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When they enter his airspace (so to speak) in that garden, they are on holy ground. This is why we cant earn our way to heaven because we cant make ourselves righteous! THE possession of a God, or the non-possession of a God, makes the greatest possible difference between man and man. This only serves to reiterate the tension Christ was causing within the Jewish establishment, and show forth that miracles alone are not able to soften a mans heart, the plain truth is, that mans unbelief is a far more deeply seated disease than it is generally reckoned says Ryle. Richard Burton reads the haunting poem . Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. [2] And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with them., These sinners were the social outcasts. [24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate. 153 fish,all the species/nations of the world can fit into the net and the net is not broken.. In Scripture there are at least three different ways/modes God can be glorified (generally speaking). As C.H. [10]For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Perhaps thats what is so beautiful about this chapter. Christians who carry out the fruit of their salvation in love toward others give glory to God. They will do nothing of the kind. I like to think of myself as a patient man except, of course, when the kids or the co-workers, or someone (anyone) else has really pressed my nerves or my buttons repeatedly. Why is it that Christ Jesus is so little beloved? Some have taken this verse (incorrectly) to mean that on our own we can make a decision on whether or not we want to believe in Jesus. This is what we do, he says. (1 John 4:9-10). Lastly, as Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, it was a clear indication that the kingdom of God was upon them. The poem became famous and was the source of much of Thompson's posthumous reputation. And He appears precisely at the point where his presence is required, because all other voices for conveying to her the gladsome tidings have failedThe first person to whom He showed Himself alive after the resurrection was a weeping woman, who had no greater claim upon Him than any simple penitent sinner has. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. You can listen below to Richard Burton's reading of it, followed by a short excerpt from Ravi Zachiaras on Thompson's being addicted to opium and being the object of God's pursuit. The apostle says we dont want to come into the light because we dont want our deeds exposed. Believing on the name of Jesus is believing in what that name represents salvation. This is a grievous error. Specifically, we see in the word so at the beginning of verse six, that Christs motivation for staying is born out of verse fives love for the Bethany family. And He does this by stating I am he. This phrase is ego eimiand it is undoubtedly the open declaration of Jesus as Jehovah. [34] Who is to condemn? [56]They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, What do you think? Why do we sit under condemnation? I think that is significant because if nothing else, it shows us once again how Christ in His sovereignty and His obedience to the Fathers plan stayed and waited for a specific reason (which we discussed above) and not to put Lazarus through some struggle unnecessarily or sadistically. [15]But the free gift is not like the trespass. Although it is evident here that both sons were really lost, and many believe that the Pharisees are represented in the older son in this final parable. The "Hound of Heaven" is a 182-line poem written by English poet Francis Thompson (1859-1907). You were faithless, hopeless, and on a grim march toward eternal death when He snatched you off that path and plucked you like a brand from the burning (Zech. I dont want to spoil the ending but above I've taken a snippet of how the poem starts, which I think is an apt description of how we started out before truly knowing Christ. However, God commands us to have agape love toward everyone. Ill say more about that in a moment. Spurgeon was a man well acquainted with sorrow and pain and he penned the following graphs based around his understanding of Romans 14:8, which says, We live unto the Lord.. This is really a continuation of the New Birth discussion He had before with Nicodemus in chapter 3. This is a very famous poem that has had much influence. Therefore, how do we rightly respond to these truths? Moody and Lovett point out that Thompson's use of free and varied line lengths and irregular rhythms reflect the panicked retreat of the soul, while the structured, often recurring refrain suggests the inexorable pursuit as it comes ever closer.[3]. It is the good life it prioritizes the self ahead of others, and the temporal before the eternal. His mission was to seek and save the lost and that ought to be ours as well.[4]. Im not saying that the Postmillennial view is perfect, but their mindset on the nature of the kingdom certainly seems to make more sense and align more Biblically to me. Loading interface - Goodreads The history of Israel was one of disobedience, exile, and salvation. But before we discuss these things specifically, I believe we need to begin our study of this book by briefly examining the nature of the kingdom of God. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Where you have brought forth a single cluster, bring, forth a hundred! In His speech to the disciples He is patient and kind. Or are you resting in the name of the Son of God. [33] Who shall bring any charge against Gods elect? Below are my notes, I hope you profit from them! The power of God was with Peter, look at what Luke tells us in the next chapter (Acts 5): [12] Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. {De 11:21} 1. Tom Schreiner says, Those who participate in the first resurrection will reign with Christ for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6), although the nature of this reign is intensely debated, and scholars differ on whether it refers to the reign of saints in the heaven during the time between the resurrection and the return of Christ or to a reign of the saints on earth before the inauguration of the new heavens and new earth.[ix]. But when one reads the poem this strangeness disappears. In short, the sins of pride, covetousness and possibly laziness are to blame. I want you to be changed into the likeness and image of Christ. This is a truth which finds is greatest expression in the person of Jesus: I am the good shepherd. When John saw all these things his mind must have been quickly sifting through all the potential scenarios: grave robbers, Jewish leadership, Romans, revolutionariesor He rose up from death. Jesus Christ is there. As the hound follows the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the chase, with unhurrying and unperturbed pace, so does God follow the fleeing soul by His Divine grace. [viii] What He is doing now in and through us by His Spirit and His Lordship over all history and creation is a shadow of what will be upon the consummation of His purposes. But still, there are some observations that may hearten us and enrich the passage as a whole. (c) I think the marvelous success that attended the cast of the net, when Christ gave the command, was meant to teach that when Christ is pleased to give success to ministers, nothing can prevent souls being brought into the Gospel net, converted and saved. This will bring you both peace and joy and give you great strength when all else seems to fail. A few things. The Remedy: Discernment Attained by Constant Practice 5:14b. [5]No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. [7] Ryken points out that the H.S. This biography follows the journey of a young man who plummeted from the heights of a comfortable life to the depths of drug addiction in London's seedy alleysand then found redemption. But what Caiaphas didnt realize (in his unconscious prophecy as Morris aptly puts it) is that it was indeed expedient for one man to die for the nation a scapegoat covered not with the political excuses of sinful men, but with the weight of their sins upon Him. (John 3:36 ESV). I fled Him down the nights and down the days. Behold, the church is Christs Eden, watered by the river of life, and so fertilized that all manner of fruits are brought forth unto God; and he, our second Adam, walks in this spiritual Eden to dress it and to keep it; and so by a type we see that we are right in supposing him to be the gardener.. We need to all ask ourselves at some critical point, Do I believe this? If the answer is yes then you know that Christ is your resurrection and your life. [21] Why do you ask me? 26:57-68; Mk. This is the same man who we call Doubting Thomas, but we see here that there is more to this man than simply cynicism (though that certainly seems to be a dominant characteristic of his nature). For they know in their hearts that any good they do is completely and totally owed to the sovereign work of God. And when I heard, and the tear rolled down my cheek, I wiped it away and defied Him to melt my soul. Certainly I believe that since Christ the world has been changed in huge part by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I, pp. Johns point about the knowledge and planning of the Son couldnt be made more clear, knowing all that would happen to Him, John tells us that Jesus was in the drivers seat. Verse 3 reminds us that all we do, all we strive for, is done by both the permission and the power of God. 1. Of course they do for it is obvious who is controlling this situationthe man without a club, sword or staff. There are several key points that we see here. By asking God to change our hearts desires to match that of His Sons. Often it is very easy to get caught up in viewpoints about the millennium, and I do not want to detract from the importance of the millennium. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9 E. Therefore, as D.A. And Peters denial is set off against the meekness of the Lamb, sent to the slaughter. C.H. Spurgeon | PJ Wenzel Here are the words of our Lord on the matter: Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you. [39] But he answered them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. The passage goes like this: When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD would speak with Moses. For instance, Warren Wiersebe, a Premillennialist, says, The overriding theme of the book of Revelation is the return of Jesus Christ to defeat all evil and to establish His reign. Note how he uses the word establish in lieu of the word consummate which is the term an amillennialist would use because of the emphasis on Christs current reign. Mary loved Jesus. What is the connection here between us becoming like Him and us beholding Him? No. The sheep was 1 of 100, the coin was 1 of 10, but the prodigal was 1 of 2. Knowing all of that, I think that the best way to understand the word World here is that is refers to all mankind Jews and Gentiles. the Father knew that the measure of his Sons suffering was the depth of his Sons love for the Fathers glory. 13:15). God planned it all from before the world began. That cup was filled with the wrath that rests on your soul right now if you arent a Christian. They were doing work which was strikingly emblematic of their calling. (Revelation 20:3 ESV). Is that not fantastic?! Though I loved the darkness more than the light, He has turned my heart toward Him. She didnt yet understand that this man Jesus was not just the Messiah sent from God, He was the Author of life. Wouldnt it be just as easy for Christ to take me home? For He delights in taking weak dying sinners and bathing them in the nutrition imparting light of His gospel. Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson | Goodreads For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. You need milk, not solid food, [13] for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 20:2-4 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. [3] So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. I only say that they appear to me to deserve consideration and reflection. The theme itself is a venerable one. Indeed it is a sign of the inbreaking of the kingdom that Gods love is mentioned so broadly. It was about a one-day journey from where Jesus was ministering across the Jordan River to Bethany near Jerusalem. In fact that is what Jesus meant when He said He would draw all men to Himself. The cross is for Jew and Gentile alike. They were completely bewildered. They functioned as mercenaries who cared more about riches than holiness. Its a major clue into how Jesus behaved around others. He knew that soon His great passion would be upon Him. Now, let this be a stimulus to your fruitbearing, that Jesus is the gardener. So when the Son willingly took the suffering of that recompense on himself, every footfall on the way to Calvary echoed through the universe with this message: the glory of God is of infinite value! (Deuteronomy 8:3). Paul tells us as much in Romans chapter one: Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Thats just who He is, they probably thought. Therefore, the discerning Christian/growing Christian is marked by time in Scripture and prayer. Cowards. It does not describe the intricacies of the new birth. I am not yet in the ascended state, so you do not have to hand on to me as if I were about to disappear permanently. Just the fact that there is a hell and a heaven and a final judgment showcase this obvious truth. "The Hound of Heaven" is a 182-line poem written by English poet Francis Thompson (18591907). They like their sin. In everyway and on every level that you have provided for your children, the Father and His Son have far outstripped you. Though the scene must have been frightening, a mob of men with torches and weapons in the middle of the night, Jesus isnt caught off guard or surprised by the arrival of this band of men. 18:1-5 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. Listen to Spurgeon and let your hearts agree with his: One more duty I would mention, though others suggest themselves. Most people we talk to on a day-to-day basis would probably tell us (if they are non-believers) that they are basically good people. I bet you hear that all the time, dont you. It was these verses that God used to spur me on to learn more, to read more, to draw closer to the Lord and to teach what I learn to others. (Revelation 3:20-21). He is ruling here He is involved in our lives His rule is not detached. We love that which we ought to hate, and we hate that which we ought to love. John sees clear fulfillment of OT scripture and its just as clear that the apostle Peter did as well. The same power that leveled an angry mob upholds us through the darkness and pain of life, and vanquishes our enemies. Thus to be DULL OF HEARING is to have hearts loaded down with other matters worldly matters, and minds that are clouded with other priorities. Sproul says, The Greek word translated dull reappears in 6:12 (translated as sluggish), suggesting that the danger of spiritual laziness is in view throughout this section. They love their own sin.[v]. Its not a very long poem, and I have to admit that I got a little emotional at the end! Certainly they do deserve consideration! Praise God He has not passed us over, but has shed His grace and mercy upon us, the underserving, the helpless, the hopeless in order that we may be given a hope that will never fail. Where did it go? The third observation is what she saw, or rather what she didnt see. Post-mills also agree with Amils on the binding of Satan during Christs ministry and his release for a short time before Jesus return. [32] This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. God knows absolutely everything about me! (Romans 15:8-13, ESV), [v] In Gods Greater Glory Bruce Ware explains: Both Jacob Arminius and John Wesley agreed with John Calvin, who in turn agreed with Augustine, on this point (although many in the Arminian tradition have departed from the view of the founders of Wesleyan Arminianism). The poem became famous and was the source of much of Thompson's posthumous reputation. The truth is that unless God does a supernatural work in your heart you will always be dead in your sin and will always rebel against God. For we cannot read this and judge ourselves content to move on before we settle some things in our mind. Perhaps the most famous example of this is found in Exodus when God is said repeatedly to have hardened Pharaohs heart (Ex. Ironically, Christ did this very thing in order make those who werent His family part of His family by sovereign adoption. [14] It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. Finally, in the parable of the prodigal son, we see the longsuffering father, effusive with joy and love upon the return and restoration of his long lost son. (1 Chronicles 16:8-13). A session of the Sanhedrin (Mt. I think that perhaps letter (f) is a little far fetched, and letters (d) and (e) are very similar. That we cannot, on our own, raise ourselves from this death, That we need and depend on the life-saving life-giving power of Christ to raise us from the dead and that He does this of His own initiative, That Jesus Christ is the sole source of this power He is claiming exclusivity here. The implication is that some will not believe up on His name. 11:8-10The disciples said to him, Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again? [9]Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? 18:12-27 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. These are people whose lives have been changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Act on that conviction and surrender your heart to His call. We need hearts whose desires are to follow hard after Christ, not spend endless years on spiritual life support! The presence of the grave clothes also shows that the story the Jewish leaders concocted, that the disciples stole Christs body (Matt. Because we have the mind of Christ, we must also elevate our thoughts to His, to celebrate the significance of a lost sinner coming to salvation. Take note of 1 Cor. "It hath not entered the heart of man, the . 21:15-17 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs. [16] He said to him a second time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Tend my sheep. [17] He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? and he said to him, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. When He would have me pray, I would not pray, and when He would have me listen to the sound of the ministry, I would not. Below are my notes on this passage and I hope you enjoy them! [1] Ryken, Commentary on Luke, Volume II, Pg. In Stavropol, Russia, this order was carried out with vengeance. Interesting how Christ had to explain to the disciples, at this sensitive moment, what He meant by His words. [2] Ryken, Commentary on Luke, Volume II, Pg. Francis Thompson, Gordon MacDonald. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 4:21, 7:3, 10:20, 27, 11:10 and so on). Carson rightly says, Thus there is nothing intrinsic to the language of John 21:15-17 that suggests a distinctive authority for Peter. We are here as the salt of the earth, to be a blessing to the world. [4] Tony Romano, August 23, 2013 notes on Luke 15 teaching. I do not hate my enemy, because I can see his miserable situation. IT is a gentle reproof: by this time Mary should not have been crying. 846-847. But this argument unravels in several ways, not the least of which is that the word love here is phileo whereas the word the gospel writer uses to describe the Lords affection for him is agape. We cant go very far without noting a few things in this new chapter. Once our inquiries and speculation have been done, if we dont have a preponderance of evidence before us that leaves us certain of our views, we must humbly step away from proclaiming our views to be doctrine.. [7]Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (Exodus 33:9-11). In Isaiah 6 the response of Isaiah to the holiness of God is similar: [4] And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. In our recent Bible study there was a passing comment about Spurgeon describing God as the hound of heaven, citing that God relentlessly pursued him until Spurgeon finally surrendered to him. Also, in his book Gods Greater Glory Bruce Ware tackles this same text in Exodus with great wisdom and care. Caiaphas was more astute politically than those around him, and what he was trying to explain here was that if they (the Jewish leadership) played their cards right, they could sacrifice Jesus on the alter of politics and have for themselves a scapegoat to be able to show to the Romans as if to say to them hey this man is the one responsible for all the hubbub around Jerusalem, if you get rid of him well all be a lot better off and you wont have to worry about anyone causing disruptions. In this way Caiaphas figured he could satiate the Roman authorities growing unrest with the disruptions among the Jewish people. Notice also that Jesus is the one who begins the confrontation with the soldiers. There were two trials, one Jewish and one Roman. This isnt the only place we read this in the Bible. Peters rush to do something in the moment turns out to be the wrong thing. And why is this? He is the center of the Bible and indeed of all human history. Carson talks about how some of the Jews thought (superstitiously) that the soul of a body hovers above the body for three days prior to finally departing. (Romans 9:17-18, ESV), Note: When Scripture talks of Gods hardening our hearts it cannot mean God is creating evil that isnt already there. He was able to grasp the fact that since God controlled both life and death, that God could just as easily raise his son from the dead as he could bring him to life in the womb of a 100-year-old woman. Her breathless voice bursts out the news and immediately Peter and John take off for the tomb. They were so close to the event itself, that what they were witnessing seemed confusing amidst their fears and sorrow. They ought to be teachers but instead they need someone to still teach them the basics. A very straightforward proposition, however, just like not everyone would have been saved by the copper snake, not everyone is saved by Christs sacrifice. He does not glory in your pain, but sees past that and rejoices in the glory to be revealed to you His glory. They may not commend themselves to some readers. 11:54-57Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand. When the morning dawns, Christ will appear. 1088. [v] Hughes makes a wonderful point that the fact that they have become dull of hearing means that at one point they were not dull, they have regressed. God reveals Himself to us out of love for us and a desire for us to be ushered into a love relationship with the Trinity as adopted sons and daughters of God. (Romans 5:12-15). This is a supernatural thing. Furthermore, it is the universal witness of Scripture that calls attention to ITSELF as the instrument by which God changes us and blesses us with a closer knowledge of Him: Consider just a few examples, o David begins the Psalms with this important exhortation, Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 18:28-38a), which was followed by Herods interrogation (Lk. Not only did Christ trust in the will of His Father and in the plan they had formulated from before the creation of the world, but He also looked forward in hope (Heb. Today let us remember the beautiful thing about the gospel Jesus does all the work. The first thing this verse assumes is that people in the world have the wrath of God abiding on them otherwise there would be no need for a Savior. Some of the ideas are (quoting Hendriksen): My friend Uri, an expert in Israeli history and culture, told me that he likes the idea that the number represents the different varieties of fish because it points to the universality of the gospel and the diversity of the church. Just a final note before moving on to the next sectionit seems appropriate to simply mention that Jesus says that He is ascending to His Father and your Father. This is extremely significant. Pride, anger, resentment had no place in this mans heart.

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