Isaiah 65

LORD available but no call verse 1- 5

I am sought of them that asked not for ME

I am found of them that sought ME not

I said – BEHOLD ME – BEHOLD ME

to a nation that was not called by MY name

I have spread out MY hands all the day to a rebellious people

which walk in a way that was not good

after their own thoughts

A people that provokes ME to anger continually to MY face

that sacrifices in gardens and burns incense

upon altars of brick

which remain among the graves

and lodge in the monuments

which eat swine’s flesh

and broth of abominable things

is in their vessels

which say

Stand by YOURSELF – come not near to me

for I am holier than YOU

These are a smoke in MY nose – a fire that burns all the day

LORD going to judge sin verse 6- 7

BEHOLD – it is written before ME

I will not keep silence – but will recompense

even recompense into their bosom

Your iniquities

and the iniquities of your father together says the LORD

which have burned incense upon the mountains

and blasphemed ME upon the hills

THEREFORE will measure their former work into their bosom

LORD going to preserve the remnant verse 8- 10

Thus says the LORD

As the new wine is found in the cluster

and one says

Destroy it not – for a blessing is in it

so will I do for MY servants’ sake

that I may not destroy them all

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob

and out of Jacob an inheritor of my mountains

and MINE elect shall inherit it

and MY servants shall dwell there

And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks

and the valley of Achor a place for the herds

to lie down in

for MY people that have sought ME

LORD deals with false worship verse 11- 12

BUT you are they that forsake the LORD

that forget MY holy mountain

that prepare a table for that troop

and that furnish the drink offering

to that number

THEREFORE will I number you to the sword

and you shall all bow down to the slaughter

because when I called – you did not answer

when I spoke – you did not hear

BUT did evil before MINE eyes

and did choose that wherein I delighted not

LORD divides the people: good and evil verse 13- 16

THEREFORE

thus says the Lord GOD

BEHOLD MY servant shall eat

BUT you shall be hungry

BEHOLD MY servant shall be drink

BUT you shall be thirsty

BEHOLD MY servants shall rejoice

BUT you shall be ashamed

BEHOLD MY servants shall sing for joy of heart

BUT you shall cry for sorrow of heart

AND shall howl for vexation of spirit

AND you shall leave your name for a curse to MY chosen

for the Lord GOD shall slay you

and call HIS servants by another name

that he who blessed himself in the earth shall bless

himself in the God of truth

and he that swears in the earth shall swear by the

God of truth

BECAUSE the former troubles are forgotten

and BECAUSE they are hid from MINE eyes

LORD creates new heaven and new earth verse 17- 19

For – BEHOLD I create NEW heavens and a NEW earth

and the former shall not be remembered

nor come into mind

BUT be you glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create

for – BEHOLD – I create Jerusalem a rejoicing

and her people a joy

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem – and joy in MY people

and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her

nor the voice of crying

LORD describes new age: longer life verse 20

There shall be no more thence an infant of days

nor an old man that has not filled his days

for the child shall die a hundred years old

BUT the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed

LORD describes new age: possessions preserved verse 21- 23

And they shall build houses – and inhabit them

and they shall plant vineyards

and eat the fruit of them

They shall not build – and another inhabit

they shall not plant – and another eat

for as the days of a tree are the days of MY people

and MINE elect shall long enjoy

the work of their hands

They shall not labor in vain – nor bring forth for trouble

for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD

and their offspring with them

LORD describes new age: creation at peace verse 24- 25

And it shall come to pass – that before they call – I will answer

and while they are yet speaking – I will hear

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together

the lion shall eat straw like the bullock

and dust shall be the serpent’s meat

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all MY holy mountain

says the LORD

COMMENTARY:

DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers

: 2 I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001).

DEVOTION: The Hebrew as it stands supports Rom. 10:20–21 in referring v 1 to the Gentiles and v 2 to Israel. (D. A. Carson et al., eds., New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 669.) What a sad picture that Isaiah is forced to present to the people that were to be the spokesmen for God to the world. Instead of being a sensitive, willing mouthpiece for the Lord the nation has done everything it can to insult and embarrass the Lord! As a result the Gentiles are welcomed into God’s presence and the Israelite nation is rejected. How sad a picture that the children God had selected has now been rejected and another people have become favored.

The Lord never gives up on those He has chosen and we see in Romans how God has a plan and His promise is still in effect for the nation in the future. This should cause us to reflect and to rejoice that the long suffering of God extends to us as well. If He can be as patient with the nation of Israel there is hope for us as we struggle to walk in His ways and be obedient. The Lord is merciful and extends to us forgiveness in spite of the weakness we exhibit by succumbing to temptation and worldly ventures.

1 John reminds us that he is an advocate for His own and that as we call to Him He hears us and our confession is received! Today recognize that, as a child of God, you are representing Christ and the kingdom of God to the world you are living in. Do not be like the children and Israel and forget who loves you and continually calls out to you to assist and strengthen your life in Christ.

CHALLENGE: Take a moment to consider how your witness of Christ has been today to the world that is watching and judging Christ because of your actions and attitudes. Do you need to stop and have a talk with the Savior? He is as near as the next moment of prayer. He is available even now! (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)

DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers

: 5 Which say, Stand by yourself, come not near to me, for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in MY nose, a fire that burns all the day. (6942 “holier” [qadash] means be set apart, to be or become set apart or sacred, implying ritual and moral purity in the case of persons, consecrated, or removed from common use)

DEVOTION: There was a group of people who thought they were better than any others in their group. They told others that they were not able to even come near them because they were so much more righteous than they were.

We have all met these types of people who think they are better Christians than any of those who are round them. We find these individuals sometimes in leadership in some local churches who judge others as not as spiritual as they are.

Here we find Isaiah finding these types of individuals in the capital of Israel. The were the ones who were leading in the worship services in the Temple. They were the ones who were looking down on the rest of Israel because they thought they were better than others.

Today we find some of these people even in the local church. Sometimes they are even in leadership. This attitude is not one that the LORD approves of in those who are supposed to be leaders.

HIS idea of leadership is a group of humble individuals who know that they are sinner who have confessed their sins and are allowing the LORD to use them to help others grow in their spiritual life.

God doesn’t want individuals who think they are holier than other but those who are willing to realize that the LORD has given them grace to help others grow in their spiritual life.

We need to watch out for individuals who thing that they have arrived at perfection in their spiritual life. They have not!

CHALLENGE: We need to make sure that we don’t develop an attitude of superior to other believers. We need to humbly thank the LORD for the spiritual growth HE has given us and use it to help others humbly.

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: 12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. (2654 “delighted” [chaphets] means desire, please, will, pleasure, favor, or want.)

DEVOTION: The LORD gave Isaiah an insight into what is happening in his nation. The people of Israel were doing their own thing and didn’t want the LORD to be involved in their life. They liked leaving HIM out of any of their decisions. They even thought that they were holier than God. What an amazing thought by those who were supposed to be God’s chosen people.

The children of Israel were breaking all the commandments. They were even eating the flesh of pigs which was directly commanded of the LORD to not eat.

Remember that God gives people enough rope to hang themselves. HE wants HIS people to follow HIM but if they chose to disobey long enough HE will judge them.

Here we find that HE judges them to the sword. HE also gives a reason for HIS giving them what they want. HE had called them back to HIMSELF but they would not answer HIS call. HE continued to talk with them through HIS prophets and the Holy Spirit but they would not hear HIM.

Instead they did evil in HIS sight. Part of the evil that they did was something that the LORD didn’t find favor in. It made HIM sad.

Once HE established HIS standards, HE told those who were in Israel that some were going to be fed and others were going to be hungry. Some were going to have something to drink and others would not. Some were going to be able to rejoice while others would cry from hearts of sorrow.

The LORD makes a distinction between those who are obedient and those who are disobedient. One is blessed and the other is cursed. Restoration is always possible but there is a point of no return.

CHALLENGE: Our actions speak louder than our words. Correct any action that is in disobedience to the LORD and then HE can bless you again. HE is longsuffering but pre-mature death happens to those who are true servants that continue to disobey.

DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers

: 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (6030 “answer” [anah] means to eye, to reply, to hear, to heed, pay attention, to respond, to sing, or bear witness.)

DEVOTION: The chapter starts with the LORD recompenses Israel for their sins. They thought they were good but the LORD knew they needed judgment. However, there was a remnant that would return from the captivity.

HE states that there will be difference between HIS servants and those who are disobedient. HIS servants can pray and HE will reply while they are still saying their prayer. HE promises to hear HIS servants.

This chapter instructs us that there will be a NEW heaven and a NEW earth created in the future. This world is going to pass away. It will be cleansed by fire.

Before the NEW Heaven and NEW earth there will be a millennial reign of Christ here on the earth. During this time period the earth will have no devil to tempt them because he will be chained for the thousand years. The animal kingdom will be different. The world will be different. The fields will bring forth great harvests. The elect will live to be over a hundred years old with most living to be a thousand. Sinners will die young. The elect will enjoy the work of their hands. It will be a time of blessing.

While we will reign with Christ during the millennium, those who are still in their human body will be active in the normal events of life. They will be marrying and having children. They will be working their farms. They will be planting their vineyards.

Are we looking forward to a time when we will reign with Christ? How many cities will be reigning over? How many stars will we have in our crowns? Let us “occupy” until Christ returns for HIS bride.

CHALLENGE: Understanding that the time period expressed here has not happened yet – learn more about the different time periods that are recorded in the Old Testament. God is revealing HIS plan for the future.

DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:

BODY

Chastity (Purity in living)

Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)

Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)

Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)

Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)

SOUL

Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)

Frugality (wise use of resources)

Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)

Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)

Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)

SPIRIT

Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)

Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)

Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)

Asked not verse 1

Sought not verse 1

Call – I will answer verse 24

Speak – I will hear verse 24

Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)

Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group

Drink offering verse 11

Sing for joy of heart verse 14

Glad verse 18

Rejoice verse 18

People of joy verse 18

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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:

Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)

It is written verse 6

God the Father (First person of the Godhead)

Seeks HIS people verse 1

Provoked to anger continually verse 3

Not keep silence verse 6

Recompense verse 6

LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 7, 8, 11, 23, 25

MY servant’s sake verse 8

MY mountains verse 9

MINE select shall inherit verse 9

MY people verse 10

Number some to the sword verse 12

I called – you didn’t answer verse 12

I spoke – you did not hear verse 12

Lord – Adonai (Owner, Master) verse 13, 15

GOD – Jehovah verse 13, 15

Lord GOD verse 13, 15

God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 16

God of truth verse 16

Former troubles HID from HIS eyes verse 16

Creator verse 17, 18

New heaven

New earth

Jerusalem

I will rejoice in Jerusalem verse 19

joy of MY people

no more weeping

no voice of crying

God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)

God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)

Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)

Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)

Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)

Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)

Not seeking the LORD verse 1

Rebellious verse 2

Walked away from the LORD verse 2, 11

Thoughts that are not right verse 2, 5

Provoked LORD verse 3

Sacrificed to false gods verse 3, 7

Ate pigs verse 4

Ate abominable things verse 4

Told God to stand by HIMSELF verse 5

Holier than you attitude verse 5

Iniquities verse 7

Burned incense upon the mountains verse 7

Blaspheme verse 7

Forsake the LORD verse 11

Forget to worship LORD properly verse 11

Not answer the LORD verse 12

Not hear the LORD verse 12

Evil in God’s eyes verse 12

Delight in wrong things verse 12

Ashamed verse 13

Leave your name for a curse verse 15

Swears in the earth verse 16

Sinner verse 20

Accursed verse 20

Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)

Servants verse 8, 9, 13, 14, 15

Inheritors verse 9

Elect will inherit verse 9, 22

Seek the LORD verse 10

Provide food and drink verse 13

Rejoice verse 13

Sing verse 14

Sorrow of heart verse 14

Vexation of spirit verse 14

Chosen verse 15

New name verse 15

Truth verse 16

Former troubles forgotten verse 16

No more tears verse 19

Long life verse 20

Prayer that is answered verse 24

Israel (Old Testament people of God)

Nation verse 1

Rebellious people verse 2

Jacob (seed out of) verse 9

Judah verse 9

Inheritor of MY mountains verse 9

Sharon verse 10

Valley of Achor verse 10

God’s people verse 10, 19, 22

Cry for sorrow of heart verse 14

Howl for vexation of spirit verse 14

Lord GOD shall slay you verse 15

Call HIS servants by another name verse 15

Jerusalem verse 19

Elect verse 22

Blessed of the LORD verse 23

Holy mountain verse 25

Church (New Testament people of God)

Last Things (Future Events)

Not destroy them all verse 8

New heavens and New earth verse 17

Glad and rejoice forever verse 18

Create Jerusalem a rejoicing verse 18

her people of JOY

No more infant of days verse 20

No more old man verse 20

Child shall live to a hundred verse 20

Sinner shall be accursed verse 20

Shall build houses verse 21

Plant vineyards and eat the fruit verse 21

People will live as long as tree verse 22

Elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands verse 22

Not labor in vain verse 23

Seed of the blessed and their offspring verse 23

Call and God will answer while they

are speaking verse 24

Wolf and lamb lay down together verse 25

Lion will eat straw verse 25

Holy mountain verse 25

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QUOTES regarding passage

20. Throughout this passage Isaiah uses aspects of what we know to create impressions of what is to come—e.g. a life totally provided for (13), happy (19cd), secure (22–23), at peace (24–25). What we have no capacity to understand can be grasped only through what we know. In this present order, death cuts life off. Not so in the new Jerusalem: no infant will fail to come to maturity, nor the elderly be foiled of fulfilment. It is not meant to suggest that death will still be present. This would contradict for ever (18), no more (19) and the death of death in 25:7–8. It simply affirms that, over the whole of life, the power of death will be gone. The only exception is that (lit.) ‘the sinner, a hundred years old, will be accursed’ (20fg). There will, of course, be no sinners in the new Jerusalem (6–7, 12, 15c). We are again dealing with metaphor: even if, per impossibile, a sinner were to escape detection for a century, the curse would still search him out and destroy him. In reality, just as death will have no more power, so sin too will have no more place. (Motyer, J. A. (1999). Isaiah: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 20, pp. 450–451). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

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17–25 The great promise, with its introductory call to special attention—“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth” (v.17; cf. Rev 21:1)—consists of only seven words in Hebrew; yet its implications are staggering. The whole created order is to be renewed. Great and new as this promise is, the reader does not come to it completely unprepared, for it builds on passages like 11:1–9 and chapter 24. For those whose imagination cannot cope with the macrocosm, the prophet indicates that Jerusalem too is to be created anew (v.18). Young (Book of Isaiah, in loc.) reminds us of 63:9. The God who had identified with his people in their affliction would now do so in their joy also (v.19). The former sorrows will be over (cf. Rev 21:4).

The picture given in v.20, taken literally, promises greatly extended but not infinite life; yet v.19 declares that weeping will be banished! This suggests that we are meant to dwell on the positive blessings outlined in v.20 and not on their negative implications. On the other hand, if we take the references to death seriously we have here a blessed but not ideal state, not quite parallel therefore to the whole of Revelation 21:4 (for fuller comment, see Introduction).

The people’s state of blessedness is portrayed largely in terms reminiscent of the “godly materialism” of Deuteronomy (vv.21–23; cf. also 62:8–9). The greatest of all the blessings they will know, however, will be a relationship with God in which there is complete harmony between their prayer and his will, between his desire to provide and their dependence on him to give (v.24). Verse 25, taken almost entirely from 11:6–9, is a reminder that these blessings come only through the Messiah while the words “dust will be the serpent’s food” (alluding to Gen 3:14) remind us that the overthrow of Satan, the great serpent (Rev 20:2), is the result of the work of the woman’s offspring (Gen 3:15). (Grogan, G. W. (1986). Isaiah. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Vol. 6, p. 351). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)

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The need for new heavens and a new earth is suggested in Isaiah 51:6. During the Millennium Jerusalem will be a place of joy (65:18). Also the Lord Himself will rejoice over it, for sorrow will be vanished (v. 19). Though death will still be present, life spans will be extended (v. 20) and people will enjoy safety and the produce of their vineyards (vv. 21–22). God’s blessing will be on their work and families (v. 23) and He will speedily answer their prayers (v. 24). Wild animals will lose their ferocity (cf. 11:6–8; Hosea 2:18) and harmony and safety will prevail under God’s good hand (Isa. 65:25). (On God’s holy mountain see comments on 11:9.) (Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1120). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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Yes, God will undertake, and He brings before us here this glimpse of the new heavens and the new earth. There is no description of this, no instruction given as to what will take place at that time. He simply says, “I will create new heavens and a new earth,” and then He adds, As surely as I do this, I will “create Jerusalem” a place of rejoicing. Just as surely as He brings in new heavens and a new earth, so He will fulfill every promise made to Israel, and make Jerusalem a center of joy and blessing to the whole world.

Again the rebellious were warned because when God called they did not answer, when He spoke they did not hear; but with those in millennial days God has promised that before they call He will answer, while they are yet speaking He will hear. This is a promise that abides. God’s people can claim it today because it has to do with that which is spiritual. Blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, we can appropriate and act upon everything spiritual in the Old Testament, but we are not at liberty to take over the promises that have to do simply with temporal things.

Chapter sixty-five gives the Lord’s answer. His indignation has been aroused against many because of their idolatry, the abominations they have committed, and their unreality. But He also assures the faithful remnant, those who truly turn to Him, that He is about to intervene on their behalf. (Ironside, H. A. (1952). Expository notes on the prophet Isaiah. (pp. 361–362). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)

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20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

Whereas God hath made many promises of long life to the Jews, they should all be fulfilled to God’s people among them, so as there should be rare abortions among them, Exod. 23:26; few infants should be carried out to burial, nor but few that should not have filled up their years; those that were now children should die at a great age; yet none of these things should be of any advantage to wicked men, but if any of them should live to be a hundred years old, yet they should die accursed. This seemeth to be the plain sense. If any desire to read more opinions of these words, he may find enough in the English Annotations. (Poole, M. (1853). Annotations upon the Holy Bible (Vol. 2, p. 485). New York: Robert Carter and Brothers.)

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Ver. 20. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, &c.] That is, there shall no more be carried out from thence, from Jerusalem, or any other place where the church of God is, to the grave, in order to be interred, an infant that has lived but a few days, a very common thing now; but, in the latterday, such instances will be rare, or rather there will be none at all; every child born will live to the age of man, and not be cut off by any immature death, either by any natural disease, or by famine, or sword, or any other calamity, which will now have no place: nor an old man that hath not fille his days; who, though he may in some sense, or in comparison of others, be said to be old, yet has not arrived to the full term of man’s life, threescore years and ten, or more; for it seems, by what follows, as if the term of human life will be lengthened in the latter day, and reach in common to a hundred years; so that as long life is always reckoned a temporal happiness, among the rest that shall be enjoyed, this will be one in the latter day; and which is to be understood not of the Millennium state, in which there will be no death, Rev. 21:4 which yet will be in this, as the following words shew; but of the state preceding that, even the spiritual reign of Christ: for the child shall die an hundred years old; not that that shall be reckoned a child that shall die at a hundred years of age, the life of man being now, in these days of the Messiah, as long as they were before the flood, as the Jewish interpreters imagine; but the child that is now born, or he that is now a child, shall live to the age of a hundred years, and not die before: but lest this outward happiness should be trusted to, and a man should imagine that therefore he is in a happy state for eternity, being blessed with such a long life, it follows, but or though the sinner, being an hundred years old, shall be accursed; for though this shall be common in this state to good men and bad men, to live a hundred years, yet their death will not be alike; the good man will be blessed, and enter into a happy state of joy and peace; but the wicked man, though he lives as long as the other in this world, shall be accursed at death, and to all eternity; see Eccl. 8:12, 13. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 5, p. 386). London: Mathews and Leigh.)

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Chepes can mean not simply what one takes pleasure in or what gives someone delight but one’s wish or desire: (Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1996). Vol. 1: Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (179). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.)

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FROM MY READING:

(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)

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Deuteronomy 29
The covenant with the children of Israel is renewed in Moab.

INSIGHT

After laying out the options before the Israelites at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerazim, God now says, “Choose.”

But by His grace, He makes clear the consequences of these choices. How terrible are the curses-and how wonderful are the blessings.

Seeing the alternative so clearly before us, what could possibly account for our choosing the curses? The only conceivable answer is that we don’t believe God. We don’t really believe that the blessings will be that good-or that the curses will be that bad.

The Old Testament was written for our instruction. We must learn to take God at His Word. Period. (Quiet Walk)

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A NEW PRINCIPLE
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21

We are meant to use all our God-given natural faculties. That is why when God wants a great teacher of the Christian Gospel, he chooses a man like the apostle Paul. Yes, but Paul was no more a Christian than the most ignorant person in the church at Corinth. It is the principle that matters. We must not merely consider this in terms of understanding and ability; it is something much more wonderful and glorious than that. And that is why Paul was able to say in 1 Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

God, he says, takes the ignorant, and by means of them He confounds the wise, and He takes the weak and confounds the mighty—because of this new principle that He introduces.

What, then, is the effect of the introduction of this principle? This life eternal about which we are speaking is something that affects the entire person. But it is especially interesting to observe the way in which it affects a man’s understanding and apprehension of spiritual things. And the way to look at that is to contrast the natural, unregenerate man, who is not a Christian, with the man who is a Christian. According to Scripture, the natural man is spiritually dead. May I be so bold as to put it like this: If there is anybody to whom these things about which I am speaking are really utterly meaningless, then, as I understand Scripture, it means that such a person is spiritually dead and has not received eternal life because, as Paul puts it, “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him”

(1 Corinthians2:14). They are meaningless to him.

A Thought to Ponder: God takes the ignorant, and by means of them He confounds the wise—because of this new principle that He introduces. (From Saved in Eternity, pp. 153-154, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

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Fellowship should have an energy that provokes everyone toward God’s work. We should get stirred up. (p. 105

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The question for believers is this” Is your church fanning your gifts into flame? The question for pastors is this” Are your church’s ministries stirring up people for service? (p. 107)

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To encourage is to “pour courage” into someone who needs it. Christians are blessing dispensers and hope ambassadors. Wherever they go, accomplishment and fruitfulness should bloom all around them because of the relationship left in their wake. (p. 109)

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There’s a legend about a church in southern Europe called the “House of Many Lamps.” It was built in the sixteenth century and had no provision for artificial light expect for a receptacle at every seat for the placement of a lamp. In the evenings, as the people came to church, they would carry their own light with them. When they entered the church building, they would place their lamp in the receptacle as they began to worship. If someone stayed away, his place remained dark. It took the regular presence of every member to illuminate that sanctuary. (p.112-3, Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World by Dr. David Jeremiah)

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