The End of One Thing is Always the Beginning of Another!

There are some that are still finishing the journey of 90 Days through the Bible. I encourage each one of you that began to continue until your are through. The blog will continue to stay up until the end of January.

If you want to join in another journey, you can go over to www.sbclayman.blogspot.com
We will be working our way through the life of Jesus in a harmony of the gospels.

There will also be a new blog in January 2007 that will reinforce the Sunday's sermon and encourage the members of the church to find ways to apply it in our lives. Check back in a few weeks for the new link.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Holy New Year!

1 John 5:20
"And we know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and He is eternal life."

I AM COMING SOON!

DAY 88
Revelation 18:1 - 22:21

WOW! What a journey.

The Bible in 90 days (or 88 if you stuck to the plan). Congratulations to all of those who for their first time read the Bible from cover to cover. Many of you may have done it before in a year or two years, which makes 90 days look like a sprint. I would like to personally commend everyone that participated during this time. I hope that your vision of the grace of God was renewed through the revelation of His plan of creation and redemption through Jesus. I would also encourage those that may be a few days behind to continue until you reach the finish.

Typically, the end of one thing is just the beginning of another. And this is no different. We, the church, are at the beginning of the end!

Three times in the last chapter of the Bible, Jesus says "I am coming soon!" Oh, what a wonderful promise that is! Many in the church believe the time of His return is way past due and neglect the reason why He tarries: that no one would perish. "But don't forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Pet 3:9)

"Yes, I am coming soon!" Jesus said. But many in the church are like the disciples in Acts, staring at the heavens and waiting for the Lord to return. Some are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good as sowers and reapers of the harvest. And the two men in white are saying the same thing to us that they said to the men of Galilee, "Why do you stand here looking here into the sky? The same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven!" (Acts 1:11) For as the Lord tarries, we need to be reminded that to "Look up, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest!" (John 4:35)

"Yes, I am coming soon!" Jesus said. But too many in the church are so entangled in the affairs of this world, that there is no longer any difference between them and the world. Some are so earthly minded they are no heavenly good as the salt and light of this world. "Salt is good, but if it loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out."

Let us remember the mission we were given. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." (Matt 27:19-20)

Let us remember the means we were given. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." (Acts 1:8)

Let us remember the method we were given. "For the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincer faith." (1 Timothy 1:5)

When it is time for your departure, whether it is before or when the Lord comes, make sure you have lived your life so that at any moment you could say what John said at the end of revelation:

AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS

The Seven Churches

DAY 87
Jude 1 - Revelation 17:18


"Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look - I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Therefore, write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place."

It is the prelude to one of the most intriguing books of the Bible. It is also the prelude to the most encouraging and convicting parts of Revelation. It is the story of the seven churches. And just like the whole book of Revelation; the letters to the churches is the story of what had been, what is, and what will take place.

These are the letters of Jesus. They have a multitude of applications.

A) Local. "To the angel (messenger) of the church in Ephesus write:
These letters are written to actual, historical churches at the time. Each of these seven churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) existed and had the problems that were addressed.

B) Typical. "What the Spirit says to the churches."
These letters are written to every church at any time in history. Any church can find themselves in one or more of these letters. Throughout the lifespan of a single church, they might even be every one of the churches.
(1) Ephesus (2:1-7) This church has its doctrine and its ministry right, but they have left their love of Christ. Their doctrine and their deeds are more important than Jesus. How many churches today have lost their love for Christ?
(2) Smyrna (2:8-11) This church is the one that is in poverty and being persecuted. And they will probably let you know they don't have much and that everyone else isn't playing very nice. They have chosen to remain faithful despite the circumstances, but they have forgotten the joy of being rich in Christ. How many churches have lost their joy in Christ?
(3) Pergamum (2:12-17) This church holds faithful to Jesus and His gospel, but they have compromised and allowed false teachings on other aspects of the faith. Because of this compromise they have allowed unholy practices in their faith. How many churches have lost the holiness of God?
(4) Thyatira (2:18-29)This church not only holds the truth of the gospel, but it lives it out in love and deeds as well. But just like Pergamum they have allowed sinful practices to be taught in the church. Since they are now doing more than at first, they are relying on their deeds and works to compensate for this false teaching. How many churches are relying on their works to please God?
(5) Sardis (3:1-6) This is church that looks alive because of the works that they do, but they are dead. To the world they are a model church, but to Jesus they are asleep. They have lost their zeal. They are just "going through the motions" and are trapped in their rituals. How many churches have lost their passion for the gospel?
(6) Philadelpia (3:7-13) This church has been faithful. O! how they have been faithful. Their deeds and their doctrine bring glory to God. They have stayed true to Jesus. They have endured and kept strong in the faith, but they are also weak. Their strength is fading. How many churches have lost the power of God?
(7) Laodicea (3:14-22) This is a church that has staked out the middle ground. They are wealthy and resourceful. But, they have compromised on everything in their doctrine and faith. The gospel is seldom preached in this church. While they think they are honoring God by at least keeping the name church, they are blind to God's work and deaf to God's word. How many churches have lost the real Jesus?

C) Individual. "He who has an ear let him hear"
These letters are written to every individual. At any time in our walk of faith, one of these letters will applies. They have commendation, correction, and encouragment for each one of us. They are Jesus' letters personally to you and I. And they contain His promises, too.
(1) Ephesus (2:1-7) "To him that overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
(2) Smyrna (2:8-11) "He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death"
(3) Pergamos (2:12-17) "To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."
(4) Thyatira (2:18-29) "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. I will also give him the morning star"
(5) Sardis (3:1-6) "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white, I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels."
(6) Philadelpia (3:7-13) "Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it."
(7) Laodicea (3:14-22) "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne."

D) Prophetic.
Many believe that they also reveal the history of the church from its beginning. While a single church may hold to the faith, when taken as a whole the "body of Christ" has resembled each of these churches in history. While there are numerous variations, I have included a couple of external links for reference.
http://www.mazzaroth.com/ChapterSix/SevenHistoricalChurchAges.htm
http://www.ldolphin.org/cleanpages/rev03.html
http://freestockphotos.com/SevenChurch.html

Seven letters to Seven Churches, with an endless amount of application to the past, present, and future. All from the one who said " I am the Alpha and Omega - who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Peter and John: What to do while your waiting!

DAY 86
James 3:13 - 3 John 14


We spend a lot of our lives waiting. We wait in doctor's offices, in grocery stores, and movie theaters. We wait for phone calls, emails, and letters. We wait for loved ones to come home and little ones to grow up. As parents, we wait for the first word, the first tooth, and the first scraped knee. As children, we wait for the first day of school, the presents of birthdays, and the trip to Sea World or Disneyland. As teenagers, we wait for the first day we can drive, alone.

And as Christians, who are the bride of Christ, we wait for the bridegroom. Will I "fall asleep" like so many believers before, or will I still be here when He comes to take us home. So what do we do while were waiting. Both Peter and John gave us a little help.

"Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist–he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us–even eternal life." (John 2:18, 22-24)

We know that in the last hour many people, some even that profess to be part of the church, will deny that Jesus is the Christ; that deny that Jesus was the Son of God. John reminds us that those that confess Jesus as the Son of God, know who God is. John encourages us to remain faithful in what we have been taught. There are many among the church who have tried to uncover what they call the "historical" Jesus; to deny the Son. Unfortunately, they have led astray many. But John reminds us to "let no one deceive you, the one that does what is right is righteous." Those that walk in the light, those that live a life of agape love, those that confess that Jesus is the Son of God - God remains in them.

Besides holding true to the doctrine of faith, while we are waiting Peter illustrates what a believer's life led by the Spirit looks like in 1 Peter 4:7-11.

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self‑controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Pray. Love. Serve. Speak. To each other and for the glory of God through Jesus Christ. While you and I are waiting for the return of the bridegroom, we need to follow Jesus. Pray for our fellow believers and pray for unbelievers. Love each other so deeply that it invites the sinners to join the table for the wedding feast. Serve each other with what ever gift the Spirit has given you. And speak of His holy and merciful name to a dying world.

Pray. Love. Serve. Speak. When we do those in the name of Jesus, we bring glory to God.

So if your looking for something to do next time your waiting; Pray. Love. Serve. Speak.

The Veil is Torn

DAY 85
Hebrews 1:1 - James 3:12
(I am very sick today, but since we just went through Hebrews in Sunday School I have a post that I would like to share from that study.)

Hebrews 10:19-21
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have we have a great priest over the house of God."

From the beginning of Hebrews 1:1 to 10:18 the author has laid the foundation and exposed the truth concerning Jesus. "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." From Hebrews 1:1-3 we see that Jesus is God in the flesh, that He is Creator, Sustainer, King, Sacrifice, and Savior.

We have seen that Jesus is superior to angels, prophets, Moses, Melchizedek, priests, and the levitical system. We have shown that Jesus is the true tabernacle, the real Sabbath, and the anchor of our soul. We have been warned to pay attention (2:1), to not harden our hearts (3:8), and not to fall away(6:6).

Because of all this we have access to the Most Holy Place. We have access to God through Jesus Christ. The body has been broken and the veil torn, the blood has been used to satisfy the consequences of our sin, and the great High Priest sits at the right hand.

Because of Jesus, the scripture states in Chapter 10, we can

Draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith (22) because you have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit washes you on a daily basis and reminds you of impurities in your life.

Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess (23) because His is always faithful even when we are not. Because our hope is in someone rather than something.

Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (24) by meeting together and encouraging one another with testimonies of the work of Jesus in our lives.

And we are to continue to do so, to perservere in the faith until "He who is coming will come."

We can have this confidence because the one who tore the veil, is the one who lives in your heart. He is the author and perfecter of your salvation. He is the anchor of your soul.

What will you leave behind at the end of your race?

DAY 84
1 Thessalonians 1:1 - Philemon 25

The apostle Paul used many illustrations and examples from the world around him. He compared our life of faith to being a soldier, a farmer, an athlete, and a fighter. He used them on many occassions. The image of a runner was used because it symbolized the endurance that was required as a disciple of Jesus. One of these familiar passages is from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Another passage is from today's reading in 2 Timothy. It is generally believed to be the last letter Paul wrote from his imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his death. A careful reading of 2 Timothy reveals a man alone that has been deserted by some of his friends (1:15, 4:10). It reminds us of his suffering for the gospel. (1:8,12; 2:9, 3:11). But amidst the loneliness and the suffering, there is an urgent call to the faithful to endure to the end of the race. "Do not be ashamed", "Be strong", "Preach the word", and "Be prepared." And knowing his departure was near, he left a reminder of what was waiting for us at the end of the race: Jesus.

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Paul left a legacy of faith that has influenced millions of believers. One of those believers was my grandfather, whom my niece gave the name Daddy Mac. The following is the conclusion to the eulogy I gave at his funeral.

"But the greatest gift he gave his family was his faith. The true measure of a man is the legacy he leaves to future generations. Not the kind of material or physical things; but the spiritual legacy he leaves inside the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Because of his faith in God's ability to see him through any circumstance, Daddy Mac left behind a legacy of faith in Jesus. Throughout his life, his faith was tested through poverty, deaths, uncertainty, and sickness for himself and those he loved. But just like Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7 "He fought the good fight, He finished the race, and above all He kept the faith." He now has put on his crown of righteousness, which was given to him by the Lord Jesus. He has heard the words of his master, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

What will we leave behind at the end of the race? Hopefully, it will be a legacy of faith!

Grace Day

We will post DAY 84 tomorrow. I hope you had a meaningful time in worship to the Lord today

Just Give Me Jesus

DAY 83
Galatians 3:26 - Colossians 4:18

Just Give me Jesus. We might say that was the central theme of Paul's life. While Paul gave a lot of practical guidance for living as a believer in Christ, it always goes back to the gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In today's readings, there are portraits of Jesus that unfold to share the gospel to the churches. We will take a look at each one of them.

Galatians-Faith and Freedom

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me"(2:20)

"Clearly no one is justified before God by the law because, 'The righteous will live by faith'." (3:11)

"But the scriptures declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed, So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law" (3:22-25)

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of bondage." (5:1)

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."(5:24)

Just Give me Jesus. The good news of God that I am free from the curse of the law because of the promise of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The good news of God that it is no longer I who live, but Christ in me by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians-Grace and Love

"But because of His great love for us, Go, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (2:4-9)

" I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (3:16-21)

Just Give me Jesus. The good news about the incomparable grace and limitless love God has for me. The good news of God that I cannot imagine what great things He has in store for me.

Phillipians - Humility and Knowledge

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature* God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (2:5-11)

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (3:7-11)

Just Give me Jesus. The good news of God about Jesus Christ who took on the form of man, was obedient to His Father, died on the cross, and will be exalted as Lord. The good news of God that I may know Christ and receive His righteousness through faith. The good news of God that I can gain Christ and be found in Him.

Colossians - The Supremacy of Christ

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Col 1:15-23)

Just Give Me Jesus, The gospel of God.

Oh, the height and depth of mercy!

Oh, the length and breadth of love!

Oh, the fullness of redemption!

Pledge of endless life above!

2 Corinthians: "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ

DAY 82
1 Corinthians 15:1 - Galatians 3:25


"But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

What an amazing set of verses. Every promise God has made to His creation, Every covenant God has made with us, all comes down to this one thing.

"Yes" in Christ!!!

God, I can't do it on my own. I need a help. "Yes" in Christ! "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)

God, I have committed sins against you and man. I need forgiveness. "Yes" in Christ! "In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins" (Col 1:14)

God, I have a problem. Can you help me overcome? "Yes" in Christ! "But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:57)

God, I have gone down my own path. I have ignored your guidance. Can I be reconciled. "Yes" in Christ! "And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor 5:18)

God, I am worried about something in my life. Can you take away the fear? "Yes" in Christ! "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7

God, I have been a little sad lately. Can I find some joy! "Yes" in Christ! "And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Rom 5:11)

God, I don't want to be apart from you. Can I spend eternal life in your presence? "Yes" in Christ! "For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom 6:23)

And we could go on forever. What God has promised according to His divine will is "Yes" in Christ.

But what is also true is the "Yes" in Christ that is promised to all who believe is also the "Amen" For when Christ lives in you, He anoints you and seals you with the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is a deposit with a guarantee. The guarantee is that you will spend eternity with God.

More people need to hear the "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ!