Promises of God, 2 of 365

 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit allows the believer the privilege of greater works to honour the omnipotent and loving God. How sweet and wonderful is the life of the believer who trusts in the risen Saviour. Simply having the faith of a mustard seed allows us to do wonderful things for the glory and honour of Christ. Not only will we have the power to do the wonders of Christ found in the New Testament, but we also will be able to do other incredible miracles. As believers, we will see God's goodness and greatness in the work He does through us. May all glory and honour go unto Him forever and ever.

[Afrikaans] Voorwaar, voorwaar Ek sê vir julle, wie in My glo, die werke wat Ek doen, sal hy ook doen; en groter werke as hierdie sal hy doen, omdat Ek na my Vader gaan. (Johannes 14:12)

Die inwoning van die Heilige Gees gee die gelowige die voorreg van groter werke om die almagtige en liefdevolle God te eer. Hoe soet en wonderlik is die lewe van die gelowige wat op die opgestane Verlosser vertrou. Deur bloot die geloof van 'n mosterdsaad te hê, kan ons wonderlike dinge doen tot die heerlikheid en eer van Christus. Nie net sal ons die krag hê om die wonders van Christus te doen wat in die Nuwe Testament gevind word nie, maar ons sal ook ander ongelooflike wonderwerke kan doen. As gelowiges sal ons God se goedheid en grootheid sien in die werk wat Hy deur ons doen. Mag alle heerlikheid en eer aan Hom kom vir ewig en altyd.

[Chinese Simplified] 我实实在在地告诉你们：我所做的事，信我的人也要做；并且要做比这更大的事，因为我往父那里去。（约翰福音 14:12）

圣灵的内住赋予了信徒一项特权，使他们能行更大的事，以荣耀那位全能且慈爱的神。对于那些信靠复活救主的信徒而言，其生命是何等甘甜与美好。只要拥有芥菜种般的信心，我们就能为基督的荣耀与尊贵行出奇妙之事。我们不仅有能力行出新约圣经中所记载的基督神迹，还能行出其他不可思议的神迹奇事。作为信徒，我们将透过神借着我们所成就的工，看见祂的良善与伟大。愿一切荣耀与尊贵永远归于祂。

Wǒ shí shízài zài dì gàosù nǐmen: Wǒ suǒ zuò de shì, xìn wǒ de rén yě yào zuò; bìngqiě yào zuò bǐ zhè gèng dà de shì, yīnwèi wǒ wǎng fù nàlǐ qù.(Yuēhàn fúyīn 14:12)

Shènglíng de nèi zhù fùyǔle xìntú yī xiàng tèquán, shǐ tāmen néng xíng gèng dà de shì, yǐ róngyào nà wèi quánnéng qiě cí'ài de shén. Duìyú nàxiē xìn kào fùhuó jiù zhǔ de xìntú ér yán, qí shēngmìng shì héděng gāntián yǔ měihǎo. Zhǐyào yǒngyǒu jiècài zhǒng bān de xìnxīn, wǒmen jiù néng wéi jīdū de róngyào yǔ zūnguì háng chū qímiào zhī shì. Wǒmen bùjǐn yǒu nénglì háng chū xīn yuē shèngjīng zhōng suǒ jìzǎi de jīdū shén jì, hái néng háng chū qítā bùkěsīyì de shén jì qí shì. Zuòwéi xìntú, wǒmen jiāng tòuguò shén jièzhe wǒmen suǒ chéngjiù de gōng, kànjiàn tā de liáng shàn yǔ wěidà. Yuàn yīqiè róngyào yǔ zūnguì yǒngyuǎn guīyú tā.

[Russian] Истинно, истинно говорю вам: верующий в Меня дела, которые творю Я, и он сотворит, и больше сих сотворит, потому что Я к Отцу Моему иду. (От Иоанна 14:12)

Пребывание в верующем Святого Духа дарует ему привилегию совершать великие дела во славу всемогущего и любящего Бога. Как сладостна и чудесна жизнь верующего, уповающего на воскресшего Спасителя! Даже вера с горчичное зерно позволяет нам совершать дивные дела во славу и честь Христа. Мы обретем силу не только творить чудеса, подобные тем, что совершал Христос (о которых повествует Новый Завет), но и сможем являть иные невероятные чудеса. Как верующие, мы будем созерцать благость и величие Божьи в тех делах, которые Он совершает через нас. Да будет Ему вся слава и честь во веки веков.

Istinno, istinno govoryu vam: veruyushchiy v Menya dela, kotoryye tvoryu YA, i on sotvorit, i bol'she sikh sotvorit, potomu chto YA k Ottsu Moyemu idu. (Ot Ioanna 14:12)

Prebyvaniye v veruyushchem Svyatogo Dukha daruyet yemu privilegiyu sovershat' velikiye dela vo slavu vsemogushchego i lyubyashchego Boga. Kak sladostna i chudesna zhizn' veruyushchego, upovayushchego na voskresshego Spasitelya! Dazhe vera s gorchichnoye zerno pozvolyayet nam sovershat' divnyye dela vo slavu i chest' Khrista. My obretem silu ne tol'ko tvorit' chudesa, podobnyye tem, chto sovershal Khristos (o kotorykh povestvuyet Novyy Zavet), no i smozhem yavlyat' inyye neveroyatnyye chudesa. Kak veruyushchiye, my budem sozertsat' blagost' i velichiye Bozh'i v tekh delakh, kotoryye On sovershayet cherez nas. Da budet Yemu vsya slava i chest' vo veki vekov.

[Spanish] De cierto, de cierto os digo: El que en mí cree, las obras que yo hago, él las hará también; y aun mayores hará, porque yo voy al Padre. (Juan 14:12)

La morada del Espíritu Santo otorga al creyente el privilegio de realizar obras mayores para honrar al Dios omnipotente y amoroso. ¡Qué dulce y maravillosa es la vida del creyente que confía en el Salvador resucitado! El simple hecho de tener una fe como un grano de mostaza nos permite hacer cosas maravillosas para la gloria y el honor de Cristo. No solo tendremos el poder de realizar las maravillas de Cristo que se narran en el Nuevo Testamento, sino que también podremos obrar otros milagros increíbles. Como creyentes, veremos la bondad y la grandeza de Dios en la obra que Él realiza a través de nosotros. Que toda la gloria y el honor sean para Él por los siglos de los siglos.

[Italian] In verità, in verità vi dico: chi crede in me compirà anch'egli le opere che io compio e ne compirà di più grandi, perché io vado al Padre. (Giovanni 14:12)

La dimora dello Spirito Santo conferisce al credente il privilegio di compiere opere più grandi per onorare il Dio onnipotente e amorevole. Com'è dolce e meravigliosa la vita del credente che confida nel Salvatore risorto! Anche solo possedere una fede pari a un granello di senape ci permette di compiere cose meravigliose per la gloria e l'onore di Cristo. Non solo avremo la potenza di compiere i prodigi di Cristo descritti nel Nuovo Testamento, ma saremo anche in grado di operare altri miracoli incredibili. Come credenti, vedremo la bontà e la grandezza di Dio nell'opera che Egli compie attraverso di noi. A Lui vadano ogni gloria e ogni onore, ora e per sempre.

[French] En vérité, en vérité, je vous le dis, celui qui croit en moi fera aussi les œuvres que je fais, et il en fera de plus grandes, parce que je vais vers mon Père. (Jean 14:12)

La présence du Saint-Esprit en nous confère au croyant le privilège d'accomplir de plus grandes œuvres pour honorer le Dieu tout-puissant et plein d'amour. Combien est douce et merveilleuse la vie du croyant qui place sa confiance dans le Sauveur ressuscité. Il suffit d'une foi de la taille d'une graine de moutarde pour accomplir des choses merveilleuses à la gloire et à l'honneur du Christ. Non seulement nous aurons la puissance d'accomplir les prodiges du Christ relatés dans le Nouveau Testament, mais nous pourrons aussi réaliser d'autres miracles incroyables. En tant que croyants, nous verrons la bonté et la grandeur de Dieu dans l'œuvre qu'Il accomplit à travers nous. Que toute gloire et tout honneur Lui soient rendus aux siècles des siècles.

[Dutch] Voorwaar, voorwaar, Ik zeg u: wie in Mij gelooft, zal de werken die Ik doe ook doen; en hij zal grotere werken doen dan deze, omdat Ik naar Mijn Vader ga. (Johannes 14:12)

Door de inwoning van de Heilige Geest krijgt de gelovige het voorrecht om grotere werken te verrichten ter ere van de almachtige en liefdevolle God. Hoe heerlijk en wonderbaarlijk is het leven van de gelovige die vertrouwt op de opgestane Heiland. Alleen al het geloof ter grootte van een mosterdzaadje stelt ons in staat om wonderlijke dingen te doen tot eer en glorie van Christus. We zullen niet alleen de kracht hebben om de wonderen van Christus te verrichten die in het Nieuwe Testament worden beschreven, maar we zullen ook in staat zijn andere ongelooflijke wonderen te doen. Als gelovigen zullen we Gods goedheid en grootheid zien in het werk dat Hij door ons heen doet. Moge alle eer en heerlijkheid Hem toekomen, tot in eeuwigheid.

Sermon on Song : #2, “We’re Marching to Zion”

 “We’re Marching to Zion”

#2, Sacred Selections

 

This day , we want to examine another song.  In the times we are now facing, I find that if we consider the message of this song, it can help give us the resolve we need to press on toward the goal.

Background.  The text was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748).  He was a prolific songwriter, who wrote more than 650 hymns, many of which are still sung today.  Most of his songs were written at an early age where he was member of the Above Bar Congregational Church in Southampton, England.    The words that he wrote which became our hymn were published as part of a series of hymns in 1707.  The tune at that time was very different.  The tune in our song book was produced by Robert Lowry in the late 1800s.The original hymn was 10 stanzas.  Our song book has four of them.

While young, Isaac Watts had smallpox which deformed him and made him a sickly and frail boy.   He was also very prolific with knowledge having learned Greek, Latin, Hebrew and French by the time he was thirteen years old.  Perhaps his appearance, as well as his father being a dissenter of the Church of England and the persecutions it produced (including imprisonment), were factors in his resolve in some of his songs. 

 “We’re marching to Zion”, is a song of resolve regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.  Let us examine the message of this song.

 I.                    Chorus – We’re marching to Zion

a.        We’re marching to Zion – What is Zion?
Zion, is one of the names for Jerusalem.  It was actually a portion of the city that was subdued by David (1 Chronicles 11:4-9).  He then named it, “the City of David.”  The term is found about 161 times in the Bible (7x in the New Testament). 
Throughout the prophets it was a term used to describe Jerusalem, and more specifically as representative of Judah (or Israel) as its capital and as God’s people. 
Quite often it was used with a dual implication - a double message – one speaking of the LORD redeeming the physical nation from captivity or oppression, but its ultimate fulfillment in Christ coming to establish His eternal kingdom, which is Zion.
In my studies of the word in scripture, I believe the best way to describe Zion is, the place where God meets with His people.  Physically that would have been Jerusalem (where the temple was), but now it is in heaven which is related to the church universal (the body of all who are saved). 
In the New Testament the word is found 7 times  - 2 times in the gospels to identify the prophecy of Jesus entering the city – Matt. 21:5, John 12:15 (based on Zechariah 9:9);
2 times in Romans – Rom. 9:33 and 11:26 – also OT prophecies dealing with Israel’s rejection of God and thus salvation is available to all.  And 1 Peter 2:6 where this same rejection is recorded.
NOTICE Hebrews 12:22-24, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. “  While dealing with the saved, the Hebrew writer speaks of future hope in heaven.
That Zion is representative of heaven is seen in the various descriptions of the previous verse.
In Psalm 2:6, a messianic psalm we read, “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.”   This is a reference to Jesus as we continue to read the text it is directed toward Him (vs. 7-9, Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, 5:5, etc.). 
Jesus is NOW seated in heaven at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12, 12:2, Romans 8:34, etc.) in heaven (cf. Heb. 9:24 – He has entered into heaven itself.  Heb. 8:1 – seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens…)
So we see in this that in our song, Zion is representative of heaven (as in many other songs we sing – which is why we have taken time to address this). 

b.       We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion… – while on this earth, we are marching toward heaven.  The idea of marching is that we are moving toward that place.  I think of Philippians 3:12-14 – I press toward the goal.  We are running a race toward the finished line (1 Cor. 9:24-27, Heb. 12:1-2)

c.        The beautiful city of God – Heaven is described as a city.  Heb. 11:10, 13-16.
 Revelation 21:9-22:5 – the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven is described.  It is a spiritual city where there is night, no sun or moon, no sickness or sorrows, etc.  And it is where the throne of God is found!

d.       Throughout this song, we are reminded that heaven is the goal we are striving to reach.

 II.                  Vs. 1, Come we that love the Lord

a.        Come we that love the Lord - This is a call to Christians – Matthew 22:37 – love God with all your heart.  Love Jesus – John 14:15, 1 John 4:19, we love Him because He first loved us. 
Such will obey Him – 1 John 5:3-5
James 1:12 – the crown of life is promised to those who love Him. 

b.       And let our joys be known – this song reminds us that in those difficult times, we need to strive to be joyful - Phil 4:4.  Consider Paul and Silas in prison in Philippi – Acts 16:25 – they were singing songs.
If one is joyful, sing – James 5:13

c.        Join in a song in sweet accord – in this I think of joining together to sing.  Among the thoughts that comes to my mind with this song is the unity we have in Him.  Worship brings us together.  Singing brings us together – Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16 – both imply a joyful disposition.
It is said that as Israelites went together in groups to Jerusalem for various feasts that they would sing various psalms (called the psalms of Ascents – Psalm 120-134). 

d.       And thus surround the throne – our singing is a spiritual sacrifice go up to God – Heb. 13:15,
ALSO, let us be reminded that as Christians we have the privilege of approaching God in heaven – Heb. 4:16.

 III.                Vs.2 – Let those refuse to sing

a.        Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God –
1) Those who are of the world do not have the same privileges as Christians.  For example consider Ephesians 2:12 – they were strangers and without Christ, having no hope…
2) The world doesn’t care about Him.  They do not have the hope and source of joy that can provoke us to praise Him even in troubling times.  Let em!

b.       But children of the heavenly king may speak their joys abroad –
1) We are children of God – 1 John 3:1 – the manner of His love – we are called children of God
2) We can and should speak of His joys abroad – do not be ashamed of Him.  1 Peter 3:15 – give a reason for the hope that is in you.  1 Peter 2:9 as a royal priesthood we proclaim His praises…
Paul constantly glorified God to others – “I thank my God” – Rom. 1:8, 1 Cor. 1:4, Phil. 1:3, 2 Tim. 1:3, Philemon 4, etc. – he was not ashamed to tell  others about Him. 

 IV.                VS. 3 – The hill of Zion

a.        The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets – as Christians on our journey to heaven, we enjoy numerous blessings even now.  Eph. 1:3 – God has blessed us with every blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. 2 Cor. 1:3 describes Him as the Father of Mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation… 

b.       Before we reach the heavenly fields, or walk the golden streets – this continues to remind us of the same thought.  We are blessed as Jesus said in Luke 18:30 – in this age blessings, and in the life to come – eternal life.
But also I see the endurance of our journey – we have to stay the course and compete according to the rules – 2 Tim. 4:7 – we must finish the race!  2 Tim. 2:5 – compete according to the rules!
The golden streets is a reference to Revelation 21:21 where the New Jerusalem is described.

 V.                  Vs. 4 The let our song abound

a.        Then let our songs abound and every tear be dry  - in this world we face toils and troubles.  But in Him we are not defeated.  Be reminded of 2 Cor. 4:7-9 – we are hard pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not despaired…    1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares on Him. 
We may groan to be further clothed in Him – 2 Cor. 5:1-5, but we have hope!  Why?

b.       We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground – Immanuel means, “God with us.”  The name was prophesied by Isaiah (7:14) and applied to Jesus when He would be born (Matthew 1:23). 
IN the case of this song, we are reminded that even though this world is the dominion of Satan, and He seems to be winning, God is still in control!  1 John 4:4 – He is greater than he who is in the world.
 If we serve Him, He is with us!  Jesus told His disciples that while the ruler of this world was coming, “He has nothing in Me.” (John 14:30)
Romans 8:31 – if God be for us, who can be against us?
1 Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

c.        To fairer worlds on high – even the most grand of places on this earth are nothing to be compared with heaven!  2 Peter 3:13 speaks of how we are looking for new heavens and a new earth – a new dwelling place with Him for all of eternity!

 We will sing this song differently – Begin with the chorus – then sing the four verses and conclude with the chorus.

 It is no secret that we are living in very troubling times.  At every turn immorality seems to be prevailing, we live in a self-centered society, the international landscape is very troubling with terrorism on the rise and the faith of Christians is continually assaulted.  In times of discouragement, we need to remind ourselves of where our true hope lies – in heaven.  And with resolve we need to be marching toward Zion.  Are you?

Promises of GOD , 1 of 365

 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:51-58)

In an instant, the saints of the Christian faith will be caught up in the air to meet their Lord in wonderful glory. What an incredible picture of the church ascending to their glorious home at the long anticipated trumpet trill! Indeed, the victory over death and sin is evident through the return of Christ and we shall reign with Him forevermore. This promise of hope and everlasting life only brings us to a place of great thanksgiving to our beautiful Saviour.

(Arabic) وعود الله

ها أنا أُبشِّركم بسرٍّ: لن نرقد جميعًا، بل سنتغير جميعًا، في لحظة، في طرفة عين، عند النفخة الأخيرة: فسيُنفخ في البوق، فيُقام الأموات غير قابلين للفساد، ونتغير نحن. لأن هذا الفاسد لا بد أن يلبس عدم الفساد، وهذا المائت لا بد أن يلبس الخلود. فمتى لبس هذا الفاسد عدم الفساد، وهذا المائت الخلود، فحينئذٍ تتم المقولة المكتوبة: «ابتُلِع الموت في النصر». يا موت، أين شوكتك؟ يا قبر، أين نصرك؟ شوكة الموت هي الخطيئة، وقوة الخطيئة هي الناموس. ولكن الشكر لله الذي يهبنا النصر بربنا يسوع المسيح. لذلك، يا إخوتي الأحباء، كونوا ثابتين راسخين، مكثرين في عمل الرب، عالمين أن تعبكم في الرب ليس باطلاً. (كورنثوس الأولى ١٥: ٥١-٥٨)

في لحظة، سيُرفع قديسو الإيمان المسيحي إلى السماء للقاء ربهم في مجدٍ باهر. يا له من مشهدٍ مهيبٍ للكنيسة وهي تصعد إلى موطنها المجيد عند نفخة البوق المنتظرة! حقًا، إن النصر على الموت والخطيئة واضحٌ من خلال عودة المسيح، وسنملك معه إلى الأبد. هذا الوعد بالرجاء والحياة الأبدية يدفعنا إلى شكرٍ عظيمٍ لمخلصنا الحبيب.

wueud allah

ha 'ana 'ubshirkm bsrin: lan narqud jmyean, bal sanataghayar jmyean, fi lahzatin, fi tarafat eayn, eind alnafkhat al'akhirati: fsyunfkh fi albuqi, fyuqam al'amwat ghayr qabilin lilfasadi, wanataghayar nahna. li'ana hadha alfasid la buda 'an yalbas eadam alfasadi, wahadha almiayat la buda 'an yalbas alkhuluda. famataa lubis hadha alfasid eadam alfasadi, wahadha almiayit alkhuludu, fhynydh tatimu almaqulat almaktubati: <<abtulie almawt fi alnasar>>. ya mawtu, 'ayn shawkatuki? ya qabru, 'ayn nasruka? shawkat almawt hi alkhatiyatu, waquat alkhatiyat hi alnaamusa. walakina alshukr lilah aladhi yahabna alnasr birabina yasue almasihi. lidhalika, ya 'iikhwati al'ahibaa'a, kunuu thabitin rasikhina, mukathirin fi eamal alrubi, ealimin 'an taeibakum fi alrabi lays batlaan. (kurnithus al'uwlaa 15: 51-58)

fi lahzatin, syurfe qidiysu al'iiman almasihia 'iilaa alsama' liliqa' rabihim fi mjd bahiri. ya lah min mshhd mhyb lilkanisat wahi tusead 'iilaa mawtiniha almajid eind nafkhat albuq almuntazirati! hqan, 'iina alnasr ealaa almawt walkhatiyat wadh min khilal eawdat almasihi, wasanamlik maeah 'iilaa al'abdu. hadha alwaed bialraja' walhayaat al'abadiat yadfaeuna 'iilaa shkr ezym limukhalisina alhabib.

(Bengali) ঈশ্বরের প্রতিজ্ঞা

দেখ, আমি তোমাদের এক নিগূঢ় বিষয় বলছি; আমরা সবাই যে মৃত্যুতে ঘুমিয়ে পড়ব তা নয়, কিন্তু আমাদের সবারই রূপান্তর ঘটবে—এক মুহূর্তে, চোখের পলকে, শেষ তূরীধ্বনির সময়; কারণ তূরী বাজবে এবং মৃতেরা অবিনশ্বর হয়ে উঠবে, আর আমাদেরও রূপান্তর ঘটবে। কারণ এই বিনাশশীল দেহকে অবিনশ্বরতা ধারণ করতে হবে এবং এই মরণশীল দেহকে অমরত্ব ধারণ করতে হবে। সুতরাং যখন এই বিনাশশীল দেহ অবিনশ্বরতা ও এই মরণশীল দেহ অমরত্ব ধারণ করবে, তখন সেই শাস্ত্রবাক্য পূর্ণ হবে: "জয়লাভের দ্বারা মৃত্যুকে গ্রাস করা হয়েছে।" হে মৃত্যু, কোথায় তোমার হুল? হে পাতালপুরী, কোথায় তোমার জয়? মৃত্যুর হুল হলো পাপ; আর পাপের শক্তি হলো ব্যবস্থা। কিন্তু ঈশ্বরকে ধন্যবাদ, যিনি আমাদের প্রভু যীশু খ্রীষ্টের মধ্য দিয়ে আমাদের জয়লাভ দান করেন। অতএব, আমার প্রিয় ভাইয়েরা, তোমরা স্থির ও অটল থাকো এবং সর্বদা প্রভুর কাজে প্রচুরভাবে নিয়োজিত থাকো; কারণ তোমরা জানো যে, প্রভুর সেবায় তোমাদের শ্রম কখনোই বৃথা যায় না। (১ করিন্থীয় ১৫:৫১-৫৮)

এক মুহূর্তের মধ্যে, খ্রীষ্টীয় বিশ্বাসের অনুসারী পবিত্রজনেরা বিস্ময়কর মহিমায় তাদের প্রভুর সাথে সাক্ষাৎ করতে আকাশে তুলে নেওয়া হবে। দীর্ঘ প্রতীক্ষিত তূরীধ্বনির সাথে মণ্ডলীর তাদের মহিমান্বিত আবাসে আরোহণের কী এক অপূর্ব দৃশ্য! বস্তুত, খ্রীষ্টের প্রত্যাগমনের মধ্য দিয়ে মৃত্যু ও পাপের ওপর জয়লাভ সুনিশ্চিত এবং আমরা তাঁর সাথে অনন্তকাল রাজত্ব করব। আশা ও অনন্ত জীবনের এই প্রতিশ্রুতি আমাদের সেই সুন্দর ত্রাণকর্তার প্রতি গভীর কৃতজ্ঞতা প্রকাশের স্থানে নিয়ে আসে।

iswarer protigya

dekh, ami tomader ek niguundo bishoy bolchi; amra sobai je mrityute ghumiye porbo ta noy, kintu amader sobari rupantor ghotbe—ek muhurte, chokher polke, shesh turidhonir samoy; karon turi bajbe ebong mritera abinashwar hoye uthbe, r amadero rupantor ghotbe. karon ei binashoshil dehoke abinshwarata dharon korte habe ebong ei maronshil dehoke amorotto dharon korte hobe. sutorang jokhon ei binashoshil deho abinshwarata o ei maronshil deho amorotto dharon korbe, tokhon sei shastrobakyo purno hobe: "joylaver dwara mrityuke grass kora hoyeche." he mrittu, kothay tomar hul? he patalpuri, kothay tomar joy? mrityur hul holo pap; r paper shakti holo byabastha. kintu ishwarke dhonyabad, jini amader probhu jishu khrister madhya diye amader joylabh dan koren. otoeb, aamar priyo vaiyera, tomra sthir o atal thako ebong sarboda probhur kaje prochurvabe niyojito thako; karon tomra jano je, probhur sebay tomader shrom kokhonoi britha jay na. (1 korinthiyo 15:51-58)

ek muhurter modhye, khristiyo bishwaser anusari pobitrojonera bismoykar mahimay taader probhur sathe sakshat korte akashe tule neoya hobe. dirgho pratikkhito turidhonir sathe mandalir taader mohimannito abase arohoner ki ek apurbo drishyo! bostut, khrister protyagomoner madhya diye mrityu o paper opor joylabh sunishchit ebong amra tanr sathe onontokal rajatwa korob. asha o ananta jiboner ei protisruti amader sei sundor trankortar proti gobhir kritagyata prokasher sthane niye ase.

(Chinese Simplified) （神的应许）

我如今把一件奥秘的事告诉你们：我们不是都要睡觉，乃是都要改变，就在一霎时，眨眼之间，号筒末次吹响的时候；因号筒要响，死人要复活，成为不朽坏的，我们也要改变。这必朽坏的总要变成不朽坏的，这必死的总要变成不死的。这必朽坏的既变成不朽坏的，这必死的既变成不死的，那时经上所记“死被得胜吞灭”的话就应验了。死啊，你得胜的权势在哪里？死啊，你的毒钩在哪里？死的毒钩就是罪，罪的权势就是律法。感谢神，使我们藉着我们的主耶稣基督得胜。所以，我亲爱的弟兄们，你们务要坚固，不可摇动，常常竭力多做主工，因为知道你们的劳苦在主里面不是徒然的。（哥林多前书 15:51-58）

转瞬之间，基督信仰的圣徒们将被提至空中，在奇妙的荣耀中与主相遇。当那期盼已久的号角声响起，教会升入荣耀家乡的景象是何等壮丽！诚然，藉着基督的再来，战胜死亡与罪恶的胜利已显明，我们将与祂一同作王，直到永远。这关于盼望与永生的应许，唯有引领我们向那位美好的救主献上深深的感恩。

(Shén de yīngxǔ) 

wǒ rújīn bǎ yī jiàn àomì de shì gàosù nǐmen: Wǒmen bùshì dōu yào shuìjiào, nǎi shì dōu yào gǎibiàn, jiù zài yī shàshí, zhǎyǎn zhī jiān, hàotǒng mòcì chuī xiǎng de shíhòu; yīn hàotǒng yào xiǎng, sǐrén yào fùhuó, chéngwéi bùxiǔhuài de, wǒmen yě yào gǎibiàn. Zhè bì xiǔhuài de zǒng yào biàn chéng bùxiǔ huài de, zhè bìsǐ de zǒng yào biàn chéng bùsǐ de. Zhè bì xiǔ huài de jì biàn chéng bùxiǔ huài de, zhè bìsǐ de jì biàn chéng bùsǐ de, nà shí jīng shàng suǒ jì “sǐ bèi déshèng tūnmiè” dehuà jiù yìngyànle. Sǐ a, nǐ déshèng de quánshì zài nǎlǐ? Sǐ a, nǐ de dú gōu zài nǎlǐ? Sǐ de dú gōu jiùshì zuì, zuì de quánshì jiùshì lǜ fǎ. Gǎnxiè shén, shǐ wǒmen jízhe wǒmen de zhǔ yēsū jīdū déshèng. Suǒyǐ, wǒ qīn'ài de dìxiōngmen, nǐmen wù yào jiāngù, bùkě yáodòng, chángcháng jiélì duō zuòzhǔ gōng, yīn wéi zhīdào nǐmen de láokǔ zài zhǔ lǐmiàn bùshì túrán de.(Gē lín duō qián shū 15:51-58)

Zhuǎnshùn zhī jiān, jīdū xìnyǎng de shèng túmen jiāng bèi tí zhì kōngzhōng, zài qímiào de róngyào zhōng yǔ zhǔ xiāngyù. Dāng nà qī pàn yǐ jiǔ de hàojiǎo shēng xiǎngqǐ, jiàohuì shēng rù róngyào jiāxiāng de jǐngxiàng shì héděng zhuànglì! Chéngrán, jízhe jīdū de zàilái, zhànshèng sǐwáng yǔ zuì'è de shènglì yǐ xiǎnmíng, wǒmen jiāng yǔ tā yītóng zuò wáng, zhídào yǒngyuǎn. Zhè guānyú pànwàng yǔ yǒngshēng de yīngxǔ, wéi yǒu yǐnlǐng wǒmen xiàng nà wèi měihǎo de jiù zhǔ xiànshàng shēn shēn de gǎn'ēn.

(Russian) (Божьи обетования) 

Говорю вам тайну: не все мы умрем, но все изменимся — вдруг, во мгновение ока, при последней трубе; ибо вострубит, и мертвые воскреснут нетленными, а мы изменимся. Ибо тленному сему надлежит облечься в нетление, и смертному сему — облечься в бессмертие. Когда же тленное сие облечется в нетление и смертное сие облечется в бессмертие, тогда сбудется слово написанное: «Поглощена смерть победою». «Смерть! где твое жало? ад! где твоя победа?» Жало же смерти — грех; а сила греха — закон. Благодарение Богу, дарующему нам победу Господом нашим Иисусом Христом! Итак, братия мои возлюбленные, будьте тверды, непоколебимы, всегда преуспевайте в деле Господнем, зная, что труд ваш не тщетен пред Господом. (1-е Коринфянам 15:51–58)

В одно мгновение святые, исповедующие христианскую веру, будут восхищены на воздух навстречу своему Господу в дивной славе. Какая невероятная картина: Церковь возносится в свою славную обитель под звуки долгожданной трубы! Воистину, победа над смертью и грехом явна благодаря возвращению Христа, и мы будем царствовать с Ним во веки веков. Это обетование надежды и вечной жизни побуждает нас возносить глубокую благодарность нашему дивному Спасителю.

(Bozh'i obetovaniya) 

Govoryu vam taynu: ne vse my umrem, no vse izmenimsya — vdrug, vo mgnoveniye oka, pri posledney trube; ibo vostrubit, i mertvyye voskresnut netlennymi, a my izmenimsya. Ibo tlennomu semu nadlezhit oblech'sya v netleniye, i smertnomu semu — oblech'sya v bessmertiye. Kogda zhe tlennoye siye oblechetsya v netleniye i smertnoye siye oblechetsya v bessmertiye, togda sbudetsya slovo napisannoye: «Pogloshchena smert' pobedoyu». «Smert'! gde tvoye zhalo? ad! gde tvoya pobeda?» Zhalo zhe smerti — grekh; a sila grekha — zakon. Blagodareniye Bogu, daruyushchemu nam pobedu Gospodom nashim Iisusom Khristom! Itak, bratiya moi vozlyublennyye, bud'te tverdy, nepokolebimy, vsegda preuspevayte v dele Gospodnem, znaya, chto trud vash ne tshcheten pred Gospodom. (1-ye Korinfyanam 15:51–58)

V odno mgnoveniye svyatyye, ispoveduyushchiye khristianskuyu veru, budut voskhishcheny na vozdukh navstrechu svoyemu Gospodu v divnoy slave. Kakaya neveroyatnaya kartina: Tserkov' voznositsya v svoyu slavnuyu obitel' pod zvuki dolgozhdannoy truby! Voistinu, pobeda nad smert'yu i grekhom yavna blagodarya vozvrashcheniyu Khrista, i my budem tsarstvovat' s Nim vo veki vekov. Eto obetovaniye nadezhdy i vechnoy zhizni pobuzhdayet nas voznosit' glubokuyu blagodarnost' nashemu divnomu Spasitelyu.

(Afrikaans) (Beloftes van God) 

Kyk, ek deel julle 'n verborgenheid mee: Ons sal wel nie almal ontslaap nie, maar ons sal almal verander word, in 'n oomblik, in 'n oogwink, by die laaste basuin; want die basuin sal weerklink, en die dode sal onverganklik opgewek word, en ons sal verander word. Want hierdie verganklike moet met onverganklikheid beklee word, en hierdie sterflike moet met onsterflikheid beklee word. Wanneer hierdie verganklike dan met onverganklikheid beklee is en hierdie sterflike met onsterflikheid beklee is, dan sal die woord vervul word wat geskrywe is: Die dood is verslind in die oorwinning. O dood, waar is jou angel? O graf, waar is jou oorwinning? Die angel van die dood is die sonde, en die krag van die sonde is die wet. Maar God sy dank, wat ons die oorwinning gee deur onse Here Jesus Christus. Daarom, my geliefde broeders, wees standvastig, onwankelbaar, altyd oorvloedig in die werk van die Here, omdat julle weet dat julle arbeid nie tevergeefs in die Here is nie. (1 Korintiërs 15:51-58)

In 'n oomblik sal die heiliges van die Christelike geloof in die lug opgeneem word om hulle Here in wonderlike heerlikheid te ontmoet. Wat 'n ongelooflike prentjie van die kerk wat opvaar na hulle glorieryke tuiste met die langverwagte trompetgeskal! Inderdaad, die oorwinning oor die dood en sonde is duidelik deur die wederkoms van Christus en ons sal vir ewig saam met Hom regeer. Hierdie belofte van hoop en ewige lewe bring ons net na 'n plek van groot danksegging teenoor ons pragtige Verlosser.

(Armenian) (Աստծո խոստումները) 

Ահա՛, ես ձեզ մի առեղծված եմ հայտնում. մենք բոլորս չենք ննջի, բայց բոլորս էլ կփոխվենք՝ մի ակնթարթում, մի ակնթարթում, վերջին փողի հնչելու ժամանակ։ Որովհետև փողը կհնչի, և մեռելները կհարություն առնեն անապական, և մենք կփոխվենք։ Որովհետև այս ապականացուն պետք է անապականություն հագնի, և այս մահկանացուն՝ անմահություն։ Այսպիսով, երբ այս ապականացուն հագնի անապականություն, և այս մահկանացուն հագնի անմահություն, այն ժամանակ կկատարվի գրված խոսքը. «Մահը կլանվեց հաղթանակով»։ Մահ, որտե՞ղ է քո խայթը։ Գերեզման, որտե՞ղ է քո հաղթանակը։ Մահվան խայթը մեղքն է, և մեղքի զորությունը՝ օրենքը։ Բայց շնորհակալություն Աստծուն, որ մեզ հաղթանակ է տալիս մեր Տեր Հիսուս Քրիստոսի միջոցով։ Ուրեմն, սիրելի՛ եղբայրներ, հաստատուն եղեք, անսասան, միշտ առատաձեռն եղեք Տիրոջ գործում, քանի որ գիտեք, որ ձեր աշխատանքը ապարդյուն չէ Տիրոջ մեջ։ (Ա Կորնթացիս 15։51-58)

Մի ակնթարթում քրիստոնեական հավատքի սրբերը կհափշտակվեն օդում՝ հանդիպելու իրենց Տիրոջը հրաշալի փառքով։ Ի՜նչ անհավանական պատկեր է եկեղեցու բարձրանալը դեպի իրենց փառահեղ տունը՝ երկար սպասված շեփորի ձայնով։ Իրոք, մահվան և մեղքի նկատմամբ հաղթանակը ակնհայտ է Քրիստոսի վերադարձի միջոցով, և մենք հավիտյան կթագավորենք Նրա հետ։ Հույսի և հավիտենական կյանքի այս խոստումը մեզ միայն մեծ երախտագիտության տեղի է բերում մեր գեղեցիկ Փրկչին։

(Asttso khostumnery) 

Aha՛, yes dzez mi arreghtsvats yem haytnum. menk’ bolors ch’enk’ nnji, bayts’ bolors el kp’vokhvenk’, mi aknt’art’um, mi aknt’art’um, verjin p’voghi hnch’elu zhamanak. Vorovhetev p’voghy khnch’i, yev merrelnery kharut’yun arrnen anapakan, yev menk’ kp’vokhvenk’. Vorovhetev ays apakanats’un petk’ e anapakanut’yun hagni, yev ays mahkanats’un, anmahut’yun. Ayspisov, yerb ays apakanats’un hagni anapakanut’yun, yev ays mahkanats’un hagni anmahut’yun, ayn zhamanak kkatarvi grvats khosk’y. «Mahy klanvets’ haght’anakov». Mah, vorte?gh e k’vo khayt’y. Gerezman, vorte?gh e k’vo haght’anaky. Mahvan khayt’y meghk’n e, yev meghk’i zorut’yuny, orenk’y. Bayts’ shnorhakalut’yun Asttsun, vor mez haght’anak e talis mer Ter Hisus K’ristosi mijots’ov. Uremn, sireli՛ yeghbayrner, hastatun yeghek’, ansasan, misht arratadzerrn yeghek’ Tiroj gortsum, k’ani vor gitek’, vor dzer ashkhatank’y apardyun ch’e Tiroj mej. (A Kornt’ats’is 15.51-58)

Mi aknt’art’um k’ristoneakan havatk’i srbery khap’shtakven odum, handipelu irents’ Tirojy hrashali p’arrk’ov. I՜nch’ anhavanakan patker e yekeghets’u bardzranaly depi irents’ p’arrahegh tuny, yerkar spasvats shep’vori dzaynov. Irok’, mahvan yev meghk’i nkatmamb haght’anaky aknhayt e K’ristosi veradardzi mijots’ov, yev menk’ havityan kt’agavorenk’ Nra het. Huysi yev havitenakan kyank’i ays khostumy mez miayn mets yerakhtagitut’yan teghi e berum mer geghets’ik P’rkch’in.

宝血

 （歌词）宝血

1. 我因宝血得救，

因羔羊的宝血。

我因恩典得医治，

因那伟大的“我是”。

即便我跌倒，

我仍必再次站立，因为

我得救，

因羔羊的宝血。

2. 我因祂所受的鞭伤得医治，

那鞭伤刻在祂的身上，

我得医治，我得医治，

我始终承认。

纵然我的症状欺骗我，

无论如何，我坚信

“我因羔羊的宝血得医治。”

不要放弃，不要怀疑

安息在祂里面，这就是关键所在。

祂承担了你的罪，祂付出了代价，

接受你的牺牲。

(Gēcí) bǎo xuè

1. Wǒ yīn bǎo xuè déjiù,

yīn gāoyáng de bǎo xuè.

Wǒ yīn ēndiǎn dé yīzhì,

yīn nà wěidà de “wǒ shì”.

Jíbiàn wǒ diédǎo,

wǒ réng bì zàicì zhànlì, yīnwèi

wǒ déjiù,

yīn gāoyáng de bǎo xuè.

2. Wǒ yīn tā suǒ shòu de biān shāng dé yīzhì,

nà biān shāng kè zài tā de shēnshang,

wǒ dé yīzhì, wǒ dé yīzhì,

wǒ shǐzhōng chéngrèn.

Zòngrán wǒ de zhèngzhuàng qīpiàn wǒ,

wúlùn rúhé, wǒ jiānxìn

“wǒ yīn gāoyáng de bǎo xuè dé yīzhì.”

Bùyào fàngqì, bùyào huáiyí

ānxí zài tā lǐmiàn, zhè jiùshì guānjiàn suǒzài.

Tā chéngdānle nǐ de zuì, tā fùchūle dàijià,

jiēshòu nǐ de xīshēng.

(English)  (Song lyrics) THE BLOOD 

1. 

I am saved by the Blood,

By the Blood of the Lamb.

I am healed by the Grace,

Of the GREAT I AM.

  Should I stumble or fall,

I'll rise again, after all 

I am saved

By the Blood of the Lamb.

2

I am healed by the stripes,

That they placed in His Flesh,

I am healed, I am healed,

I always confess.

Though my symptoms deceive,

No matter what, I believe

"I am healed by the Blood of the Lamb."

Don't give in, don't you doubt

Rest in Him , that's what is about.

He took your sin, He paid the price, 

Accept your Sacrifice . 

French: LE SANG

 (Paroles) LE SANG

1. Je suis sauvé par le Sang,

Par le Sang de l'Agneau.

Je suis guéri par la Grâce,

Du GRAND JE SUIS.

Si je trébuche ou tombe,

Je me relèverai, car après tout,

je suis sauvé

Par le Sang de l'Agneau.

2. Je suis guéri par les meurtrissures,

Qu'ils ont placées dans Sa Chair,

Je suis guéri, je suis guéri,

Je confesse toujours.

Même si mes symptômes me trompent,

Quoi qu'il arrive, je crois :

« Je suis guéri par le Sang de l'Agneau.»

Ne cède pas, ne doute pas,

Repose-toi en Lui, c'est l'essentiel.

Il a porté ton péché, Il en a payé le prix,

Accepte ton Sacrifice.

(English)  (Song lyrics) THE BLOOD 

1. 

I am saved by the Blood,

By the Blood of the Lamb.

I am healed by the Grace,

Of the GREAT I AM.

  Should I stumble or fall,

I'll rise again, after all 

I am saved

By the Blood of the Lamb.

2

I am healed by the stripes,

That they placed in His Flesh,

I am healed, I am healed,

I always confess.

Though my symptoms deceive,

No matter what, I believe

"I am healed by the Blood of the Lamb."

Don't give in, don't you doubt

Rest in Him , that's what is about.

He took your sin, He paid the price, 

Accept your Sacrifice . 

The blood of Jesus Christ for us

 WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD 

Tonight, we want to examine the message of “When I See the Blood”, a song we sing from time to time.   This particular song is interesting as it appeals to an event recorded in the Old Testament, but finds its real fulfillment in Jesus.  And, as we consider what Jesus did for us, we make application to our lives.  

The song was written by John G. Foote (1854-1901) in Iowa.  We know very little about him, other than he was associated with the Presbyterian church.  This song, published in 1892, is the only known hymn of his that we have.   The message of this hymn is one that reminds us of our hope in Jesus.  One day we will stand before God in judgment, but the blood of Jesus can save us from eternal wrath.  Let us consider the teachings of this song.

 I.                     The Account

a.       Exodus 12:13 – Israel has been in Egypt for centuries and in miserable slavery.  Moses has been sent to Pharaoh to release the people.  Pharaoh refused which resulted in 10 plagues that devastated the land.  The 10^th plague was of special significance to the children of Israel.   It was announced as the death of the firstborn of both man and beast.
However, Israel was given instructions as to how to avoid this plague.  The events would become an annual observance for them known as the Passover.  
In Exodus 12, the children of Israel were instructed to take a lamb without blemish and at twilight on the 14^th of that month they were to kill the lamb.  With the meat they observed a feast with unleavened bread as they prepared for their exodus from Egypt. 
They were also instructed to take some of the blood of the lamb and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of their houses (12:7).  It was announced that about midnight, the angel of death would pass through the land of Egypt and execute judgment.  Then in vs. 13 we read, “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” 

b.       Jesus, is OUR Passover Lamb – 1 Corinthians 5:7, (cf. John 1:29). Furthermore, a study of the crucifixion shows that it was DURING the Passover feast that Jesus was put to death.  It was the Passover meal that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:19, 26-29).  John addresses the Passover as it relates to the death of Jesus in several passages (John 13:1, 18:28-29, 19:14).

c.        When God sees the blood of Jesus, He forgives our sins – the intended message of this song is to relate the statement to the Jews being delivered from the angel of death, to our being delivered from death because of our sins.  While not stated in those exact words, we do find a correlation.

                                                   i.      Sin is a terrible thing.  Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death.  In scripture, sin is referred to in terms of bondage or slavery – John 8:34 – Jesus said that whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 

                                                 ii.      The Bible has much to say about blood and our redemption.  Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption on Christ Jesus, “through His blood” (also Colossians 1:14).  Hebrews 9:12-14 notes the sacrifice of Jesus was with His own blood “one for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
It was blood that was shed, “for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26)
Romans 3:25 that the blood of Jesus appeased the wrath of God (propitiation) having “passed over the sins that were previously committed.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 – we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ

                                                iii.      We need to come in contact with that blood.  But how? Acts 2:38 (same as Matthew 26:26).  Romans 6:3-6 – baptized into His death – that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
In this chapter Paul continues to emphasize this noting that we are no longer slaves of sin, but slaves of righteousness – Romans 6:16-18.
Revelation 1:5 speaks of our being us being washed from our sins in His own blood.

d.       The chorus of our song, repeats this promise to us as we come in contact with His blood

 II.                   Verse 1 – Jesus paid the cost

a.       Christ, our Redeemer, died on the cross – this is what we have been addressing.  He is the One in whom we hope. 

b.       Died for the sinner, paid all his (our) due – Jesus paid the price God demanded – He died for us.  Romans 5:8. 1 Corinthians 15:3 – Christ died for our sins.
Be reminded that a redeemer is one who pays the price or delivers another. In terms of being slaves to sin, He paid the price to free us of that deadly state.

c.        All who receive Him need never fear – salvation is available to all.  - John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
And He must be “received” - most songs (obviously) do not mention everything one must do in dealing with a given situation.  There are many words that in context imply everything involved in a process.  We often talk about “the faith” (Jude 3, Eph. 3:8, etc.) meaning everything we do, or “the gospel” (Romans 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:1) being inclusive of everything preached.  Our song simply says, “received” which rightly talks about us doing what we need to do to “receive” salvation. 
WE understand this to include H, B, R, C, be Baptized.

d.       Yes, He will pass, will pass over you – the blood of Jesus will lead us to heaven in the day of Judgment.    More on this in vs. 3.

 III.                 Verse 2 – Chiefest of sinners Jesus can save

a.       Chiefest of sinners Jesus can save – it doesn’t matter what you have done in times past, you CAN be saved.  The blood of Jesus can forgive any sin. 
Paul described himself as chiefest of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
Be reminded of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – such were some of you.
(NOTE: Don’t confuse forgiveness with consequences)

b.       As He has promised, so He will do – Jesus realized He had a job to do and it was about our sins.  John 4:34, “Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”

c.          He said, finished His work (John 17:4, 19:30)
Seeing this completion, with confidence we know that Jesus CAN do what He promises us.  2 Timothy 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,“

d.       O sinner hear Him, trust in His word – some might see this as espousing faith only, but only if you limit “trust” to “faith only.”  We know that our salvation depends upon our willingness to hear Him and trust (believe) what He says!  OBEY the Gospel!  Ephesians 1:13, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

As we continually emphasize, trusting God means more than mental acknowledgement.  It IS an acknowledgment that will do what he says.  Consider 1 Peter 3:21 – it is “the answer of a good conscience toward God.  Cf. 1 Timothy 6:17 – the rich commanded NOT to trust in riches, but in God

e.       Then He will pass, will pass over you – THEN!  Conditional.

 IV.                 Verse 3 – Judgment is coming

a.       Judgment is coming, all will be there – we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.  He has appointed a day – Acts 17:30-31, Romans 1410-12 – we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ – and give an account of ourselves to God.

b.       Who have rejected, who have refused – it will be a sad day for many.   Matthew 25:31-32, 41, 46; John 5:28-29 – the hour is coming when all who are in the grave will hear and come forth to judgment. 
This reminds us of the reality of an eternal torment for those who will not obey the gospel – 2 Thess. 1:6-8, Romans 2:5-10, Revelation 20:12-15 – books opened and anyone not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.

c.        O sinner hasten, let Jesus in – a call to obey Him!  He knocks – Revelation 3:20.    John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

d.       Then He will pass, will pass over you – It is through the blood Jesus that we will find our forgiveness on that day. 

  V.                   Verse 4 – Jesus has power & is true

a.       O what compassion, o boundless love – this verse focuses on the character of Jesus that made this salvation possible.  One of things that can prick our hearts is a realization of the grace of God manifest in His sending Jesus.  AND of the love Jesus has for us. 
Jesus loved us – John 15:12-13, He lays down His life for His friends.  Revelation 1:5, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”  Galatians 2:20 – He loved me and gave Himself for me.
He also had compassion – He demonstrated this throughout His life – Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34, etc.   Cf. Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus humbled Him and became flesh to die for us.

b.       Jesus hath power, Jesus is true – amen!  Romans 1:4, Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness.  Ephesians 6:10 Paul calls for us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
He is also true – John 14:6, 1:14 – He was full of grace and truth; vs. 1;7 – truth came through Him
Ephesians 4:21 – as the truth is in Jesus – we have heard and been taught by Him

c.        All who obey are safe from the storm – the original said, “all who believe” – we again are reminded of our need to “accept” His offer of salvation.  We need to “obey the gospel”.
Consider also 1 John 1:7 – if we keep walking in the light, we will be cleansed of our sins.  (This includes repentance and asking forgiveness). 

d.       O He will pass, will pass over you – again we are reminded of the theme.  One thought – begins with “O” – in this case, a point of emphasis.  You might say, “Oh HOW” or “O, to what degree” will he pass over you.

 

Our hope is built upon the blood of Jesus.  One day we will stand in judgment and it is ONLY His blood that can save us.  But, as we have seen, we must contact that blood – through obeying the gospel.  Have you?  Are you remaining faithful?  Let this song remind you that there is hope as we live our lives in this uncertain world.  Be ready for that day.  

Part 2 : Greater Is He That Is In You ,

 Greater was He in that prophet Daniel than he that was in the lion. 

  Greater was He that was in the Hebrew children. Greater was He that was in them, than he that was in the fire. For they were throwed into the fire; and He that was in them was with them, and kept the fire from burning them when the furnace was heated seven times hotter than it ever was heated. Is that right? Greater was He that was with the Hebrew children than he that was in the world.  Nebuchadnezzar, l believe it was, that had the furnace heated up seven times hotter than it ever was. Inspired by the devil, to destroy these three people, because they were standing for the Word of God; and threw them into this furnace, seven times hotter than it ever was, and it couldn't even burn them. For greater was He that was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, than he that's in the world. Absolutely! Oh, my!

   Greater was He that was in Elijah, than the brassy skies was. Because he could bring rain out of a brassy skies that hadn't rained for 3 years and 6 months.

 Greater is He that was in Elijah than death. For, when it come time for him to die, God seen that old, tired prophet. He had been rebuking Jezebel and all of her paint and  modern things, and he was kind of tired. So He didn't even let him walk home, and like he did to Enoch. He sent a chariot and picked him up, and took him up Home.

  Greater is He that was in Elijah, than he that was in Jerusalem and in Judaea, and in the mountains. Greater was He is in Elijah than death itself. Greater is He that was in Elijah than the grave; because he escaped the grave. He escaped death and he just went up home in a chariot. See, greater was He and He was in Elijah. You say, "Oh, well, that was a great man." Wait a minute. The Bible said ,"He was a man that had like passions like you and I." That's right. But when he prayed, he believed he got what he prayed for; What Jesus said to us, "When you pray, believe that you receive what you ask for, it shall be done." He prayed earnestly that it wouldn't rain. It didn't rain for 3 years and 6 months. See? Greater was He that was in Elijah, than nature. 

  Then what about healing the sick?  See? Greater is He that's in you than the sickness. See? Because that's an interruption,  interrupting the very laws of God, sickness is. Well, For "greater" is He that's in you, that's a Healer and Creator, than the devil that's interrupted the very program of your life. "Greater is He that's in you, than he that's in the world." See?  Greater was He that was in Elijah. 

  Greater was He in Isaiah, than time was; or any of those prophets, because they seen past the time. See? 

  Greater is He that was in Job, than even the skin worms, and death and the grave. Because by a vision he saw the coming of the Lord, and said, "My redeemer liveth, and at the last day he'll stand up on the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." See?  Greater is He that was in Job, than death; greater, 'cause death tried to take him and he couldn't do it. It couldn't do it because he said, "I'll rise up again." And he did. He did.

  Listen, I wish we had time to go further on this. But I'd like to ask the question that I heard remarked the other day about, "Christ in you." Now, don't let it rest up on something that you've done; say, "I felt a little shiver. I spoke in tongues. I danced in the spirit." Nothing against that now. That's all right. See?  But don't rest up on that. See? Your life's got to be This. The Word. This is It. You and This has to become one, see? And then This manifest Itself. See? 

  But He that is in you is Christ. And if Christ is in you, the works of Christ you'll do. If Christ lives in you, He said so. John 14:12, "He that believeth in Me, the works that I do shall he do also." If you was in Christ or if Christ lived in you, then Christ is the Word. Is that right? And the Word come to His prophets. See? And if you Christ lived in you, the works of Christ would be done through you. The life of Christ would be lived through you. The works he did, the life he lived and everything, it would live in you . But if you're still living your own life, then your own works you'll do. See?

  But if you're living the Life of Christ, if Christ is in you, "He that's in you is greater than he that's in the world." If your doubts and flusterations about God's promise is in you, then Christ isn't there; see, you're only worked up. But if the Life, if Christ is Living in you, His Word He will recognize and His promise He'll do. See? He will do.

  "When thou prayest, believe that you receive what you ask for, and it shall be given to you. If you say to this mountain, 'be moved,' and don't doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, you can have what you say. The Father worketh, and I worketh hitherto. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing in Himself; but what He sees the Father doing, that doeth the Son likewise." See?

And when the Father showed Him what to do; walked out  there without a failure of anything and said, "Let it be." And it was. And that same Christ lives in you.  It lives in us. Then His works we will do, because Christ is the Word, and the promise of the Word brings healing to you. Do you believe that? Sure! 

  He said, "I will not leave you comfortless." As I pray, asked a while ago, there in Matthew 28:20. See? He said, "| will come to you, be in you. "I, " the Person, Christ, in the form of the Holy Ghost, "will come and live in you. Then you won't be yourself no more. l will be in you. And greater is Не that's in you, than he that's in the world." See? Hebrews 13:8 says,   "He is the same, yesterday and today and forever." 

  He that was in Noah was greater than the judgments of water.  And He that's in you is greater than the judgments of fire. See? He that's in you is greater because He paid the judgment and conquered the judgment for you. See? There's no fear about it. See? You're in there. Yes. Greater is He that was in Noah, than he that was in the judgments of the water that destroyed the world which believed not. Because, Noah believed. And greater was He in Noah that believed Him, that spoke to him, than he that was in the world. That, Noah escaped all the judgment, because of the Word of God was greater than that, and he was lifted above the judgment. "Greater!"  How we could hang on that for a while! See? 

   Greater is He that was in David, than the bear that stole his sheep. Greater is he that was in David, than the lion that come in and took one of his lambs. Greater is He that was in David, than the enemy, Goliath. The giant Philistine that stood there, some twelve feet tall, with fourteen-inch fingers on him; with a spear like a weaver's needle; and covered all over with two or three inches thick, of steel or metal, brass. But what was in David, was greater than what it was in him. He was power, muscles. Не was a warrior. He could, just said he'd pick up David by the end of his spear and hang him up, and let the birds eat him. 

    And David said,  "You meet me as a Philistine, in the name of a Philistine. You curse me in the name of the Philistine god." And said, " You've made your brag of what you'll do.  And you meet me with a armor and a spear. But I meet you in the Name of the Lord God, and today l'll take your head from your shoulders." And he did it, because greater was He that was inspiring David for that courage.

   Greater is He that's in you, than that wheel chair. Greater is He that's in you, than that stretcher. Greater is He that's in you, than that cancer. Greater is He that's in you, than that affliction. Greater is He, than anything that there is the devil could put on you. "Greater is He that's in you, than he that's in the world." Greater is He! Yes! Greater was David, what was in David; God in David.

   He is in us. That's the Christ. He was the conqueror of every enemy for us. When He was here on earth, He conquered sin. He conquered sickness. He conquered death. He conquered hell. He conquered the grave. And now He lives in us as the Conqueror ! 

  He conquered sickness, hell, death, grave, and come to us to set us free from all those things.

Yes! "Greater is Не that's in you, than he that's in the world." That's how these miracles happen. That's how that wind ceased, the other day. Could a human being do that? No, sir. It's impossible. The rains just ceased, and the winds ceased to blow. What was it? At my word? No! Because He told me to do it.

  And greater is He that's in us, than any nature. Isn't that the same God that could still the waves on the sea, could make the winds go back to their place? Isn't He the same One that could darken the sun? Can make the sun shine? Well, "Greater is He that's in you than he that's in the world." See? All right. 

  Now, that's why these true miracles can be done, because it's a promise of God. "The things that I do, shall you also." Saint John 14:12. He, Christ, that stilled the winds and the waves, is the Creator of them. He's still just as much Creator as He was then. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever.

  He healed the sick and destroyed sin, and changed it all for you, and come to you that He might dwell with you. Не conquered all these to come and live in us. He is that Conqueror that's already conquered these things. Proved it in the scriptures. Come back and conquered everything and prove to you that He is same God.

  And after nineteen hundred years, here He is still doing the same thing among us that He did then, that He conquered death, hell, sickness, and the grave! 

   This Christ, this "He," He is, He that's in you. He is Christ. As apostle John said, Не that's in you, is greater than he that's in the world." That was Christ! He is greater than all the world, because He conquered the world, and is the greater than all those things. Because He conquered it for us. And we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us and gave Himself for us that He might come back and do His works through us, to prove to us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.