-------------------------<BrethrenVoice>------------------------- [which seeks to be guided solely by the NT Biblical pattern, facilitates free flow of Christian info. To God be the glory!] [eMail Moderator: ben@...] [The Moderator would welcome your comments/feedback] [<SUNDAY-GLEANINGS> archives/read online: http://associate.com/groups/brethrenvoice/ezmlm.cgi] <SUNDAY-GLEANINGS> <19 January 2002> Contents: ----------- 1) <Devotional> "Treasury of David - Psalm 19:6"- C.H. Spurgeon 2) <Bible-Study> "Peace offerings" (Pt-4)-Charles E.Wigg 3) <Bible-Study> "Dispensation of Promise" - J. Stephen 4) <From-the-Gleaner> "Top-stories-of-the-week" - Ben 1) <DEVOTIONAL> TREASURY OF DAVID - PSALM 19:6 C. H. Spurgeon Verse 6. "His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it." He bears his light to the boundaries of the solar heavens, traversing the zodiac with steady motion, denying his light to none who dwell within his range. "And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." Above, beneath, around, the heat of the sun exercises an influence. The bowels of the earth are stored with the ancient produce of the solar rays, and even yet earth's inmost caverns feel their power. Where light is shut out, yet heat and other more subtle influences find their way. There is no doubt a parallel intended to be drawn between the heaven of grace and the heaven of nature. God's way of grace is sublime and broad, and full of his glory; in all its displays it is to be admired and studied with diligence; both its lights and its shades are instructive; it has been proclaimed, in a measure, to every people, and in due time shall be yet more completely published to the ends of the earth. Jesus, like a sun, dwells in the midst of revelation, tabernacling among men in all his brightness; rejoicing, as the Bridegroom of his church, to reveal himself to men; and, like a champion, to win unto himself renown. He makes a circuit of mercy, blessing the remotest corners of the earth; and there are no seeking souls, however degraded and depraved, who shall be denied the comfortable warmth and benediction of his love-even death shall feel the power of his presence, and resign the bodies of the saints, and this fallen earth shall be restored to its pristine glory. In the three following verses (7, 8, 9) we have a brief but instructive hexapla containing six descriptive titles of the word, six characteristic qualities mentioned and six divine effects declared. Names, nature, and effect are well set forth. _______________________________________________________ 2) <BIBLE-STUDY> THE PEACE OFFERING LEVITICUS CHAPTER 3 AND CHAPTER 6:11-37. (PART-4) Charles E. Wigg THE PLACE OF SACRIFICE: The slaughter of animals for food was not allowed to take place at the Israelite's house or village, so it would seem, but had to take place at the Tabernacle. The person and his family came with the animal to that place where the Tabernacle was set up, and later to the Temple. On the merely human level, this would ensure that proper hygiene was observed, and thus lead to better health. Also it prevented the possibility of the children of Israel offering blood sacrifices to demons. It also has a typical significance for us. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God, and represents the local Church, the believers gathered to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are commanded not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, (Heb. 10;25,) and we should give increasing importance to the meetings of the assembly, when we gather for remembrance and worship, prayer, the study of the word of God, and the preaching of the Gospel. Thank God for the believer's home, it is truly a blessed place, where the presence of the Lord Jesus can be known, and the children taught to pray and to understand the Bible. But it is never meant to detract from the assembly meetings but rather to enrich them. The peace offering was brought from the home of the offerer, and likewise we are to come to the assembly meetings with something to offer to God. What God gives us as we study the word of God privately in our homes, He means us to share with the other believers in the assembly. The manifestations of the Spirit are given to individuals, but given for the profit of the whole body, ( 1 Cor.12;7). We are not to attempt selfishly to seek to enjoy the richness and fullness of Christ alone, but to share what we have learned with our brothers and sisters in Christ. in the meetings of the local assembly. We see from 1 Samuel chapter one, how that the occasion of going up to the Tabernacle was one of joy and feasting; this is how our meetings should be as we come to present and to enjoy our peace offerings. [To be concluded] --- [Reproduced by permission] _______________________________________________________ 3) <BIBLE-STUDY> "DISPENSATION OF PROMISE" GEN 12:1-EX 12:42 J. Stephen STEWARD: Abraham and his seed (Gen 12:1) God turns His attention from man in general to one man, Abram, a descendant of Shem (born Gen 11:26) and the uncle of Lot (Gen 11:27). From Abram, God would raise up a people for himself and through which the rest of the nations would be blessed and know God. MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY: Abram and his descendants via Isaac were to trust God and look for and live to hasten the fulfilment of God's promise that Abraham's seed would possess the land to which he was sent (Canaan), that his offspring would outnumber the stars of heaven and that they would be a blessing to the rest of the nations. All males were to be circumcised as a sign of being part of the covenant (Gen. 17:9-14) and were not to intermarry with those outside the covenant. CHARACTER OF ENVIRONMENT: This dispensation begins with a promise to Abram (Gen 12:1-3) (repeated Gen 13:15-16, 15:5, 15:13, 15:18, 17:9-14) and repeated to Isaac and Jacob through whom the nation of Israel is born. Abram (after being called out of idolatry) believes God (and is counted righteous Gen 15:6). This is the pattern throughout the Bible. Abraham recognises the pattern of Abel's sacrifice for sin and calls upon the name of the Lord (Gen 12:7-8, 12:8, 13:4) While God deals with Abraham and his seed, the rest of the nations around them are characterised by famines (Gen 12:8, Gen 26, Gen 43), Wars (Gen 14:1-3, 10). Abram's name changed to Abraham (Gen 17:5) and Sarai's name changed to Sarah (17:15) Isaac born (Gen 21). God tested Abraham but Abraham passed this test Gen 22 and trusted God see Gen 22:5! (Abraham was called the Friend of God, James 2:23). Isaac marries Rebekah (Gen 24:67). Isaac calls upon the name of the Lord and builds altar (again following pattern of Abel) (Gen 26:25) Jacob and Esau born (Gen 25:24-26). Jacob marries Leah and Rachel (Gen 29). Jacob's name changed to Israel (Gen 32:28). Jacob has 12 sons. Joseph is sold into slavery because his brethren hated him for revealing to them a dream which comes true when they go to Egypt. Jacob reminds Joseph of promise (Gen 48:3-4, 21). Joseph reminds sons of Israel of the promise (Gen 50:25-26, fulfilled in Exod 4:31) Joseph is one who has more written about him than Abraham, one whose testimony and faithfulness remained throughout his life. He is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Abram's seed were to be a separated people i.e. strangers in the land (like Christians being in the world but not of it). Abraham, Isaac and Jacob show the pattern by marrying their own and not intermarrying with the strangers with whom they dwelt. (Jacob's offspring disobeyed in this respect, some marrying Canaanite women) Life spans begin to shorten, Abraham considered well stricken in years at 100 years old. He only lives until 175. Potiphar's household was blessed because of Joseph who trusted God. (Photiphar means devoted to Ra Gen 39:1-6) This was according to God's promise, "I will bless them that bless thee ...". Egypt was also blessed while they treated Israel well. THE FAILURE: Neither Abraham, Isaac nor Jacob completely trusted God. Abraham failed to go directly to Canaan (Acts 7:4). He stayed in Haran until his father died. Abram didn't trust God when famine hit the land where he was and went to Egypt. He told Sarai to lie about who she was to avoid being killed (but God wouldn't allow him to be killed if He had promised great things for him) (Gen 12:10-13). Abram didn't trust God and tried to make the promise of a child and hence a nation come to pass by taking Hagar (Sarai's Egyptian handmaid) as his wife and though Ishmael is blessed, God wanted his seed to come through Isaac, a miracle child which would prove God's power. Isaac also lied about his wife (Gen 26:6-11). Jacob stole his brother's birthright (Gen. 25:24-34). He later abandoned the land of his forefathers and moved to Egypt (Gen. 41:54-57; Gen. 46:26). Jacob and Rebekah his mother deceived Isaac and caused Isaac to bless Jacob rather than Esau who was born first. Esau's line was evil (his descendents were Edom and Amalek (Gen 36 Exod 17:8,14, Obediah). Rachel brought the idols from her father's house when they left with Jacob to start a new life back in his parents' land. (Teraphim - household god, Gen 31:34) Jacob was told to go back to Beth-el but instead went to Shalem in Shechem and erected the altar there (Gen 33:18-20, compare with Gen 28:20-22, he did eventually go back in Gen 35:1-5 and also cleansed his house of the idols, only after being reminded by God of his vow). Jacob also is not recorded to have given a tenth of all he got as he vowed in Gen 28:22). Jacob deceives Esau again (Gen 33:12-20). Dinah is defiled because of her father's (Isaac) disobedience by purchasing land in Shechem rather than going back to Beth-el. Jacob's sons were deceitful like their father (Gen 34:13-24). Abraham's seed were to be strangers or pilgrims in the land (like we are to be pilgrims in the world) until God gave the land and the people in to their hands. Each time they settle in a city, they go astray as the cities represent worldliness and man's wickedness (remember Lot). Moses invoked God's anger because he was unbelieving and unwilling to do God's will though he had seen the miracle of the burning bush and heard the voice of God (Exod 4:14-17, 6:28-30). Moses was nearly killed by God because he failed to circumcise his son (Exod 4:24-26). God had always promised to be with them and look after them wherever they went but they continuously lived in fear of their lives by lying, deceiving, stealing, turning to idols (strange gods), etc etc. They also continuously left the land where they were to dwell instead of trusting God or waiting for His direction. The promise of inheriting the land has never fully been fulfilled due to their unbelief and disobedience both in Egypt, the wilderness and Canaan. They then opted for law and the promise was put on hold until the Kingdom dispensation yet to come. The nations were blessed through Abraham's seed though, when Shiloh or the Messiah came and again was rejected by Israel and Paul was given the dispensation of Grace ... THE JUDGEMENT: Israel was in bondage for 400 years and though God predicted this, it may have been avoided if they had been obedient at each step of the way. They should not have remained in Egypt after Joseph's death though the bible does not specifically say this. God did tell Isaac not to go to Egypt though during the famine at that time so perhaps God's allowance of Jacob to go to Egypt this time (Gen 46:3, 15:13-14) may have been in preparation for the judgment of their disobedience. In the next dispensation we do see that Israel was content to stay in Egypt, a type of the world rather than looking forward to the fulfilment of the promise and returning to Canaan after Joseph's death. (Nehemiah 6:9-31 shows the pattern of disobedience, judgment or oppression, repentance and deliverance.) The judgment of Egypt was not due to Israel's disobedience but because Egypt mistreated God's people. God had promised that "I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curseth thee" and Egypt was cursed because of their maltreatment of Israel. GRACE AND SALVATION: By the shedding of blood (Exod 12:1-14), the children of Israel were dramatically expelled from Egypt, the Red Sea parting for them and flowing back over their pursuers, Pharaoh and his army. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS DISPENSATION: There were failures on the part of the patriarchs and of the Nation of Israel (and subsequent judgment) but God in His grace will yet fulfil the promises in spite of human inability to believe (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-33). God's glory is revealed in His utter faithfulness to Israel, who was chosen for His glory, and who will finally possess the land as promised. God's promises are always fulfilled though our disobedience may delay their fulfilment. We are a called out people, just like Israel. God has made promises to us which are of a spiritual nature rather than a physical nature. We must not confuse the promises made to Israel with the promises made to us. The promise given to Abraham with regard to Israel's possession of the land will still be fulfilled but we have other promises not given to him that we will enjoy. From here we will start to see where right division of the Word is very significant. _______________________________________________________ 4) <FROM-THE-GLEANER> A-GLANCE-AT-THE-TOP-STORIES-OF-THE-WEEK Ben U.S. MARINES NEAR BAGHDAD: Thousands of US marines are now within half an hour of the centre of Baghdad whose inhabitants have all fled. The surrounding area has become a desert wasteland. ARAB NATIONS ISSUES ULTIMATUM TO SADDAM: The Saudi government is canvassing a plan to give Saddam Hussein a last-ditch chance to go into exile if the United Nations security council passes a new resolution authorising war against Iraq, western and Arab diplomats have confirmed. WHITE HOUSE: WARHEADS ARE A VIOLATION: The White House called the discovery of a dozen empty chemical warheads in an Iraqi bunker "troubling and serious" on Friday, though initial evidence suggested at least 11 had never been loaded with killer agents. DEFIANT SADDAM VOWS TO ROUT ANY US INVASION: A defiant Saddam Hussein rallied Iraqis on the 12th anniversary of the 1991 Gulf War Friday with a vow to rout U.S. troops at the gates of Baghdad. U.N.'S ANNAN: NO REASON TO ATTACK IRAQ: Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Tuesday he sees no reason for an attack on Iraq and is optimistic that war can be avoided if the international community maintains pressure on Saddam Hussein and inspectors do their job aggressively. PROTESTERS GATHER ON IRAQ CONFLICT: Protesters turned out Friday in Bahrain and the Gaza Strip to rally against a possible war against Iraq, while demonstrators planned to take to the streets in several European cities. INSPECTORS FIND UNDECLARED IRAQ WARHEADS: U.N. inspectors on Thursday found 11 empty chemical warheads in ''excellent'' condition at an ammunition storage area where they were inspecting bunkers built in the late 1990s, a U.N. spokesman reported. They had not previously been declared by Iraq. BRITAIN BEGINS AIR EXERCISE IN JORDAN: British warplanes have arrived in the Hashemite kingdom for the start of an air exercise with Jordan. HAMAS REJECTS EGYPTIAN PROPOSAL TO HALT SUICIDE: A senior Hamas official said Friday his group will not stop its suicide attacks in Israel, ahead of inter-Palestinian talks in Cairo aimed at reaching a truce, which he said will start January 22. U.S. EQUIPS ISRAEL WITH PATRIOT MISSILE BATTERIES: The U.S. has sent Patriot air-defence batteries and 600 soldiers to Israel to help protect it against missile attack in the event of a war with Iraq, in a move aimed at keeping the Sharon government out of the conflict. ISRAEL TO RUB OUT TERRORISTS IN ALLIED COUNTRIES: Israel is embarking upon a more aggressive approach to the war on terror that will include staging targeted killings in the United States and other friendly countries, former Israeli intelligence officials told United Press International. ARAB INTERIOR MINISTERS AGREE ON SECURITY PLAN: Arab interior ministers have agreed on a multi-phase plan to bolster security cooperation against Islamic insurgents. VATICAN ENCOURAGES CHRISTIAN ACTIVITISM: The Vatican yesterday urged Catholics worldwide to be active in politics, arguing that democracies must recognize God-given human nature and that denial of Christian activism was "a form of intolerant secularism." GERMAN SECT ACCUSED OF RAPE AND CANNIBALISM: German authorities are investigating claims that members of an occult sect raped and murdered women and ate children in ritual ceremonies. EIGHT MILLION IN LIFE OR DEATH HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN NORTH KOREA: Up to eight million people are in a "life or death" situation in North Korea with a humanitarian crisis rapidly unfolding, a UN envoy just returned from the isolated state said Saturday. CYCLONE AMI SWEEPS OVER FIJI; MANY FEARED DEAD: Tropical Cyclone Ami lashed northern Fiji with winds of up to 115 mph Tuesday, unleashing floods, destroying homes and possibly killing two children when it razed a church where a whole village sheltered. SOUTH PACIFIC CAN EXPECT MORE CYCLONES THIS YEAR: Two cyclones have torn through the South Pacific in as many weeks, underscoring forecasts that the region can expect a violent and active hurricane season in 2002/03 because of the El Nino weather pattern. ---------------------------<BrethrenVoice>--------------------------- Subscribe, eMail:<brethrenvoice-subscribe@...> Unsubscribe, eMail:<brethrenvoice-unsubscribe@...> FAQs/Faith Statement, eMail: <brethrenvoice-faq@...> <BrethrenVoice> Home: www.brethrenvoice.net <eFellowship> Home: http://groups.msn.com/BrethrenChristiansForum/ "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith." 2 Cor 13:5 "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Jn 8:32