<BrethrenVoice>
<GLEANINGS-FOR-THE-DAY>
<6 September 2002>
Contents:
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(1) <Devotional> "Reliant rest" - M.J. Stanford
(2) <Exhortational> "Stars in God's firmament" - Connie Giordano
(3) <Doctrinal> "In the beginning it was not so!" (Pt-11) - C.E.Wigg
(4) <Prophetical> "The Redeemer's Return" (Pt-21)- A.W.Pink
(5) <Apologetics) "Christian Apologetics" (Pt-9) -M. Copland
(1) <DEVOTIONAL>
RELIANT REST
Miles J. Stanford
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him" (Psalm 37:7).
Those who rest in Him are often accused of passivity. But the Lord Jesus,
who is our life, never was, nor ever is, passive.
"Do you suppose that the Father ever doubts the victory that has been won by
His beloved Son? Do you believe that He has a single cloud as to the result?
And faith looks at things as the Father looks at them. That is the secret of
all strength and courage.
"Why has the Father given us His revealed Word? That we may think the same
thoughts, have the same feelings, in our measure, as Himself. There is not a
thought or feeling that arises from the old man that is not false. But we
have new life capable of receiving and delighting in the very thoughts of
our Father." -J.C.B.
"How am I to know what is the Father's mind towards me? Is it by judging of
it from what I find in myself? Surely not! Supposing that I even found good
in myself, if I expected the Father to look at me on that account, would it
be grace? There may be a measure of truth in this kind of reasoning; for, if
there be life in my soul, fruit will be apparent; but this is not to give me
peace any more than the evil that is in me is to hinder my having
peace." -J.N.D.
"The Lord Jesus 'has passed into the heavens, now to appear in the presence
of the Father for us.' It is the Lord Jesus who gives abiding rest to our
souls, and not what our thoughts about ourselves may be. Faith never thinks
about that which is in ourselves as its ground of rest; it receives, loves,
and apprehends what the Father has revealed, and what are His thoughts about
the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is His rest." -J.N.D.
"Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest" (Hebrews 4:11).
---
Copyright ©1996-2002 TrueBranch Ministry.
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(2) <EXHORTATIONAL>
STARS IN GOD'S FIRMAMENT
Connie Giordano
"Heavenly wisdom is better than worldly wealth, and to be preferred before
it...It is better to get wisdom than gold. Gold is another's, wisdom is our
own; gold is for the body and time, wisdom for the soul and eternity." -
Matthew Henry
Daniel 12:3 - "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the
firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever
and ever."
Proverbs 11:30 - The Scriptures tell us that "he that winneth souls is
wise."
Daniel 11:33 - "...they that understand among the people shall instruct
many."
Matthew 24:45 - They shall faithfully give them "meat in due season"; that
is, they shall feed God's people with the "meat" of His Word.
Daniel 12:3, our introductory verse, begins with these words, "And they that
be wise..."
That word "wise" refers to the prudent, the circumspect, and those who have
insight and comprehension in a matter.
It also stands for the pious - all those who love and serve God and keep His
commands.
It denotes all those who live for God and heaven.
It also includes those who are instructed in Christ's doctrine, which would
comprise the teachers and preachers of God's Word.
It is these who "shall shine as the brightness of the firmament."
It is interesting to note that the word "shine" literally means to admonish,
give warning, teach, and enlighten by caution.
Figuratively, the word "shine" means to send out light, be light, and be
shining.
Therefore, those that are "wise" - the instructors and teachers of God's
Word - shall "shine" - admonish, give warning, teach, and enlighten by
caution.
Proverbs 4:18 - Figuratively, because they hold forth the Word of Life to
others, their path is "as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto
the perfect day."
Psalm 119:130 - The Scriptures tell us that "the entrance of Thy Words
giveth light,"
Psalm 119:105 - and "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my
path."
These "wise" instructors send out the Light of God's Word to others. In a
sense, they enlighten others by their preaching and teaching.
Matthew 13:43 - Because of the holiness of their lives and the purity of
their creed, they are said to "shine forth as the sun..."
A perfect example of one who shone so brightly in his generation was John
the Baptist. He was "wise" - baptized in the Holy Ghost from his mother's
womb. He did "shine" to the people of his day -
Matthew 3:2 - He admonished them and gave warning to "repent"
Matthew 3:7 - and "flee from the wrath to come."
John 5:35 - Therefore, he was referred to as a "burning and a shining
light."
Luke 1:16 - The angel prophesied to his father Zacharias and said - " And
many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God."
This then brings us to the final portion of our opening verse. The "wise" -
the instructors of God's Word -shall "shine," and they also shall "turn many
to righteousness."
Malachi 2:7 - It is the duty of every minister of the Gospel to "keep
knowledge" and "seek the law at His mouth."
Malachi 2:6 - "The law of truth" is to be in his mouth and no iniquity found
in his lips.
Malachi 2:6 - Then and only then will he successfully "turn many away from
iniquity."
James 5:20 - It is the responsibility of every preacher to save souls from
death and thereby hide a multitude of sins. Whenever he does this, he who
wins souls is counted "wise." Through his admonition and message of warning,
he turns many to righteousness. Then and only then is he deemed a burning
and shining "star" in God's vast firmament of believers.
Are you counted among the "wise" today?
Do you win souls?
Do you admonish or give warning to others to turn from their sin?
Do you instruct others in the ways of the Lord?
Are you a "burning and shining Light" as John the Baptist was?
James 5:20 - The Apostle James said - "...he which converteth the sinner
from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a
multitude of sins."
The Prophet Daniel said that he that turns "many to righteousness" shall
shine as the stars for ever.
The Lord Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 5:19, that he that does these
things - "...shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:16 - "Let your LIGHT so shine before men, that they may see your
good works..."
"Shine" for Jesus today.
Teach and warn others.
Be a burning and a shining Light.
Turn others to righteousness.
Be labeled as one of God's brightest stars in His vast firmament of people.
May God Bless His Word.
Connie
---
Copyright Connie Giordano 2002
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(3) <DOCTRINAL>
IN THE BEGINNING IT WAS NOT SO! (PART-11)
THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
Charles E. Wigg
....
This raises the question of the ministry of angels and also the problem of
the sovereignty of God. We are told in Hebrews chapter one, verse 14, that
angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to serve those that inherit
salvation. This means that angelic service and protection are available to
every true child of God. However it is not God's will that every one who is
called upon to suffer is to be delivered by miraculous angelic intervention.
We see this later on in the book of the Acts, when God sent an angel, to
deliver the Apostle Peter from a hopeless situation, yet He allowed Herod to
slay the Apostle James with the sword. But those who are called upon to
suffer, may rest in the assurance, that God is able to deliver them, but if
it is not His will to do so, then His will is always best and He makes no
mistakes. Daniel's three friends could face the fiery furnace with this
assurance. Our God is able to deliver us out of your hands, but if
not,....we will not bow down or worship the image that you have made. Then
let us never be afraid to pray for the protection of those heavenly
ministers, but always be content with whatever the will of God ordains for
us.
AT THE HANDS OF PAGAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS
In chapter 14 of Acts, we see persecution coming from another source. The
religious Jews, who having heard the Gospel rejected it, set about to stir
up the gentiles to attack Paul and Barnabas, but when they heard of it they
fled to another city. This is what the Lord Jesus commanded those whom He
sent out to do; Matt.10:23. They were not cowards, as the following story in
the chapter proves. At Lystra however, they healed a lame man and when they
had refused the acclaim and the worship offered to them by the superstitious
Pagans, these same people were persuaded by Jews who came from other cities
to stone Paul. The fanatical people dragged his dead body out of the city,
but God did a miracle of resurrection and Paul returned from the dead.
God did not choose to intervene through His angels in this case, but instead
allowed the persecutors to murder His servant. He then performed an even
greater miracle, that of resurrection. Nor did Paul and Barnabas flee, but
Paul rose up, even though the life had been beaten out of him and doubtless
would have had many broken bones, he then went back into the city, yet
nothing happened to him there. The following day, in spite of the terrible
injuries that he had suffered he walked many miles to Derbe.
It is possible that some who may read this may also be suffering, then let
me encourage you my brother or sister. God who is faithful is watching you.
He will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear. So
take courage dear suffering saints, your brothers and sisters in other lands
are praying for you and God will bless and honour you. Be as those "In the
beginning", were, faithful, courageous and wise. May God bless you each one!
[To be concluded]
---
[Reproduced with permission of Charles E. Wigg]
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(4) <PROPHETICAL>
"THE REDEEMER'S RETURN" (PART-21)
THE FACT OF THE REDEEMER'S RETURN
Arthur W. Pink
....
It has been pointed out by another that the New Testament is concerned
mainly with the presentation of three great facts: first, that the Son of
God has been to the earth but has gone away; second, that the Holy Spirit
has come down to this earth and is still here; third, that the Son of God is
coming back again to this earth. To quote--"These are the three great
subjects unfolded in the New Testament Scriptures; and we shall find that
each of them has a double bearing: it has a bearing upon the world, and a
bearing upon the church; upon the world as a whole, and upon each
unconverted man, woman, and child in particular; upon the church as a whole,
and upon each individual member thereof, in particular. It is impossible for
any one to avoid the bearing of these three grand facts upon his own
personal condition and future destiny" ("Papers on the Lord's Coming" by C.
H. M. 1 ). A few words now on each of these facts.
First; the Son of God has been to this earth but has gone away. Here is a
fact marvellous in its nature and far-reaching in its effects. This world
has been visited by its Creator. The very feet of the Lord of Glory have
trod this earth on which we now dwell. From heaven's throne there descended
the Only-begotten of the Father, and for upwards of thirty years He
tabernacled here among men. His appearing was not attended with regal pomp
and outward splendor. His glory was veiled and His Divine prerogatives were
laid aside. He who was in the form of God took upon Himself the form of a
servant. He who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, was made in the
likeness of men. He who had received the worship of angels was born in a
manger. What an infinite stoop! What amazing condescension! What matchless
grace! Were it not that we have grown so familiar with the recital of these
things, were it not that our cold hearts had lost their sense of wonderment,
we should be overwhelmed with adoring gratitude. Were it not that we were so
occupied with the things of this world and our own interests we should
prostrate ourselves before God in worship and cry, "Worthy is the Lamb that
was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor,
and glory, and blessing" (Rev. 5:12). Here then is the first great fact
presented in the New Testament--the Son of God came down to this earth.
How was He received? What welcome did He meet with? What effect did the
coming of the "Mighty God" (Is. 1:6) have upon the world? What effect would
we suppose it to have had? Should we expect to learn that the birth of the
God-man was hailed as the most wondrous and blessed event in all history?
Should we expect to find the rulers of the earth casting their scepters at
His feet? Should we expect to find Him an Object of universal worship? Such
expectations would but betray our ignorance of the depths of human
depravity. Of sinners it is written "They did not like to retain God in
their knowledge" (Rom. 1:28). And why? Because "the carnal mind is enmity
against God" (Rom. 8:7).--such it was demonstrated to be when God was
manifested in the flesh. "There was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7)
sums up the whole tragic story. The Christ of God was not wanted. His
ineffable holiness condemned the vile wickedness of sinners. He came here to
"heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,"
but the world hated Him, "hated" Him "without a cause" John 15:25). Men
said, "This is the heir; come, let us kill Him" (Mark 12:7), and no ordinary
death would suffice and appease the hatred of their wicked hearts. He must
die the death of a criminal, He must be crucified- a form of punishment
reserved for slaves who were guilty of the vilest crimes (Josephus). By
wicked hands He was "crucified and slain" (Acts 2:20).
[To be concluded]
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(5) <APOLOGETICS>
"CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS, AN INTRODUCTION - (PART-9)"
M. Copland
....
THE EVIDENCE FOR EARLY EXISTENCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
Introduction
1. The New Testament presents itself as a historical record of events
that supposedly occurred during the First Century A.D.
2. How reliable is it? How do we determine the reliability of any
ancient document that professes to record events of history?
3. To establish the reliability of ANY historical document, one of the
first questions to be raised is: "How soon after the events took
place were they recorded?"
4. Applied to the New Testament, this involves trying to determine what
evidence there is for THE EARLY EXISTENCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT...
I. WHY EVIDENCE FOR THE EARLY EXISTENCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT IS CRUCIAL
A. IF SOME EVENT IS RECORDED LONG AFTER IT OCCURRED...
1. It is not likely to have been written by "eyewitnesses"
2. It is not likely to have been written when "other eyewitnesses"
were around to confirm or dispute its accuracy
3. Its credibility would be weakened; for example, which would be
the more credible source for information about an event that
occurred during The Civil War Between The States...
a. A present day writer depending totally upon second-hand
sources?
b. Or diaries and letters written by eyewitnesses of the event?
4. Of course, it would be necessary to show that such diaries and
letters were authentic and where possible shown to be accurate
B. DURING THE LAST CENTURY, SOME SCHOLARS ASSERTED THAT THE GOSPELS
AND THE BOOK OF ACTS DID NOT EXIST BEFORE 130 A.D.
1. This would mean the Gospels and Acts were not written by
eyewitnesses!
2. Rather, it was written by frauds who misrepresented themselves
as eyewitnesses!
a) For the author of Acts claims to have been present during
some of the events described in that book - cf. "we" in
Ac 16:11-12
b) The author of the Second Epistle Of Peter claims to have been
an eyewitness of the Transfiguration - 2 Pe 1:16-18
[Written by eyewitnesses and others who lived during those times, or a
book written by liars in a effort to deceive...these are the only
choices we have! This is why it is important to establish the early
existence of the New Testament!]
[To be concluded]
---
© M. Copland 2002
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