Today's Sunday School Lesson

[JagBR]

Illi-Jag, how was your discussion on the Tranfiguration? It was very interesting in my class.

 

[JagBR]

Did anyone know that John the Baptist was the Prophet Elijah?

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

Illi-Jag, how was your discussion on the Tranfiguration? It was very interesting in my class.

Yesterday, I attended a Sunday School Class that does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson. It too was really good and scripturally based.

As for as the transfiguration, this could invoke an endless discussion given the Characters at play. The primary players (Jesus, Moses and Elijah) symbolize the passing/fulfillment of the Law; Moses representing the Law and Elijah representing the Prophets (thus Law & Prophets - Old Testament scripture). Jesus fulfilled all of the O.T. Law and He was the Source/Promise Seed/Savior that all Prophets spoke about. Jesus is the mystery concealed in the Law & Prophet (O.T. Scripture), now revealed. Jesus offers a new covenant and reveals that Salvation of Grace thru faith.

This passage of scripture is extremely rich with unlimited insights. One can only wonder why Peter, John and James were there????

Romans 11:33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Good Day and God Bless

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

Did anyone know that John the Baptist was the Prophet Elijah?

Many years ago when I first read this, I was dogmatic that John the Baptist was Elijah. However, if we look at other scriptures, we may not see this to be true. As we look at all scripture which elude to John as being Elijah, we see that the important message is that if you accept John and his message such is the same as accepting Elijah, for all speak to and about Jesus. This language is consistent throughout scripture and even true today, we are safe if whom we follows, follows Christ. The catch is, to verify we must get to know Christ (via His word).

Back to John being Elijah, I think it is the “Spirit of Elijah” not the physical presence of Elijah that O.T. prophet (Malachi 4:5) was talking about. The following scriptures support this view.

Matthew 11:13-14. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

John 1:21. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Matthew 17:11-12. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

Luke 1:17. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

:lecture:Those who rejected John are the same that will reject Elijah. Both are representatives of Christ.

It nice to know that you continue to be a faithful Sunday School attendee.

Good Day and God Bless

 

[dacontinent]

Our SS lesson was

Sexual Purity or Immorality?
Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-32; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Ephesians 5:3-5​

It was great discussion.

 

[Dr H..]

Sexual Purity or Immorality?

This reminds me of the first time I taugh teens during VBS and the subject was Sexual Purity or Immorality. As I taught the class oneof the young men raised his hand and asked the question.

"Bro. Hayes, can we have both" I was speechless and looked like the Cat that swollowed the Canary.

.......if you accept John and his message such is the same as accepting Elijah, for all speak to and about Jesus.

That's good Hermeneutics - I know preachers that has been in the pulpit for years, would not have stated made the connection. They focus more on Jesus than those that preached about Him before His birth.

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

This reminds me of the first time I taugh teens during VBS and the subject was Sexual Purity or Immorality. As I taught the class oneof the young men raised his hand and asked the question.

"Bro. Hayes, can we have both" I was speechless and looked like the Cat that swollowed the Canary.

Matthew 12:34. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

God only has to remove His Grace/Mercy for a moment, then that which is in our heart pours out without restriction. This guy's statement is more the reflection of what is going on by many who confess to be Christians, than his desire to determine if such practice is acceptable. Unfortunately, I have personally seen (known such to have happened) this type of immorally practiced in the local Church at all levels.

That's good Hermeneutics - I know preachers that has been in the pulpit for years, would not have stated made the connection. They focus more on Jesus than those that preached about Him before His birth.

Preaching and Preachers are for the edification of the Church. Contrary to what most believe, we share more of our own responsibility to search out and understand God's Word. The only prerequisite for gaining spiritual insight is the Holy Spirit, if we have not the Holy Spirit, discernment will never follow. This may be the reason why many preachers will never make the connection.

:lecture:The Holy Spirit is given only to those who are members of the true Church Body; this may exclude many on the local Church roles.


1 Corinthians 2:14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

We cannot blame our ignorance on others when we are commanded to do the following:

2 Timothy 2:15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Good Day and God Bless

 

[Dr. Mac]

We discussed how the transfiguration demonstrated fulfillment of the Law and Prophesy, and how it demonstrated Jesus' preeminence over all things. Here is a link that was a blessing when preparing this lesson:

The Preeminence of Christ

Regards.

 

[Dr H..]

This may be the reason why many preachers will never make the connection.

The Holy Spirit is given only to those who are members of the true Church Body; this may exclude many on the local Church roles.

“Ain’t†that’s the truth.

That’s basically what I said to our preachers, son. He fills a lot of roles in the church, but “seriously†he cannot teach or preach. But for some reason “Pops†allows his son to continuing teaching and occasionally preaching. If members knew he was preaching next Sunday they would attend a sister church. Whenever he teach or preach, members are like “here we go againâ€

He swears he's the best thing since can milk.

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

“Ain’t†that’s the truth.

That’s basically what I said to our preachers, son. He fills a lot of roles in the church, but “seriously†he cannot teach or preach. But for some reason “Pops†allows his son to continuing teaching and occasionally preaching. If members knew he was preaching next Sunday they would attend a sister church. Whenever he teach or preach, members are like “here we go againâ€

He swears he's the best thing since can milk.

Doc,

Jacklegs/Reprobates were, are and will be a part of past and future history:

Ecclesiastes 1:9. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Sons of the High Priest (Eli)​

1 Samuel 2:12. Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.

1 Samuel 2:17. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.

1 Samuel 2:22. Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Sons of the High Priest/Prophet (Samuel)​

1 Samuel 8:1. And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

1 Samuel 8:3. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

What are we to do? Rebuke, if such bring about repentance, forgive.​

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Luke 17:3. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Contrary to what most believe, this (Matthew 18:15/Luke 17:3) is an act of Love.​

​

Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

James 5:19-20. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.


Good Day and God Bless

 

[Dr H..]

jag

His dad is a scholar in the word - but his son., want's to be like dad "Just ain't got it" He can't preach, teach or sing. He tries so hard to be spiritual, but you can tell after five min. he's just playing a role trying to impress folks.

Now his older brother is a chip off the block, in a few years he will be better than his dad.

I recall four or five years ago - his dad told me that I was jelous of his son - I almost fainted. I said, no he just ain't what you think he is and he cannot out teach or preach me.

That did not go over well

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

jag

His dad is a scholar in the word - but his son., want's to be like dad "Just ain't got it" He can't preach, teach or sing. He tries so hard to be spiritual, but you can tell after five min. he's just playing a role trying to impress folks.

Now his older brother is a chip off the block, in a few years he will be better than his dad.

I recall four or five years ago - his dad told me that I was jelous of his son - I almost fainted. I said, no he just ain't what you think he is and he cannot out teach or preach me.

That did not go over well

Dr H.

Don't ever get caught up in boasting credentials, if one has been granted gifts more than another, let him first consider this. Who has made him to differ?

1 Corinthians 4:7. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Also, if we find ourselves to be envious of another's gift/talent, we must not loose fact of Who provides the gift/talent. Thus, any envy and/or anger is really against the Giver of the gift/talent (against God). John the Baptist gives us the best example of how to response to this kind of situation:

John 3:27. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Also, keep in mine:

1 Corinthians 1:31. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

:lecture: "A man's work declares the worker". A man that calls himself a carpenter but knows not how to build a shelf or use a hammer, deceives only himself, for his work declares him not to be a carpenter.

Proverbs 25:14. Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

Good Day and God Bless

 

[Dr H..]

Dr H.

Don't ever get caught up in boasting credentials, if one has been granted gifts more than another, let him first consider this. Who has made him to differ?

Not boasting, thankful on "how God blessed me with the ability to preach and teach" As humble as I am, he should have known better that to approach me with that attitude.

Here is the problem; with most church members "especially in black churches" they regard the preacher as some type of god "not me" placing him on a pedestal as if he cannot do any wrong and when they do, the congregation say “he’s just a man†now if that’s true, treat him “with respect†like a man.

I listen to how preacher brags on their families. Well doggone your child is not the only one to receive a PhD or an MD and they are not the first to finish college. They “sometimes†act if their family members are the first one to accomplish something in life that no one else has ever accomplished.

I don’t bow down to preachers or elders, too often they make an attempt to use their position to control individuals,not all have this mentality. And I do not place their families above other families. That’s why Paul said “there is neither Jew of Gentile†we cannot place ourselves above others because we are the preacher.

Like I told one preacher, I have just as much education as you do, so don’t treat me like am I am stupid.

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

Not boasting, thankful on "how God blessed me with the ability to preach and teach" As humble as I am, he should have known better that to approach me with that attitude.

Here is the problem; with most church members "especially in black churches" they regard the preacher as some type of god "not me" placing him on a pedestal as if he cannot do any wrong and when they do, the congregation say “he’s just a man†now if that’s true, treat him “with respect†like a man.

I listen to how preacher brags on their families. Well doggone your child is not the only one to receive a PhD or an MD and they are not the first to finish college. They “sometimes†act if their family members are the first one to accomplish something in life that no one else has ever accomplished.

I don’t bow down to preachers or elders, too often they make an attempt to use their position to control individuals,not all have this mentality. And I do not place their families above other families. That’s why Paul said “there is neither Jew of Gentile†we cannot place ourselves above others because we are the preacher.

Like I told one preacher, I have just as much education as you do, so don’t treat me like am I am stupid.

Jesus spoke it clearly to those who would be the leaders of the first Churches:

Matthew 23:8. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

No matter what gift you have been given or what position you may hold within the local Church, all are just brethen (i.e. the same in Christ). If we are truly Christian "We are just one begger dealing with another begger searching for a peice of Bread (that bread is Christ)".

Doc, it sounds like your local Church my be a stumbling block for you, if so it maybe time to flee.

Romans 16:17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Even Jesus made a decision that at some point, some are to be left alone:

Matthew 7:6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Matthew 15:14. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

When do we get to this point:

Titus 3:10-11. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

I have been down this road and can verify that the above is the best approach. The only means God uses to change a person is His WORD, if man don't heed God's WORD he can not change.

Good Day and God Bless

 

[Apaquelypse]

Kmsl@ the disclaimer!!!!

 

[JagBR]

3/7/2010- Another good lesson Illi-Jag; (Jonah and Nineveh)

 

[illinijag]

3/7/2010- Another good lesson Illi-Jag; (Jonah and Nineveh)

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

Interesting lesson (Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-9) with much insight to ponder.

Jonah was a prophet of God, yet he fails to accept God’s liberty in giving Grace to others. This is why God can never accept man’s righteousness, only in Christ resides an acceptable righteousness. We are only accepted through Him (Christ) as our substitute.

Absent of Christ, this is our righteousness:

Isaiah 64:6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Jonah’s error is similar to the error Moses and Aaron made when they struck the rock twice (Numbers 20:10-12). They did so in anger because they did not think God’s Grace was the best course of action. God counted this act as disbelief because they did not believe that God’s course of action (Grace to sinners) was the proper response.

God is sovereign as stated in His word:

Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Also, Nineveh reflects what God truly seeks and what Christ came to redeem; sinners who see their sins relative to God’s righteousness and repent of their sins. This is lost in understanding to many people and to many church folks who see their sins relative to others sin and see no real need to let go of their sins. These are folks who are lost thinking they are not.

Matthew 18 :11. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

The irony is that all are lost, but only those who know they are will seek to be saved.

Good Day and God Bless

 

[Dr. Mac]

Jonah and Nineveh is also the only instance in Old Testament scripture where God sent one of His prophets to a Gentile nation to beseech them to repent. This illustrates that His plan of Salvation was always for all nations (see Isaiah 54:1-5 and Isaiah 42:1).

Regards.

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

Jonah and Nineveh is also the only instance in Old Testament scripture where God sent one of His prophets to a Gentile nation to beseech them to repent.

Excellent point. We must also consider Job; many believe the Book of Job to be the oldest book in the Bible. A read of Job clearly shows that this guy (a Gentile) knew God and understood the righteousness God required and most of all; Job knew that he (man) could not meet such requirement. Job knew that he/man needed a Saviour (Job knew there was a plan of Salvation).

Job 14:1-4. Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.

Job 33:23-24 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

This illustrates that His plan of Salvation was always for all nations (see Isaiah 54:1-5 and Isaiah 42:1).

Regards.

:clap: Excellent discernment of scriptures my Brother, such insight is not given to the natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Good Day and God Bless

 

[Dr. Mac]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).



Excellent point. We must also consider Job; many believe the Book of Job to be the oldest book in the Bible. A read of Job clearly shows that this guy (a Gentile) knew God and understood the righteousness God required and most of all; Job knew that he (man) could not meet such requirement. Job knew that he/man needed a Saviour (Job knew there was a plan of Salvation).

Job 14:1-4. Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.

Job 33:23-24 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:



:clap: Excellent discernment of scriptures my Brother, such insight is not given to the natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Good Day and God Bless

Rahab and Ruth, also. Two other Old Testament Gentiles that accepted the Lord; Ruth's listed in the lineage of Jesus. They were individuals who accepted Salvation (as acceptance by anyone is an individual choice, as we both know).

Nineveh wholistic call to repentence, and its acceptance (especially, given its history), beautifully illustrates that God is no respecter of persons "but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him (Acts 10:35)."

Regards.

 

[JayRob]

Jonah and Nineveh is also the only instance in Old Testament scripture where God sent one of His prophets to a Gentile nation to beseech them to repent. This illustrates that His plan of Salvation was always for all nations (see Isaiah 54:1-5 and Isaiah 42:1).

Regards.

Not true at all. If it was, why did the OT god harden the heart of Pharoah, even when Pharoah wanted to repent. It says that god hardened his heart that he WOULD NOT repent. If the OT god wanted Egypt to be saved, if he was omnipotent, he would've done so, but he didn't. As a matter of fact, he did just the opposite. He also wiped out whole nations and ordered genocide of innocent children and babies. That sounds nothing like someone wanting to save all nations. Just being honest and real about it.

 

[Dr. Mac]

Not true at all. If it was, why did the OT god harden the heart of Pharoah, even when Pharoah wanted to repent. It says that god hardened his heart that he WOULD NOT repent. If the OT god wanted Egypt to be saved, if he was omnipotent, he would've done so, but he didn't. As a matter of fact, he did just the opposite. He also wiped out whole nations and ordered genocide of innocent children and babies. That sounds nothing like someone wanting to save all nations. Just being honest and real about it.

Jayrob:

I would get into God allowing some facets of human behavior and character already embodied in the person to manifest themselves with respect to the "hardening" of Pharoah's heart, but I don't find these forums condusive for well-intentioned discussions on scripture. Instead, I'll offer the following:

God is love, but (and) God is just. It's the Justice part that none of us fully understand, but some of us do trust. I trust God to be just in His doings even though I don't understand them all and never will. My children don't understand all of my actions with regards to them, but they trust me, as their father, that I love them and am doing the best thing for them (even when I punish them for certain actions, or restrict their interactions with certain others). So it is with me and my God.

Regards.

 

[JayRob]

Jayrob:

I would get into God allowing some facets of human behavior and characher already embodied in the person to manifest themselves with respect to the "hardening" of Pharoah's heart, but I don't find these forums condusive for well-intentioned discussions on scripture. Instead, I'll offer the following:

God is love, but (and) God is just. It's the Justice part that none of us fully understand, but some of us do trust. I trust God to be just in His doings even though I don't understand them all and never will. My children don't understand all of my actions with regards to them, but they trust me as their father that I love them and am doing the best thing for them (even when I punish them for certain actions, or restrict their interactions with certain others). So it is with me and my God.

Regards.

I don't know what you mean by this forum no being conducive. It's open to the public. Everyone is free to post his/her opinion and post whatever they please, so I don't know why you would say what you said. Everyone's not going to agree on everything and sometimes on nothing.

 

[illinijag]

Disclaimer: This message is only to those who believe in the one and only true God, the God who provided the Saviour (Jesus Christ).

Rahab and Ruth, also. Two other Old Testament Gentiles that accepted the Lord; Ruth's listed in the lineage of Jesus. They were individuals who accepted Salvation (as acceptance by anyone is an indivual choice, as we both know).

Nineveh wholistic call to repentence, and its acceptance (especially, given its history), beautifully illustrates that God is no respecter of persons "but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him (Acts 10:35)."

Regards.

Rahab, Ruth and the People of Nineveh represents the true characterics of all who come to repentance (those who receive the effectual call).

Psalms 34:18. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Good Day and God Bless

 

[Apaquelypse]

Jayrob:

I would get into God allowing some facets of human behavior and character already embodied in the person to manifest themselves with respect to the "hardening" of Pharoah's heart, but I don't find these forums condusive for well-intentioned discussions on scripture. Instead, I'll offer the following:

God is love, but (and) God is just. It's the Justice part that none of us fully understand, but some of us do trust. I trust God to be just in His doings even though I don't understand them all and never will. My children don't understand all of my actions with regards to them, but they trust me, as their father, that I love them and am doing the best thing for them (even when I punish them for certain actions, or restrict their interactions with certain others). So it is with me and my God.

Regards.

Dr. Mac, you need a disclaimer as well.....Jayrob will pass your posts by.