Genesis 41:37-57, The Favor of a King

Leonard Ravenhill: “The greatest miracle that God can do today is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, then put him back into that unholy world and keep him holy in it.” Not sure if I can agree it’s the greatest miracle God can do today, but it is truly a remarkable thing that He does. This is how Joseph was kept during his time in Egypt; this is how Daniel was kept during his time in Babylon. This is how you and I are kept during our time in this culture, which presses on us from every direction to go along, not be such a stick in the mud, pretend sin is actually what pleases God. This is the only way we can walk in love towards one another – the holiness of God is hand-in-glove with His love for us whom He has raised up from spiritual death. Biblical love is other-focused (God and His children), not self-focused. Fleshly love is self-obsessed, selfish, toddler-like.

If you have not Christ, your motive cannot be right. Jesus must own your heart for you to praise Him. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. Turn to Jesus – He will give you rest.

Brothers and sisters, let us FIX our eyes of faith on the risen Christ – He is our only hope in life and in death. Those favored by the King of kings have much to rejoice over – may He tune our hearts to sing His praise.

God's Law

I was listening to an old sermon while driving to town today. The brother read this:

1Cor 9:19-21 (HCSB)

"Although I am a free man and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law — though I myself am not under the law — to win those under the law. To those who are without that law, like one without the law — not being without God’s law but within Christ’s law — to win those without the law."

And then he observed: Paul described himself as not under the Jewish law (Mosaic) but would ACT like he was, in order not to offend them. Then he said he would ACT like those who do not have that law (Gentiles) so it would not be a stumbling block.

And Paul said that he was not without God's law but within Christ's law. This shows that the law given to Moses is not longer God's law, but the the law of Christ is now God's law.

This lines up with this:

Heb 7:11-12 (HCSB)

"If then, perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to appear, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well."

The New Covenant has a new priesthood, which requires a new law. The New Covenant has different entry requirements than did the Old Covenant. Faith in God was not required to enter the Mosaic Covenant - obedience to a few religious rites were all that was required. New birth which brings faith in Christ is required to enter into the New Covenant - the flesh profits nothing! Shadows were fulfilled in the substance, which is Christ. 

Genesis 40 - In This World You Will Have Trouble

We are seeing how the life of Joseph, prefiguring Christ in so many ways, was not always comfortable and enjoyable. As it was with the Lord Himself, with many trials and much tribulation, so it was with Joseph and will be with every one of His children. Joseph had been lifted up at Potiphar’s house, he is now put down in prison. He had no idea if or when or how he would be rescued again. It’s part of God’s purpose in our lives, to show us trouble as a help to remind us this world is not our home. The promised One would tell us, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) There is nothing we cannot bear, knowing that Jesus has overcome the world – we are His. 

Genesis 38; The Lion, not the tribe

Genesis 38; The Lion, not the tribe.

Gen 38:1-11 Trouble in the Tribe

Gen 38:12-19 Things Get Worse.

Gen 38:20-23 The trap is set

Gen 38:24-26 The Noose Tightens

Gen 38:27-30 Providence Revealed

Conclusion

Hebrews 2:1-4 Our Great Salvation

Our Great Salvation

 Heb 2:1-4 (HCSB)  (click the link above for the sermon)

We must, therefore, pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to His will. 

Is "church" a good word for "ecclesia"?

In two weeks of normal Facebook activity I've collected 20 examples of people using "church" to refer to a location. It's clear from Scripture that "ecclesia" refers to a people - those called out. The ecclesia of Christ is His body, His people called out of the world to Himself. When we use "church" we blur the picture. Early English Bibles used "congregation" - seems like that is something we should return to.

I am NOT saying that the message in every example is wrong - the use of "church" is wrong.

I try to use "church" only in referring to "mega-churches" or "state churches" or any other false "church." Saying we're stuck with it is like telling anabaptists to suck it up and conform to Rome.

People of the Book?

Baptist were once known as "people of The Book" because we were always going back to the Bible to make sure of things.

How easy it is to drift away from what we've been taught.

We don't look to the Bible to see if "church" captures the true meaning of ecclesia - as it relates to the redeemed. Early English Bibles used "congregation" - no lazy talk about "going to congregation" or "don't miss congregation" that comes so easy when we use "church."

We don't look to the Bible to see if preaching is what elders are supposed to within the assembly of saints; whereas its TEACHING elders are required to do.

We don't look to the Bible to see if two or more elders are supposed to be in each congregation because we've become used to the lone ranger "pastor."

We don't look to the Bible to see if the 10th century AD Masoretic Manuscript is the best OT MSS.

We are looked at like we're from Mars if we do question such things.