Jesus, My Doctrine 2 (9/28-30)

28-30 Sept 2014 - Jesus, My Doctrine 2 – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 7:16-17 KJV, “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his (Father) that sent Me. If any man will do His (Father’s) will, he (you) shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.”

What was Jesus trying to tell us about His doctrine? Reading from NCV John 7:14b-17 “… Jesus went to the Temple and began to teach. 15 The Jews were amazed and said, ‘This man never studied in school. How did He learn so much?’ 16 Jesus answered, “The things I teach are not My own, but they come from Him (Father) who sent Me. 17 If people choose to do what God wants, they will know that My teaching comes from God and not from Me.”

So who taught Jesus? God, His Father and the Holy Spirit taught Him what to say at that moment when Jesus needs guidance to teach. Then why was Jesus’ doctrine, His teaching so important? There are several answers to this question, but first answer came to my thought. “Because He is the way, the truth and the life. No man can come to the Father, but through Jesus” (John 14:6).  

 ‘If any man will do His will’ means a true saving faith and an experience knowledge of His teachings will require a sincere desire to do the will of God. To believe Him is to obey His teachings. Another answer to the question, why was Jesus’ doctrine so important? It was because of the false religious teachers during Jesus’ time. False teachers tried to change God’s Word to their own views and opinions. That was not acceptable with God.                                               

John, the Beloved disciple wrote a letter in 2 John to reject the false teachers who do not follow Christ’s doctrine. “Anyone who goes beyond Christ’s teaching and does not continue to follow only His teaching does not have God. But whoever continues to follow the teaching of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9 NCV).

KJV quote, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He (you) that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he (you) hath both the Father and the Son.” To transgresseth means to keep going astray from. To abideth means to keep on living in and bear patiently with the teachings of Christ.

Those who do not practice in the doctrine or teachings of Christ are not acceptable with God. John, the Beloved quoted, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not…” (2 John 1:10). Why? Because the false teachers are destroying the eternal souls by casting aside God’s truth.

Doesn’t this burden your hearts to pray for people to open their hearts to understand what God’s will is? If any man will do the Father’s will, we would know Christ’s doctrine. Our heavenly Father wants us to have fellowship with Christ and to know His teachings. Study God’s Word leads to eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).

Prayer: Lord, help us to stay true to Your doctrine and to Your teachings so that we may lead others to You and receive eternal life. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to help us discern the false teachers and to watch out for them. Help us to stay true to You.  In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Jesus, My Doctrine (9/25-27)

25-27 Sept 2014 – Jesus, My Doctrine – Manna by Dorothy Callies       

Matthew 7:28-29 “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these saying, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

NCV translates this: “When Jesus finished saying these things, the people were amazed at his teaching, because He did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like a person who had authority.”  From Matthew 16:12 Jesus mentioned to the disciples to be aware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

What was Jesus trying to teach us to be aware of the doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Jesus mentioned that you would know them by their fruits, the false teachers who comes in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are like ravening wolves which means their doctrines had changed from God’s laws. [Ref. Mat.7:15] Here’s a few examples.

They acted like their loyalty to their religious was more important than to the Word of God. They worship themselves more than the Creator. They loved fancy clothes. They loved attention of people who salutes them in public. They loved the best seat in the church. They loved long prayers. They stole widows’ inheritance by taking advantages of having no defense for themselves after the death of their husbands. [Ref. Mark 12:38-40]

So the Pharisees’ doctrine were more concerned with their own desires than with the glory and honor of God. They were “man-centered” rather than “God-centered.” This was why Jesus said to the Pharisees and the teachers of the laws, “You are hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he said about you: ‘These people show honor to Me with words, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is worthless. The things they *teach are nothing but human rules’ (Matt. 15:1,7-9 NCV).  [*KJV: Teaching for doctrines the commandment of men]

The people “were astonished at his doctrine” (Matt. 22:33). What makes Jesus different from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Scribes? Jesus brought back “God-centered” doctrine rather than their own “man-centered” doctrine. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures and it is these that bear witness of Me” (John 5:39 ANS). Is there any reason why we should study His Word? The more you know about Jesus, the more you love Him.

SONG: I LOVE HIM

I love Him, I love Him

Because He first loved me

And purchased my salvation

On Calvary’s tree.

SONG: I LOVE HIM FOR HE IS MINE

I love Him for He is mine,

I love Him for He is divine;

I’ve loved Him forever it seems

This Jesus the Nazarene.

 (Inspiring Choruses)

Fight the Good Fight of Faith (9/22-24)

1 Timothy 6:12 KJV, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Paul gave an advice to young Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, and to lay hold on eternal life. Paul warned Timothy to teach no other doctrine (1Tim.1:3). Why? Seven years before Paul wrote this letter he warned the elders of Ephesus that false teachers would try to distort (mislead or twist) the true message of Christ. Now that this was happening, Paul exhorts (urge strongly) Timothy to confront them boldly and to stay on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Paul encouraged Timothy to hold on to the original faith taught by Christ and the apostles’ teachings. Timothy must hold on to these truths in faith and love toward Jesus Christ, and never to depart from them. Paul passed on his “legacy” to Timothy to carry on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ who has called Timothy to continue in pastoring the church.

Finally Paul confessed himself that he was coming to the close of his time. Paul said from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”

Paul said, “I have fought a good fight.” What kind of a good fight? Here’s a few of what Paul meant. (1) Paul considers the Christian life as a “good fight,” the only fight worth fighting. He fought against Satan, Jewish and pagan vices, Judaism, immorality in the church, false teachers, the twist gospel, worldliness, and sin. (2) He has finished his race of trials, difficulties, temptations, and has remained faithful to his Lord and Savior throughout his life. (3) He has kept the faith in times of severe testing, great discouragement, and much affliction, both when forsaken by friends and opposed by false teachers. He never compromised the original truth of the gospel.

Finally, Paul looked forward to meet His Lord and Savior who will give him the “crown of righteousness” that was waiting for him in heaven. Paul was rewarded for his good fight of faith. He has kept it faithfully and passed on to Timothy.

The whole point of Paul’s advice for us today is to, “Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:12 NCV).

SONG: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

Chorus: Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, Going on before.

1.      Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, Going on before;

Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle, See His banner go!

2.      Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng;

Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song;

Glory, laud and honor Unto Christ the King;

This thro’ countless ages Men and angels sing.

(Lyrics: Sabine Baring-Gould, Sing His Praise)

Hymn about Stephen 9/19-21 (Thank you, Bill)

19-21 Sept 2014 - Hymn about Stephen provided by Bill Persall of Canada. Thank you, Bill!

Acts 7:59-60 “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he said this, he fell asleep.”

I want to thank Bill Persall of Canada for sending me the whole song that I could not find. I used to memorize all the words and put into a play, and sang it in sign language style. I had two players acted like people throwing “stones,” using brown papers crushed to look like the small stones. It was an unforgettable experience about Stephen who gave his life for Christ. There’s something about the song and I pray that it will touch your heart. Dorothy

SONG: I SEE JESUS

The author of this hymn was Charles B. Wycuff.

Once a man name Stephen preached about the Lord,

Folks were saved and folks were healed, As they heard his word;

Satan did not like it, Soon he had his crowd,

And as he was tried they heard Stephen cry aloud.

Chorus:

“I see Jesus, standing at the Father’s right hand,

I see Jesus yonder in the promised land;

Work is over, now I’m coming to thee,

I see Jesus, standing waiting for me.”

As the stones fell on him beating out his life,

Stephen knew he’d soon be through with all toil and strife;

So much like the Master, with a heart so true,

He prayed, ‘Lord forgive for they know not what they do.’

Chorus:

“I see Jesus, standing at the Father’s right hand,

I see Jesus yonder in the promised land;

Work is over, now I’m coming to thee,

I see Jesus, standing waiting for me.”

Through the gates of glory down the streets of gold,

Marched a hero of the Lord into heaven’s fold;

When he met the Saviour at the great white throne,

I believe He smiled and said, ‘Stephen welcome home.’

Chorus:

“I see Jesus, standing at the Father’s right hand,

I see Jesus yonder in the promised land;

Work is over, now I’m coming to thee,

I see Jesus, standing waiting for me.”

A Man Named, Stephen (9/17-18)

17-18 September 2014 - Once A Man Named, Stephen – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Acts 7:55-56 KJV, “But he (Stephen), being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.’”

Stephen was one of the seven chosen to serve the needs of the people. Stephen was a man full of faith and power. He did wonders and miracles among the people. Then there were religious men who did not like Stephen, stirred up the people against Stephen. So Stephen was taken to the court. Stephen heard all the false accusations against him.

How did Stephen react to those who were accusing him? Was Stephen upset? The Scripture tells us that “All the people in the meeting were watching Stephen closely and saw that his face looked like the face of an angel” (NCV, Acts 6:15). Stephen was not upset and he was at peace. Stephen is a good example for us to keep our eyes on Jesus and be at peace with Him.

Stephen, full of Holy Spirit, gave a long speech from Acts 7:1-53. What impressed me was that Stephen knew the history of Moses which show me that Stephen studied the Old Testament books. Also there were “lively oracles to give unto us” (Acts 7:38). This means that the stories about God who spoke to Moses was passed down by persons who memorized the history in order to keep God's Word alive.

Why was Stephen speech so long? Stephen defend the Bible faith against those who oppose the teaching of Jesus Christ. Stephen’s love of the Gospel truth and his willingness to protect God’s Word from the false teachers who tried to change the gospel. Stephen exposed their hearts that were not true to God and to His Word.

When Stephen ended his long speech, the religious leader could not stand it. Stephen saw Jesus standing, waiting for him to come home (Acts 7:55-56). Stephen’s face was aglow with peace. The angry religious leaders stoned Stephen to death. Jesus stood up to welcome His first martyr to Himself. This should encourage to all faithful believers near death, the Savior stands ready to receive them as their intercessor and advocate. Oh yes, Jesus cares for you.

SONG: I SEE JESUS

Once a man named, Stephen, preached about the Lord,

Folks were saved, and folks were healed, as they heard His Word;

Satan did not like it, Soon he had his crowd, 
And as he was tried they heard Stephen cry aloud.

Chorus:

“I see Jesus, standing at the Father’s right hand,

I see Jesus, yonder in the Promise Land,

Work is over, I’m coming to Thee,

I see Jesus, standing, waiting for me.”
[The author of this hymn was Charles B. Wycuff] 

Bread from Heaven (9/15-16)

15-16 September 2014 - Bread from Heaven – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Exodus 16:4 “Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or no.”

This “bread from heaven” is called “manna” (v.15). It was a special food, a miracle sent from God to feed the people after the exodus (coming out) of Egypt. It was a white substance that looks like frost, took the form of thin flakes, and tasted like honey (v.14).

The supply of manna ceased when Israel entered the Promised Land and other food became available (Josh.5:12). “And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna anymore; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”

The children of Israel did not have a Bible at their time. What they had was their “Fresh Manna from Heaven” as a daily reminder that God provides for them to eat.  That became a “history of who God was to the children of Israel.” Their story was put into the written Bible. Forty different men were inspired by the Holy Spirit and wrote God’s Word (2Pet.1:21). Today the Bible was given to us from God. Why? Because the Bible tells us about Jesus Christ, the Son of God who was the Savior of the world.

Jesus introduced Himself, “I came down from heaven. I am that bread of life. I am the living bread which came down from heaven” (John 6:38, 48, 51). Moses foretold that someone like him will come and Moses spoke about Jesus Christ, the Manna. The Manna was a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who as “the true bread from heaven” gives eternal life. Acts 7:37 “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear.”

*In what way was Jesus like Moses? (1) Moses was anointed by the Spirit (Num.11:17); the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus to preach the gospel (Lu.4:18-19). (2) God used Moses to start the old covenant; Jesus brought in the new covenant. (3) Moses led Israel out of Egypt to Sinai and established relationship with God; Christ redeemed His people from sin and satanic bondage and established a new, living relationship with God where His people might enter into the very presence of God.

(4) Moses in the O.T. laws referred to the sacrifice of a lamb to bring redemption; Christ Himself became the Lamb of God to furnish salvation for all who accept Him. (5) Moses faithfully pointed to the law and the obligation to God’s people to obey its statutes in order to receive God’s blessing; Christ pointed to Himself and the Holy Spirit as God’s way of fulfilling His will and receiving God’s blessing and eternal life. [*Note from the Full Life Study Bible]

SONG: FILL MY CUP

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord,

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul,

Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.

Fill my cup, fill it up and made me whole.

(Inspiring Choruses)

God's Plan for Today (9/12-14)

12-14 Sept. 2014 – God’s Plan for Today – Manna by Dorothy Callies

1 Thess. 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

What is God’s plan for me today? Often I asked God that question. I was looking for a miracle. Once in a while, I came across the devotion book that show this verse again and again. God’s plan for me today is to “give thanks unto the Lord.”

The Holy Spirit reminded me about God’s people wandering in the wilderness. Exodus 16 tells story of how the children of Israel complained to Moses and Aaron because there were no food. They were starving. Where and what could they grow food out of the desert that was full of sands? Two million people to feed and how would Moses and Aaron going to meet their needs?

Exodus 16:11-12 KJV, “And the Lord spake to Moses, saying, I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh (meat), and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread (manna); and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.” God solved their problems!

God send quails every evening? That was a miracle! God send manna every day? That was a miracle! The children of Israel saw God’s miracle every day. All God wanted for the children of Israel was to be thankful for so they would come to know their God who loved and guided them for 40 years.

From 1 Cor. 10:1-13, Paul warned the New Testament believers NOT to follow Israel’s example and one of them was complaining. *The history of God’s judgment of His people in the Old Testament was written down in the Scriptures to provide those in the New Testament with plenty of warnings against sinning and falling from grace. [*Note from Full Life Study Bible]

When we have problems, Paul reminds us that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that ye are able …” (1Cor.16:13b). NCV “But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand.”

What is God’s will for you today? In everything you do, you are to give thanks to God and to remember that God is faithful. God will keep your temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. So trust God today!

Song: GOD IS FAITHFUL

God is faithful! God is faithful!

God is faithful every day.

I will thank Him! I will thank Him!

I will thank Him when I pray.

I expect a miracle! I expect a miracle!

When I expect it, God will find a way

To perform a miracle for me each day.

(Words by Dorothy Callies)

The Holy One of Israel (9/8-11)

08-11 September 2014 – The Holy One of Israel – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 17:7 KJV, “At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.” NCV, “At that time people will look to God, their Maker; their eyes will see the Holy One of Israel.”

The judgments of God on Israel would cause a remnant to turn away from idolatry back to the Lord God their Maker. They would realize how useless their idols were in times of trouble and war. They would come to show a great respect to the Holy One of Israel. To me, “the Holy One of Israel” means that there are no other gods like Him. God is a Creator and no other gods could be considered “A Creator.” Their idols are hand-made while our God is an ever-lasting God. Praise the Lord!

Isaiah expressed the title “Holy One of Israel” twenty-six times in the book of Isaiah; five additional times God is referred to simply as “the Holy One.” By using this name for God, Isaiah saw a powerful vision of God in His holiness. Isaiah saw God in His holy character and that God’s people must be holy if they were to continue in a covenant relationship with Him.

To be holy actually means to separate themselves from the worship of idols. To be holy means to be different from the people of this world and their lifestyle of immorality. This was why God had chosen His special people, to be a holy nation which means a separate nation that worship the God of Israel while people of the world worship idols.

Here are other few examples of “the Holy One of Israel.”

1)      Isaiah 48:17 KJV, “Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

2)      Isaiah 29:19 KJV “The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 29:18 “The deaf shall hear the words of the book …”

3)      Isaiah 41:14 NCV, “You few people of Israel who are left, do not be afraid even though you are weak as a worm. I myself will help you, says the Lord. The one who saves you is the Holy One of Israel.”

What would happen to those people who do not show respect to “the Holy One of Israel?” Here’s the Scriptures that gives us the answer. It will make you think twice to show extra respect to God. Isaiah 29:20-21 NCV, “Then the people without mercy will come to an end; those who do not respect God will disappear. Those who enjoy doing evil will be gone: those who lie about others in court, those who trap people in court, those who lie and take justice from innocent people in court.” 

So let us show respect to the Lord God of Israel, the Holy One of Israel!

Song: HOLY IS THE LORD.

Holy is the Lord and mighty is His name,

King of heaven, yet down to earth He came.

Angels sing His praise, all earth shall do the same.

Holy is the Lord and mighty is His name.

(Inspiring Choruses)

Strong Hand (9/5-7)

05-07 September 2014 - Strong Hand – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 40:10 “Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.”

We are facing with a lot of problems all around us and it could discourage us. It could cause us to lose interest in ourselves. It could make us lose our faith in Him. The two words, “strong hand” inspires me that God is not a weak God that He could not solved the problems.

Paul quoted: 2 Corinthians 13:3 KJV, “Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward (toward you) is not weak, but is mighty in you.” In NCV quote, “You want proof that Christ is speaking through me. My proof is that He is not weak among you, but He is powerful.” Yes, He is powerful!

Let the Word of God filled us with faith, hope, and prayerful longing for His nearness and His special visitation, while we look for the day of His return and final redemption. “Look, the Lord God is coming with power to rule all the people. Look, he will bring reward for his people; he will have their payment with him” (Is.40:10 NCV).

We praise the Lord for His salvation! We praise the Lord for His blessing! We praise the Lord for His comfort! Why? Because He is coming to His faithful people. He will come with power and with authority like a mighty ruler.

So let us continue to trust God with His mighty strong hand!

Song: What a Mighty God We Serve

What a mighty God we serve …

What a mighty God we serve …

Angels bow before Him,

Heaven and earth adore Him,

What a mighty God we serve …

(Collection of song, Author, unknown)

Heavens Declare Glory 9/3-4)

03-04 September 2014 - The Heavens Declare the Glory

Psalms 19:1 KJV, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.”

God created the heavens and the earth to manifest (to show) His glory, majesty, and power. David says, “The heavens tell the glory of God, and the skies announce what His hands have made.” (NCV)

Psalm 19:2-6 NCV

“Day after day they tell the story; night after night they tell it again. They have no speech or words; they have no voice to be heard. But their message goes out through all the world; their words go everywhere on earth. The sky is like a home for the sun. The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his bedroom. It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race. The sun rises at one end of the sky and follows its path to the other end. Nothing hides from its heat.”

God created the heavens and the earth so He could receive back the glory and honor due Him. God created the earth to provide a place for humankind. God created Adam and Eve in His own image so that He could have a loving, personal relationship for all eternity.

God created us so we could respond to Him freely as Lord and worship and serve Him out of faith, loyalty, and gratitude. God desire this so much that He send a Savior to redeem us from sin’s punishment. God created us because He loves and He cares. God created us to choose Him and to honor Him freely.

Song: Worship the King

Worship the King! Praise Him and sing!

Jesus, the Lamb upon the throne.

Glorious His name, Ever the same,

No one is (equal) God and King But Jesus alone.

Bright Morning Star, Ancient of Days,

Worthy of glory, Worship and praise

Worship the King - - - -

(Collection songs, Author unknown)

Mouth of Babes (9/1-2)

01-02 September 2014 - Mouth of Babes – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Psalm 8:1-2 RSV “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth! Thou whose glory above the heaven is chanted by the mouth of babes and infants, thou has founded a bulwark because of thy foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.”

Notice the verse that the babes and infants would sing or chanted a praise to God. God accepts the praise of innocent little children. Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto Me, for such is the Kingdom of God.” God has founded, set up a bulwark, a protection because we have an enemy and our songs or chant will put enemy “to be quiet.”

It is faith in a child that is simple. It is not the big and danger weapons of guns that adults use to stop the enemy. It is a simple faith like a child keeps us from feeling superior or feeling better than others. It is a simple faith like a babe can even still (quiet) the enemy or Satan from taking action against us. Our songs put our enemies to be still (quiet). So let us sing praises to our Lord! 

Song: I Love You, Lord

I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You,

Oh, my soul, rejoice! Take joy, my King, in what You hear;

may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

(Lyrics: Laurie Klein, Sing His Praise)

            Meaning of words from Merriam-Webster Technology:

Chanted = to sing especially in the way a chant is sung. 2. To recite or speak

                        with no change in tone.

Recite = to repeat from memory or read aloud before an audience (recite a

poem) 2. To tell all the details of.

Bulwark = 1. A solid structure like a wall built for defense. 2. A strong support

                or protection.

Foes = 1. One who hates another: ENEMY 2. An enemy in war.

Avenger = 1. To vengeance for an action or on behalf (interest) of a person.

Vengeance = Punishment given in return for an injury or offense.