| Author | Message | ||
| Jtree |
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 3:20-22 HEWN FROM THE ROCK "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged." Isaiah 51:1 The people of God have every reason to rejoice in Jesus Christ, even though we have many enemies in this life. Israel of old was directed to look back to it's origin and consider how God had called them out to be a nation, even though they were but few in number in the beginning. The Lord did not set His love upon them, nor choose them because they were more in number than others, but because He loved them, and had made a covenant with their fathers to bring them out, and redeem them from the house of bondage, Deut. 7:7,8. Is this not the testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ? Is He not the ROCK from which His Church was hewn? Believer, consider often not only the ROCK, but also the pit from which you were dug. 1. THE ROCK- Like a rock, the Lord Jesus Christ is the firm and sure foundation of His Church. He declared, "Upon this rock will I build My church," Matthew 16 :18. In old times, people dwelt in the rocks for refuge, as well as built on them. God in Christ is the believer's spiritual dwelling. His people, like the birds build their nest in Him. Like the mountain goat, they run upon the Rock, and find their pleasure there, Psalm 90:1,2. Rocks are durable, permanent, and lasting. The Lord Jesus Christ is the ROCK OF AGES, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He was, is, and shall be for all eternity, the Lamb slain for His people, I Peter 1:19,20. He was, is, and ever shall be the God and Savior of His people. He set His love upon His elect long before they ever knew Him. While they were yet sinners, He died for them. In time, His love ripened in quickening them by His Spirit and drawing them to Himself, Eph 2:1-5. Now, they follow after Righteousness, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, worked out in their behalf, Isa. 51:1. Those who are hewn from the ROCK are made like the ROCK. They have no righteousness of their own, but only that which they have in the ROCK itself, 2 Corinthians 5:21. 2. THE PIT- Stones for building are taken from a quarry. The quarry of salvation is in the eternal purpose and will of God the Father, Eph 1:4,5. God commanded that the stones taken for building an altar were not to be hewn or shaped by man, Ex 20:25. So the believer, is not so by his own will or power, but as God has purposed him to be, in Christ. They are living stones taken from the pit of His love and grace, 1 Pet. 2:5. Standing on the Rock. Joshua | ||
| Max |
Great message, Jtree. Do you believe that Jesus Christ the Rock IS the moral law of God written on the hearts of all true believers? Be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world! | ||
| Patti |
Great message, Jtree. Dittos, Josh! Do you believe that Jesus Christ the Rock IS the moral law of God written on the hearts of all true believers? There is no way, if I were answering this, that I could answer this affirmatively. Jesus Christ is so much larger, grander, more majestic and glorious than could ever be contained in our very small (and very wicked) hearts. "The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen could ever tell It goes beyond the highest star And echoes to the lowest hell... "Could we with ink the ocean fill And were the sky of parchment made Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry Nor could the scroll contain the whole Though spread from sky to sky." | ||
| Jtree |
Patti, I think it's one of those "trick" questions Max is asking up there :-) Remembering Psalm 18:2 applies. And Max, I won't quote it, I'm too tired. Good night. | ||
| Rayna |
Psalm 18: 2,3 is beautiful!! Actually the whole chapter is beautiful. "The Lord is truly my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my strength.... my buckler and the horn of my salvation, my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Yes, we can trust in God. I have come to know Him as a loving, kind, merciful and pititful Father, that accepts His children the way they are. We are not cast off, but He holds us close and will never let us go. Again I am so thankful for this truth. | ||
| Max |
NIVJohn 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." 8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." 9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father'? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." | ||
| Max |
Bod bless you Jtree, Patti and Rayna! It's been sheer delight trading Scriptures with you! Max of the Cross |
