“EYEWITNESSES OF JESUS’ MAJESTY”

 

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with I’m in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:16-19)

The ‘majesty’ is here defined as “honor and glory”. Jesus received this because of what he did, which pleased his Father (more on this later). All the apostles saw this. Notice, “…and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

The majesty was not just the lone episode at the transfiguration (only three apostles were present then). The majesty was not only the dove descending upon him. This was to merely inform those present that Jesus was well pleasing to God. It is important that we understand why God was pleased with Jesus.

Jesus came to do the will of his Father, but this involved more than submitting to John’s baptism. John 4:34 states, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God.” The apostles received of this “fullness” from Jesus: “And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). This “fullness” was made known in their preaching: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us” (1 John 1:1-3).

What was this “fullness” that all of the apostles received, wrote of, and spoke of in their preaching? For what purpose did they write and preach about it? We find the answers to these questions in Ephesians 3:1-7, 14-19; 4:13-16.   

That which the apostles received of Jesus was a mystery until Jesus gave it to them. What was it and how did Jesus give it to them? John 17:6-8 has the answer for us. It was in Jesus’ words; in that which he taught. Grace and truth came by Jesus (John 1:17). It was this that the apostles witnessed. Jesus made known to them the things of God (not the purpose of Moses) and Jesus came to provide the sacrifice which the penalty of sin required. He did so for us. He did all of that which his heavenly Father commanded of him (John 17:4).

The majesty associated with Jesus, of which the apostles were eyewitnesses, from which they had received, and of which they preached, was regarding the things he taught. Jesus came to show man the necessity of submission and obedience to the will of God. He came to reveal who had a love for God and who didn’t. This he did by teaching those men given to him from the Father, sending them into the world as he had been sent (John 17:6, 18). They preached that we might know the things of God: “For what we proclaim is not of ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6).

“LET US LOVE IN DEED AND IN TRUTH” [Part 5 of 5]

Here is the last point mentioned in the article entitled “THIRTEEN THINGS CHURCHES NEED TO KNOW”...

13. If you won’t handover the keys of the church to the next generation until they think like you and do things exactly like you … you’ll never handover the keys. You will lock up an empty dead church.

Preparing the next generation pertains to both evangelism and parenting. Preparing them to be responsible before the Lord, involves them developing a personal faith in God’s word. This preparation is not simply a continuation of the traditions practiced by ancestors. Personal faith is essential to fearing and pleasing God (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13; Hebrews 11:6). Faith is an exercise of our mind. “By faith we understand…” (Hebrews 11:3). Faith must be founded upon the right source: God’s word (Romans 10:17). Parents must nurture children in the chastening and admonition ‘of the Lord’. Children are to obey their parents ‘in the Lord’ (Ephesians 6:1, 4).

Faith is to be exercised in submission to the church’s head, which is Christ. “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18). As head of the church, He equipped the church for continued existence. After His ascension, Jesus, “...gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ...”  (Ephesians 4:11-12).

In doing this, Jesus ‘turned the keys of the church’ over to the apostles (Matthew 16:19). We read that the church was, “…built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:20-22).

Strong’s concordance comments on the metaphorical use of ‘the keys of the kingdom of heaven’ as follows: “the keys which the Lord committed to Peter, by which he would open the door of faith, as he did to Jews at Pentecost, and to Gentiles in the person of Cornelius, acting as one commissioned by Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit; he had precedence over his fellow disciples, not in authority, but in the matter of time, on the ground of his confession of Christ; equal authority was committed to them”.

We find that the apostles equipped congregations for the future by ordaining elders in every local church. This was one of the purposes for Paul’s second missionary journey.  The Holy Spirit had called Paul and Barnabas for this work. In the church of Christ in Antioch, “the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2). We find that they appointed elders in every church as they journeyed (Acts 14:23). This was equipping future generations to continue in the faith. This is how ‘handing over the keys to the next generation’ is to be done.

Traditions that were authorized from the head, Christ are not only beneficial, but binding. Paul wrote to the church of Christ in Corinth, “Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.” (1 Corinthians 11:2). To the church of Christ in Thessalonica, he wrote, “So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Paul went on to tell this church, “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition received from us.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). But Paul warned the church in Colossae of traditions of men. “Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Prior to his conversion to Christ, Paul observed the traditions of his ‘fathers’. When he learned that justification was never purposed to come by the Law, but through faith in Christ, he gave up those traditions (Galatians 1:23-24).

The preparation that should concern us all is for the coming day of Judgment.  ^“For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Since every work and every hidden thing, good or bad will be revealed by God on that day, our preparation needs to focus upon this. Discernment between good and evil depends upon having our senses exercised upon God’s word. This is why spiritual growth is essential in preparing to stand before God in judgment with hope of eternity in heaven.

God’s word is the only source of this hope. Wonderful words of life which rejoice the heart because of the blessed assurance they declare from God. Let us remember the advice of Paul to the Ephesians concerning these words: “when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ…” (Ephesians 3:4).

“LET US LOVE IN DEED AND IN TRUTH” [Part 4 of 5]

Here are three more points mentioned in the article entitled “THIRTEEN THINGS CHURCHES NEED TO KNOW”...

10. Be a place where people are comfortable bringing their unchurched friends.

Inviting the ‘unchurched’ is an individual responsibility. Therefore, your unchurched neighbors need to be comfortable with you. People view or gauge the church as they view you. How well do you represent Christ in your daily living? King David was a man of great respect until he “despised the word of Jehovah, to do that which is evil in his sight” (2 Samuel 12:9). His murder of Uriah brought this stinging rebuke from the prophet Nathan, “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme” (2 Samuel 12:14). The Jews condemned themselves in their wrongful judgment against the Gentiles for things they themselves practiced. But Paul pointed out a greater damage in telling the Jews, ...“the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Romans 2:24).  Christian servants (1 Timothy 6:1), and wives (Titus 2:5) have the same responsibility to take heed to their example. Loving in deed and in truth is a responsibility we have to both God and others.

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11. Understand that you will never make everyone happy, that’s okay.

Man’s concept of happiness is so different from God’s. There is great happiness (pleasure) in the satisfying of fleshly lusts. The pleasures of sin are short-lived (Hebrews 11:25). This type of happiness is to be avoided. 

Our aim must ever be to please God. Discipleship is about making people happy in the manner that God uses the term happy. That term is BLESSED. Israel was told, “Happy art thou, O Israel: Who is like unto thee, a people saved by Jehovah” (Deuteronomy 33:29). The queen of Sheba told Solomon, “Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, that stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.” (2 Chronicles 9:7). Eliphaz told Job, “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17). The bible concept of ‘happy’ is being blessed by God.

In loving in deed and in truth, we have the example of Paul before us: “And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:20-23).

This does not promote the happiness most seek. The Christian must not become discouraged by this, to the point that they shrink back from offering true happiness to them. There is the ever-present lure to go back to the world (2 Peter 2:20-22). Therein lies the danger for God’s child. He must maintain a strong faith to prevent this (2 Peter 1:5-10).

His strength will come from practicing Paul’s teaching to the brethren in Rome: “The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth” (Romans 14:22).

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12. Take risks and NEVER be guilty of saying “But we’ve never done it that way before.”

Regret will rob you from the joy of the spiritual blessings that are available in Christ. We must not look backward but press forward (Luke 9:62; Philippians 3:13-14). A change of life, if for spiritual betterment, will be a decision never to be regretted, but it is a decision that requires faith in God’s lead, for you will follow a lead without visible markers. Abraham made such a decision. “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10).

The children of Israel embarked upon such a journey of faith. “And thou shalt remember all the way which Jehovah thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble thee, to prove thee, to know what was in thy heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or not.  And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by everything that proceedeth out of the mouth of Jehovah doth man live.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3).

Upon entering Canaan, Joshua reminded Israel of the need to continue in faith, saying, “ye have not passed this way heretofore” (Joshua 3:4). So is it with Christians today. We know not what awaits us daily, save what Paul stated to Timothy, “all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Faith is what empowers the Christian to overcome all such fears. Let us remember, “…we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:39).

“LET US LOVE IN DEED AND IN TRUTH” [Part 3 of 5]

Here are three more points mentioned in the article entitled “THIRTEEN THINGS CHURCHES NEED TO KNOW”...

7. Understand that, “The building is open, come if you want,” is not the same as, “go into all the world.”

Evangelism is not the process of placing a welcome mat at the front door. It is not in ad placements on social media. It is personally teaching the gospel ‘in deed and in truth’. People are drawn to God as they are taught His word. Jesus said, “everyone that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.” (John 6:45). Two examples point this out:

1) Timothy followed Paul’s “teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, long suffering, love, patience.” (2 Timothy 3:10).

2) The Philippians were commanded to do the same (cf. Philippians 4:9).

Inviting people to ‘our building’ without any prior explanation of why ‘any building’ will not suffice is not evangelism. A ready, graceful answer as to why you personally don’t worship in just ‘any building’ is needful (cf. Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:15). Titus’ command from Paul to be “ready unto every good work” (Titus 3:1) is not just for preachers (cf. Acts 8:4). Those who were scattered, preached the word. Indeed, the reason for being forced out of Jerusalem was because they had been preaching the word.

This same principle applies in the home. Parents must be proactive in bringing up their children in the Lord’s nurturing and admonition. Punitive discipline, apart from instructive discipline, is not following the Lord’s example. Proper behavior must be exemplified before them. This is also true in evangelism. We must lead by example. We must forewarn about “other gospels” (Galatians 1:6-9).  Let us love in deed and in truth.

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8. Honor the past, but don’t live in it.

Don’t let your past hold you back from moving forward. Learn from past mistakes, but don’t let them define your present or your future.

The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah reminded the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of this (cf. Isaiah 43:18-21; 65:17-18; Jeremiah 16:14; 23:7). Their past was not anything to be proud of; they had been delivered out of slavery in Egypt only to return to slavery by the Assyrians and Babylonians. These prophets encouraged and strengthened them that their past would be overcome through repentance and obedience of faith. So can yours.

Sin has consequences, but they can be endured and overcome with God’s promised help. The apostle Paul wrote, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.” (Romans 8:18).

Past failures can prevent us from having a fruitful season in the present and rob us of our future hope (1 Corinthians 15:19). The past can only be overcome in one way: exercising faith in the words of Jesus. He said, “…He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5). Understand that your cleansing comes by your abiding in His word. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2). This cleansing involves pruning what is dead so that your life can be productive. In this manner, the word cleanses your life. This abiding must continue in the vine for the fruit to be good. The gospel declares, “put off...put on...” (Colossians 3:5-10). Cleansing is the result.

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 9. Be more focused on reaching the lost than you are keeping the saved happy.

Christians must remember this: as servants, pleasing our Master is our aim. Regardless of our earthly status (master or servant); in all our relationships we share a common trait. We all have the same Master in heaven and there is no respect of persons with Him (Ephesians 6:9).

Reaching the lost was Jesus’ focus. “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28). Paul wrote, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9). “For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, ‘The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me’.” (Romans 15:3). Clearly, our salvation was Jesus’ joy. Serving is the joy of His servants. The apostle Paul wrote, “doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service as unto the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that whatsoever good thing each one don’t, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” before them (Ephesians 6:6-8). There simply is no better way of reaching the lost than a godly example. We have that example from Christ.

Godly examples are needed to reach the lost. They are needed in our homes and with our brethren. Conversely, hypocrisy plants seeds that will bear the fruit of prejudice and division. Peace and unity will be destroyed, the name of God will be blasphemed, and souls will be lost (cf. Romans 2:17-24). Our example as citizens, spouses, parents, and brethren, will either give credibility to the gospel, or discredit it. Let us keep our focus on Christ’s purpose for redeeming us: “…that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness…” (1 Peter 2:24).

“LET US LOVE IN DEED AND IN TRUTH” [Part 2 of 5]

Recently, I ran across an article entitled “13 THINGS CHURCHES NEED TO KNOW”. The content aptly fits the topic of evangelism. Here are three more points mentioned:

4] It’s always better to have crayon on the walls of your nursery, than cobwebs in the corners of it. So don't sweat the small stuff.

Your child is a blessing from Jehovah (Psalm 127:1-5); however, with every blessing comes responsibility. Jehovah promised Abraham’s descendants to, “bless the fruit of your womb” (Deuteronomy 7:13; 28:4). This, as all other blessings, was contingent upon their strict adherence to the covenant made at Mt. Sinai (cf. Exodus 19:3-6; Deuteronomy 7:7-13; 28:15-18). The Israelites forgot these words (cf. Deuteronomy 32:18; Psalm 106:21). What of us? Have we, as spiritual Israel followed the error of physical Israel? (cf. Romans 9 and Galatians 3).

As was pointed out in the first article of this series, children need proper training. The greatest responsibility for every parent is being a godly example. This greatness is seen in that your example will either instill respect or incur spite for your words. The greater damage is that God’s words will be treated in the same manner. Parents need to remember that, in the tender eyes of their child, they are viewed as God. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). “The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.” The ‘rod and reproof’ in Proverbs 29:15 needs to be properly understood as the rod OF reproof. “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15).

Remember, Israel desired a return to Egypt rather than an inheritance in Canaan (Numbers 14:3-4). A blessing and a responsibility; that is your child. While this blessing may bring an occasional crayon on your walls, the desire for cobwebs will bring the same regret that Israel experienced in a return to Egypt.

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5] Don’t be afraid of change, but don’t change just for the sake of change.

Change for the spiritual betterment must always be out of faith in God’s will and God’s word. This applies in the home, in society, and in the church. It applies individually and collectively. Remember Israel wanted a king (1 Samuel 8:1-9). Do you remember why? Was it per God’s directive, or out of frustration with the ‘status quo’? When 10 of the 12 spies brought back an evil report and Jehovah pronounced a 40-year punishment of wandering, the people decided that a change was in order. Again, was this decision an act of obedience, or made from fear of the consequences of their disobedience? (cf. Numbers 14:39-45).

Leaving and cleaving involves a change, but don’t change just for the sake of change. Loneliness can instill a desire for change but change for your spiritual betterment. Beginning a family involves a change, but don’t change just for the sake of change. Remember God’s purpose for marriage. In all these situations, count the cost of discipleship; don’t change just for the sake of change (Luke 14:26-27).

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6] Be in the people business. When it comes to your building, God doesn’t care about the color of the carpet or the paint on the walls. He does care about people.

Christians need constant reminding of the nature of their calling. Christians are called to become saints (Romans 1:7). Christians need to remember the nature of the ‘hope’ of their calling. Is our calling from God conditional or unconditional? We must know not only which one it is, but why it is one and not the other.

Many are taught that once Jesus gives them eternal life, nothing can ‘undo’ that gift. John 10:28 is cited in support of this. Jesus said, “and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.” Does this passage teach that our salvation is unconditional? Such ‘proof texts’, when cited without regard for their context, seem to teach this. However, John 10:27 says that Jesus’ sheep, upon hearing His voice FOLLOWS Him. A simple reading of both verses will show that Jesus is teaching that eternal life is conditioned upon the sheep following the Shepherd. Does this harmonize with other inspired teaching? Ephesians 4:1 says that Christians are to “walk worthily” of their calling. Peter commanded brethren to, “give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). Certainly, the scriptures teach that our calling (Hebrews 13:1) is conditioned upon our obedience to God’s will. Obedience completes our faith.

God cares about the lost (Luke 19:10). For this reason, we are to be in the people business. God’s love for man makes the saving of a soul the most important matter in life. A child has a soul; so, does your spouse, your family, your neighbor, your co-worker, your boss, your employee...and so does your enemy. As a Christian, you must arm yourself with this attitude: “I am in the people business.” Have love for a lost soul. Have love for a saved soul (Hebrews 13:1; 2 Peter 1:7). Love in deed and in truth.