What More Are You Doing Than Others?

Mt 5:43-47

What a sobering question.  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others" while He was teaching a lesson on the high standard of loving our enemies.  He used the practical workings of the Law of Moses when He said, "eye for an eye..." Mt 5:38 In contrast to that He said, "love your enemies..." Mt 5:44  Wow, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  That makes the question He asked even more sobering!  Remember, Jesus exemplified this teaching when He was on the cross. Lk 23:34  We must follow Jesus and imitate Him.  What should we do more than others, love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  This is essential to show our resemblance of our Father who gives to the righteous and unrighteous. Mt 5:45

Some say and think this is impossible for a human to accomplish.  It may be extremely hard, but not impossible.  Jesus makes it possible.  He does so by not just saying it, but by living it.  Paul says a similar thing when he writes the Romans and is instructing them to behave like Christians. Rom 12:17-21

In verse 46, Jesus said that even tax collectors love the ones who love them.  These tax collectors were commonly known for theft.  If a thief can love those who love them what praise is found in this kind of love?  NONE!  Listen to me now, a Christian should have a love that distinguishes them from sinners! Lk 6:32,33  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  The answer He is looking for is,  "Loving others like the example you gave, my Lord."  Instead, we are trying to love others, like sinners.  A Christians love should distinguish them from sinners.   I once read about a father teaching his son about being a gentleman and said, "My son, speak kindly to everyone, even those who do not speak kindly to you.  You must remember to show courtesy to others not because they are gentlemen, but because you are one."   Jesus wants us to love, do good for, and lend to our enemies while expecting nothing in return. Lk 6:35  We must love our enemies not because of who they are, but because of who we are, Christians.

This question Jesus asked teaches that Christianity is of little value if it doesn't make us better than those in the world.  At their baptism, a Christian is raised up to walk in the newness of life (Rom 6:3,4) not the oldness of life.  At their baptism, a Christian has buried their old self and put on a new self. Col 3:7-10  This newness of life and new self is harder than memorizing book, chapter, and verse of God's Word.  It is hard to do!  The Pharisees were Law abiding men.  They tithed down to the mustard seed.  All of this wasn't sufficient.  Jesus said, our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees. Mt 5:20  If we memorize the entire Bible and give all we got at tithe and offering time but fail to love our enemies we are no different than the world.  

Jesus asked, "what more are you doing than others?"  Jesus is our standard not other people or denominations.  It's a shame that Jehovah's Witnesses circulate literature filled with error, we should circulate more to preach the truth.  If a Mormon can give ten percent to support error, we should give more to support the truth.  If a denomination can meet to worship in error for three hours, we should meet to worship for four hours in truth.  I know, now I have gotten personal.  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  

Don't be caught up in the trap of being average!  Most people are satisfied when they have accomplished what is considered average.  Jesus didn't call us to be average!  The average was "eye for an eye" but Jesus demands more.  He demands love and not to resist an person who is evil. Mt 5:39  The average was "thou shall not kill"  but Jesus demands more.   He demands us to love our brothers. 1Jn 3:15; 4:20  The average says that "one faith is as good as another" but Jesus says worship can be in vain. Mt 15:9  One more, the average is "drink but don't get drunk" but God's Word says abstain forms of evil. 1Th 5:22  These examples vividly show that Jesus demands that we excel beyond average.  We were not called to be average.  We were called to be Christians!  We are called to follow Jesus' example even in suffering. 1Pe 2:21  Jesus leads us to the Father.  Jesus leads us home. Jn 14:6  

Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  May we never measure what we are doing to anyone other than Jesus.  Today, are we willing to love and pray for our enemies?  Are we willing to answer the call to go beyond average?  Are we ready to be a Christian?  Are we ready to follow Jesus?

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22   

I'm not a "Water Dog", I'm trying to be an "Obedient Dog."

Many people receive nicknames because of something they often did, or do, and thus earn a nickname.  You may have a nickname that was earned that has stuck with you for a very long time.  My mother was never really known for her birth name.  If I told someone I was Roberta's son they had no clue who I was talking about, but if I said I was Binky's son they knew exactly who I was talking about.  I always wanted the nickname "cutie" but that never stuck, and I think I know why.  However, the nickname "chatterbox" did stick for awhile and again, I think I know why.

I am a member of the Lord's Church.  I was added to the Christ's Church several years ago.  One of the many nicknames I have been called since then is "water dog."  Yet, you never hear anyone mention the obedience involved in that statement.  Consider some of the Old Testament and New Testament examples.

NAAMAN THE LEPER   2Ki 5:1-14

We read that Naaman was "captain of the army, highly respected, and a leper."    A young Israelite girl was taken captive and served Naaman's wife.  I want you to notice even though this young girl was was a prisoner of war in a foreign land she was not bitter towards her captors.  As a matter of fact, she was concerned about their welfare.  What a lesson we can learn from that young girl! Isa 11:6  I do not know her exact age but it is abundantly evident that she was taught about God and His prophet.  She was not afraid to tell strangers about them.  The Jews were diligent to teach their children the Law of God. Dt 6:1-8  Oh 21st century church, when we will we learn this lesson?  When we stop allowing the world to teach our children what defines marriage, murder, and morals?  Things will not change until we change that!  

Don't loose sight of the fact that, as often is the case, a correct report was not made in these verses.  The young Israelite servant told Naaman's wife, she told Naaman, and Naaman told his master that a prophet in Israel could cure Naaman.  The king of Israel received a letter that said, "you may cure him of his leprosy."  This was severely wrong.  We often credit man with the abilities that only God can provide.  Man cannot save you, only God can.  Man will fail you, God will not.  Man will break promises, God will not.  Confusion concerning God and His Word, in this instance, almost started a fight.  It is that very thing, confusion concerning God and His Word, that starts denominationalism today!  

So Elisha sets things straight and requests that Naaman be sent to him so the king of Aram would know that a prophet of God was in Israel.  Naaman was told, by a messenger sent be Elisha, to "go and wash" but this made Naaman furious.  He went away mad, still a leper, because he wasn't being healed the way he wanted.  He wanted the prophet to come to him, wave a magic wand, and say something special. Today we want the preacher to lead us in a special prayer and be saved the way we want.  Naaman said, "Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?"  He wanted "Holy Water" to make him clean.  He wanted to be dabbed instead of immersed.  He wanted it  to be poured over him without entering the water.  He wanted to be healed and saved his own way but it doesn't work that way, my friends!  Listen to me, he was unable to see any connection between the act commanded and the result of obedience to the command that would be attained!  He knew there was no cleansing power in the water of the dirty Jordan river, and he was right!  The power that heals was what was behind the water, and that power is God.  The power of our baptism today is not in the water, but what is behind the water, and that is the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.  How many people have their own idea as to how God should save them today?  Many are willing and waiting to be saved as soon as God adopts their method of saving.  Surely, no one thinks the dirty water of the Jordan healed Naaman.  If so, the Jordan would have people of all kinds of diseases in it 24 hours a day!  No, God healed Naaman, but not until he completely obeyed, regardless if he saw the full purpose of immersion into that water! 

I am not crying, "water salvation" by any means.  I am crying, "obedient salvation."  Jesus commanded baptism.  Mt 28:18-19; Mk 16:16  Like Naaman, you may not be able to see how baptism can have any connection with salvation, but if you truly desire salvation, you will obey Jesus' command, trust in God's promise, and rejoice in being immersed.  Take note that Peter says repentance must precede baptism. Acts 2:37-38  Philip says belief must precede baptism. Acts 8:35-38  Luke writes that faithfulness, even in struggles, must follow baptism. Acts 14:21-22

JESUS AND THE BLIND MAN   John 9

This is a man who was born blind.  Jesus spat on the ground, made clay by combining  the two, and applied it to the blind man's eyes.  He the said, "Go and wash in the pool of Siloam."  There is no doubt that this is an almost unheard of procedure.  I am glad because I don't want you making clay with your spit and smearing it on my face!  As far as I can tell, Jesus didn't indicate what the result would be when the blind man washed the clay off his eyes.   Jesus didn't say if anything would even happen.  He simply gave the commands "go" and "wash."  If Jesus did give him a promise it is unrecorded, but all we know is that the blind man had a spirit of obedience!  The blind man obeyed and came back seeing.  I am not crying "water salvation" or "spit and dirt salvation."  I am crying "obedient salvation."  Notice how the man explained what happened, "He applied clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."  The Pharisees never for even a second thought the clay or water did the healing. The man who was born blind knew the clay and the water did not do the healing.  The man said, "He opened my eyes."  

Jesus says "...he that believes and is baptized shall be saved..."  Every who knows as much as the Pharisees and the blind man knows that the saving agent is not the water but the power comes from the power and authority behind the one giving the commands "go" and "wash."  

We show our confidence in our doctor be following his directions, even if we don't understand how the treatment will work.  Jesus is our physician. Mt 9:10-12

We show our confidence in Him when we follow His directions to heal us from sin, even if we don't understand how the treatment will work.  When we decide to set aside some of His directions as "unnecessary" and only follow those that we choose we show more confidence in ourselves than is our physician, Jesus the Christ.  We are trying to take our healing in our own hands.  A person shows confidence in his leader by his unquestioning obedience.  God requires whole hearted compliance with His will. Heb 5:8-9   No one questions that Jesus is the author of salvation.  The previous verses show that salvation is offered to those who are obedient.  You may ask, "Who are the obedient?"  Those who do God's will! Mt 7:21; 12:50   

Today, are you ready to be obedient to God's will, even if you do not see the connection of the command to the promise?  Are you ready to obey even if you don't know that a promise is attached to the command?  Are you ready to be an obedient disciple? 

Back To The Basics: Sin

Sometimes it is necessary to revisit basic principles.  We get so involved in being deep thinkers and speakers that we leave out some basic things.  When I coach sports I always hammer basic fundamentals.  Today, we are trying to avoid the basics of sin by changing the name of it.  We avoid calling it sin, so we call it "freedom of choice" or "alternate lifestyle" or "convenience" and in doing that we change the word grace to fit our new look at sin.  We change the word grace to "free pass."  That leaves us with a free pass to a freedom of choice or an alternate lifestyle or to live conveniently.  Today, I want to point out that we can change the names of many terms but we are doing that because we do not understand the basics of sin, like where sin started, what it is, etc..  I read a quote and I thought it was very relevant to this subject and it goes like this, "I covet no phraseology that lends respectability to sin.  The sorest injury we can do a man is to lighten his conception of the enormity of sin."~J.H. Howet  I must add here that we can't sugar coat sin, but we can and should expose it as loving as possible!  Remember, a liar is as evil as a raping murderer in the eyes of God.  You don't have to burn down the place the congregation gathers to be a sinner.

Sin started in the Garden of Eden.  Mankind became a sinner because they heard, believed, and obeyed a lie that was preached to them by Satan through the serpent. Gen 3:1-8  Eve was deceived because the lies that were preached to her was mixed with some truth.  That is happening today as well.  Except Satan is using well dressed, articulate, and intelligent men and women to preach his lies mixed with truth.  Adam and Eve were given a simple and plain command that they chose to disobey.  That disobedience brought sin into the world.  Which brought death, or separation from God, into the world. Gen 2:17   

Let's look at a few words that are translated sin to understand what sin is.  First, sin is lawlessness.  One word translated lawlessness means to break, violate, or reject God's law. Sin is to be in opposition of and disregard God's law. 1Jn 3:4  This is exactly what we see in the actions of Adam and Eve.  Remember there was only one tree forbidden tree in that entire garden.  The command was simple and clear "you shall not eat."  You have to hire someone to help you misunderstand that!  God provided a way for them to be saved forever in the tree of life, but He also allowed Adam and Eve to have the freedom of choice: loyalty or disloyalty, obedience or disobedience, life or death.  He is doing the same today.  He has provided a way for us to be saved forever through Jesus Christ, but He is allowing us to choose from the same choices.  This test of loyalty definitely didn't cause the disloyalty.  This test of obedience didn't cause the disobedience.  The disloyalty and disobedience came from a rebellion of Adam and Eve that started in their hearts!  The eating of that fruit, or disloyalty and disobedience, was just a display  of what is their hearts.  

Second, sin is a transgression of God's law.  This word that is translated transgression means to go over or beyond God's law. It is disregarding the boundaries between right and wrong.  This is the word that the elder brother of the prodigal son uses when he is voicing his complaint to his father. Lk 15:29  This is what we do when we try to change the meaning of the grace.  

Third, sin is missing the mark.  The word translated sin literally means a missing of the mark.  Vine's says this word sin is an inward element producing acts.  That is why I say Adam and Eve's sin started in their hearts.  The mark that is missed is God's mark.  All mankind has missed the mark and fallen short of the glory of God. Rom 3:23  

I read one time, I believe it was Barclay, and he was discussing the difference between sins of commission and sins of omission.  I want you to know that sin is not just avoiding the wrong, but it is also not doing the right!  We can avoid all the bad and never do any good!  That is just as sinful as doing the bad and wrong in God's eyes!  James says as much in Jas 4:17  

Sin is selfish and that is its essential principle.  The chief characteristic of love is giving.  No matter what it cost ourselves.  The chief characteristic of sin is the exact opposite.  It is getting, no matter what it costs others.  Sin is very alluring.  It has an appealing characteristic to it.  It is very charming and fascinating because it is filled with pleasure.  Often times sin can feel great.  That pleasure may be short lived but is still alluring.  It makes me think of a bug zapper.  I can never figure out how so many bugs fly into that light to their death.  That light is so alluring to bugs that just can't resist.  I would look around see all my dead buddies and say, "Forget this.  I'm outta here!"  Really...   I look around and see my buddies now filled with sin and far too often I fail to say, "Forget this.  I'm outta here."  The biggest reason is because sin is also deceitful.  Sin shows off all its pleasure but disguises its pain, shame, and consequences.  That is exactly what Satan did to Eve!  He listed all the advantages but disguised the consequences and pain of sin.  Satan is a barter, who bargains with things he doesn't have!  That is what he tried with Jesus. Mt 4:1-11  Satan wants us to think of sin as something beautiful and pleasureful.  The beer commercials do the same thing today.  Their product will cause you to do dumb and costly things.  It will make you extremely sick.  It will cause to loose memories of what you did.  It could even kill you.  Yet, their commercials never communicate that.  All we see is fun, pleasure, and beautiful people. If we are not careful sin will make us its slave.  Rom 6:16  

Sin separates us from God. Isa 59:2  It brings suffering.  Eve suffered in childbearing, Adam suffered in labor, the earth suffered in what it produced, and Satan suffered with his head being crushed.  Everything and anything suffers when sin enters the picture!  Sin also brings death, both physical and spiritual.  It may have took over 900 years for Adam's resulting death from sin to catch him, but it did.  Cemeteries all over the place are a reminder that sin resulted in a physical death.  Paul reminds us of the spiritual death that sin produces.  2Th 1:7-9  

Thank you Lord for providing a cure from this sin in Jesus Christ! Rom 5:8-12

He died for our sins, by His wounds we are healed, and He destroyed death and brought life! 1Co 15:3; 1Pe 2:24; 2Ti 1:10  Thank you Jesus!  His blood provides our redemption and forgiveness in accordance with God's grace. Eph 1:7

The cure is provided all we must do is partake.  Antibiotics can't help you if you do not take them.  Christ can't help if you do not obey Him.  Obedience to the Gospel is a must.  God did His part and now we must do ours.  Those at Pentecost understood this and asked, "What should we do?"  Saul understood this and said, "What will you have me do?"  Today, are you ready to let go of sin in your life that is separating you from God and ask the same question as Saul and those at Pentecost?  Sin is not an alternate lifestyle or permissible due to convenience.  It is separating you from God and eternity with Him.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22   

The Promised Priest

Zec 3:8-10

The prophecy we will look at today is actually the fourth vision, in a series of eight, related to Zechariah, dating back to about 519 BC.  This is a very significant vision and prophecy.  In the last post we saw, through the Word of God, how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of a promised prophet and a promised king.  Today we will look at a prophecy of a promised Priest.  In researching this I studied works from a man named David Baron.  He was a Jewish convert to Christianity.  He wrote many books concerning Judaism.  He founded the Hebrew Christian Testimony to Israel missionary organization, in London, with the intent of converting other Jews.  Concerning today’s text he said this, “This is one of the richest and most Messianic Passages.”  Let’s see what he felt was so rich, shall we?  Vv 1-7 basically sets the scene where Zechariah is having a vision and he sees the High Priest, Joshua (in filthy garments, which means he and the people he represents are unworthy, unable to perform God’s work, and out of his kingdom), and Satan side by side.  Satan is rebuked for his attack on Israel, who is God’s chosen people.  Joshua’s filth is removed and he is cleaned.  Then he is told to remain faithful.

The first thing we must note that Joshua, freshly cleansed and reinstated, and the priests under him are a “symbol.”  They symbolize a priest is coming that will be perfect and not need cleansed and reinstated!  The phrase “for behold” in vv8,9 basically means "see this surprise."  Today we may say, “HERE’S WHAT I’M GONNA DO!”  He gives three illustrations to describe this promised Priest.

The coming priest is a SERVANT.  The word translated servant here comes from the root word that means do or use in service; to become a servant; worshiper.  So when God says, "My servant" He is saying that his promised priest, or servant, will be more than a thoughtless slave.  Rather, this promised priest will work for God, or be used in service by God, because He is a worshiper of God.

The coming priest is a BRANCH.  This promised priest will be rooted in the work and the will of the Lord.  Consider the following verses: 

Isa 4:2 branch of the Lord; Isa 11:1 out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots; Jer 23:5 Branch of righteousness.   The word branch here means a branch that grew.  It comes from the root word meaning sprout, with intent to bring forth, bud, or grow.   This promised priest will come and grow.  As He grows we will see He is rooted in the work and the will of the Lord.  

The coming priest is a STONE.    We see the phrase “for behold” again in verse nine.  This stone that the Lord will put in place is a cornerstone.  Isa 28:16  In the Old Testament a “rock” is a sign of power and strength, and a stone is similar except you build on a stone, not a rock.  This “cornerstone” is a foundation of things to come!  This stone has two unique qualities about it.

1. The stone has seven eyes.  Are these eyes on the stone the eyes of the Lord? Zec 4:10  Perhaps, but I am in no way being dogmatic about that possibility.  The number 7 in Scripture is the number of perfection.  The eye is often referred to as intelligence.  If you apply that to the promised priest, He will need to have perfect intelligence, or omniscience.  Isa 11:2

    

    2. The stone will be engraved.  The engraving of the stone will make it precious and that’s why Peter refers to it in 1Pe 2:7.  The stone and its engraving are valuable to those who believe, remember, belief cannot be separated from obedience!  God will do the engraving on this new stone just as he did on the Old. Ex 31:18; 32:16.  The iniquity is removed on that one day the stone is engraved!!  This promised priest will need to be the cornerstone of a new foundation, be omniscient, and be engraved by God!

    This promised priest brings unity and peace.

      Everyone will join in this party under the vine.  This is a reference to all people being invited into the party.  I read in the Talmud(Rabbinical teachings and discussions) Yoma 7:4 that after the high priest performed his solemn duties on the day of atonement he was escorted home in a festive manner, and that day was treated as a holiday today!  Do we look at the day our sins were atoned as a holiday?  The peace that is offered by the promised priest will be from the forgiveness of sin.   The forgiveness of sin makes possible, first peace with God, and then peace with fellow man.  This promised priest will be over all people whether Jew or gentile.  There will be no more divided kingdoms as in Old Testament times. The coming priest will start peace and unity!  

    Wow, where can a man like that be found. Do you a man that can meet the criteria in this prophecy?  I have one man in mind.

    Prophecy Fulfilled!

     

     This promised priest must be a servant     Phi 2:8 Jesus was beyond a servant

    This promised priest must be a branch      Jn 15:1 He is no longer a sprout.  He i with fruit.

    This promised priest must be a stone        1Pe 2:4 “Living stone” Jesus is a living foundation!  

    This promised priest must be omniscient    Jn 16:30 Apostles knew it Col 2:3

    This promised priest must be engraved by God    Isa 53:5 The wounds inflicted on Jesus by men was in reality an engraving by God!   

    This promised priest will bring unity and peace    We already know Jesus is the true vine from Jn 15. The thing that must be noted is that in order to be a part of the vine you do not have to be a certain race, gender, or nationality.  You simply must abide in him!  Heb 4:14; 5:8-10

    You must make a decision the information placed before you today.  Is Jesus our promised priest of the Old Testament?  If you believe he is the Messiah, the anointed, do you acknowledge his authority?  Are you obedient to all his commands concerning entrance into his kingdom?    **Notice that this prophecy has nothing to do with how the king is received, but that he is coming! Jesus is King whether we choose to accept him as such or not.

    Today, tell someone about the promised priest, Jesus Christ, that came to make an atonement for our sins.  He humbled himself and willingly became our perfect sacrifice.  Jesus is our Passover Lamb.         

    Hear The Word-  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We Must Believe or Have Faith-  Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We Must Repent-  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We Must Confess Christ Before Others-  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We Must Be Immersed Into Christ (Baptized)-  1Pe 3:21; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38  

     We Must Remain Faithful-  Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22    

The Promised Prophet

Dt 18:15,18

Moses is up on Mt. Sinai when God apparently tells him that a special prophet will be brought into the world.  It takes 40yrs but Moses eventually tells the Israelites.  He tells them in the plains of Moab where he gives his second discourse.  Deuteronomy chapters 5-26  Deuteronomy literally means second law.  In this discourse Moses addresses kings (Ch 16,17), priests (1^st pt Ch 18), & prophets (last part Ch 18).  He tells the Israelites they are forbidden to seek guidance for the future by the means of pagan divinity!  I can't figure out astronomy.  Why do we ask someone to read the stars when we could just talk to one who out them there?  God will provide someone like Moses to tell them all they need!

No other Old Testament prophet can be compared to Moses.  DT 34:10-12  Therefore, the prophet like Moses must be someone, who in some significant way, transcends the line of the Old Testament prophets.   God promises a source of special revelation that is far superior to pagan divination or witchcraft.  It must be noted that in the main scripture that the word "prophet" is singular.  Do not confuse this promised prophet with the many prophets we read about in our Bible.  A prophet is one who receives direct communication from God through dreams, visions, or other means and then communicates that revelation to his contemporaries.   SO WE ARE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE MAN THAT SPEAKS ON BEHALF OF GOD!   In vs 15 above Moses says the prophet will come "from among you" and God says in vs 18 the prophet will come "from among their countrymen like you."  This tells us the nationality of the promised prophet.  He will be an Israelite!  We also know that this promised prophet was to be of the tribe of Judah. Gen 49:10-12  

Many people tried to be a prophet like Moses.  Josephus writes about a man named Theudas who claimed he could split the Jordan and many followed him in the wilderness and died!  (Josephus  Ant XX. v. 1.)  The people were looking for exactly that type of prophet.  In Jn 6:30-33 the multitudes challenged Jesus to make something similar to manna.  So I thought we should enumerate 5 unique qualities that Moses has that the special prophet should have as well.

1.   Moses enjoyed an intimate relationship with God.  Dt 34:10 “face to face”

2.   Moses was a miracle worker.  Dt 34:11,12

3.   Moses was a mediator.  He always interceded for the people.  Num 21:7

4.   Moses was a lawgiver.  He was the mediator of the Old Covenant!

5.   Moses was a deliverer.  He delivered the people from Egypt!

Deuteronomy's main issue is authority.  The promised prophet would have great authority.  The Israelites are warned about listening to false prophets and warned about witchcraft and idolatry.  Moses tells them how to test the authority of a prophet!  Dt 18:22

Where can such an amazing man be found?  Who could possibly meet all the above qualities and criteria?  You know where this is going and who it is pointing to, Jesus!!!

Is Jesus a prophet?                         Jn 6:14; 7:40,41

Did Jesus speak on behalf of God?    Jn 12:50

Was Jesus like Moses?

          Intimate relationship                  Lk 10:22  

          Miracle worker                            Lk 24:18,19

          Mediator                                      1Ti 2:5

          Lawgiver                                      Heb 8:6

          Deliverer                                 Mt 26:28  

Does Jesus have authority?             Mt 28:18   Jn 12:48-50 says that in the last days we will be judged by the very words of Jesus.  That is all authority!

You must make a decision on the above information.  Is Jesus the promised prophet of the Old Testament?  If you believe so, are willing to submit to His authority?  Are you willing to allow him to deliver you from sin?  Are you willing to be obedient to his laws?  He is our mediator and he did work miracles.  He is the only way we can know our Father in heaven. Jn 14:6  How will you respond to Jesus, the promised prophet?

Today, I hope you plan to share the wonderful facts of the promised prophet, Jesus, that God sent because He loves us (Jn 3:16) to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Hear The Word-  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We Must Believe or Have Faith-  Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We Must Repent-  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We Must Confess Christ Before Others-  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

1Pe 3:21; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38  

We Must Remain Faithful-  Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22