January 31: Genesis 30: 22-43 Commentary
February 1: Genesis 31: 1-27 Commentary
February 2: Genesis 31: 28-55 Commentary
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Great Quotes: Noah Webster
"The Bible must be considered as the great source of all the truth by which men are to be guided in government as well as in all social transactions."
"For Lack of Knowledge" by Betsy Childs
Learning the "what and why" of another worldview will help us learn the "what and why" of our own.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Great Quotes: Dr. Albert Mohler
Al Mohler on the reading of books:
"Reading is an important Christian discipline. Further, growth as a Christian disciple is closely tied to the reading of the Bible, as well as worthy Christian books. This is why the Christian church has championed the cause of literacy. It is why the Reformers fought for the translation of the Scriptures into vernacular languages.A loss of literacy and respect for the book amounts to grave danger for the Christian church. The transmission of Christian truth has been closely tied to scrolls, codices, and books throughout the history of the Church — a legacy inherited from the Jews, who often protected the sacred scrolls with their lives. The electronic media have their places and uses, and I am thankful for the accessibility of so much worthy and important information through digital means. Nevertheless, the electronic screen is not the venue for lengthy, thoughtful, serious reading. The vehicle for serious reading is the book, and the Christian should be a serious reader. Do our own young people read books? Do they know the pleasures of the solitary reading of a life-changing page? Have they ever lost themselves in a story, framed by their own imaginations rather than by digital images? Have they ever marked up a page, urgently engaged in a debate with the author? Can they even think of a book that has changed the way they see the world . . . or the Christian faith? If not, why not?"
"Reading is an important Christian discipline. Further, growth as a Christian disciple is closely tied to the reading of the Bible, as well as worthy Christian books. This is why the Christian church has championed the cause of literacy. It is why the Reformers fought for the translation of the Scriptures into vernacular languages.A loss of literacy and respect for the book amounts to grave danger for the Christian church. The transmission of Christian truth has been closely tied to scrolls, codices, and books throughout the history of the Church — a legacy inherited from the Jews, who often protected the sacred scrolls with their lives. The electronic media have their places and uses, and I am thankful for the accessibility of so much worthy and important information through digital means. Nevertheless, the electronic screen is not the venue for lengthy, thoughtful, serious reading. The vehicle for serious reading is the book, and the Christian should be a serious reader. Do our own young people read books? Do they know the pleasures of the solitary reading of a life-changing page? Have they ever lost themselves in a story, framed by their own imaginations rather than by digital images? Have they ever marked up a page, urgently engaged in a debate with the author? Can they even think of a book that has changed the way they see the world . . . or the Christian faith? If not, why not?"
Great Quotes: Dr. Albert Mohler
Al Mohler on the reading of books:
"Reading is an important Christian discipline. Further, growth as a Christian disciple is closely tied to the reading of the Bible, as well as worthy Christian books. This is why the Christian church has championed the cause of literacy. It is why the Reformers fought for the translation of the Scriptures into vernacular languages.A loss of literacy and respect for the book amounts to grave danger for the Christian church. The transmission of Christian truth has been closely tied to scrolls, codices, and books throughout the history of the Church — a legacy inherited from the Jews, who often protected the sacred scrolls with their lives. The electronic media have their places and uses, and I am thankful for the accessibility of so much worthy and important information through digital means. Nevertheless, the electronic screen is not the venue for lengthy, thoughtful, serious reading. The vehicle for serious reading is the book, and the Christian should be a serious reader. Do our own young people read books? Do they know the pleasures of the solitary reading of a life-changing page? Have they ever lost themselves in a story, framed by their own imaginations rather than by digital images? Have they ever marked up a page, urgently engaged in a debate with the author? Can they even think of a book that has changed the way they see the world . . . or the Christian faith? If not, why not?"
"Reading is an important Christian discipline. Further, growth as a Christian disciple is closely tied to the reading of the Bible, as well as worthy Christian books. This is why the Christian church has championed the cause of literacy. It is why the Reformers fought for the translation of the Scriptures into vernacular languages.A loss of literacy and respect for the book amounts to grave danger for the Christian church. The transmission of Christian truth has been closely tied to scrolls, codices, and books throughout the history of the Church — a legacy inherited from the Jews, who often protected the sacred scrolls with their lives. The electronic media have their places and uses, and I am thankful for the accessibility of so much worthy and important information through digital means. Nevertheless, the electronic screen is not the venue for lengthy, thoughtful, serious reading. The vehicle for serious reading is the book, and the Christian should be a serious reader. Do our own young people read books? Do they know the pleasures of the solitary reading of a life-changing page? Have they ever lost themselves in a story, framed by their own imaginations rather than by digital images? Have they ever marked up a page, urgently engaged in a debate with the author? Can they even think of a book that has changed the way they see the world . . . or the Christian faith? If not, why not?"
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: German Theologian and Resister
This article serves as a short summarized bio on one of the Church's great martyrs.
Great Quotes: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession. … Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."
Thursday, January 25, 2007
"The Church as Witness" by L.T. Jeyachandran
The final apologetic for the Christian Church is love for the brethren. Francis Schaeffer describes this defense as the "Mark of the Christian."
**Resource Note: Francis Schaeffer has a booklet entitled "The Mark of The Christian" that would be an excellent addition to your personal library. You can read or print off a copy from this website http://www.ccel.us/schaeffer.html or you can order a copy from your favorite book site- One of my personal favorite sites for this is http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=834079&netp_id=460995&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW
**Resource Note: Francis Schaeffer has a booklet entitled "The Mark of The Christian" that would be an excellent addition to your personal library. You can read or print off a copy from this website http://www.ccel.us/schaeffer.html or you can order a copy from your favorite book site- One of my personal favorite sites for this is http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=834079&netp_id=460995&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Great Quotes: Augustine
1. A quote concerning the danger of accepting a perspective that denounces the essential relationship between faith and learning (reason):
"After hearing that they should be humble some persons do not wish to learn anything.They think they will be proud if they have anything. It has been made clear to us where God wishes us to be in the depths and where he wishes us to be in the heights. He wishes us to be humble to avoid pride, and he wishes us to be on high to grasp wisdom."-- Commentary on Psalm 130, 12
Prayer. While I move and bear this body I pray that I may be pure, generous, just, and prudent. May I be a perfect lover and knower of your Wisdom.
2. A calling for those who provide discipleship for the body of Christ (For all believers are called to the eventual provision of discipleship):
"It is also necessary--may God grant it!--that in providing others with books to read I myself should make progress, and that in trying to answer their questions I myself should find what I am seeking.Therefore, at the command of God our Lord and with his help, I have undertaken not so much to discourse with authority on matters known to me as to know them better by discoursing devoutly of them."
-- The Trinity 1, 8
Prayer. Lord, let me offer you the sacrifice of every thought and word--only first give me what I may offer you.
"After hearing that they should be humble some persons do not wish to learn anything.They think they will be proud if they have anything. It has been made clear to us where God wishes us to be in the depths and where he wishes us to be in the heights. He wishes us to be humble to avoid pride, and he wishes us to be on high to grasp wisdom."-- Commentary on Psalm 130, 12
Prayer. While I move and bear this body I pray that I may be pure, generous, just, and prudent. May I be a perfect lover and knower of your Wisdom.
2. A calling for those who provide discipleship for the body of Christ (For all believers are called to the eventual provision of discipleship):
"It is also necessary--may God grant it!--that in providing others with books to read I myself should make progress, and that in trying to answer their questions I myself should find what I am seeking.Therefore, at the command of God our Lord and with his help, I have undertaken not so much to discourse with authority on matters known to me as to know them better by discoursing devoutly of them."
-- The Trinity 1, 8
Prayer. Lord, let me offer you the sacrifice of every thought and word--only first give me what I may offer you.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Biblical Worldview Learning Center: Daily Bible Reading- Genesis 24:34-67
**This reading plan is produced by the staff of "Biblical Worldview Learning Center." The views espoused do not necessarily agree with the views held by "The Contender's Notebook."
January 23rd Reading: Genesis 24:34-67
In today's reading we complete the beautiful love story of the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. Yesterday's devotional brought out the providence of God in this situation and our need to rely upon His providence in our lives. I want to continue that theme here. Abraham's servant faithfully tells the story of his master. He tells of how the Lord has blessed Abraham. He tells of how the Lord gave Sarah a child in her old age. And, he tells all the details from the time when he received his commission from Abraham to the time he met Rebekah at the well. All of this was a witness and a testimony to Rebekah and her family. Additionally, God providentially prepared their hearts to hear what Abraham's servant had to share and to understand that the Lord's hand was in all that had transpired. Laban and Bethuel, Rebekah's brother and father, give their consent to let Rebekah go with Abraham's servant and be Isaac's wife. The next morning they get the consent from Rebekah that she will go and that she is willing to leave immediately. As we reflect on today's reading, consider these two things. First, think of how the Lord has worked in your life and how you might be able to share that with others. Here we have read how the testimony of Abraham's servant had such a great impact upon Rebekah's family. Your testimony can be used of God in the same way with the people you come into contact. Second, ask the Lord to make you sensitive to His working in your life and in the lives of others. As you become more aware of the providence of God in your life and listen for the testimony of God working in the lives of others, these things will bolster your faith, just as they bolstered the faith of Abraham's servant and Rebekah's family.
January 23rd Reading: Genesis 24:34-67
In today's reading we complete the beautiful love story of the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. Yesterday's devotional brought out the providence of God in this situation and our need to rely upon His providence in our lives. I want to continue that theme here. Abraham's servant faithfully tells the story of his master. He tells of how the Lord has blessed Abraham. He tells of how the Lord gave Sarah a child in her old age. And, he tells all the details from the time when he received his commission from Abraham to the time he met Rebekah at the well. All of this was a witness and a testimony to Rebekah and her family. Additionally, God providentially prepared their hearts to hear what Abraham's servant had to share and to understand that the Lord's hand was in all that had transpired. Laban and Bethuel, Rebekah's brother and father, give their consent to let Rebekah go with Abraham's servant and be Isaac's wife. The next morning they get the consent from Rebekah that she will go and that she is willing to leave immediately. As we reflect on today's reading, consider these two things. First, think of how the Lord has worked in your life and how you might be able to share that with others. Here we have read how the testimony of Abraham's servant had such a great impact upon Rebekah's family. Your testimony can be used of God in the same way with the people you come into contact. Second, ask the Lord to make you sensitive to His working in your life and in the lives of others. As you become more aware of the providence of God in your life and listen for the testimony of God working in the lives of others, these things will bolster your faith, just as they bolstered the faith of Abraham's servant and Rebekah's family.
Biblical Worldview Learning Center: Daily Bible Reading- Gen. 24:1-33
**This reading plan is produced by the staff of "Biblical Worldview Learning Center." The views espoused do not necessarily agree with the views held by "The Contender's Notebook."
January 22nd Reading: Genesis 24:1-33
Sarah has died and Abraham is getting old. He is concerned about Isaac's future, especially the wife that he has. It is interesting that Abraham does not go to Isaac to speak of this issue, but talks about it with his eldest servant. Apparently, the responsibility of obtaining a wife for Isaac would descend from Abraham to his eldest servant. This method of finding a wife for one's son may seem really strange to us in this modern age where we all think we should get to make all our own choices, but there is much we can learn about the benefits of keeping one's parents prominent in the whole picture. We will speak more about this each time your read through this passage in the future. This time through I want to focus on the providence of God. Providence is a character trait of God that is an aspect of His sovereignty, or overruling power and authority. Noah Webster, in his original dictionary of the English language, defined providence as, "the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures." He adds that providence includes, "foresight; timely care; particularly, active foresight, or foresight accompanied with the procurement of what is necessary for future use." We see all these aspects in what God brought about for Abraham's servant to meet Rebekah. Notice these passages. First, Abraham believes completely in God's providence. When his servant wonders about his responsibility should the girl refuse to come with him, Abraham answers, "The Lord God of heaven.shall send His angel before thee, and thou shall take a wife unto my son from thence" (Genesis 24:7). Abraham believed explicitly in God's active foresight and timely care, that is God's providence. Next, we see that Abraham's servant has adopted his master's faith and prays for God to work the situation out so he can easily identify the girl the Lord has chosen for Isaac. It is interesting that the servant speaks to God in his prayer as the "Lord God of my master Abraham" (Genesis 24:12). It may be that the servant is speaking from the position of a servant as he prays to God, but each of us needs to develop our own personal relationship with God. Finally, as we look at God's providence, notice how quickly and precisely God answers the prayers of Abraham and his servant. "And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came" (Genesis 24:15). How gracious of God to providentially work the events in Abraham's servant's life that even before he was done praying and making His request, the answer was already being provided. We need to understand that God does not always work in such an immediate way. Remember how long Abraham and Sarah waited for a son. However, one thing this story does begin to teach us is that God, who knows all things, already knows what we need and how He will answer before we ever ask. Thank God for His providential care in your life. He may not answer yours and my prayers in the immediate fashion that He answered the prayer of Abraham's servant, but we can trust that God in His sovereignty and in His providence knows what we need and the best way to provide for our needs.
January 22nd Reading: Genesis 24:1-33
Sarah has died and Abraham is getting old. He is concerned about Isaac's future, especially the wife that he has. It is interesting that Abraham does not go to Isaac to speak of this issue, but talks about it with his eldest servant. Apparently, the responsibility of obtaining a wife for Isaac would descend from Abraham to his eldest servant. This method of finding a wife for one's son may seem really strange to us in this modern age where we all think we should get to make all our own choices, but there is much we can learn about the benefits of keeping one's parents prominent in the whole picture. We will speak more about this each time your read through this passage in the future. This time through I want to focus on the providence of God. Providence is a character trait of God that is an aspect of His sovereignty, or overruling power and authority. Noah Webster, in his original dictionary of the English language, defined providence as, "the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures." He adds that providence includes, "foresight; timely care; particularly, active foresight, or foresight accompanied with the procurement of what is necessary for future use." We see all these aspects in what God brought about for Abraham's servant to meet Rebekah. Notice these passages. First, Abraham believes completely in God's providence. When his servant wonders about his responsibility should the girl refuse to come with him, Abraham answers, "The Lord God of heaven.shall send His angel before thee, and thou shall take a wife unto my son from thence" (Genesis 24:7). Abraham believed explicitly in God's active foresight and timely care, that is God's providence. Next, we see that Abraham's servant has adopted his master's faith and prays for God to work the situation out so he can easily identify the girl the Lord has chosen for Isaac. It is interesting that the servant speaks to God in his prayer as the "Lord God of my master Abraham" (Genesis 24:12). It may be that the servant is speaking from the position of a servant as he prays to God, but each of us needs to develop our own personal relationship with God. Finally, as we look at God's providence, notice how quickly and precisely God answers the prayers of Abraham and his servant. "And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came" (Genesis 24:15). How gracious of God to providentially work the events in Abraham's servant's life that even before he was done praying and making His request, the answer was already being provided. We need to understand that God does not always work in such an immediate way. Remember how long Abraham and Sarah waited for a son. However, one thing this story does begin to teach us is that God, who knows all things, already knows what we need and how He will answer before we ever ask. Thank God for His providential care in your life. He may not answer yours and my prayers in the immediate fashion that He answered the prayer of Abraham's servant, but we can trust that God in His sovereignty and in His providence knows what we need and the best way to provide for our needs.
Biblical Worldview Learning Center: Daily Bible Reading- Genesis 23:1-20
**This reading plan is produced by the staff of "Biblical Worldview Learning Center." The views espoused do not necessarily agree with the views held by "The Contender's Notebook."
January 21st Genesis 23:1-20
This chapter contains the simple story of Abraham negotiating the purchase of a cave in which he will bury Sarah. Sarah has died at the age of 127. God had given her 37 years with her son Isaac. I am sure they were wonderful years for Sarah as she saw her miracle child grow up to be a man. I wonder if Abraham or Isaac ever told Sarah about what took place on the mountain in the land of Moriah that we read about in the last chapter. I think they probably did as their joy over how God had spared Isaac and provided the ram for a substitute sacrifice was probably too much to keep inside. If they did tell Sarah, then Sarah would have had even more reason to cherish her son Isaac. He was a son whom, according to all natural laws, she should never have had. And now, he is also a son whom God preserved and gave back to her. I am happy that Sarah was able to enjoy so many years with her son Isaac. As parents, we should thank God for every year we are able to spend seeing our children grow, learn, and mature. As children, we should thank God for our parents and the love and care they give us.
January 21st Genesis 23:1-20
This chapter contains the simple story of Abraham negotiating the purchase of a cave in which he will bury Sarah. Sarah has died at the age of 127. God had given her 37 years with her son Isaac. I am sure they were wonderful years for Sarah as she saw her miracle child grow up to be a man. I wonder if Abraham or Isaac ever told Sarah about what took place on the mountain in the land of Moriah that we read about in the last chapter. I think they probably did as their joy over how God had spared Isaac and provided the ram for a substitute sacrifice was probably too much to keep inside. If they did tell Sarah, then Sarah would have had even more reason to cherish her son Isaac. He was a son whom, according to all natural laws, she should never have had. And now, he is also a son whom God preserved and gave back to her. I am happy that Sarah was able to enjoy so many years with her son Isaac. As parents, we should thank God for every year we are able to spend seeing our children grow, learn, and mature. As children, we should thank God for our parents and the love and care they give us.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Reading Scripture for a Biblical Worldview- Psalm 93:1-2 God/Reality
Psalm 93:1-2 "The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting." (ESV)
These verses tell us something both about God and Reality.
1. Concerning the biblical view of God He is presented as the sovereign Creator and King of the universe who is robed with majesty and power.
2. He is presented as an eternally reigning king (Pointing to God being eternal and outside of time).
3. We can ascertain from these verses that the King of the universe is not to be equated as one in the same but yet separate and transcedent from His creation. If pantheism is true it would be awfully difficult for the Creator and reigning Sovereign to also restrain the "movement" of the universe considering He Himself would also be "restrained" from the same deteriorating cosmological factors.
4. There is also a metaphysical (Reality) point being made in that it presents the universe being sustained and held together by the sovereign LORD. (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3)
Helpful Definitions: Taken from http://www.carm.org/dictionary.htm
Metaphysics: The branch of philosophy involved with examining and discussing the ultimate nature of reality. The term comes from "meta" which means "after" and "phusika" which means "physics."
Pantheism: This is an identification of the universe with God. With this view there is a blurring of the distinction between the Creator and the creation as well as an attack upon the personality and nature of God. Pantheism tends to equate God with the process of the universe and states that the universe is God and God is the universe. This is not true because God is the creator of the universe (Isaiah 44:24) and therefore separate from it.
Cosmology: The study of the origin and structure of the universe.
These verses tell us something both about God and Reality.
1. Concerning the biblical view of God He is presented as the sovereign Creator and King of the universe who is robed with majesty and power.
2. He is presented as an eternally reigning king (Pointing to God being eternal and outside of time).
3. We can ascertain from these verses that the King of the universe is not to be equated as one in the same but yet separate and transcedent from His creation. If pantheism is true it would be awfully difficult for the Creator and reigning Sovereign to also restrain the "movement" of the universe considering He Himself would also be "restrained" from the same deteriorating cosmological factors.
4. There is also a metaphysical (Reality) point being made in that it presents the universe being sustained and held together by the sovereign LORD. (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3)
Helpful Definitions: Taken from http://www.carm.org/dictionary.htm
Metaphysics: The branch of philosophy involved with examining and discussing the ultimate nature of reality. The term comes from "meta" which means "after" and "phusika" which means "physics."
Pantheism: This is an identification of the universe with God. With this view there is a blurring of the distinction between the Creator and the creation as well as an attack upon the personality and nature of God. Pantheism tends to equate God with the process of the universe and states that the universe is God and God is the universe. This is not true because God is the creator of the universe (Isaiah 44:24) and therefore separate from it.
Cosmology: The study of the origin and structure of the universe.
Great Quotes: Augustine
Concerning faith & understanding and their relationship Augustine stated, "Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand."
Great Quotes: Benjamin Franklin
"The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: 'that God governs in the affairs of men.' And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
Romans 13:1b "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." ESV
Romans 13:1b "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." ESV
Biblical Worldview Learning Center: Daily Bible Reading- Genesis 22:1-24
****This reading plan is produced by the staff of "Biblical Worldview Learning Center." The views espoused do not necessarily agree with the views held by "The Contender's Notebook."
January 20th Genesis 22:1-1-24
In this chapter Abraham faces probably the greatest test a man could face. Think about all that has preceded this extraordinary event. Abraham and Sarah were without a child for all their married life. Then God promises them a son through which He will make Abraham's descendents a mighty nation. The years go by. Even though God continues to reassure Abraham that he will have a son, the circumstances say otherwise. Abraham and Sarah continue to age and eventually reach the ages of 100 and 90 respectively. Nobody has a baby at this age, it is completely impossible. But, God is not bound by the circumstances of nature. And, just as He promised, God causes Sarah to become pregnant and Isaac is born. Abraham and Sarah finally receive their long awaited son, the only son they would have. What joy they must have! What a relief they must have felt as their long wait finally came to an end. Now Abraham and Sarah could rest in the promise that God would somehow bring forth a great multitude of people through their one and only son Isaac. Well, sitting back and resting in the joy of their son was not what was waiting for them. Rather, God comes to Abraham and makes the impossible request. God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son, his only son. Oh, what a test of Abraham's faith and trust in God. How could Abraham now kill the only son he has? What we see, however, is that Abraham does not doubt God. Rather, he takes Isaac and some of his servants and sets out for the mountain God had directed him to. When they came near the place that God had designated, Abraham and Isaac leave the servants behind. Carefully read what Abraham tells his servants, "Abide here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you" (Genesis 22:5). Abraham fully expected that he and Isaac would return. How that would happen, I am sure Abraham did not know. Next, I want you to notice how Abraham answers Isaac when Isaac asks about the lamb they will need for the sacrifice. Abraham answered Isaac saying, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb" (Genesis 22:8). Abraham, in faith, makes an astonishing statement. He completely believed that somehow God would intervene and provide the lamb. As you have already read in this chapter, God does intervene and stops Abraham before he actually slays Isaac. Then, God shows Abraham a ram caught in a thicket that he and Isaac can use for the sacrifice. In this way, God did provide the lamb. And, that lamb was offered, as the Scripture records, "in the stead of his son" (Genesis 22:13). The lamb was a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. Do you remember how I told you that the miraculous birth of Isaac, the "child of promise," was a picture of the much more miraculous birth to come of "The Promised Child," God in human flesh? When an event in the Old Testament is used as a picture of a work God will do through His Son, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament, the Old Testament event is called a "foreshadow" of the New Testament event. That is what we have here. Isaac was the one God had stated should be slain. Yet, God intervened and provided a substitute sacrifice for Isaac in the form of a lamb. This is a "foreshadow" of what God has planned to do for all mankind. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, the true "Promised Child," we will see that God will provide a substitute for the judgment that is over all men because of their sin. Just as the ram was a burnt offering in the place of Isaac, Jesus Christ took the wrath of God upon Himself in the place of you and me. We will read the wonderful story of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us when we read the New Testament.
January 20th Genesis 22:1-1-24
In this chapter Abraham faces probably the greatest test a man could face. Think about all that has preceded this extraordinary event. Abraham and Sarah were without a child for all their married life. Then God promises them a son through which He will make Abraham's descendents a mighty nation. The years go by. Even though God continues to reassure Abraham that he will have a son, the circumstances say otherwise. Abraham and Sarah continue to age and eventually reach the ages of 100 and 90 respectively. Nobody has a baby at this age, it is completely impossible. But, God is not bound by the circumstances of nature. And, just as He promised, God causes Sarah to become pregnant and Isaac is born. Abraham and Sarah finally receive their long awaited son, the only son they would have. What joy they must have! What a relief they must have felt as their long wait finally came to an end. Now Abraham and Sarah could rest in the promise that God would somehow bring forth a great multitude of people through their one and only son Isaac. Well, sitting back and resting in the joy of their son was not what was waiting for them. Rather, God comes to Abraham and makes the impossible request. God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son, his only son. Oh, what a test of Abraham's faith and trust in God. How could Abraham now kill the only son he has? What we see, however, is that Abraham does not doubt God. Rather, he takes Isaac and some of his servants and sets out for the mountain God had directed him to. When they came near the place that God had designated, Abraham and Isaac leave the servants behind. Carefully read what Abraham tells his servants, "Abide here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you" (Genesis 22:5). Abraham fully expected that he and Isaac would return. How that would happen, I am sure Abraham did not know. Next, I want you to notice how Abraham answers Isaac when Isaac asks about the lamb they will need for the sacrifice. Abraham answered Isaac saying, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb" (Genesis 22:8). Abraham, in faith, makes an astonishing statement. He completely believed that somehow God would intervene and provide the lamb. As you have already read in this chapter, God does intervene and stops Abraham before he actually slays Isaac. Then, God shows Abraham a ram caught in a thicket that he and Isaac can use for the sacrifice. In this way, God did provide the lamb. And, that lamb was offered, as the Scripture records, "in the stead of his son" (Genesis 22:13). The lamb was a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. Do you remember how I told you that the miraculous birth of Isaac, the "child of promise," was a picture of the much more miraculous birth to come of "The Promised Child," God in human flesh? When an event in the Old Testament is used as a picture of a work God will do through His Son, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament, the Old Testament event is called a "foreshadow" of the New Testament event. That is what we have here. Isaac was the one God had stated should be slain. Yet, God intervened and provided a substitute sacrifice for Isaac in the form of a lamb. This is a "foreshadow" of what God has planned to do for all mankind. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, the true "Promised Child," we will see that God will provide a substitute for the judgment that is over all men because of their sin. Just as the ram was a burnt offering in the place of Isaac, Jesus Christ took the wrath of God upon Himself in the place of you and me. We will read the wonderful story of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us when we read the New Testament.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Biblical Worldview Learning Center: Daily Bible Reading- Genesis 21:1-34
**This reading plan is produced by the staff of "Biblical Worldview Learning Center." The views espoused do not necessarily agree with the views held by "The Contender's Notebook."
January 19th Genesis 21:1-34
The "child of promise" finally comes! For years, Abraham and Sarah have patiently waited. They have struggled with their personal doubts. They have tried to take matters in their own hands. They have wondered how any of this could ever be possible. Then, just as the Lord had repeatedly promised, "the Lord visited Sarah.and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken" (Genesis 21:1). It happened, just as the Lord said it would! Sarah was old. She was well past the age when a woman could naturally continue having children. Outside of a miracle, she knew, Abraham knew, everyone knew, it was impossible for Sarah to become pregnant. Yet, "Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him" (Genesis 21:2). The miracle happened! When Sarah had laughed to herself at the time the three visitors came and told of Abraham that Sarah would have a child, the Lord posed the question, "Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14). Now, the Lord had demonstrated the answer to that question. No! Nothing is too hard for the Lord! Having given birth, Sarah laughed again. This time, however, it was not the doubting, cynical laugh of before. This was the joyful laugh of rejoicing and celebrating. Also, Sarah knew that every time she told her story the other women would laugh in amazement with her (see Genesis 21:6,7). No wonder they named the newborn Isaac. The name Isaac literally means, "laughter." Isaac was the "child of promise" and his birth was certainly a miracle. However, Isaac is only a stepping stone in God's wonderful plan to provide salvation for all men. At the time of the first sin, which you read about in Genesis chapter 3, God promised a child that would destroy the power of the Devil. In Genesis 3:15 God called that child the seed of the woman. Isaac, who we read about being born in Genesis chapter 21, is not the child spoken of in Genesis 3:15. Isaac is a "child of promise," a miracle baby. But, he is not "The Promised Child." "The Promised Child" will be a miraculous baby with whom no other can compare. For, "The Promised Child" will not be simply a newborn human being. "The Promised Child" will be God Himself, born in human flesh. As we read through the Bible, we are going to read of many different miraculous things, just as we did here about the birth of Isaac. Several of these miraculous events will be used by God to point us to the one greatest miracle of all time. Isaac, this miracle "child of promise" is one of the first clear pictures of the One, True, Miraculous "Promised Child" yet to come. Thank God for His wonderful plan, and ask Him to open your eyes to see this plan unfold in His Holy Word, the Bible.
January 19th Genesis 21:1-34
The "child of promise" finally comes! For years, Abraham and Sarah have patiently waited. They have struggled with their personal doubts. They have tried to take matters in their own hands. They have wondered how any of this could ever be possible. Then, just as the Lord had repeatedly promised, "the Lord visited Sarah.and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken" (Genesis 21:1). It happened, just as the Lord said it would! Sarah was old. She was well past the age when a woman could naturally continue having children. Outside of a miracle, she knew, Abraham knew, everyone knew, it was impossible for Sarah to become pregnant. Yet, "Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him" (Genesis 21:2). The miracle happened! When Sarah had laughed to herself at the time the three visitors came and told of Abraham that Sarah would have a child, the Lord posed the question, "Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14). Now, the Lord had demonstrated the answer to that question. No! Nothing is too hard for the Lord! Having given birth, Sarah laughed again. This time, however, it was not the doubting, cynical laugh of before. This was the joyful laugh of rejoicing and celebrating. Also, Sarah knew that every time she told her story the other women would laugh in amazement with her (see Genesis 21:6,7). No wonder they named the newborn Isaac. The name Isaac literally means, "laughter." Isaac was the "child of promise" and his birth was certainly a miracle. However, Isaac is only a stepping stone in God's wonderful plan to provide salvation for all men. At the time of the first sin, which you read about in Genesis chapter 3, God promised a child that would destroy the power of the Devil. In Genesis 3:15 God called that child the seed of the woman. Isaac, who we read about being born in Genesis chapter 21, is not the child spoken of in Genesis 3:15. Isaac is a "child of promise," a miracle baby. But, he is not "The Promised Child." "The Promised Child" will be a miraculous baby with whom no other can compare. For, "The Promised Child" will not be simply a newborn human being. "The Promised Child" will be God Himself, born in human flesh. As we read through the Bible, we are going to read of many different miraculous things, just as we did here about the birth of Isaac. Several of these miraculous events will be used by God to point us to the one greatest miracle of all time. Isaac, this miracle "child of promise" is one of the first clear pictures of the One, True, Miraculous "Promised Child" yet to come. Thank God for His wonderful plan, and ask Him to open your eyes to see this plan unfold in His Holy Word, the Bible.
"Asking the Right Questions- The war in Iraq" by Chuck Colson
Realizing the debate over American involvement in Iraq is a heated one I think Colson provides a good argument for "staying the course."
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A New Name, New Look, and New Inspiration
Here I go again. I've been away from the "blogosphere" for long enough. I think I need to get back into the game. Due in part to the encouragement of my wife and the inspiration of my "blogging" pastor I think it is time to start posting again. Realizing that our lives are sometimes blogged to death I will try to use this addition to the blogging universe as a tool to provide you all with links to good articles, commentary, and banter while also trying to publish my own stuff in the ultimate pursuit of edification.
Semper Reformata,
Craig W.
Semper Reformata,
Craig W.
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