I will come into Thy house in the multitude of Thy mercY: and IN THY FEAR WILL I WORSHIP toward Thy holy Temple" (Psalm 5:7). Only the worship, the obedience, the service, the faithfulness, the sacrifice, the zeal, the ministry, which flows from the fountain of godly, reverential fear in the heart is acceptable to God and rewardable by Him.
The acceptable fear of God is first begotten in the heart when we are awakened and convicted of our sins and their consequence. Then do we cry out, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). It is this fear that drives us to Christ, seeking salvation, with a firm decision to "flee from the wrath to come" (Luke 3:6,7). Saved and abiding in Christ, it is this gracious, godly fear that makes us steadfast in the Lord, consecrating ourselves to Him, promising to serve Him till the end. "I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me" (Jeremiah 32:40). It is this glorious, godly fear, the divine gift of "the fear of the Lord ' in our hearts (Isaiah 11:2; Jeremiah 32:39) that drives far away from us "the fear of man (that) bringeth a snare' (Proverbs 29:25) and we are able to say, "I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Hebrews 13:6). Then shall we be able to declare with firm and unwavering purpose of heart, "we ought to obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29).
3.
THE DELIGHT OF THE EVERLASTING KING
Jeremiah 10:6,7,10; Psalms 147:11; 25:12-14; 112:1-7; Genesis 22:11-18; Hebrews 11:7; Malachi 3:16-18;
4:2,3; Acts 10:22,33-35,44; Revelation 11: 15-18.
God, the everlasting King, delights in those who fear Him in the divinely appointed way. The fear of the Lord is imparted into our hearts for our good (Jeremiah 32:40; Deuteronomy 6:24). The great privilege of divine delights is reserved for those who fear the Lord, both in this world and in that which is to come. The Lord is the help and shield of all who fear Him (Psalm 115: 11). Supernatural help and shield are the special grant and peculiar privilege for those who fear the Lord. Those who truly fear the Lord shall receive unfailing help in times of weakness and infirmity. They will also have heaven's shield of protection against all the assaults of the devil and his messengers.
God has also declared concerning the believer who fears Him that He will be his teacher, guide and counsellor at every cross-road in life. Such a God-fearing believer will never lack the wisdom to choose the right way (Psalm 25: 12). To be taught of God, to be led by God and to be kept in the path that leads to heaven is one of the greatest privileges we can have in this world of darkness and confusion. Do you truly fear the Lord? He will open His secret unto you. Things which are kept secret from the worldly wise men of the world and from the earth¬bqund prudent men on earth will be revealed unto you (Psalm 25: 14). The treasures of divine wisdom and kTIowledge, marvellous and wondrous things hidden from casual, carnal and careless people will be made known to those who fear the Lord.
"The eye of the WRD is upon them that fear Him, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine' (Psalm 33: 18, 19). As a shepherd watches over his sheep and protects them from wolves that seek to devour them so the Lord's eyes are upon them that fear Him as peculiar possessions of His delight. Mighty and powerful angels are charged with the protection of those who fear the Lord (Psalm 34:7). God's abundant mercy is also reserved for them (Psalm 103:13). Do you have unfulfilled desires? Do you feel the pain of unanswered prayers? How can you live in the fulness of joy with all desires fulfilled to God's glory? Fear the Lord as He has commanded. "He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him" (Psalm 145: 19). "The WRD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures' (Psalms 147: 11; 36:8).
Congregational song:
1 O for a closer walk with God, 4 Return, o holy Dove! return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
A calm and heavely frame, I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
A light to shine upon the road And drove Thee from my breast,
That leads me to the Lamb.
2 Where is the blessedness I knew 5 The dearest idol I have known,
When first I saw the Lord? Whate'er that idol be,
Where is that soul-refreshing view Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
Of Jesus and His Word? And worship only Thee.
3 What peaceful hours I once enjoyed! 6 So shall my walk be close with God,
How sweet their memory still! Calm and serene my frame;
But they have left an aching void So purer light shall mark the road
The world can never fill. That leads me to the Lamb.
Study 31:
THE KING'S DIVINELY INSPIRED, TIMELESS DECREE
Daniel 6:25,26
"Then king Darius wrote unto all people, 1 make a decree." A decree is an official order, or royal statute, a ruler's command or law made by a king - an order with the power of legislation issued by a king or any person with authority. King Darius had signed an earlier decree but that decree was an unrighteous decree (Isaiah 10: 1), a temporary decree (Daniel 6:7), a decree inspired by sin, self and Satan (Daniel 6:3-9). This new decree was not temporary but timeless, not unrighteous but righteous, not inspired by Satan but inspired by God. "1 make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God' (Daniel 6:26). It is a universal decree as well as an unchangeable decree. Among "all people, nations, and languages", from all "that dwell in all the earth" God cannot expect anything less. "This is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12: 13, 14) in every place, at all times. Prophets in the Old Testament and preachers in the New Testament, angels in heaven and Christ on the right hand of majesty on high all declare the same decree (Isaiah 8: 13; Psalms 33:8; 34:9; 1 Peter 2: 17; Matthew 10:28; Revelation 14:6,7; Luke 12:4,5).
This is not merely the decree of an earthly king, it is the decree of the eternal King. The decree of God is His eternal, unchangeable, holy, wise and sovereign purpose - the will of the infinite, absolute, eternal, unchanging God. He demands from small and great, from the beginning of creation to an unending eternity, that we fear Him. In view of His infinite greatness and man's total dependence on Him, "men tremble and fear before God, the living God." The living God is the eternal God who has life in Himself and He is the fountain of life, without Him there is no life. He is the Author and Giver of life. "He is steadfast for ever." He abides and lives forever while "presidents and princes", "governors, counselors and captains" (Daniel 6:4,7,24) rise and fall, live and die. All things change; but He is unchangeable. "His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." No human power can prevail against Him and His kingdom is upheld by His omnipotence. His might, power, omnipotence is irresistible. All the earth will fear Him. His saints do fear Him (Psalm 34:9). Sinners will fear Him at the White Throne Judgment and throughout eternity (Revelation 6: 14-17; 20: 11-15). Demons tremble and fear now in anticipation of coming judgment; sinners, demons and Satan will "fear God" throughout eternity while suffering torments in hell fire (James 2:19; Matthew 8:29). "Be wise now therefore, 0 ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Hindi' (Psalm 2: 10-12).
1. THE DECREE OF AN EARTHLY KING
Daniel 6:25,26; Deuteronomy 4:7-10; 6:24,25; 13:4-11; 31:12,13; Joshua 4:24; 24:14; 2 Chronicles 19:6,7,9; Luke 12:4,5; Revelation 14:6,7.
The exhortation in this decree is "fear the living God." This exhortation is not only found here, but it is in several other texts of the Scripture. It is expressed and pressed upon us both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (Exodus 20:20; Deuteronomy 10: 12; Joshua 24: 14; 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 33:8; Proverbs 3:7; Ecclesiastes 12: 13; Luke 12:4,5; Romans 11 :20; 2 Corinthians 7: 1; Ephesians 5:21; Colossians 3:22-24; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 14:6,7). We should not confuse the exhortation to "fear God' with the passages of encouragement that command us to, "fear not." These passages of Scripture assure us of God's presence, provision and protection and so exhort us not to fear men, enemies, circumstances, trials, things present or things to come in the future. As God's children we do not have slavish fear or tormenting fear towards God but we have godly fear, reverential fear, filial fear. It is such mial fear - the fear of a son or of a daughter for the father - that makes us to hate what God hates and love what God loves, that makes us to permanently depart from evil and iniquity. "A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then 1 be a father, where is mine honour? And if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the WRD of hosts unto you" (Malachi 1:6). All New Testament believers who have God as their Father must have the reverential, godly, filial fear for God. "As obedient children, be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. Fear God' (1 Peter 1:14-17; 2:17).
The scriptural fear of God is the fear of causing grief in the heart of our Father - God (Genesis 6:5,6), the fear of bringing divine wrath and judgment upon ourselves (Luke 12:4,5), the fear of giving occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme (2 Samuel 12:14), the fear of misleading our own children and leading them into hell fire (Matthew 18:6), the fear of becoming a stumblingblock to the brethren and destroying souls for whom Christ died (1 Corinthians 8:9,11,12), the fear of missing heaven and our promised inheritance (Hebrews 4:1; Jude 5). This is the fear of the LORD that makes us to hate evil and to depart from evil (Proverbs 8:] 3; 3:7).
THE DEMAND OF THE ETERNAL KING
1 Timothy 1:17; Deuteronomy 5:29; 10:12,13,20; Malachi 1:6; 2:5-7; Jeremiah 32:38-40; 5:22-24; Hebrews 12:28,29; Revelation 19:5-9; Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Fear God. Fear the living God. Fear the LORD. Fear the LORD your God. Fear Him. Angels demand it. Christ demands it. God, the eternal King, Himself, demands it. From the beginning of divine revelation to the end, it is demanded we fear God, honour Him and give Him the glory due unto His Name. This is the whole duty of man; it is the salt that seasons every other duty. There is no duty performed by us that can by any means be accepted of God, if it be not seasoned with God-honouring respect, reverence and godly fear. "But as for me, I will come into Thy house in the multitude of Thy mercY: and IN THY FEAR WILL I WORSHIP toward Thy holy Temple" (Psalm 5:7). Only the worship, the obedience, the service, the faithfulness, the sacrifice, the zeal, the ministry, which flows from the fountain of godly, reverential fear in the heart is acceptable to God and rewardable by Him.
The acceptable fear of God is first begotten in the heart when we are awakened and convicted of our sins and their consequence. Then do we cry out, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). It is this fear that drives us to Christ, seeking salvation, with a firm decision to "flee from the wrath to come" (Luke 3:6,7). Saved and abiding in Christ, it is this gracious, godly fear that makes us steadfast in the Lord, consecrating ourselves to Him, promising to serve Him till the end. "I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me" (Jeremiah 32:40). It is this glorious, godly fear, the divine gift of "the fear of the Lord ' in our hearts (Isaiah 11:2; Jeremiah 32:39) that drives far away from us "the fear of man (that) bringeth a snare' (Proverbs 29:25) and we are able to say, "I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Hebrews 13:6). Then shall we be able to declare with firm and unwavering purpose of heart, "we ought to obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29).
3.
THE DELIGHT OF THE EVERLASTING KING
Jeremiah 10:6,7,10; Psalms 147:11; 25:12-14; 112:1-7; Genesis 22:11-18; Hebrews 11:7; Malachi 3:16-18;
4:2,3; Acts 10:22,33-35,44; Revelation 11: 15-18.
God, the everlasting King, delights in those who fear Him in the divinely appointed way. The fear of the Lord is imparted into our hearts for our good (Jeremiah 32:40; Deuteronomy 6:24). The great privilege of divine delights is reserved for those who fear the Lord, both in this world and in that which is to come. The Lord is the help and shield of all who fear Him (Psalm 115: 11). Supernatural help and shield are the special grant and peculiar privilege for those who fear the Lord. Those who truly fear the Lord shall receive unfailing help in times of weakness and infirmity. They will also have heaven's shield of protection against all the assaults of the devil and his messengers.
God has also declared concerning the believer who fears Him that He will be his teacher, guide and counsellor at every cross-road in life. Such a God-fearing believer will never lack the wisdom to choose the right way (Psalm 25: 12). To be taught of God, to be led by God and to be kept in the path that leads to heaven is one of the greatest privileges we can have in this world of darkness and confusion. Do you truly fear the Lord? He will open His secret unto you. Things which are kept secret from the worldly wise men of the world and from the earth¬bqund prudent men on earth will be revealed unto you (Psalm 25: 14). The treasures of divine wisdom and kTIowledge, marvellous and wondrous things hidden from casual, carnal and careless people will be made known to those who fear the Lord.
"The eye of the WRD is upon them that fear Him, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine' (Psalm 33: 18, 19). As a shepherd watches over his sheep and protects them from wolves that seek to devour them so the Lord's eyes are upon them that fear Him as peculiar possessions of His delight. Mighty and powerful angels are charged with the protection of those who fear the Lord (Psalm 34:7). God's abundant mercy is also reserved for them (Psalm 103:13). Do you have unfulfilled desires? Do you feel the pain of unanswered prayers? How can you live in the fulness of joy with all desires fulfilled to God's glory? Fear the Lord as He has commanded. "He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him" (Psalm 145: 19). "The WRD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures' (Psalms 147: 11; 36:8).
Congregational song:
1 O for a closer walk with God, 4 Return, o holy Dove! return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
A calm and heavely frame, I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
A light to shine upon the road And drove Thee from my breast,
That leads me to the Lamb.
2 Where is the blessedness I knew 5 The dearest idol I have known,
When first I saw the Lord? Whate'er that idol be,
Where is that soul-refreshing view Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
Of Jesus and His Word? And worship only Thee.
3 What peaceful hours I once enjoyed! 6 So shall my walk be close with God,
How sweet their memory still! Calm and serene my frame;
But they have left an aching void So purer light shall mark the road
The world can never fill. That leads me to the Lamb.
Monday, February 23, 2009
LIFE TRACTS
Do you know that you will outlive the sun?
Do you know that when the earth and the stars have all passed away, you will just be beginning your endless day - a time without end? Once you are born you will never cease to live. You will live forever; you will be alive eternally. Eternity has no end. This is a solemn and fearful truth.
Suppose, it were possible to tie a rope from the earth to Heaven and an ant were to go to the sun and return on this rope, when the ant had done that a hundred times, then a small fraction of eternity had passed. Suppose a small boy were to empty an ocean with a cup, the time it will take the boy to do so is a very tiny part of eternity. If it were possible to gather all the books that have ever been written in all fields of human endeavour and in all languages, and a student were to read them one by one, the time he will spend reading all the books will only amount to a minute fraction of eternity. If a grain of sand represents one day, all the sand at the seashore will ", present only a small, negligible part of eternity! If a bird went to sharpen its beak once a year at a mountain, when the bird wears the mountain in this way, only an insignificant part of eternity would have passed. ETERNITY! In short, eternity is the life-time of the never-dying God. And you will be alive eternally. You will live for eternity, just as God is alive eternally. Once born. A person remains consciously alive forever.
Eternity does not terminate at the time of death. Death is just another wrung on the ladder of eternity. It is only a gateway to eternity - eternity in heaven or in hell. There is "the resurrection of life" and there is "the resurrection of damnation." This may shock you. I pray it does. Every sinner will end up in eternal hell and every saint will go into eternal heaven. You will live for ever in heaven or
hell. There is no neutral place; nothing like purgatory. Jesus never talked of anything or anywhere like that. Somebody said 'I am on the fence.' No! There is no fence. You are either a Christian or a sinner. You are either on the narrow way to heaven or on the broad way that leads straight to hell. You will either live with God forever in heaven or live in hell forever with Satan. These are stark realities you must face.
"Choose you this day." Where do you want to spend eternity? You can only answer with an action. Throw off this leaflet, or tear it to pieces. Neglect its message and warning. Postpone your d:-.y of repentance and continue in sin. Then you have answered the question. Eternity in hell is sure for every sinner who refuses or neglects to repent. "Choose you this day. "Where will you spend eternity? In Heaven with God? - Then you must repent NOW. He that covereth his sins SHALL NOT PROSPER: but. whoso confesseth and 'forsaketh then SHALL HAVE MERCY" (Proverbs 28:13). "Seek ye the LORD .... Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him RETURN unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him, .... He will abundantly pardon"
(Isaiah 55:6,7). '
You must seek the Lord. How? What does God expect you to do? You should pray to Him now, asking for the forgiveness of all your sins. Don't hide or cover any of them. God sees you and He says you CANNOT, and WILL NOT prosper if you hide your sins. Repentance and confession of your sins will make you a recipient of mercy, pardon and blessings from God. Confess your sins, forsake them and turn to God.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern. For more help, write or contact Deeper Christian Life Ministry:
You want the abundant life that Christ gives?
God is ready to give you now as you pray: "Almighty God, I pray in Jesus name that you look down with mercy on me, a guilty sinner. Forgive me these my
sins of ......... (name them one by one, don't hide any).
I promise through your grace and help, never to go back into them again. Please make me your child now and cleanse me from all sins. I give my life to Jesus Christ and accept Him now as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, 0 God, for I believe you have answered my prayer. In Jesus Christ's Name I have prayed. Amen."
Do this now as urgently and as correctly as you carry out a doctor's instruction. Turn away from all sins and decide in your heart never to go back to them. Tell God to cleanse you. He will answer immediately if you pray with faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He will change your life and set your feet on the path of godliness and righteousness. Then, eternity with God in heaven will be yours.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
P.O.BoxS9,
University of Lagos P.O Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. West Africa.
Deeper Life Bibel Church, Leme, Village,
P.O.Box 5322,
Do you know that you will outlive the sun?
Do you know that when the earth and the stars have all passed away, you will just be beginning your endless day - a time without end? Once you are born you will never cease to live. You will live forever; you will be alive eternally. Eternity has no end. This is a solemn and fearful truth.
Suppose, it were possible to tie a rope from the earth to Heaven and an ant were to go to the sun and return on this rope, when the ant had done that a hundred times, then a small fraction of eternity had passed. Suppose a small boy were to empty an ocean with a cup, the time it will take the boy to do so is a very tiny part of eternity. If it were possible to gather all the books that have ever been written in all fields of human endeavour and in all languages, and a student were to read them one by one, the time he will spend reading all the books will only amount to a minute fraction of eternity. If a grain of sand represents one day, all the sand at the seashore will ", present only a small, negligible part of eternity! If a bird went to sharpen its beak once a year at a mountain, when the bird wears the mountain in this way, only an insignificant part of eternity would have passed. ETERNITY! In short, eternity is the life-time of the never-dying God. And you will be alive eternally. You will live for eternity, just as God is alive eternally. Once born. A person remains consciously alive forever.
Eternity does not terminate at the time of death. Death is just another wrung on the ladder of eternity. It is only a gateway to eternity - eternity in heaven or in hell. There is "the resurrection of life" and there is "the resurrection of damnation." This may shock you. I pray it does. Every sinner will end up in eternal hell and every saint will go into eternal heaven. You will live for ever in heaven or
hell. There is no neutral place; nothing like purgatory. Jesus never talked of anything or anywhere like that. Somebody said 'I am on the fence.' No! There is no fence. You are either a Christian or a sinner. You are either on the narrow way to heaven or on the broad way that leads straight to hell. You will either live with God forever in heaven or live in hell forever with Satan. These are stark realities you must face.
"Choose you this day." Where do you want to spend eternity? You can only answer with an action. Throw off this leaflet, or tear it to pieces. Neglect its message and warning. Postpone your d:-.y of repentance and continue in sin. Then you have answered the question. Eternity in hell is sure for every sinner who refuses or neglects to repent. "Choose you this day. "Where will you spend eternity? In Heaven with God? - Then you must repent NOW. He that covereth his sins SHALL NOT PROSPER: but. whoso confesseth and 'forsaketh then SHALL HAVE MERCY" (Proverbs 28:13). "Seek ye the LORD .... Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him RETURN unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him, .... He will abundantly pardon"
(Isaiah 55:6,7). '
You must seek the Lord. How? What does God expect you to do? You should pray to Him now, asking for the forgiveness of all your sins. Don't hide or cover any of them. God sees you and He says you CANNOT, and WILL NOT prosper if you hide your sins. Repentance and confession of your sins will make you a recipient of mercy, pardon and blessings from God. Confess your sins, forsake them and turn to God.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern. For more help, write or contact Deeper Christian Life Ministry:
You want the abundant life that Christ gives?
God is ready to give you now as you pray: "Almighty God, I pray in Jesus name that you look down with mercy on me, a guilty sinner. Forgive me these my
sins of ......... (name them one by one, don't hide any).
I promise through your grace and help, never to go back into them again. Please make me your child now and cleanse me from all sins. I give my life to Jesus Christ and accept Him now as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, 0 God, for I believe you have answered my prayer. In Jesus Christ's Name I have prayed. Amen."
Do this now as urgently and as correctly as you carry out a doctor's instruction. Turn away from all sins and decide in your heart never to go back to them. Tell God to cleanse you. He will answer immediately if you pray with faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He will change your life and set your feet on the path of godliness and righteousness. Then, eternity with God in heaven will be yours.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
P.O.BoxS9,
University of Lagos P.O Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. West Africa.
Deeper Life Bibel Church, Leme, Village,
P.O.Box 5322,
Totoro, P. O.
Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Do you know that when the earth and the stars have all passed away, you will just be beginning your endless day - a time without end? Once you are born you will never cease to live. You will live forever; you will be alive eternally. Eternity has no end. This is a solemn and fearful truth.
Suppose, it were possible to tie a rope from the earth to Heaven and an ant were to go to the sun and return on this rope, when the ant had done that a hundred times, then a small fraction of eternity had passed. Suppose a small boy were to empty an ocean with a cup, the time it will take the boy to do so is a very tiny part of eternity. If it were possible to gather all the books that have ever been written in all fields of human endeavour and in all languages, and a student were to read them one by one, the time he will spend reading all the books will only amount to a minute fraction of eternity. If a grain of sand represents one day, all the sand at the seashore will ", present only a small, negligible part of eternity! If a bird went to sharpen its beak once a year at a mountain, when the bird wears the mountain in this way, only an insignificant part of eternity would have passed. ETERNITY! In short, eternity is the life-time of the never-dying God. And you will be alive eternally. You will live for eternity, just as God is alive eternally. Once born. A person remains consciously alive forever.
Eternity does not terminate at the time of death. Death is just another wrung on the ladder of eternity. It is only a gateway to eternity - eternity in heaven or in hell. There is "the resurrection of life" and there is "the resurrection of damnation." This may shock you. I pray it does. Every sinner will end up in eternal hell and every saint will go into eternal heaven. You will live for ever in heaven or
hell. There is no neutral place; nothing like purgatory. Jesus never talked of anything or anywhere like that. Somebody said 'I am on the fence.' No! There is no fence. You are either a Christian or a sinner. You are either on the narrow way to heaven or on the broad way that leads straight to hell. You will either live with God forever in heaven or live in hell forever with Satan. These are stark realities you must face.
"Choose you this day." Where do you want to spend eternity? You can only answer with an action. Throw off this leaflet, or tear it to pieces. Neglect its message and warning. Postpone your d:-.y of repentance and continue in sin. Then you have answered the question. Eternity in hell is sure for every sinner who refuses or neglects to repent. "Choose you this day. "Where will you spend eternity? In Heaven with God? - Then you must repent NOW. He that covereth his sins SHALL NOT PROSPER: but. whoso confesseth and 'forsaketh then SHALL HAVE MERCY" (Proverbs 28:13). "Seek ye the LORD .... Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him RETURN unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him, .... He will abundantly pardon"
(Isaiah 55:6,7). '
You must seek the Lord. How? What does God expect you to do? You should pray to Him now, asking for the forgiveness of all your sins. Don't hide or cover any of them. God sees you and He says you CANNOT, and WILL NOT prosper if you hide your sins. Repentance and confession of your sins will make you a recipient of mercy, pardon and blessings from God. Confess your sins, forsake them and turn to God.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern. For more help, write or contact Deeper Christian Life Ministry:
You want the abundant life that Christ gives?
God is ready to give you now as you pray: "Almighty God, I pray in Jesus name that you look down with mercy on me, a guilty sinner. Forgive me these my
sins of ......... (name them one by one, don't hide any).
I promise through your grace and help, never to go back into them again. Please make me your child now and cleanse me from all sins. I give my life to Jesus Christ and accept Him now as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, 0 God, for I believe you have answered my prayer. In Jesus Christ's Name I have prayed. Amen."
Do this now as urgently and as correctly as you carry out a doctor's instruction. Turn away from all sins and decide in your heart never to go back to them. Tell God to cleanse you. He will answer immediately if you pray with faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He will change your life and set your feet on the path of godliness and righteousness. Then, eternity with God in heaven will be yours.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
P.O.BoxS9,
University of Lagos P.O Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. West Africa.
Deeper Life Bibel Church, Leme, Village,
P.O.Box 5322,
Do you know that you will outlive the sun?
Do you know that when the earth and the stars have all passed away, you will just be beginning your endless day - a time without end? Once you are born you will never cease to live. You will live forever; you will be alive eternally. Eternity has no end. This is a solemn and fearful truth.
Suppose, it were possible to tie a rope from the earth to Heaven and an ant were to go to the sun and return on this rope, when the ant had done that a hundred times, then a small fraction of eternity had passed. Suppose a small boy were to empty an ocean with a cup, the time it will take the boy to do so is a very tiny part of eternity. If it were possible to gather all the books that have ever been written in all fields of human endeavour and in all languages, and a student were to read them one by one, the time he will spend reading all the books will only amount to a minute fraction of eternity. If a grain of sand represents one day, all the sand at the seashore will ", present only a small, negligible part of eternity! If a bird went to sharpen its beak once a year at a mountain, when the bird wears the mountain in this way, only an insignificant part of eternity would have passed. ETERNITY! In short, eternity is the life-time of the never-dying God. And you will be alive eternally. You will live for eternity, just as God is alive eternally. Once born. A person remains consciously alive forever.
Eternity does not terminate at the time of death. Death is just another wrung on the ladder of eternity. It is only a gateway to eternity - eternity in heaven or in hell. There is "the resurrection of life" and there is "the resurrection of damnation." This may shock you. I pray it does. Every sinner will end up in eternal hell and every saint will go into eternal heaven. You will live for ever in heaven or
hell. There is no neutral place; nothing like purgatory. Jesus never talked of anything or anywhere like that. Somebody said 'I am on the fence.' No! There is no fence. You are either a Christian or a sinner. You are either on the narrow way to heaven or on the broad way that leads straight to hell. You will either live with God forever in heaven or live in hell forever with Satan. These are stark realities you must face.
"Choose you this day." Where do you want to spend eternity? You can only answer with an action. Throw off this leaflet, or tear it to pieces. Neglect its message and warning. Postpone your d:-.y of repentance and continue in sin. Then you have answered the question. Eternity in hell is sure for every sinner who refuses or neglects to repent. "Choose you this day. "Where will you spend eternity? In Heaven with God? - Then you must repent NOW. He that covereth his sins SHALL NOT PROSPER: but. whoso confesseth and 'forsaketh then SHALL HAVE MERCY" (Proverbs 28:13). "Seek ye the LORD .... Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him RETURN unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him, .... He will abundantly pardon"
(Isaiah 55:6,7). '
You must seek the Lord. How? What does God expect you to do? You should pray to Him now, asking for the forgiveness of all your sins. Don't hide or cover any of them. God sees you and He says you CANNOT, and WILL NOT prosper if you hide your sins. Repentance and confession of your sins will make you a recipient of mercy, pardon and blessings from God. Confess your sins, forsake them and turn to God.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern. For more help, write or contact Deeper Christian Life Ministry:
You want the abundant life that Christ gives?
God is ready to give you now as you pray: "Almighty God, I pray in Jesus name that you look down with mercy on me, a guilty sinner. Forgive me these my
sins of ......... (name them one by one, don't hide any).
I promise through your grace and help, never to go back into them again. Please make me your child now and cleanse me from all sins. I give my life to Jesus Christ and accept Him now as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, 0 God, for I believe you have answered my prayer. In Jesus Christ's Name I have prayed. Amen."
Do this now as urgently and as correctly as you carry out a doctor's instruction. Turn away from all sins and decide in your heart never to go back to them. Tell God to cleanse you. He will answer immediately if you pray with faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He will change your life and set your feet on the path of godliness and righteousness. Then, eternity with God in heaven will be yours.
Life with God in Christ is an endless hope. Life without God in Sin is a hopeless end.
P.O.BoxS9,
University of Lagos P.O Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. West Africa.
Deeper Life Bibel Church, Leme, Village,
P.O.Box 5322,
Totoro, P. O.
Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
THE PRESERVATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Systematic, expository study of God's Word 16/02/2009
Study 29: THE PRESERVATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6: 11-28
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34: 19). Many are the trials, troubles, persecutions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Daniel's persecutors were the creation of envy, jealousy and hatred. Whenever a man is blessed and promoted by the Lord lo a place of honour and greater usefulness), envious; and jealous men quickly rise up to pull him down. It seems there's always a price to pay for promotion and greater usefulness. God had lifted up Daniel to a strategic place of prominence and influence and those around him immediately began to plot. how they migl1t bring him down. God had put Daniel where He wanted him to be and He had also put the others where He wanted them to be. Darius recognized Daniel's ability, wisdom, skill, understanding and spiritual insight. The ungodly presidents and princes were not satisfied with their lot and they burned with envy, rage, jealousy and bitterness against him. Even though he had done them no wrong they wanted him dead!
In their jealously and hatred, they sought to find fault in Daniel's life and administration.
There was no error or fault found in this faithful man. They could not find anything he did that he should not have done (sins of commission) or anything he did not do that. He should have done (sins of omission). How could anybody so hate such a man as Daniel to want to get rid of him at all costs? They themselves confessed that there was nothing to condemn him for. Yet they conspired to cast him alive into a den of lions! Always remember this: Not everyone accused of sin or crime by the world is guilty before God. Joseph was not guilty but he was imprisoned. David was not guilty but jealous rage in Saul wanted him dead. Mordecai was not guilty hut the pride of Haman wanted to hang him on the gallows. Jeremiah was not guilty but the people said, "This man is worthy to die." Peter was not guilty but Herod sought to put him to death. Paul was not guilty but the multitude said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. n And Daniel was not guilty but those who made themselves his enemies without any justifiable reason conspired to throw him into the lions' den. Beware of envy; it can lead to bitterness, hatred, sin, death and damnation in hell.
1. THE DECREE AND THE PROSECUTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
Daniel 6: 11-17; 3:8-12; Esther 3:4-8; Psalm 94:20,21; Jeremiah 38:4-6; Acts 5:27-3.'3; Psalms 34: 12-22; 91: 11-16
"Daniel prayed, and gave thanks before his God, AS HE DID AFORETIME." Daniel did not pray because of the decree, he had always been committed to the devotional life of prayer. He 'was brought to Babylon at the age of (about.) 17. He lived in Babylon through the 70-yea.r period of the Babylonian empire (Jeremiah 25: 12). Daniel was already about 87 years of age when Darius took the kingdom at the age of 62. Daniel had committed himself to a devotional life of prayer before Darius, the king, was born. The new decree could not stop Daniel from praying. Daniel was accused of not regarding the king (Daniel 6: 13) but they should be accused of not regarding Daniel and the God of Daniel, their Creator. He was also accused of not regarding the decree which the king had signed but they should be accused of 110t regarding the law of the King of kings.
"Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and not with Daniel. Now the king awoke to the truth of the whole plot. Flattery had exalted him to the position of a god but reality abased him to the level of a fool! He sought to deliver Daniel but he could. Not do it. His own decree was stronger than him; his own edict had sealed the death of the most trustworthy servant of the king. If men would so regard the decrees of earthly kings that they could not change them, how much more should we regard "the decree of the most High" (Daniel 4:2.0,) and "the doctrine of Christ' (2 John 9). If the king could not change a one-month decree of an earthly kingdom to favour his most preferred subject, should any of us change God's eternal decree or doctrine to favour or excuse anyone? Daniel said nothing to defend himself. He committed himself to God and calmly accepted the sovereign will of the all-wise, almighty God. He was cast into the lions' den but God sent an angel ahead of him to shut the lions' mouths.
2. THE DELIVERANCE AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6:18-23,25-28; 3:15,17,28,29; Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 1:37; Psalm 34:7;
Acts 12:7-11; 27:23-25; Hebrews 11:33; 7:25; 2 Timothy 4: 17,18
The king had great sincerity and great anxiety over Daniel but he could not deliver him. The following morning, after Daniel was cast into the lions' den, the king went there to find 'Out what had happened. He did not send a servant, but he went in person. He had strong affection and great love for Daniel. He knew that Daniel served the living God and that he served Him continually. Was God able to deliver His faithful servant from the lions? Daniel was still alive! Alive in the lions' den! The living God is mighty and powerful. God had sent an angel to protect Daniel that single angel shut the mouths of all the lions, so they were not able to hurt or harm him.
Angels are mighty and powerful and they are "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1: 13, 14). An angel ministered and guided in the choice of Rebekah for Isaac (Genesis 24:7). An angel encouraged and strengthened Gideon for his great task and commission (Judges 6: 12). An angel destroyed 185,000 valiant enemies of God's people in one night (Isaiah 37:36). An angel fed and strengthened Elijah at the time of his distress and discouragement (1 Kings 19:5-8). An angel shut the mouths of lions in the den and Daniel's life was protected and preserved for a prophetic ministry (Daniel 6:22). An angel appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of John (Luke 1:11-17). An angel appeared to Mary, the virgin to reveal the coming of Christ, through her (Luke 1:26-37). An angel guided Philip to lead the eunuch of Ethiopia to salvation in Christ (Acts 8:26-39). An angel opened the prison doors and released the Apostles to preach "all the words of this life' (Acts 5: 19,20). Art angel delivered Peter from imprisonment and death arid smote Herod the great enemy of the church (Acts 12:7-11,21-24). Angels still minister to God's faithful people today, though they are often invisible (Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 4:11; LU.kr: 22:43; Acts 27:23).
"Then was the king exceeding glad" because Daniel was alive, in health and unhurt. "He believed in his God", his faith in God kept him and preserved him from all evil. Then the king made a decree that all people in his kingdom should recognize God as the living God.
3. THE DESTINY AND PERDITION OF THE REPROBATES
Daniel 6:24; Deuteronomy19:18-20; Esther 7: 10; Psalms 9: 15-17; 7:15,16; 57:6; Proverbs 28: 10; Deuteronomy 24: 16; 2 Chronicles 25:4; Ezekiel 18:4,20
"And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions. It must be remembered that Daniel had no voice or hand in the punishment or execution of his persecutors. As a believer who was wholeheartedly committed to the Word of God he had charity towards all and malice towards none. Throughout this chapter he was remarkably quiet and he did not raise his voice in protest or self-defence. But justice caught up with the evil doers. They were cast into the same den of lions into which they had cast Daniel. Very often, wicked men fall into the same pit they dig for others. God always turns the malice and cruelty of wicked men upon their own heads.
"Those men, their children, and their wives" were "cast into the den of lions." This extreme action of Darius was contrary to the express Law of God (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:4,20). Yet there were times when God Himself and the people of God acted in the same way because the family members were partakers and supporters of evil men (Genesis 20:7,18; Numbers 16:30-33; Joshua 7:10-13,22-26; Esther 5:14; 7:10; 9:25; Acts 5:1-2,3-10; Matthew 27:24,25). The wives and the children of the wicked often suffer shame and anguish, sorrow and loss when the husband, the father is suffering the penalty of his crime. The painful effects of crime do not terminate on the guilty individual himself. When a man is condemned for crime the consequences are not confined to himself alone. For the sake of our souls and for the sake of the eternal happiness of our loved ones "we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2: 11-1.1,.).
culled from Depeer Christian Life Ministry.
Study 29: THE PRESERVATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6: 11-28
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34: 19). Many are the trials, troubles, persecutions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Daniel's persecutors were the creation of envy, jealousy and hatred. Whenever a man is blessed and promoted by the Lord lo a place of honour and greater usefulness), envious; and jealous men quickly rise up to pull him down. It seems there's always a price to pay for promotion and greater usefulness. God had lifted up Daniel to a strategic place of prominence and influence and those around him immediately began to plot. how they migl1t bring him down. God had put Daniel where He wanted him to be and He had also put the others where He wanted them to be. Darius recognized Daniel's ability, wisdom, skill, understanding and spiritual insight. The ungodly presidents and princes were not satisfied with their lot and they burned with envy, rage, jealousy and bitterness against him. Even though he had done them no wrong they wanted him dead!
In their jealously and hatred, they sought to find fault in Daniel's life and administration.
There was no error or fault found in this faithful man. They could not find anything he did that he should not have done (sins of commission) or anything he did not do that. He should have done (sins of omission). How could anybody so hate such a man as Daniel to want to get rid of him at all costs? They themselves confessed that there was nothing to condemn him for. Yet they conspired to cast him alive into a den of lions! Always remember this: Not everyone accused of sin or crime by the world is guilty before God. Joseph was not guilty but he was imprisoned. David was not guilty but jealous rage in Saul wanted him dead. Mordecai was not guilty hut the pride of Haman wanted to hang him on the gallows. Jeremiah was not guilty but the people said, "This man is worthy to die." Peter was not guilty but Herod sought to put him to death. Paul was not guilty but the multitude said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. n And Daniel was not guilty but those who made themselves his enemies without any justifiable reason conspired to throw him into the lions' den. Beware of envy; it can lead to bitterness, hatred, sin, death and damnation in hell.
1. THE DECREE AND THE PROSECUTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
Daniel 6: 11-17; 3:8-12; Esther 3:4-8; Psalm 94:20,21; Jeremiah 38:4-6; Acts 5:27-3.'3; Psalms 34: 12-22; 91: 11-16
"Daniel prayed, and gave thanks before his God, AS HE DID AFORETIME." Daniel did not pray because of the decree, he had always been committed to the devotional life of prayer. He 'was brought to Babylon at the age of (about.) 17. He lived in Babylon through the 70-yea.r period of the Babylonian empire (Jeremiah 25: 12). Daniel was already about 87 years of age when Darius took the kingdom at the age of 62. Daniel had committed himself to a devotional life of prayer before Darius, the king, was born. The new decree could not stop Daniel from praying. Daniel was accused of not regarding the king (Daniel 6: 13) but they should be accused of not regarding Daniel and the God of Daniel, their Creator. He was also accused of not regarding the decree which the king had signed but they should be accused of 110t regarding the law of the King of kings.
"Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and not with Daniel. Now the king awoke to the truth of the whole plot. Flattery had exalted him to the position of a god but reality abased him to the level of a fool! He sought to deliver Daniel but he could. Not do it. His own decree was stronger than him; his own edict had sealed the death of the most trustworthy servant of the king. If men would so regard the decrees of earthly kings that they could not change them, how much more should we regard "the decree of the most High" (Daniel 4:2.0,) and "the doctrine of Christ' (2 John 9). If the king could not change a one-month decree of an earthly kingdom to favour his most preferred subject, should any of us change God's eternal decree or doctrine to favour or excuse anyone? Daniel said nothing to defend himself. He committed himself to God and calmly accepted the sovereign will of the all-wise, almighty God. He was cast into the lions' den but God sent an angel ahead of him to shut the lions' mouths.
2. THE DELIVERANCE AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Daniel 6:18-23,25-28; 3:15,17,28,29; Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 1:37; Psalm 34:7;
Acts 12:7-11; 27:23-25; Hebrews 11:33; 7:25; 2 Timothy 4: 17,18
The king had great sincerity and great anxiety over Daniel but he could not deliver him. The following morning, after Daniel was cast into the lions' den, the king went there to find 'Out what had happened. He did not send a servant, but he went in person. He had strong affection and great love for Daniel. He knew that Daniel served the living God and that he served Him continually. Was God able to deliver His faithful servant from the lions? Daniel was still alive! Alive in the lions' den! The living God is mighty and powerful. God had sent an angel to protect Daniel that single angel shut the mouths of all the lions, so they were not able to hurt or harm him.
Angels are mighty and powerful and they are "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1: 13, 14). An angel ministered and guided in the choice of Rebekah for Isaac (Genesis 24:7). An angel encouraged and strengthened Gideon for his great task and commission (Judges 6: 12). An angel destroyed 185,000 valiant enemies of God's people in one night (Isaiah 37:36). An angel fed and strengthened Elijah at the time of his distress and discouragement (1 Kings 19:5-8). An angel shut the mouths of lions in the den and Daniel's life was protected and preserved for a prophetic ministry (Daniel 6:22). An angel appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of John (Luke 1:11-17). An angel appeared to Mary, the virgin to reveal the coming of Christ, through her (Luke 1:26-37). An angel guided Philip to lead the eunuch of Ethiopia to salvation in Christ (Acts 8:26-39). An angel opened the prison doors and released the Apostles to preach "all the words of this life' (Acts 5: 19,20). Art angel delivered Peter from imprisonment and death arid smote Herod the great enemy of the church (Acts 12:7-11,21-24). Angels still minister to God's faithful people today, though they are often invisible (Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 4:11; LU.kr: 22:43; Acts 27:23).
"Then was the king exceeding glad" because Daniel was alive, in health and unhurt. "He believed in his God", his faith in God kept him and preserved him from all evil. Then the king made a decree that all people in his kingdom should recognize God as the living God.
3. THE DESTINY AND PERDITION OF THE REPROBATES
Daniel 6:24; Deuteronomy19:18-20; Esther 7: 10; Psalms 9: 15-17; 7:15,16; 57:6; Proverbs 28: 10; Deuteronomy 24: 16; 2 Chronicles 25:4; Ezekiel 18:4,20
"And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions. It must be remembered that Daniel had no voice or hand in the punishment or execution of his persecutors. As a believer who was wholeheartedly committed to the Word of God he had charity towards all and malice towards none. Throughout this chapter he was remarkably quiet and he did not raise his voice in protest or self-defence. But justice caught up with the evil doers. They were cast into the same den of lions into which they had cast Daniel. Very often, wicked men fall into the same pit they dig for others. God always turns the malice and cruelty of wicked men upon their own heads.
"Those men, their children, and their wives" were "cast into the den of lions." This extreme action of Darius was contrary to the express Law of God (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:4,20). Yet there were times when God Himself and the people of God acted in the same way because the family members were partakers and supporters of evil men (Genesis 20:7,18; Numbers 16:30-33; Joshua 7:10-13,22-26; Esther 5:14; 7:10; 9:25; Acts 5:1-2,3-10; Matthew 27:24,25). The wives and the children of the wicked often suffer shame and anguish, sorrow and loss when the husband, the father is suffering the penalty of his crime. The painful effects of crime do not terminate on the guilty individual himself. When a man is condemned for crime the consequences are not confined to himself alone. For the sake of our souls and for the sake of the eternal happiness of our loved ones "we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2: 11-1.1,.).
culled from Depeer Christian Life Ministry.
THE CONVICTION AND COURAGE OF A TRUE BELIEVER
Study 28:
THE CONVICTION AND COURAGE OF A TRUE BELIEVER
09/02/09
Daniel 6:10
Daniel's purpose earlier in life was not superficial; the strength of his firm purpose carried him through till the old age. Though he was a captive in Babylon he was courageous, not cowardly, in standing by his godly conviction. He did not think that when you are in Rome you must do as the Romans do. He was as righteous in Babylon as he had been in Jerusalem. To him it mattered not whether his actions brought him loss or gain, frown or favour, pain or pleasure, condemnation or commendation of the world. Cost what it might, righteousness was always the best policy. Each of us needs such a spirit of decision in times like these.
Why would Daniel be so particular? Were there not other Jews in the land who kept their religion to themselves and quietly refrained from attracting attention to their conviction? The temptation to look at others is always strong but Daniel was not going to yield to any pressure to compromise. He was being considered for the highest position in the government. If he was very consciencious in keeping to his conviction, would he not miss the opportunity of that special promotion? No position in an earthly government was as important to Daniel as a place in the Kingdom of God. Some might have said 'it is the law of the land not to pray to God' but God's children are under a higher law and "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Daniel's heart was set and settled. His decision was not floating in his head but deep-rooted in his heart.
1. DANIEL'S UNCOMMON DEN
Daniel 6:10,7; Amos 3:4; Hebrews 11:33; Psalm 7:1,2; Psalms 10:2-9; 57:4-7; 35:17-20; Nahum 2: 11,12; 2 Timothy 4: 16-18; 1 Peter 5:8,9.
The presidents and the princes conspired against Daniel. They, by flattery and deception, perverted the king's mind to pass an unchangeable edict. The penalty for disobeying the king's decree was death' the lions' den. The situation would have put Daniel in great dilemma but his first allegiance was to the King of kings and his fearless and unqualified obedience was to the law and edict of His everlasting Kingdom. The great trial did not crush his spirit of praise. He still "prayed and gave thanks before His God."
The dread of the den of lions did not stop Daniel from worshipping God. The lions in the den, indeed, all the lions in all the dens on earth are under God's control. If he had compromised and sinned for fear of Darius' den of lions, he could still have encountered a fiercer doom than the terror from which he shrank. Lions could still crush and kill the compromiser (1 Kings 13:24; 2 Kings 17:25,26; Job 3:25). Compromising men have declined to bear a light burden and they have been constrained to bear a far heavier one. They have fled from a lion and a bear has met them; they sought to escape from a bear but a serpent killed them (Amos 5:19). To deny Christ because of danger is always risky, unsafe and dangerous. It is better to go forward than to draw back. The safest thing is to trust our souls into God's care and do His will. Even if there are lions in front, it is better to go ahead doing God's will than to draw back. "Remember Lot's wife." It may be hard going forward, but it is worse going back. If a man lost his life to save his coat he would be a fool; if a man were to lose his soul in order to save 11is life, he would be a greater fool. So Daniel knew that the risk of being cast into a den of lions W8.3 nothing when compared to the risk of being cast into hell. He chose the smaller risk and continued living for God's glory.
Ultimately, the great conflict was between "the laws of his Goer', "the LORD that changeth not' (Daniel 6:5; Malachi 3:6) and "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth noe' (Daniel 6:8, 12b, 15). It was a conflict between the everlasting King and an earthly ruler. Daniel knew that God is greater and disobedience to His law carries eternal punishment. The penalty in the den was temporary and brief, the punishment in hell will be endless and eternal. It would have been foolish to fear the den and risk being cast into the eternal lake of fire. There was a choice to make and Daniel, strengthened by habitual prayer and faith in God, made the right choice.
3. DANIEL'S UNCOMPROMISING DECISION
Daniel 6:10; Ruth 1:11-18; Nehemiah 6:9-16; Esther 3:1-4; 4:10-16; Job 13:15,16; 27:3-6; Acts 5:27-29; Acts 20: 19-24; Psalms 119:51,83, 109, 141,143,157.
Daniel's decision was the cecision of a single-minded believer. He knew his duty towards God and he did not waver or confer with flesh and blood. He did not seek the advice of worldly-minded people. His faith was steadfast, his composure was calm and unruffled, his conduct remained consistent with his conviction. His conscience affirmed obedience to God above allegiance to any man on earth. God's Word, not the decree of earthly kings, was his guide in life. He had decided for the truth and he was not going to sell the truth at any price. Oh for a heart like Daniel's to follow and obey Christ at all hazards. To be a real Christian and be steadfast till the end, a man must possess such decision of character. So many people fail and falter, they fall from the Christian race because of lack of a firm purpose. They start with great enthusiasm and glowing testimony, then they allow themselves to be diverted from their purpose.
A man of unswerving decision learns to keep his mind on the Lord. Keeping our eyes on eternal things makes sin and compromise lose their attractions. A firm commitment to God and His will, whatever may arise, keeps us standing for the tru th at all times. Such a firm decision keeps our hearts at rest and we leave the outcome in God's Hands. The great thing for us is to know the will of God and do it.
Decisions make the man. Firm decisions make firm men with strong backbone. Break a man's ability to take decisions and you break and destroy the man. It was Babylon's determination to break the will and overthrow the faith of the three faithful worshippers of the true God. Babylon failed and the old-time faith was purified and preserved in the fire. It was Medo-Persia's determination to destroy or weaken the resolve of Daniel. Daniel's commitment to the law of God was stronger than their c1 termination. Because of the faithfulness of believers who have lived before 11s and their willingness to be cast into the furnace or into the lions' den, "the faith once delivered unto the saints" still lives.
3. DANIEVS UNCONDITIONAL DEVOTION
Daniel 6:10; 3:15-18; Job 1:8-12,19-22; 2:3-10; Psalm 27:1-4; Isaiah 50:5-10; Acts 4:19,20; 21:10-14; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Romans 8:35-39.
Daniel's devotion took him to the lions' den but also brought him in contact with an angel of God in the lions' den. His consistent devotional life was the result of his fearless disposition of heart. He was abou t 90 years old at this time and his purpose of heart as a young man was still vibrant in his old age. His heart was fixed. No decree of man could swerve him from his devotions to his God. Compromisers are never open and above-board. They conceal their real character. Daniel's commitment to God was well-known before the decree and that commitment continued during the period of the decree. Daniel and his devotion to God outliveB. ~l his persGG\J .. WJ·s and th ir de iee. The decree could not conquer his spirit of devotion; neither could the lions crush the bones of his body.
Daniel's conscience would not allow him to keep his conviction and devotion secret. He was too honest to live under false pretense. He was not ashamed to confess and serve his God openly. Faithful as Daniel was to the king, there was a point at which his earthly interests stopped. Once earthly relations and authorities demanded that he should disregard or dishonour God, he was instantly inflexible. No desire for worldly recognition and no fear of royal punishment could lessen his consecration or devotion to God. This has ever been the mark and moral strength of all true children of God in all the ages. The world may try to frighten us with edicts and decrees or entice us with promises and privileges but they will try in vain. Nothing will diminish our love for our God and our Saviour. Let us prayerfully tnlst and obey our God and the fear of man which brings a snare will have no hold on our hearts.
THE CONVICTION AND COURAGE OF A TRUE BELIEVER
09/02/09
Daniel 6:10
Daniel's purpose earlier in life was not superficial; the strength of his firm purpose carried him through till the old age. Though he was a captive in Babylon he was courageous, not cowardly, in standing by his godly conviction. He did not think that when you are in Rome you must do as the Romans do. He was as righteous in Babylon as he had been in Jerusalem. To him it mattered not whether his actions brought him loss or gain, frown or favour, pain or pleasure, condemnation or commendation of the world. Cost what it might, righteousness was always the best policy. Each of us needs such a spirit of decision in times like these.
Why would Daniel be so particular? Were there not other Jews in the land who kept their religion to themselves and quietly refrained from attracting attention to their conviction? The temptation to look at others is always strong but Daniel was not going to yield to any pressure to compromise. He was being considered for the highest position in the government. If he was very consciencious in keeping to his conviction, would he not miss the opportunity of that special promotion? No position in an earthly government was as important to Daniel as a place in the Kingdom of God. Some might have said 'it is the law of the land not to pray to God' but God's children are under a higher law and "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Daniel's heart was set and settled. His decision was not floating in his head but deep-rooted in his heart.
1. DANIEL'S UNCOMMON DEN
Daniel 6:10,7; Amos 3:4; Hebrews 11:33; Psalm 7:1,2; Psalms 10:2-9; 57:4-7; 35:17-20; Nahum 2: 11,12; 2 Timothy 4: 16-18; 1 Peter 5:8,9.
The presidents and the princes conspired against Daniel. They, by flattery and deception, perverted the king's mind to pass an unchangeable edict. The penalty for disobeying the king's decree was death' the lions' den. The situation would have put Daniel in great dilemma but his first allegiance was to the King of kings and his fearless and unqualified obedience was to the law and edict of His everlasting Kingdom. The great trial did not crush his spirit of praise. He still "prayed and gave thanks before His God."
The dread of the den of lions did not stop Daniel from worshipping God. The lions in the den, indeed, all the lions in all the dens on earth are under God's control. If he had compromised and sinned for fear of Darius' den of lions, he could still have encountered a fiercer doom than the terror from which he shrank. Lions could still crush and kill the compromiser (1 Kings 13:24; 2 Kings 17:25,26; Job 3:25). Compromising men have declined to bear a light burden and they have been constrained to bear a far heavier one. They have fled from a lion and a bear has met them; they sought to escape from a bear but a serpent killed them (Amos 5:19). To deny Christ because of danger is always risky, unsafe and dangerous. It is better to go forward than to draw back. The safest thing is to trust our souls into God's care and do His will. Even if there are lions in front, it is better to go ahead doing God's will than to draw back. "Remember Lot's wife." It may be hard going forward, but it is worse going back. If a man lost his life to save his coat he would be a fool; if a man were to lose his soul in order to save 11is life, he would be a greater fool. So Daniel knew that the risk of being cast into a den of lions W8.3 nothing when compared to the risk of being cast into hell. He chose the smaller risk and continued living for God's glory.
Ultimately, the great conflict was between "the laws of his Goer', "the LORD that changeth not' (Daniel 6:5; Malachi 3:6) and "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth noe' (Daniel 6:8, 12b, 15). It was a conflict between the everlasting King and an earthly ruler. Daniel knew that God is greater and disobedience to His law carries eternal punishment. The penalty in the den was temporary and brief, the punishment in hell will be endless and eternal. It would have been foolish to fear the den and risk being cast into the eternal lake of fire. There was a choice to make and Daniel, strengthened by habitual prayer and faith in God, made the right choice.
3. DANIEL'S UNCOMPROMISING DECISION
Daniel 6:10; Ruth 1:11-18; Nehemiah 6:9-16; Esther 3:1-4; 4:10-16; Job 13:15,16; 27:3-6; Acts 5:27-29; Acts 20: 19-24; Psalms 119:51,83, 109, 141,143,157.
Daniel's decision was the cecision of a single-minded believer. He knew his duty towards God and he did not waver or confer with flesh and blood. He did not seek the advice of worldly-minded people. His faith was steadfast, his composure was calm and unruffled, his conduct remained consistent with his conviction. His conscience affirmed obedience to God above allegiance to any man on earth. God's Word, not the decree of earthly kings, was his guide in life. He had decided for the truth and he was not going to sell the truth at any price. Oh for a heart like Daniel's to follow and obey Christ at all hazards. To be a real Christian and be steadfast till the end, a man must possess such decision of character. So many people fail and falter, they fall from the Christian race because of lack of a firm purpose. They start with great enthusiasm and glowing testimony, then they allow themselves to be diverted from their purpose.
A man of unswerving decision learns to keep his mind on the Lord. Keeping our eyes on eternal things makes sin and compromise lose their attractions. A firm commitment to God and His will, whatever may arise, keeps us standing for the tru th at all times. Such a firm decision keeps our hearts at rest and we leave the outcome in God's Hands. The great thing for us is to know the will of God and do it.
Decisions make the man. Firm decisions make firm men with strong backbone. Break a man's ability to take decisions and you break and destroy the man. It was Babylon's determination to break the will and overthrow the faith of the three faithful worshippers of the true God. Babylon failed and the old-time faith was purified and preserved in the fire. It was Medo-Persia's determination to destroy or weaken the resolve of Daniel. Daniel's commitment to the law of God was stronger than their c1 termination. Because of the faithfulness of believers who have lived before 11s and their willingness to be cast into the furnace or into the lions' den, "the faith once delivered unto the saints" still lives.
3. DANIEVS UNCONDITIONAL DEVOTION
Daniel 6:10; 3:15-18; Job 1:8-12,19-22; 2:3-10; Psalm 27:1-4; Isaiah 50:5-10; Acts 4:19,20; 21:10-14; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Romans 8:35-39.
Daniel's devotion took him to the lions' den but also brought him in contact with an angel of God in the lions' den. His consistent devotional life was the result of his fearless disposition of heart. He was abou t 90 years old at this time and his purpose of heart as a young man was still vibrant in his old age. His heart was fixed. No decree of man could swerve him from his devotions to his God. Compromisers are never open and above-board. They conceal their real character. Daniel's commitment to God was well-known before the decree and that commitment continued during the period of the decree. Daniel and his devotion to God outliveB. ~l his persGG\J .. WJ·s and th ir de iee. The decree could not conquer his spirit of devotion; neither could the lions crush the bones of his body.
Daniel's conscience would not allow him to keep his conviction and devotion secret. He was too honest to live under false pretense. He was not ashamed to confess and serve his God openly. Faithful as Daniel was to the king, there was a point at which his earthly interests stopped. Once earthly relations and authorities demanded that he should disregard or dishonour God, he was instantly inflexible. No desire for worldly recognition and no fear of royal punishment could lessen his consecration or devotion to God. This has ever been the mark and moral strength of all true children of God in all the ages. The world may try to frighten us with edicts and decrees or entice us with promises and privileges but they will try in vain. Nothing will diminish our love for our God and our Saviour. Let us prayerfully tnlst and obey our God and the fear of man which brings a snare will have no hold on our hearts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)