Randy Green's Blog - Posts Tagged "inheritance"
If Only I Knew – Part 1
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints [Ephesians 1:17-18].
The Apostle Paul had the heart of the Lord. This is evident from his every word in the Scriptures. He sacrificed his life to promote the welfare of others. He endured hostility and resentment for insisting Christians practice holy living. He knew this was for their own good, and that harm would befall them should they live contrary to the Word of God.
Paul didn’t take from the Christians to benefit himself. Rather, he gave of himself to his own hurt, so they would know Christ and grow in His grace. That is the definition of true love, God’s love. “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” By definition love gives. It doesn’t take and even insist on having its equal share.
We today put the cart before the horse when it comes to love. The all important “I-me-mine” trumps all else. “I have my rights. Give them to me!” “I did such and so for you. What have you done for me? You owe me!” In all suchlike thoughts the other person’s welfare really isn’t considered. The bottom line: it’s all about “I-me-mine”.
We’ve become quite adept at building a façade in front of the old “I-me-mine” penchant. The façade gives the impression of a church building, and it wears an attractive religious garb. Even though we live the “I-me-mine” routine, we spruce it up with assortments of “Praise the Lords!” and “I’m praying for you”, and suchlike jargon. Stir in a touch of affluent middle class morality as a substitute for Biblical morals, and no one can discern the difference. Looks like the real McCoy to me!
In all of this I expect the Lord’s blessings to shower down upon me. If they don’t, someone must be doing me wrong. I deserve the blessings. They’re my right! After all, I’m a good Christian. Just ask some of the folks in the church building. They’ll tell you. I’m popular!
We’ve incorporated the general elections into making our determinations for what is spiritual and what is not. Let’s vote on it! I’ve got lots of friends. They’ll vote for me. They’ll affirm that my spiritual maturity level is off the charts. Just ask ‘em.
Such is the bane of the contemporary USA religious climate, dear friends. We will continue this topic in the next study. In the meantime let’s betake ourselves to the prayer closet to receive the Lord’s input.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The Apostle Paul had the heart of the Lord. This is evident from his every word in the Scriptures. He sacrificed his life to promote the welfare of others. He endured hostility and resentment for insisting Christians practice holy living. He knew this was for their own good, and that harm would befall them should they live contrary to the Word of God.
Paul didn’t take from the Christians to benefit himself. Rather, he gave of himself to his own hurt, so they would know Christ and grow in His grace. That is the definition of true love, God’s love. “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” By definition love gives. It doesn’t take and even insist on having its equal share.
We today put the cart before the horse when it comes to love. The all important “I-me-mine” trumps all else. “I have my rights. Give them to me!” “I did such and so for you. What have you done for me? You owe me!” In all suchlike thoughts the other person’s welfare really isn’t considered. The bottom line: it’s all about “I-me-mine”.
We’ve become quite adept at building a façade in front of the old “I-me-mine” penchant. The façade gives the impression of a church building, and it wears an attractive religious garb. Even though we live the “I-me-mine” routine, we spruce it up with assortments of “Praise the Lords!” and “I’m praying for you”, and suchlike jargon. Stir in a touch of affluent middle class morality as a substitute for Biblical morals, and no one can discern the difference. Looks like the real McCoy to me!
In all of this I expect the Lord’s blessings to shower down upon me. If they don’t, someone must be doing me wrong. I deserve the blessings. They’re my right! After all, I’m a good Christian. Just ask some of the folks in the church building. They’ll tell you. I’m popular!
We’ve incorporated the general elections into making our determinations for what is spiritual and what is not. Let’s vote on it! I’ve got lots of friends. They’ll vote for me. They’ll affirm that my spiritual maturity level is off the charts. Just ask ‘em.
Such is the bane of the contemporary USA religious climate, dear friends. We will continue this topic in the next study. In the meantime let’s betake ourselves to the prayer closet to receive the Lord’s input.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
If Only I Knew – Part 2
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints [Ephesians 1:17-18].
Contemporary Christianity has bit into the forbidden fruit. Christians nowadays determine for themselves what is right and what is wrong. We go by popular opinion, currying favor with others to win their support, like any modern politician. But we do it with regard to morality!
Alas, but this isn’t Biblical! God doesn’t agree. He needs no vote from us to make His determination for what is right and what is wrong. And He’s not the least bit impressed by any of our popularity contests either. It may surprise a great many Christians, but “American Idol” means zilch to God.
The Apostle Paul—you know, the guy who actually does have the heart of God—he had a different take on how the Lord views right and wrong. He had this thing about us sinners comparing ourselves with other sinners, so as to draw the conclusion that we’re not really so bad after all. Paul denounced it (cf., 2 Corinthians 10:12)!
In the two verses quoted at the commencement of today’s study, his intake affords us invaluable teaching vis-à-vis the mind of Christ. In the first verse he instructs Christians to know the Lord Jesus. Then in the second verse he points out how the Lord’s blessings follow from knowing the Lord.
If we’re out to get the blessings and bypass growing in our knowledge of the Lord, we’ll find ourselves up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The Lord blesses His kids like any good parent. The thing is, any good parent doesn’t shower affluence on his kids, while they live as inveterate urchins! Guess what? Neither does the Lord.
First we have to love Him enough to want to know Him. As we truly come to know Him, we discover how the Lord thinks, what He likes, what hurts Him, things of this sort. Hey! That’s basically how it is with our close earthly relationships too, isn’t it? Go figure.
Anyway, as we know the Lord more and more, our love for Him leads us to do the things which please Him. Simultaneously, our love encourages us to refrain from the things which hurt the Lord’s feelings. That is the definition of love. It comes from grace, not from Law.
Law leads us to do things for the Lord because He requires us to do them, else we won’t be blessed. This fits in well with middle class affluence and the “I-me-mine” mentality. We want to get something, so we grudgingly give something. Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Quid pro quo and all.
So much for Law. We will move on to a consideration of grace in our next study. Hope to see you there!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Contemporary Christianity has bit into the forbidden fruit. Christians nowadays determine for themselves what is right and what is wrong. We go by popular opinion, currying favor with others to win their support, like any modern politician. But we do it with regard to morality!
Alas, but this isn’t Biblical! God doesn’t agree. He needs no vote from us to make His determination for what is right and what is wrong. And He’s not the least bit impressed by any of our popularity contests either. It may surprise a great many Christians, but “American Idol” means zilch to God.
The Apostle Paul—you know, the guy who actually does have the heart of God—he had a different take on how the Lord views right and wrong. He had this thing about us sinners comparing ourselves with other sinners, so as to draw the conclusion that we’re not really so bad after all. Paul denounced it (cf., 2 Corinthians 10:12)!
In the two verses quoted at the commencement of today’s study, his intake affords us invaluable teaching vis-à-vis the mind of Christ. In the first verse he instructs Christians to know the Lord Jesus. Then in the second verse he points out how the Lord’s blessings follow from knowing the Lord.
If we’re out to get the blessings and bypass growing in our knowledge of the Lord, we’ll find ourselves up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The Lord blesses His kids like any good parent. The thing is, any good parent doesn’t shower affluence on his kids, while they live as inveterate urchins! Guess what? Neither does the Lord.
First we have to love Him enough to want to know Him. As we truly come to know Him, we discover how the Lord thinks, what He likes, what hurts Him, things of this sort. Hey! That’s basically how it is with our close earthly relationships too, isn’t it? Go figure.
Anyway, as we know the Lord more and more, our love for Him leads us to do the things which please Him. Simultaneously, our love encourages us to refrain from the things which hurt the Lord’s feelings. That is the definition of love. It comes from grace, not from Law.
Law leads us to do things for the Lord because He requires us to do them, else we won’t be blessed. This fits in well with middle class affluence and the “I-me-mine” mentality. We want to get something, so we grudgingly give something. Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Quid pro quo and all.
So much for Law. We will move on to a consideration of grace in our next study. Hope to see you there!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
If Only I Knew – Part 3
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints [Ephesians 1:17-18].
Law doesn’t inspire us or woo us to love. Law forces us to do so as to get something in return. The Apostle Paul wanted nothing to do with Law, and for a very good reason: he came to know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
God’s grace gives us eternal life freely. Grace adopts us into the family of God. Grace gives us new birth into the eternal kingdom. Grace pulls us out of the pit, washes us off, and sits us at the banqueting table. Grace gives because grace comes from the love of God, and love by definition gives.
Paul prayed for God to give to the Christians of the city of Ephesus “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Wisdom may be defined as “knowing how to apply what we know to our daily living”. Revelation has to do with the Lord showing us what we don’t already know.
Paul wanted the Christians to receive the necessary information for daily living, and the ability to employ this information in their daily living, so they would grow in knowing and understanding the Lord Jesus. This comes first in the Christian’s relationship with God.
The blessings of God follow this, in fact flow out of knowing Jesus more and more. “Father God, give them what they need, so they will truly know Your Son Jesus!” That was Paul’s prayer and earnest desire for the Christians.
As this became a reality more and more, it followed that they would have their eyes opened to see the truth of God more clearly (v.18). Then their hope would kick in and they would receive their inheritance, the riches of His glory.
But first came the true personal relationship with the Lord Jesus (v.17). First we give our hearts to the Lord, love Him in spirit and truth, and require time alone with Him regularly. This promotes spiritual growth on our part, leading us to live with Jesus and for Jesus.
As we do so, we discover the vastness of our inheritance in Christ. It isn’t about what I get. It’s about what I give. I give my life to Jesus because He first gave His to me. I do so because I see how desirable He is and want to be like Him. What I’ll get in return doesn’t even enter the equation. Give, not take.
Is this what you want? Does it appeal to your inmost being? Let us arise and go to Jesus together. He will embrace us in His arms.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Law doesn’t inspire us or woo us to love. Law forces us to do so as to get something in return. The Apostle Paul wanted nothing to do with Law, and for a very good reason: he came to know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
God’s grace gives us eternal life freely. Grace adopts us into the family of God. Grace gives us new birth into the eternal kingdom. Grace pulls us out of the pit, washes us off, and sits us at the banqueting table. Grace gives because grace comes from the love of God, and love by definition gives.
Paul prayed for God to give to the Christians of the city of Ephesus “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Wisdom may be defined as “knowing how to apply what we know to our daily living”. Revelation has to do with the Lord showing us what we don’t already know.
Paul wanted the Christians to receive the necessary information for daily living, and the ability to employ this information in their daily living, so they would grow in knowing and understanding the Lord Jesus. This comes first in the Christian’s relationship with God.
The blessings of God follow this, in fact flow out of knowing Jesus more and more. “Father God, give them what they need, so they will truly know Your Son Jesus!” That was Paul’s prayer and earnest desire for the Christians.
As this became a reality more and more, it followed that they would have their eyes opened to see the truth of God more clearly (v.18). Then their hope would kick in and they would receive their inheritance, the riches of His glory.
But first came the true personal relationship with the Lord Jesus (v.17). First we give our hearts to the Lord, love Him in spirit and truth, and require time alone with Him regularly. This promotes spiritual growth on our part, leading us to live with Jesus and for Jesus.
As we do so, we discover the vastness of our inheritance in Christ. It isn’t about what I get. It’s about what I give. I give my life to Jesus because He first gave His to me. I do so because I see how desirable He is and want to be like Him. What I’ll get in return doesn’t even enter the equation. Give, not take.
Is this what you want? Does it appeal to your inmost being? Let us arise and go to Jesus together. He will embrace us in His arms.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The Chicken or the Egg? – Part 1
He will cry to Me, “You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.” I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth [Psalm 89:26-27].
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We’ve all heard that trick question before, most of us in the first grade! If we are your everyday run-of-the-mill worldling, then we find ourselves in a quandary. Hmm. That’s a tough question to answer. How do we get a chicken without it being hatched from an egg? And how do we get an egg without a chicken to lay it?
Then along comes those pesky Christians. They have the answers to everything! Well, the Bible does anyway, and they believe the Bible. According to Genesis 1, the chicken came first. God created everything full-grown to reproduce after its kind.
This is why evolution and uniformitarianism cannot determine the age of the material universe. Fossil fuels were created by God fully developed. They didn’t take millions of years to form under uniform conditions. Diamonds were created by God fully formed. Tons of pressure over humongous periods of time weren’t required to produce those gems.
Man too was created fully developed. There was no procreation, conception, nine months of carrying child, and then a teeny tiny baby came out, followed by two decades of growing into manhood. Not on your life! Man was a fully mature being the day the Lord God created him.
In our Bible verses today we have another instance of the “which came first” trick question. It’s sort of like the joke, “In an emergency call 9-1-1.” To which comes the question, “What’s the number?” Duh! If you have to ask, you probably need instruction on how to use the telephone, maybe a copy of “Telephones for Dummies” or something like that.
Today’s verses make reference to the “firstborn”. This is a Biblical concept having to do with the inheritance. It should be rather obvious—like what’s the number for 9-1-1—but the “firstborn” is the person who is born first in a family. More correctly, the “firstborn” is the male child who is born first in a family.
In the Bible as well as among many other cultures, the firstborn son received the leadership of the family after dad was deceased. He also received the double portion, which entitled him to twice as much of the family wealth. The concept of the “firstborn” served in the place of a will. The inheritance was always divided into equal parts for each son, except for the firstborn who received two parts.
This procedure vis-à-vis the inheritance was standard practice in Scripture from the beginning of time. In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain was the firstborn and Abel his younger brother. When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s, Cain’s nose was bent out of shape. He was the firstborn, you see. How dare God favor his twerp punk bro over him!
The Law of Moses made the law of the firstborn a part of the legal code for the Israelites, while they inhabited the Promised Land. The inheritance procedure of the natural firstborn was thereby perpetuated throughout history.
We will vet the Biblical concept of the spiritual firstborn in our next study. For now spend some time alone with the Lord Jesus. He beckons us into His presence.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We’ve all heard that trick question before, most of us in the first grade! If we are your everyday run-of-the-mill worldling, then we find ourselves in a quandary. Hmm. That’s a tough question to answer. How do we get a chicken without it being hatched from an egg? And how do we get an egg without a chicken to lay it?
Then along comes those pesky Christians. They have the answers to everything! Well, the Bible does anyway, and they believe the Bible. According to Genesis 1, the chicken came first. God created everything full-grown to reproduce after its kind.
This is why evolution and uniformitarianism cannot determine the age of the material universe. Fossil fuels were created by God fully developed. They didn’t take millions of years to form under uniform conditions. Diamonds were created by God fully formed. Tons of pressure over humongous periods of time weren’t required to produce those gems.
Man too was created fully developed. There was no procreation, conception, nine months of carrying child, and then a teeny tiny baby came out, followed by two decades of growing into manhood. Not on your life! Man was a fully mature being the day the Lord God created him.
In our Bible verses today we have another instance of the “which came first” trick question. It’s sort of like the joke, “In an emergency call 9-1-1.” To which comes the question, “What’s the number?” Duh! If you have to ask, you probably need instruction on how to use the telephone, maybe a copy of “Telephones for Dummies” or something like that.
Today’s verses make reference to the “firstborn”. This is a Biblical concept having to do with the inheritance. It should be rather obvious—like what’s the number for 9-1-1—but the “firstborn” is the person who is born first in a family. More correctly, the “firstborn” is the male child who is born first in a family.
In the Bible as well as among many other cultures, the firstborn son received the leadership of the family after dad was deceased. He also received the double portion, which entitled him to twice as much of the family wealth. The concept of the “firstborn” served in the place of a will. The inheritance was always divided into equal parts for each son, except for the firstborn who received two parts.
This procedure vis-à-vis the inheritance was standard practice in Scripture from the beginning of time. In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain was the firstborn and Abel his younger brother. When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s, Cain’s nose was bent out of shape. He was the firstborn, you see. How dare God favor his twerp punk bro over him!
The Law of Moses made the law of the firstborn a part of the legal code for the Israelites, while they inhabited the Promised Land. The inheritance procedure of the natural firstborn was thereby perpetuated throughout history.
We will vet the Biblical concept of the spiritual firstborn in our next study. For now spend some time alone with the Lord Jesus. He beckons us into His presence.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The Chicken or the Egg? – Part 2
He will cry to Me, “You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.” I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth [Psalm 89:26-27].
The concept of the “firstborn” has to do with inheritance rights. It began with Adam and Eve and has continued to this day. The “firstborn” refers to the son born first in a family.
In the realm of natural birth, the firstborn received the leadership of the family when dad died. He also received “the double portion”, twice as much of the family wealth as the other sons.
In the spiritual realm the Lord also employs the concept of the “firstborn”. Truth be told, the concept in the spiritual realm came first. The Lord made use of it to establish “the law of the firstborn” for the natural realm.
There is a significant difference in the concept of the “firstborn”, with respect to the natural and spiritual realms though. We will assay this distinction in today’s study. Without understanding this distinction, we cannot rightly divide the Word of Truth. The Bible will be inexplicable with regard to the spiritual firstborn.
In our two Bible verses today God is speaking. He notes that the future Messiah, the Son of God, will recognize Him as His Father (v.26). Then Father God adds, “I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (v.27).
This is a reference to the spiritual firstborn, dear friends. God is spirit. He doesn’t procreate and have children. The Son of God eternally coexists with Father God and with the Holy Spirit through all eternity. The Son of God was never born, so He cannot be “the son born first”, as is true of the “firstborn” in the natural realm.
What, then, are we to make of this concept of the “firstborn” in the spiritual realm? Well, the most significant aspect of the spiritual firstborn is defined in our Bible verse: he is “the highest of the kings of the earth.” The spiritual firstborn is a reference to preeminence, not to who was born first.
Three offices existed in Old Testament Israel under the Law of Moses. These were,
1. prophet
2. priest
3. king
The Messiah was to combine all three offices in His one person. This was a no-no for anyone else to ever do. Each person of authority in Israel held one or the other of these three offices, but no one was to hold all three. Indeed, even those who held one office had to be chosen by God to that office. Man could not take it upon himself to lay claim to the office of prophet or priest or king.
The Messiah held all three offices. He was the fulfillment of the Law and the fulfillment of all righteousness. He was the King of kings and Lord of lords. He was “the highest of the kings of the earth.”
You can see from this that the spiritual firstborn refers to preeminence. It has reference to being the most distinguished person of his type. He is unique and outstanding above all others.
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He is also fully man, but only since circa 3 B.C. Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, making Him preeminent over all creation, not the person or thing born first in creation.
Jesus Christ is also the firstborn of all recreation. He is the first man to rise out of death as being dead to sin but alive evermore to righteousness. Those of us who are born again are “second born”. Jesus has the preeminence. All glory goes to Him.
Let’s spend time now giving Him the glory. Let’s stop being full of self and instead deposit self in the nearest rubbish bin. To God be the glory! Jesus Christ be praised. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The concept of the “firstborn” has to do with inheritance rights. It began with Adam and Eve and has continued to this day. The “firstborn” refers to the son born first in a family.
In the realm of natural birth, the firstborn received the leadership of the family when dad died. He also received “the double portion”, twice as much of the family wealth as the other sons.
In the spiritual realm the Lord also employs the concept of the “firstborn”. Truth be told, the concept in the spiritual realm came first. The Lord made use of it to establish “the law of the firstborn” for the natural realm.
There is a significant difference in the concept of the “firstborn”, with respect to the natural and spiritual realms though. We will assay this distinction in today’s study. Without understanding this distinction, we cannot rightly divide the Word of Truth. The Bible will be inexplicable with regard to the spiritual firstborn.
In our two Bible verses today God is speaking. He notes that the future Messiah, the Son of God, will recognize Him as His Father (v.26). Then Father God adds, “I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (v.27).
This is a reference to the spiritual firstborn, dear friends. God is spirit. He doesn’t procreate and have children. The Son of God eternally coexists with Father God and with the Holy Spirit through all eternity. The Son of God was never born, so He cannot be “the son born first”, as is true of the “firstborn” in the natural realm.
What, then, are we to make of this concept of the “firstborn” in the spiritual realm? Well, the most significant aspect of the spiritual firstborn is defined in our Bible verse: he is “the highest of the kings of the earth.” The spiritual firstborn is a reference to preeminence, not to who was born first.
Three offices existed in Old Testament Israel under the Law of Moses. These were,
1. prophet
2. priest
3. king
The Messiah was to combine all three offices in His one person. This was a no-no for anyone else to ever do. Each person of authority in Israel held one or the other of these three offices, but no one was to hold all three. Indeed, even those who held one office had to be chosen by God to that office. Man could not take it upon himself to lay claim to the office of prophet or priest or king.
The Messiah held all three offices. He was the fulfillment of the Law and the fulfillment of all righteousness. He was the King of kings and Lord of lords. He was “the highest of the kings of the earth.”
You can see from this that the spiritual firstborn refers to preeminence. It has reference to being the most distinguished person of his type. He is unique and outstanding above all others.
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He is also fully man, but only since circa 3 B.C. Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, making Him preeminent over all creation, not the person or thing born first in creation.
Jesus Christ is also the firstborn of all recreation. He is the first man to rise out of death as being dead to sin but alive evermore to righteousness. Those of us who are born again are “second born”. Jesus has the preeminence. All glory goes to Him.
Let’s spend time now giving Him the glory. Let’s stop being full of self and instead deposit self in the nearest rubbish bin. To God be the glory! Jesus Christ be praised. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
If Only I Knew – Part 1
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints [Ephesians 1:17-18].
The Apostle Paul had the heart of the Lord. This is evident from his every word in the Scriptures. He sacrificed his life to promote the welfare of others. He endured hostility and resentment for insisting Christians practice holy living. He knew this was for their own good, and that harm would befall them should they live contrary to the Word of God.
Paul didn’t take from the Christians to benefit himself. Rather, he gave of himself to his own hurt, so they would know Christ and grow in His grace. That is the definition of true love, God’s love. “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” By definition love gives. It doesn’t take and even insist on having its equal share.
We today put the cart before the horse when it comes to love. The all important “I-me-mine” trumps all else. “I have my rights. Give them to me!” “I did such and so for you. What have you done for me? You owe me!” In all suchlike thoughts the other person’s welfare really isn’t considered. The bottom line: it’s all about “I-me-mine”.
We’ve become quite adept at building a façade in front of the old “I-me-mine” penchant. The façade gives the impression of a church building, and it wears an attractive religious garb. Even though we live the “I-me-mine” routine, we spruce it up with assortments of “Praise the Lords!” and “I’m praying for you”, and suchlike jargon. Stir in a touch of affluent middle class morality as a substitute for Biblical morals, and no one can discern the difference. Looks like the real McCoy to me!
In all of this I expect the Lord’s blessings to shower down upon me. If they don’t, someone must be doing me wrong. I deserve the blessings. They’re my right! After all, I’m a good Christian. Just ask some of the folks in the church building. They’ll tell you. I’m popular!
We’ve incorporated the general elections into making our determinations for what is spiritual and what is not. Let’s vote on it! I’ve got lots of friends. They’ll vote for me. They’ll affirm that my spiritual maturity level is off the charts. Just ask ‘em.
Such is the bane of the contemporary USA religious climate, dear friends. We will continue this topic in the next study. In the meantime let’s betake ourselves to the prayer closet to receive the Lord’s input.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The Apostle Paul had the heart of the Lord. This is evident from his every word in the Scriptures. He sacrificed his life to promote the welfare of others. He endured hostility and resentment for insisting Christians practice holy living. He knew this was for their own good, and that harm would befall them should they live contrary to the Word of God.
Paul didn’t take from the Christians to benefit himself. Rather, he gave of himself to his own hurt, so they would know Christ and grow in His grace. That is the definition of true love, God’s love. “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” By definition love gives. It doesn’t take and even insist on having its equal share.
We today put the cart before the horse when it comes to love. The all important “I-me-mine” trumps all else. “I have my rights. Give them to me!” “I did such and so for you. What have you done for me? You owe me!” In all suchlike thoughts the other person’s welfare really isn’t considered. The bottom line: it’s all about “I-me-mine”.
We’ve become quite adept at building a façade in front of the old “I-me-mine” penchant. The façade gives the impression of a church building, and it wears an attractive religious garb. Even though we live the “I-me-mine” routine, we spruce it up with assortments of “Praise the Lords!” and “I’m praying for you”, and suchlike jargon. Stir in a touch of affluent middle class morality as a substitute for Biblical morals, and no one can discern the difference. Looks like the real McCoy to me!
In all of this I expect the Lord’s blessings to shower down upon me. If they don’t, someone must be doing me wrong. I deserve the blessings. They’re my right! After all, I’m a good Christian. Just ask some of the folks in the church building. They’ll tell you. I’m popular!
We’ve incorporated the general elections into making our determinations for what is spiritual and what is not. Let’s vote on it! I’ve got lots of friends. They’ll vote for me. They’ll affirm that my spiritual maturity level is off the charts. Just ask ‘em.
Such is the bane of the contemporary USA religious climate, dear friends. We will continue this topic in the next study. In the meantime let’s betake ourselves to the prayer closet to receive the Lord’s input.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
If Only I Knew – Part 2
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints [Ephesians 1:17-18].
Contemporary Christianity has bit into the forbidden fruit. Christians nowadays determine for themselves what is right and what is wrong. We go by popular opinion, currying favor with others to win their support, like any modern politician. But we do it with regard to morality!
Alas, but this isn’t Biblical! God doesn’t agree. He needs no vote from us to make His determination for what is right and what is wrong. And He’s not the least bit impressed by any of our popularity contests either. It may surprise a great many Christians, but “American Idol” means zilch to God.
The Apostle Paul—you know, the guy who actually does have the heart of God—he had a different take on how the Lord views right and wrong. He had this thing about us sinners comparing ourselves with other sinners, so as to draw the conclusion that we’re not really so bad after all. Paul denounced it (cf., 2 Corinthians 10:12)!
In the two verses quoted at the commencement of today’s study, his intake affords us invaluable teaching vis-à-vis the mind of Christ. In the first verse he instructs Christians to know the Lord Jesus. Then in the second verse he points out how the Lord’s blessings follow from knowing the Lord.
If we’re out to get the blessings and bypass growing in our knowledge of the Lord, we’ll find ourselves up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The Lord blesses His kids like any good parent. The thing is, any good parent doesn’t shower affluence on his kids, while they live as inveterate urchins! Guess what? Neither does the Lord.
First we have to love Him enough to want to know Him. As we truly come to know Him, we discover how the Lord thinks, what He likes, what hurts Him, things of this sort. Hey! That’s basically how it is with our close earthly relationships too, isn’t it? Go figure.
Anyway, as we know the Lord more and more, our love for Him leads us to do the things which please Him. Simultaneously, our love encourages us to refrain from the things which hurt the Lord’s feelings. That is the definition of love. It comes from grace, not from Law.
Law leads us to do things for the Lord because He requires us to do them, else we won’t be blessed. This fits in well with middle class affluence and the “I-me-mine” mentality. We want to get something, so we grudgingly give something. Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Quid pro quo and all.
So much for Law. We will move on to a consideration of grace in our next study. Hope to see you there!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Contemporary Christianity has bit into the forbidden fruit. Christians nowadays determine for themselves what is right and what is wrong. We go by popular opinion, currying favor with others to win their support, like any modern politician. But we do it with regard to morality!
Alas, but this isn’t Biblical! God doesn’t agree. He needs no vote from us to make His determination for what is right and what is wrong. And He’s not the least bit impressed by any of our popularity contests either. It may surprise a great many Christians, but “American Idol” means zilch to God.
The Apostle Paul—you know, the guy who actually does have the heart of God—he had a different take on how the Lord views right and wrong. He had this thing about us sinners comparing ourselves with other sinners, so as to draw the conclusion that we’re not really so bad after all. Paul denounced it (cf., 2 Corinthians 10:12)!
In the two verses quoted at the commencement of today’s study, his intake affords us invaluable teaching vis-à-vis the mind of Christ. In the first verse he instructs Christians to know the Lord Jesus. Then in the second verse he points out how the Lord’s blessings follow from knowing the Lord.
If we’re out to get the blessings and bypass growing in our knowledge of the Lord, we’ll find ourselves up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The Lord blesses His kids like any good parent. The thing is, any good parent doesn’t shower affluence on his kids, while they live as inveterate urchins! Guess what? Neither does the Lord.
First we have to love Him enough to want to know Him. As we truly come to know Him, we discover how the Lord thinks, what He likes, what hurts Him, things of this sort. Hey! That’s basically how it is with our close earthly relationships too, isn’t it? Go figure.
Anyway, as we know the Lord more and more, our love for Him leads us to do the things which please Him. Simultaneously, our love encourages us to refrain from the things which hurt the Lord’s feelings. That is the definition of love. It comes from grace, not from Law.
Law leads us to do things for the Lord because He requires us to do them, else we won’t be blessed. This fits in well with middle class affluence and the “I-me-mine” mentality. We want to get something, so we grudgingly give something. Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Quid pro quo and all.
So much for Law. We will move on to a consideration of grace in our next study. Hope to see you there!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
If Only I Knew – Part 3
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints [Ephesians 1:17-18].
Law doesn’t inspire us or woo us to love. Law forces us to do so as to get something in return. The Apostle Paul wanted nothing to do with Law, and for a very good reason: he came to know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
God’s grace gives us eternal life freely. Grace adopts us into the family of God. Grace gives us new birth into the eternal kingdom. Grace pulls us out of the pit, washes us off, and sits us at the banqueting table. Grace gives because grace comes from the love of God, and love by definition gives.
Paul prayed for God to give to the Christians of the city of Ephesus “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Wisdom may be defined as “knowing how to apply what we know to our daily living”. Revelation has to do with the Lord showing us what we don’t already know.
Paul wanted the Christians to receive the necessary information for daily living, and the ability to employ this information in their daily living, so they would grow in knowing and understanding the Lord Jesus. This comes first in the Christian’s relationship with God.
The blessings of God follow this, in fact flow out of knowing Jesus more and more. “Father God, give them what they need, so they will truly know Your Son Jesus!” That was Paul’s prayer and earnest desire for the Christians.
As this became a reality more and more, it followed that they would have their eyes opened to see the truth of God more clearly (v.18). Then their hope would kick in and they would receive their inheritance, the riches of His glory.
But first came the true personal relationship with the Lord Jesus (v.17). First we give our hearts to the Lord, love Him in spirit and truth, and require time alone with Him regularly. This promotes spiritual growth on our part, leading us to live with Jesus and for Jesus.
As we do so, we discover the vastness of our inheritance in Christ. It isn’t about what I get. It’s about what I give. I give my life to Jesus because He first gave His to me. I do so because I see how desirable He is and want to be like Him. What I’ll get in return doesn’t even enter the equation. Give, not take.
Is this what you want? Does it appeal to your inmost being? Let us arise and go to Jesus together. He will embrace us in His arms.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Law doesn’t inspire us or woo us to love. Law forces us to do so as to get something in return. The Apostle Paul wanted nothing to do with Law, and for a very good reason: he came to know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
God’s grace gives us eternal life freely. Grace adopts us into the family of God. Grace gives us new birth into the eternal kingdom. Grace pulls us out of the pit, washes us off, and sits us at the banqueting table. Grace gives because grace comes from the love of God, and love by definition gives.
Paul prayed for God to give to the Christians of the city of Ephesus “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Wisdom may be defined as “knowing how to apply what we know to our daily living”. Revelation has to do with the Lord showing us what we don’t already know.
Paul wanted the Christians to receive the necessary information for daily living, and the ability to employ this information in their daily living, so they would grow in knowing and understanding the Lord Jesus. This comes first in the Christian’s relationship with God.
The blessings of God follow this, in fact flow out of knowing Jesus more and more. “Father God, give them what they need, so they will truly know Your Son Jesus!” That was Paul’s prayer and earnest desire for the Christians.
As this became a reality more and more, it followed that they would have their eyes opened to see the truth of God more clearly (v.18). Then their hope would kick in and they would receive their inheritance, the riches of His glory.
But first came the true personal relationship with the Lord Jesus (v.17). First we give our hearts to the Lord, love Him in spirit and truth, and require time alone with Him regularly. This promotes spiritual growth on our part, leading us to live with Jesus and for Jesus.
As we do so, we discover the vastness of our inheritance in Christ. It isn’t about what I get. It’s about what I give. I give my life to Jesus because He first gave His to me. I do so because I see how desirable He is and want to be like Him. What I’ll get in return doesn’t even enter the equation. Give, not take.
Is this what you want? Does it appeal to your inmost being? Let us arise and go to Jesus together. He will embrace us in His arms.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Joshua: Volume 6 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The Chicken or the Egg? – Part 1
He will cry to Me, “You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.” I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth [Psalm 89:26-27].
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We’ve all heard that trick question before, most of us in the first grade! If we are your everyday run-of-the-mill worldling, then we find ourselves in a quandary. Hmm. That’s a tough question to answer. How do we get a chicken without it being hatched from an egg? And how do we get an egg without a chicken to lay it?
Then along comes those pesky Christians. They have the answers to everything! Well, the Bible does anyway, and they believe the Bible. According to Genesis 1, the chicken came first. God created everything full-grown to reproduce after its kind.
That is why evolution and uniformitarianism cannot determine the age of the material universe. Fossil fuels were created by God fully developed. They didn’t take millions of years to form under uniform conditions. Diamonds were created by God fully formed. Tons of pressure over humongous periods of time weren’t required to produce those gems.
Man too was created fully developed. There was no procreation, conception, nine months of carrying child, and then a teeny tiny baby came out, followed by two decades of growing into manhood. Not on your life! Man was a fully mature being the day the Lord God created him.
In our Bible verses today we have another instance of the “which came first” trick question. It’s sort of like the joke, “In an emergency call 9-1-1.” To which comes the question, “What’s the number?” Duh! If you have to ask, you probably need instruction on how to use the telephone, maybe a copy of “Telephones for Dummies” or something like that.
Today’s verses make reference to the “firstborn”. This is a Biblical concept having to do with the inheritance. It should be rather obvious—like what’s the number for 9-1-1—but the “firstborn” is the person who is born first in a family. More correctly, the “firstborn” is the male child who is born first in a family.
In the Bible as well as among many other cultures, the firstborn son received the leadership of the family after dad was deceased. He also received the double portion, which entitled him to twice as much of the family wealth. The concept of the “firstborn” served in the place of a will. The inheritance was always divided into equal parts for each son, except for the firstborn who received two parts.
This procedure vis-à-vis the inheritance was standard practice in Scripture from the beginning of time. In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain was the firstborn and Abel his younger brother. When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s, Cain’s nose was bent out of shape. He was the firstborn, you see. How dare God favor his twerp punk bro over him!
The Law of Moses made the law of the firstborn a part of the legal code for the Israelites, while they inhabited the Promised Land. The inheritance procedure of the natural firstborn was thereby perpetuated throughout history.
We will vet the Biblical concept of the spiritual firstborn in our next study. For now spend some time alone with the Lord Jesus. He beckons us into His presence.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We’ve all heard that trick question before, most of us in the first grade! If we are your everyday run-of-the-mill worldling, then we find ourselves in a quandary. Hmm. That’s a tough question to answer. How do we get a chicken without it being hatched from an egg? And how do we get an egg without a chicken to lay it?
Then along comes those pesky Christians. They have the answers to everything! Well, the Bible does anyway, and they believe the Bible. According to Genesis 1, the chicken came first. God created everything full-grown to reproduce after its kind.
That is why evolution and uniformitarianism cannot determine the age of the material universe. Fossil fuels were created by God fully developed. They didn’t take millions of years to form under uniform conditions. Diamonds were created by God fully formed. Tons of pressure over humongous periods of time weren’t required to produce those gems.
Man too was created fully developed. There was no procreation, conception, nine months of carrying child, and then a teeny tiny baby came out, followed by two decades of growing into manhood. Not on your life! Man was a fully mature being the day the Lord God created him.
In our Bible verses today we have another instance of the “which came first” trick question. It’s sort of like the joke, “In an emergency call 9-1-1.” To which comes the question, “What’s the number?” Duh! If you have to ask, you probably need instruction on how to use the telephone, maybe a copy of “Telephones for Dummies” or something like that.
Today’s verses make reference to the “firstborn”. This is a Biblical concept having to do with the inheritance. It should be rather obvious—like what’s the number for 9-1-1—but the “firstborn” is the person who is born first in a family. More correctly, the “firstborn” is the male child who is born first in a family.
In the Bible as well as among many other cultures, the firstborn son received the leadership of the family after dad was deceased. He also received the double portion, which entitled him to twice as much of the family wealth. The concept of the “firstborn” served in the place of a will. The inheritance was always divided into equal parts for each son, except for the firstborn who received two parts.
This procedure vis-à-vis the inheritance was standard practice in Scripture from the beginning of time. In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain was the firstborn and Abel his younger brother. When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s, Cain’s nose was bent out of shape. He was the firstborn, you see. How dare God favor his twerp punk bro over him!
The Law of Moses made the law of the firstborn a part of the legal code for the Israelites, while they inhabited the Promised Land. The inheritance procedure of the natural firstborn was thereby perpetuated throughout history.
We will vet the Biblical concept of the spiritual firstborn in our next study. For now spend some time alone with the Lord Jesus. He beckons us into His presence.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The Chicken or the Egg? – Part 2
He will cry to Me, “You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.” I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth [Psalm 89:26-27].
The concept of the “firstborn” has to do with inheritance rights. It began with Adam and Eve and has continued to this day. The “firstborn” refers to the son born first in a family.
In the realm of natural birth, the firstborn received the leadership of the family when dad died. He also received “the double portion”, twice as much of the family wealth as the other sons.
In the spiritual realm the Lord also employs the concept of the “firstborn”. Truth be told, the concept in the spiritual realm came first. The Lord made use of it to establish “the law of the firstborn” for the natural realm.
There is a significant difference in the concept of the “firstborn” with respect to the natural and spiritual realms though. We will assay this distinction in today’s study. Without understanding this distinction, we cannot rightly divide the Word of Truth. The Bible will be inexplicable with regard to the spiritual firstborn.
In our two Bible verses today God is speaking. He notes that the future Messiah, the Son of God, will recognize Him as His Father (verse 26). Then Father God adds, “I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (verse 27).
This is a reference to the spiritual firstborn, dear friends. God is spirit. He doesn’t procreate and have children. The Son of God eternally coexists with Father God and with the Holy Spirit through all eternity. The Son of God was never born, so He cannot be “the son born first”, as is true of the “firstborn” in the natural realm.
What, then, are we to make of this concept of the “firstborn” in the spiritual realm? Well, the most significant aspect of the spiritual firstborn is defined in our Bible verse: he is “the highest of the kings of the earth.” The spiritual firstborn is a reference to preeminence, not to who was born first.
Three offices existed in Old Testament Israel under the Law of Moses. These were,
1. prophet
2. priest
3. king
The Messiah was to combine all three offices in His one person. This was a no-no for anyone else to ever do. Each person of authority in Israel held one or the other of these three offices, but no one was to hold all three. Indeed, even those who held one office had to be chosen by God to that office. Man could not take it upon himself to lay claim to the office of prophet or priest or king.
The Messiah held all three offices. He was the fulfillment of the Law and the fulfillment of all righteousness. He was the King of kings and Lord of lords. He was “the highest of the kings of the earth.”
You can see from this that the spiritual firstborn refers to preeminence. It has reference to being the most distinguished person of his type. He is unique and outstanding above all others.
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He is also fully man, but only since circa 7 B.C. Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, making Him preeminent over all creation, not the person or thing born first in creation.
Jesus Christ is also the firstborn of all recreation. He is the first man to rise out of death as being dead to sin but alive evermore to righteousness. Those of us who are born again are “second born”. Jesus has the preeminence. All glory goes to Him.
Let’s spend time now giving Him the glory. Let’s stop being full of self and instead deposit self in the nearest rubbish bin. To God be the glory! Jesus Christ be praised. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
The concept of the “firstborn” has to do with inheritance rights. It began with Adam and Eve and has continued to this day. The “firstborn” refers to the son born first in a family.
In the realm of natural birth, the firstborn received the leadership of the family when dad died. He also received “the double portion”, twice as much of the family wealth as the other sons.
In the spiritual realm the Lord also employs the concept of the “firstborn”. Truth be told, the concept in the spiritual realm came first. The Lord made use of it to establish “the law of the firstborn” for the natural realm.
There is a significant difference in the concept of the “firstborn” with respect to the natural and spiritual realms though. We will assay this distinction in today’s study. Without understanding this distinction, we cannot rightly divide the Word of Truth. The Bible will be inexplicable with regard to the spiritual firstborn.
In our two Bible verses today God is speaking. He notes that the future Messiah, the Son of God, will recognize Him as His Father (verse 26). Then Father God adds, “I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (verse 27).
This is a reference to the spiritual firstborn, dear friends. God is spirit. He doesn’t procreate and have children. The Son of God eternally coexists with Father God and with the Holy Spirit through all eternity. The Son of God was never born, so He cannot be “the son born first”, as is true of the “firstborn” in the natural realm.
What, then, are we to make of this concept of the “firstborn” in the spiritual realm? Well, the most significant aspect of the spiritual firstborn is defined in our Bible verse: he is “the highest of the kings of the earth.” The spiritual firstborn is a reference to preeminence, not to who was born first.
Three offices existed in Old Testament Israel under the Law of Moses. These were,
1. prophet
2. priest
3. king
The Messiah was to combine all three offices in His one person. This was a no-no for anyone else to ever do. Each person of authority in Israel held one or the other of these three offices, but no one was to hold all three. Indeed, even those who held one office had to be chosen by God to that office. Man could not take it upon himself to lay claim to the office of prophet or priest or king.
The Messiah held all three offices. He was the fulfillment of the Law and the fulfillment of all righteousness. He was the King of kings and Lord of lords. He was “the highest of the kings of the earth.”
You can see from this that the spiritual firstborn refers to preeminence. It has reference to being the most distinguished person of his type. He is unique and outstanding above all others.
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He is also fully man, but only since circa 7 B.C. Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, making Him preeminent over all creation, not the person or thing born first in creation.
Jesus Christ is also the firstborn of all recreation. He is the first man to rise out of death as being dead to sin but alive evermore to righteousness. Those of us who are born again are “second born”. Jesus has the preeminence. All glory goes to Him.
Let’s spend time now giving Him the glory. Let’s stop being full of self and instead deposit self in the nearest rubbish bin. To God be the glory! Jesus Christ be praised. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
