THE possession of a God, or the non-possession of a God, makes the greatest possible difference between man and man. They have dared to come before the burning bush without taking off the sandals, and in their ignorance and impudence theyve come to apprehend the One who fashioned the cells of their existence. IT is a gentle reproof: by this time Mary should not have been crying. This morning I had the privilege of teaching on John 18:1-27. Behold 153. He knew what it was to lose a loved one. The Roman trial began with a first examination before Pilate (Mt. Christ came to change all of that. Christ could either stay beyond the Jordan and enjoy a vibrant ministry (10:40-42), or He could fulfill the will of the Father and accomplish His ultimate destiny and mission here on Earth, by the time the messenger arrived at Jesus Lazarus would have already been dead, http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/seated-at-gods-right-hand/, http://www.gty.org/resources/print/sermons/66-73, http://www.gotquestions.org/phileo-love.html#ixzz3FWIhOYPt, http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/why-we-read-the-bible, http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-memorize-scripture, Relying on the Supernatural Power of Christ for Life and Strength, http://www.reformationtheology.com/2009/04/world_johns_ten_uses_of_the_wo.php, Steven Lawson New Reformation Ministries. [iv], Sadly, there are many people who incorrectly associate Christs saving work with the entire world, as if all the world will be saved simply because this verse says that God loved the world. 11:3So the sisters sent to him, saying, Lord, he whom you love is ill., Boice makes a good point that the sisters dont directly make an appeal to the Lord here for help, though that is almost certainly what their goal was. Let us cease to expect that missionaries and ministers will ever convert the world, and teach all mankind to love one another. Heres how he responds: And the angel answered him, I am Gabriel. [xi], The Amillennial position, which holds some points in common with both of the premillennial positions, believes that the church age is the kingdom age prophesied in the Old Testament. The fundamental task of the church is to bear witness to the kingdom of God. [24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate. But before we discuss these things specifically, I believe we need to begin our study of this book by briefly examining the nature of the kingdom of God. So John gets to the tomb but theres no Jesus, and he doesnt enter into the gravesite but observes the scene from outside the door. 2:15-16a), [xi] I like what Tony Reinke says on reading through the Bible in a year, Reading the Bible from cover to cover in 2013 is a noble goal. It is a world-historical movement, following the fall of Adam, in which God works to defeat Satan and bring human beings to acknowledge Christ as Lord. Lastly, as Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, it was a clear indication that the kingdom of God was upon them. 153 fish,all the species/nations of the world can fit into the net and the net is not broken.. Such is the value God places on the lost sinners of this world. Finally, the Apostle does not stop with this exhortation, but goes on to deliver a comforting reminder (read verse 3). Jesus gives us a preview of what the consummation of His mission will look like when He comes back. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. Paul says God gave them up or turned them over to their own desire multiple times in this passage. God planned it all from before the world began. The copper snake had the power (efficaciousness) to save all/anyone who looked at it, as does Christ. This discerning is shorthand for living in such a way that reflects Gods work within you it means loving others and God, and is the result of a renewed mind and transformed heart. THE HOUND OF HEAVEN 569 and friend of Francis Thompson, always assures me that The Hound of Hearven must be looked upon as an autobiography of the poet's life. [27] And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound. [28] But he was angry and refused to go in. (1 Corinthians 15:20-26), And he is the head of the body, the church. That he will not come to the feast at all? [57]Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him. Once the Jews learn of this latest miracle, their main concern seems to be a political one. It is a kingdom built upon a rock. 11:54-57Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. [iv] In fact, we as gentiles ought to praise the God for including us into his promises. Across the margent of the world I fled, And troubled the gold gateways of the stars, Smiting for shelter on their clangd bars; Fretted to dulcet jars. It is therefore comforting and of no small importance that upon His victory the Lord refers to His disciples as those who will participate in the rewards of His triumph. The hallmark of this text is a warning to believers not to live their lives as introverted and covetous people. A few things. And when He saw the people mourning with no hope for tomorrow, He was indignant. We are to be people marked by inward heart transformation and a mind renewed in the knowledge of God, which we can readily share with others. We have all sinned against God. 1087-1088. 103. 177. [v] Hughes makes a wonderful point that the fact that they have become dull of hearing means that at one point they were not dull, they have regressed. Is it not significant that Martha had a better understanding of the resurrection than the Sadducees? The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. The meaning is understood. Last night I taught on Luke 15, three parables that teach us about the lengths God has gone to save us, and the only proper response to His pursuit: joy and repentance. They had a lot to sort outand after all, what could they do? Get Free Weekly Updates from Preaching Today, Secular Jewish Writer Comes to Faith in Christ, Famous Playwright and Journalist on 'The Hound of Heaven'. Both men are running, but John notes that he beat Peter to the tomb. We have a heart problem when it comes to learning about God and it is only through the implanted Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are changed and transformed. It is God who justifies. Ryle says, The amazing wickedness of human nature is strikingly illustrated in this verse. For those of you who are believers, we must cling to the promises of God, and abide in His truth, knowing that He is faithful. The power of God was with Peter, look at what Luke tells us in the next chapter (Acts 5): [12] Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. [7]And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. [15] Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Presently, Kate and I would really like to sell our house. [xiii] Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. [xiii], Amils believe that the first resurrection is simply that spiritual resurrection that has taken place and realized during the intermediate state. Spurgeon says: o If you had a New Testament in Greek it would be very Greek to some of you, but it would do you as much good to look atthatas it does to look at the English New Testament unless you read with understanding heart.[xiv], And so now you see the thrust of what were getting at here. He made more wine at Cana than was necessary, He made more fish in Luke 5 than the disciples could take in, He made more bread and fish for the 5000 than the crowd needed, and He healed hundreds if not thousands of men and women. Secondly, it shows the importance of spiritual warfare and of sharing the gospel. So not every thought is written long-form, there are several footnotes with other thoughts at the bottom, and everything is in bullet form. Written by a descendant of both Patrick Henry and Woodrow Wilson, New World Order reveals just who is behind the New World Order, what they want, how they are affecting your life today, and what can you can do about it. It depicted Hosea's picture of a pursuing God. These are the words and component parts of a person whose heart has been miraculously changed by the Holy Sprit. Could they really have been this cruel? The thought, then, might be paraphrased this way: Stop touching me (or, Stop holding on to me), for (gar) I have not yet ascended to my Father i.e. It is this revealing of Gods character through created things, through His plan, and through His Son that we are to focus on here. Rather it is put here to point us to Christ, and how Christ ultimately triumphed over the grave. You wish to bring others to Christ, because you yourselves have been brought to life and liberty in him. Well, we certainly make that decision, but not until we are born again otherwise we would never desire to choose to believe. But none of it made sense to them yet. If someone doesnt like the way we behave, we say tough, thats what makes me unique! We celebrate our sins and call them diversity, and we go endless days without doing business with God because we dont take God as seriously as we ought. Sproul was speaking of earlier when he said that Christs kingdom was inaugurated but not yet consummated. There are some promises, and some realities that are presently being realized in the church age, yet will not come to their full glory until Christ returns. John uses the word world in ten different ways in his Gospel. What a wonderful feeling and a wonderful knowledge that is. Adults, however, desire couscous, cappuccino, and Crme Brulee not peanut butter, apple juice, and popsicles. A God who could have sat back and ruled the world from on high, but instead who chose to come down to us. There is joy and eternal bliss that has been reserved for those who trust in Him now. 1:1-3). You see, God never gives commands (imperatives) without first laying the foundation for the ability to obey those commands. It is the good life it prioritizes the self ahead of others, and the temporal before the eternal. He knew the impact of these verses. Heaven and Hell. Why didnt they understand what was going on with the Lord? Mary loved Jesus. The brook Kidron is the Hebrew name for Cedron and means dark waters, and as A.W. The word is actually embrimaomai, which literally means, snort like a horse! The idea here, as MacArthur says, includes a connotation of anger, outrage, or indignation. It is a matter of the will. Spurgeon's 3,561 sermons are bound in sixty-three volumes. It isnt as though His staying away had any affect on the situation materially. Matthew Henry says, It is a sin and shame for persons that are men for their age and standing in the church to be children and babes in understanding, This is why James rightly says, Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21 ESV), We must also not misunderstand and think that the elementary truths are not precious, that is not what the author is stating.[viii]. He is saying that there are no good people. We have all gone astray (Is. This is a truth rooted in the prophets He had a specific group of people upon whom He had set his affections: For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. In 1955, a love letter from Suzanne Kempe to her philosophy lecturer, Thompson's poem is the source of the phrase, "with all deliberate speed," used by the, Thompson's poem was the inspiration for a series of 23 paintings by the American painter, "The Hound of Heaven" is the fifth chapter in, In 1975 "The Hound of Heaven" was mentioned in the suicide note of, Lines from the poem are recited between the discussion during the last scene in "The last enemy", which is the 2nd episode, 3rd season of, In 2002, Katherine A. If you have not come to know Christ personally as your savior, if you have not been made alive from the spiritual death to which you were born into this world, then today is the day of salvation. [ix] R.C. Likewise, the miracle that were about to read of bolstered the faith of the disciples and those who were near Christ. Yet this verse is also one of the most misunderstood, misinterpreted verses in Scripture. In contrast to our love for sin, His love is seen as extravagant. All desires and all hobbies, all people and all family must be His second fiddle. And its a goal that positions us well to commune with God. Thats love. This is a passage I had preached a sermon on some time ago, so the notes were the same and can be found by clicking here. (Revelation 20:3 ESV). Want an immediate 15% discount & exclusive offers? 20:10-11 Then the disciples went back to their homes. God be praised He has seen fit to pick me up and place me into both categories by His power. The second tricky topic here is the idea of judgment and condemnation and how it seems that verses 17 and 18 might not square with each other. Such is the love the father had for his son. So Davids Son and Lord, crossed the Cedron while Judas was betraying Him to His foes. [36] As it is written. Below is a sermon I preached this past week on John 18:1-27. Of my own mind, and in the midst of tears. (a) I think that Christs remarkable appearance to the disciples, when they were in the act of fishing, was meant to remind them and the whole Church of the primary duty of ministers. That is what we need to take away from this passage. Note what they say to her, Woman, why are you weeping? It isnt as though they dont know the reason shes weeping. o Read Good Christian Authors: Many of us spend our time reading all fiction, or all one field or another. As the hound follows the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the chase, with unhurrying and unperturbed pace, so does God follow the fleeing soul by His Divine grace. It does not attract, rather the reverse. It is his duty, one might say. You are of this world; I am not of this world. It this doesnt turn you off, then I hope you are able to enjoy the study! She needed that money to run her household. [vi] In the Reformation Study Bible R.C. Imagine working all day long, getting dinner made, getting the laundry going, the kids finally in bed, the house somewhat clean (if youre lucky), and you sit down to get the money ready for grocery day tomorrow. It isnt that Marthas faith is wrong, it is simply not matured, it simply hasnt grown into a full-orbed understanding of the character and nature and power of who God in Christ is, and what He is capable of doing. What happened here is hard to explain, but I believe its a preview of what Paul says will happen when Jesus returns: Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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. The kingdom was in their midst became (sic because) the King was there. I thought I saw an Abrahamic type of faith a gigantic faith. The theme itself is a venerable one. When push comes to shove, he cannot and will not embrace or associate himself with Jesus at this point. (1 John 4:9-10). [xviii] Frame, Systematic Theology, Pg. 45, [vii] Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future, Pg. The verse says that we get eternal life by believing, not by doing, not by working. In these ways and many more, Christ is the suffering servant; He is the very heart of love. This is the nitty-gritty of sanctification, and its also why reading the Bible and meditating on Christs actions here and every word that proceeds from His mouth, is so important. Instead of being rude, He is sometimes short and to the point. It would have taken an amazing effort to have accomplished this this was a coordinated effort. [12] Jesus said to them, Come and have breakfast. Now none of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? They knew it was the Lord. And as you meditate on and memorize the word of God, pray to the Lord and ask for His help to understand it and deeply engrain it in your mind so that when you face a Peter Moment you will have the sword ready to go. However, the post-millennial viewpoint was really made popular and caught on prior to the 20th century. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Douglass Kelly says, The exercise of this heavenly authority over all lesser powers is the main thing that is happening in this age between the two comings of the Lord; which, as we shall seek to demonstrate, is the prime meaning of the millennium. But never think that imagination can picture heaven. Here is a plan proof that it does not.. Pauls entire lens of thinking was seen through the Lordship prism of Jesus. Certainly the most glaring example of suffering and death being used for Gods pleasure is the example of Jesus Christs own passion and death. This is a great insight for us because it shows us firstly that the priorities of heaven are not the priorities of earth. And when I heard, and the tear rolled down my cheek, I wiped it away and defied Him to melt my soul. Thats when you start looking through your bank statements, scrolling furiously through the online line items. One day He will return to consummate His kingdom (the not yet) and upon that return will usher in the visible reality of his reign (the already). [5] It isnt a popular thing to repent of our behavior. The picture is coming together just as He has foreordained, and that includes the gracious provision to allow His disciples to make it to safety, and bring us safely home to heaven. He opened my eyes to see the gloriousness of the gospel. But there are many reasons beyond our understanding that prevent that right now. This special affection is seen in the profuse love of this father for his wayward son. He has saved us and not to mope about in introspection for our entire lives, but to love others in service to our Lord. Here we see that once again Christ is moved again, and its no wonder given the nature of the response from those in the mourning party (he is filled with a righteous indignation as the Greek clearly impliesagain, the English translations are all incorrect). But how is that achieved? Let us take this restoration as a reminder of the open arms of Christ, and the charge he gives us upon restoration. The Revelation of His Glory and how it Transforms Us. In addition to the notes, there was a sermon that proved very helpful by C.H. He knew that soon His great passion would be upon Him. [10] Ryken wisely points out that there is a progression in the three parables. And indeed Peter understood this. However, God commands us to have agape love toward everyone. We see that not only is this man the Messiah whose long awaited and desired coming had finally arrived, but he is the very Son of God who called creation into existence millennia prior to this moment. The other nations were deceived by Satan into worship idols. We can do this, as Christians, by prayerful meditation on the Word of God. He was able to do things no man has ever done. (John 17:9-10). Jesus restores Peter, forgives Peter. (f) I think, besides this, that the respective positions of the disciples and Christ, when they first saw Him, may possibly be intended to represent the respective positions of Christ and His people during this dispensation. Peter cannot and will not embrace Christ when the rubber meets the road because he is a fallen man and does not have the restorative power of the Holy Spirit working actively in his life. [viii] These are foundational truths, as John MacArthur says, the phrase is equivalent to the gospel of salvation by faith rather than works. All else, all other priorities fade for the moment, and the search consumes everything.[8]. So when the Son willingly took the suffering of that recompense on himself, every footfall on the way to Calvary echoed through the universe with this message: the glory of God is of infinite value! We see that Jesus is saying that the reason why Lazarus has been sick (at this point he has not died) is so that the Son of God may be glorified.. The purpose is so that his prayer and plan might come to pass for us. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! And parry He doesmuch more than this He overcomes! Underlying all of this the manifold character of God is seen. I leave his ways to himself, for they are far, far above meThere are windings and tos and fros in his ways, which blind bodies like us cannot see.. [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. This is important to note simply because we see by this timeline that Christ, knowing all that was going on here, did not kill Lazarus by not coming right away. It is no secret that my life, especially as of late, has been the subject of many an attack of the Devil and his lackeys. [3] And this we will do if God permits. And it was also a sign that Jesus was who He claimed to be. All goodness, all illumination as far as truth is concerned comes from Him. [11] For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. The Rev. Because it is such a popular verse, people often use this verse as a proof text for universalism this is probably mainly because A. Jesus doesnt claim in this verse exclusivity and B. I believe John recorded this incident for a reason. I think the answer is emphatically no. For our Lord had many times predicted not only His own death, but also His resurrection. 15:16-19 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. [16] For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. [xvi] Sproul, Everyones a Theologian, Pg. In this culture hospitality was a very important part of the social order, and who you ate with was just as important. In this phrase Christ is claiming that, not only does He have the power to raise lost souls from the dead, but He has a plan for them after that we were saved from something, but also for something. I do not think that it is fair to say on this basis that no request was implied. Secondly, the living of this son is the life promoted by the world. The "Hound of Heaven" is a 182-line poem written by English poet Francis Thompson (1859-1907). First, Jesus initiates a love for us and then expects us to follow His example: We love because he first loved us. But there are obviously many other benefits to spending time in Gods word, which flow from a renewed mind, and a transformed heart. With these conjectures I leave the passage. One of the first texts I read after becoming Catholic was Francis Thompson's "The Hound of Heaven". In so doing, He softens our hearts with this love. In 1883, Charles Spurgeon was sitting on a bench in Menton, France, when a pale, emaciated woman sat down beside him. They were so close to the event itself, that what they were witnessing seemed confusing amidst their fears and sorrow. We are to be zealous for the Lord's great Name - through His power for His glory. And that group includes me. He will then deceive the nations again, presumably achieving some measure of his old power. But He goes on: [20] I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, [21] that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Therefore, as D.A. We must notice three things about the Father: 15:25 Now his older son[10] was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [11]For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame. [12]For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. It is the story of Peters three denials, and the power of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. By Steve Grafe Curator of Art. A Sermon Published On Thursday, September 24, 1914. Do we not all need watering and tending by his constant and gracious care? Vain were ceremoniesvain as empty wells to the thirsty Arab. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Another time the Pharisees asked Him when the kingdom of God would come, and Jesus replied, Behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you (Luke 17:21). Therefore, because he no longer has the power of the last word spiritually, he will do everything he can to make your life miserable and ultimately rejoices in your death for that is all he has left. Angels celebrate when we repent and are saved. Furthermore, you werent the one who ordained salvation, and neither will you have to maintain it. The Hound of Heaven. 11:43-44When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out. [44]The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Spurgeon sees great, if perhaps accidental, wisdom in Marys mistaking Jesus for the gardener: She was mistaken when she fell into supposing him to be the gardener; but if we are under his Spirits teaching we shall not make a mistake if now we indulge ourselves in a quiet meditation upon our ever-blessed Lord, supposing him to be the gardener., It is not an unnatural supposition, surely; for if we may truly sing, We are a garden walled around, What this verse does teach us is that God has prepared a way of salvation (eternal salvation) for the whole world people from every tribe and tongue and nation will have a way to be saved.
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