Retha Groenewald's Blog: RETHA Groenewald AUTHOR, page 46
December 21, 2014
11 Facts About Luke and the Book Recently updated !
Luke wrote two books in the Bible. He wasn’t an apostle…
Who was Luke?
Early Christian writings accepted Luke as the author of 2 books, Luke and Acts.
He was the only Gentile author of a New Testament book. According to Colossians 4:10-14, Luke was not ‘of the circumcision’, meaning he was not Jewish; he was a Gentile.
He was a physician. Perhaps as a physician he took greater interest in the birth of two very important babies a few months apart, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
He was an educated man and wrote in high Greek style.
He was not one of the 12 disciples, and was not there at the beginning (John 15:27).
He knew Paul, maybe as a loyal friend. He traveled with Paul and was present at some events that took place in Acts.
He is mentioned 3 times in the letters of Paul in the New Testament.
Colossians 4:14
2 Timothy 4:11 (LEB)
Philemon 24 (LEB)
Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. (Luke 1:1–4 NLT).
About the book
Luke documented the facts about Christ, from Jesus’ birth, His ministry, death and resurrection, in the form of a letter.
The letter was written to a ‘lover of God’ for that is what the name Theophilus means.
The purpose of the letter was to give the reader clarity and certainty and the truth about Jesus Christ.
The Book Luke has 24 chapters and is the longest of the four Gospels.
Who was Theophilus?
Perhaps he was a Roman official,
Someone of high social standing or
Someone who received teachings about Christianity and was seeking the truth or
Maybe all the above.
Luke and the Book
Luke wrote in an orderly manner an exact account of the life of Jesus Christ. How did he do it?
He personally investigated all facts.
He researched the material.
He interviewed eyewitnesses, people who were there.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16 ESV)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— (1 John 1:1 ESV)
He listened to the testimonies of those who had ministered the Word, to the preaching and oral accounts of the apostles.
The Holy Spirit guided him.
Luke’s training as a physician allowed him to use logic and facts when he wrote the story of Jesus Christ.
The post 11 Facts About Luke and the Book Recently updated ! appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
Jesus Human and God
Was Jesus human and God?
The first 4 words in the Old Testament are, “In the beginning God…”
The Gospel of John begins with, ‘In the beginning was the Word…”
Jesus the Center of the Universe
“You are the center of my universe,” declared a loved one.
Jesus is the center of the universe!
Jesus Christ, the human being, was born about 2000 years ago.
Jesus the Word, who is God, existed before time and before the beginning of creation. God spoke creation into being.
Through Jesus everything was created in the heavenly realms and on earth. He created everything and everyone in the universe; everything that is visible and that is not.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:15 (NLT)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2 ESV)
Jesus Human and God
John clearly explained that Jesus wasn’t a demi-god that was half-man and half-god. Jesus was fully divine and fully human; he was human and God.
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (Colossians 2:9 NLT)
This was difficult for the Jews and Greeks to understand.
To the Jews the Word meant:
The One who created the universe through speaking the Word (Psalm 33:6).
The Word was associated with messages from the prophets of God (Hosea 4:1).
The Word was the standard of God’s holiness. It was the Law of God. (Psalm 119:11).
The Word was another way to express God.
To the Greeks the Word meant:
It was thoughts that were still lingering in your mind.
It was the philosophies and values that guided and governed the world.
For the Jews it was blasphemous to say that Jesus, the man was also God.
For the Greeks it was unthinkable that the Word could become a man (John 1:14).
John the beloved disciple understood that Jesus Christ
Was the long-awaited Messiah
Was the Word
Was God.
He had the revelation and understanding that the Word was the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The post Jesus Human and God appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
Jesus Human and God
Was Jesus human and God?
The first 4 words in the Old Testament are, “In the beginning God…”
The Gospel of John begins with, ‘In the beginning was the Word…”
Jesus the Center of the Universe
“You are the center of my universe,” declared a loved one.
Jesus is the center of the universe!
Jesus Christ, the human being, was born about 2000 years ago.
Jesus the Word, who is God, existed before time and before the beginning of creation. God spoke creation into being.
Through Jesus everything was created in the heavenly realms and on earth. He created everything and everyone in the universe; everything that is visible and that is not.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:15 (NLT)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2 ESV)
Jesus Human and God
John clearly explained that Jesus wasn’t a demi-god that was half-man and half-god. Jesus was fully divine and fully human; he was human and God.
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (Colossians 2:9 NLT)
This was difficult for the Jews and Greeks to understand.
To the Jews the Word meant:
The One who created the universe through speaking the Word (Psalm 33:6).
The Word was associated with messages from the prophets of God (Hosea 4:1).
The Word was the standard of God’s holiness. It was the Law of God. (Psalm 119:11).
The Word was another way to express God.
To the Greeks the Word meant:
It was thoughts that were still lingering in your mind.
It was the philosophies and values that guided and governed the world.
For the Jews it was blasphemous to say that Jesus, the man was also God.
For the Greeks it was unthinkable that the Word could become a man (John 1:14).
John the beloved disciple understood that Jesus Christ
Was the long-awaited Messiah
Was the Word
Was God.
He had the revelation and understanding that the Word was the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The post Jesus Human and God appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
Jesus was Human and God
Was Jesus human and God?
The first 4 words in the Old Testament are, “In the beginning God…”
The Gospel of John begins with, ‘In the beginning was the Word…”
Jesus the Center of the Universe
“You are the center of my universe,” declared a loved one.
Jesus is the center of the universe!
Jesus Christ, the human being, was born about 2000 years ago.
Jesus the Word, who is God, existed before time and before the beginning of creation. God spoke creation into being.
Through Jesus everything was created in the heavenly realms and on earth. He created everything and everyone in the universe; everything that is visible and that is not.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:15 (NLT)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2 ESV)
Jesus Human and God
John clearly explained that Jesus wasn’t a demi-god that was half-man and half-god. Jesus was fully divine and fully human; he was human and God.
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (Colossians 2:9 NLT)
This was difficult for the Jews and Greeks to understand.
To the Jews the Word meant:
The One who created the universe through speaking the Word (Psalm 33:6).
The Word was associated with messages from the prophets of God (Hosea 4:1).
The Word was the standard of God’s holiness. It was the Law of God. (Psalm 119:11).
The Word was another way to express God.
To the Greeks the Word meant:
It was thoughts that were still lingering in your mind.
It was the philosophies and values that guided and governed the world.
For the Jews it was blasphemous to say that Jesus, the man was also God.
For the Greeks it was unthinkable that the Word could become a man (John 1:14).
John the beloved disciple understood that Jesus Christ
Was the long-awaited Messiah
Was the Word
Was God.
He had the revelation and understanding that the Word was the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The post Jesus was Human and God appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
Jesus was Human and God Recently updated !
Was Jesus human and God?
The first 4 words in the Old Testament are, “In the beginning God…”
The Gospel of John begins with, ‘In the beginning was the Word…”
Jesus the Center of the Universe
“You are the center of my universe,” declared a loved one.
Jesus is the center of the universe!
Jesus Christ, the human being, was born about 2000 years ago.
Jesus the Word, who is God, existed before time and before the beginning of creation. God spoke creation into being.
Through Jesus everything was created in the heavenly realms and on earth. He created everything and everyone in the universe; everything that is visible and that is not.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:15 (NLT)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2 ESV)
Jesus Human and God
John clearly explained that Jesus wasn’t a demi-god that was half-man and half-god. Jesus was fully divine and fully human; he was human and God.
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (Colossians 2:9 NLT)
This was difficult for the Jews and Greeks to understand.
To the Jews the Word meant:
The One who created the universe through speaking the Word (Psalm 33:6).
The Word was associated with messages from the prophets of God (Hosea 4:1).
The Word was the standard of God’s holiness. It was the Law of God. (Psalm 119:11).
The Word was another way to express God.
To the Greeks the Word meant:
It was thoughts that were still lingering in your mind.
It was the philosophies and values that guided and governed the world.
For the Jews it was blasphemous to say that Jesus, the man was also God.
For the Greeks it was unthinkable that the Word could become a man (John 1:14).
John the beloved disciple understood that Jesus Christ
Was the long-awaited Messiah
Was the Word
Was God.
He had the revelation and understanding that the Word was the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The post Jesus was Human and God Recently updated ! appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
July 8, 2014
Caesar Ruled 50 Years Before Jesus’ Birth
Who were the rulers that ruled 50 years before Jesus’ birth?
Roman Empire
From a small kingdom centred in Rome, the Roman Empire grew until it became one of the most powerful empires in the world. It systematically conquered one kingdom after the other.
In 63 B.C. Pompey, commanding Rome’s army, marched into Jerusalem and entered the Temple. Jewish leaders aligned them with the stronger Rome to gain favor.
50 Years Before Jesus’ Birth
Internal politics in Rome lead to Julius conquering Pompey. He gave himself the title of Caesar. The senate, who had ruled the republic until then, gave Julius Caesar all the authority. He became Rome’s emperor.
Julius Caesar was murdered about 50 years before the birth of Jesus.
30 Years Before Jesus’ Birth
The drama continued in Rome. The alliance between Octavia and Anthony didn’t last long.
During that time, Cleopatra of Egypt visited Herod in Israel and demanded tribute from Herod. When Octavia defeated her lover, Anthony, in battle, Herod was very quick to change sides.
Anthony and Cleopatra committed suicide in 27 B.C.
That same year, Octavia changed his name to Augustus Caesar and ruled Rome until 14 B.C.
The family of Augustus ruled Rome throughout the New Testament timeline.
King Herod Ruled Judea
Herod, who was half-Jewish, was ambitious. He befriended Rome and received the kingship of Judea for his efforts. He ruled from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. over Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Perea and Idumea.
The Jewish citizens of Judea never accepted Herod as their king.
Herod the Great
Herod became known as Herod the Great because of his extensive building projects.
During the same time that Octavia re-established worship of Jupiter, King Herod began the 46 year project of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. The dimensions of the Temple were 15 meters long, wide and high. It was about 16-20 stories tall.
The Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 the Roman army under command of Titus conquered Jerusalem.
Send to KindleThe post Caesar Ruled 50 Years Before Jesus’ Birth appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
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Jesus was Human and God This entry is part 2 of 7 in the series...
10 Promises Prophesied About John the Baptist This entry is part 6 of 7 in the series...
July 7, 2014
10 Promises Prophesied About John the Baptist
In Luke 1:13-17 Gabriel’s message contained 10 promises prophesied about John the Baptist before his birth.
You shall call his name John. John means God is Gracious.
Zachariah + Elizabeth = God remembers His oath
Zachariah +Elizabeth + John = God is gracious, God remembers His oath.
You will have joy and gladness with the birth of your son. Joy would accompany his birth because it initiated the time for the Messiah to arrive. Jesus was born 6 months after John the Baptist.
Many would rejoice at his birth. His birth would bring joy and greater great rejoicing will come from men and angels with the birth of Jesus.
He would be great before the Lord. His calling was to be the forerunner of the Lord as prophesied in Isaiah 40:3-5
A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
He must not drink wine or strong drink, pointed to living according the Nazarite rules and ways. (Numbers 6:2-5) Not all the requirements of a Nazarite vow were mentioned here. It could also mean that he was set apart for the Lord to serve God in a special way.
He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, came to visit John’s mother Elizabeth, the baby (John) leapt in her womb (Luke 1:41).
He will turn many children of Israel to the Lord. Many people heard his message, repented, turned towards God and became followers of Jesus. They turned away from the old life of sin, and repented.
He will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah. John the Baptist wasn’t Elijah, but he would prepare the way for the Lord in the same spirit and power as Elijah. Both prophets called Israel to repentance.
He will turn the hearts of the father to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. This was prophesied in the last verses of Malachi. Malachi was the last prophet before the 400 years of prophetic silence. The silence was broken with his birth.
He will prepare the people for the Lord to come, Jesus Christ to make ready people to welcome the coming of Jesus Christ.
Send to KindleThe post 10 Promises Prophesied About John the Baptist appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
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July 6, 2014
Zechariah Reacts to God’s Message
Luke 1:5-25
Zechariah, the priest, was serving in God’s Temple. Suddenly to the right of the incense altar, Archangel Gabriel appeared with a message from God.
They Wanted a Child
They weren’t young any more and had no children; Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, was barren. They wanted a child and they prayed to God. Gabriel brought the message that God had heard their prayers. Elizabeth would bear Zechariah a son and his name would be John. God gave him a name before birth. There are 7 children named by God before birth in the Bible. Gabriel told Zechariah that his son would bring great joy and gladness at birth; He would be the one who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s prayer weren’t only answered, the prophecy about their son exceeded way above their expectations.
Zechariah Reacts to God’s Message
Zechariah was probably dumbfounded by this wonderful news and great prophecy….
Zechariah was a priest; he knew his Bible.
He was working in God’s Temple where God’s presence was, when God’s angel appeared to him in this holy place.
Outside, the nation of Israel was waiting for him to burn the incense on the altar in the holy place. They were waiting for the smoke of the burnt incense so that they could pray. The smoke drifting heavenward symbolized their prayers reaching God’s throne.
In this environment Gabriel brought him the message and prophecy from God; their prayers were answered.
What did Zechariah do when he heard this wonderful news? “How can I be sure this will happen? Zechariah asked. Instead of praising God, Zechariah doubted; he didn’t believe.
Gabriel’s Reaction to Zechariah
Gabriel immediately closed Zechariah’s mouth.
Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (Luke 1:19-20 NLT)
Gabriel did damage control.
Zechariah couldn’t speak; he wasn’t able to utter another word of disbelief, contradicting the promises of God. The crowds waited for Zechariah to come out and wondered about the delay. What was taking him so long? When he came out, he couldn’t speak. He finished his week of duties in silence and was mute until the day he said his son’s name.
How do You React to God’s Message?
Often you pray, believing and waiting on God. Sometimes you wait for a very long time… Time passes and nothing happens…. Then one day God sends a messenger to you. He brings you the message that God had heard your prayers. The messenger continues to prophecy over you way more than what you asked for….God was blessing you exceedingly and abundantly. What do you do? What is your reaction? Do you end the shocked silence with unbelief that God had actually heard your prayer – because in the back of your mind you had doubted, despite your fervent prayers? Or… Do you follow Zechariah or Mary’s example? (Read about Mary’s reaction in the article titled Mary Servant of God).
Send to KindleThe post Zechariah Reacts to God’s Message appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
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July 5, 2014
10 Facts on the Book of James and Author
Was Paul the author of the book of James? No, James the Just wrote it.
Who was James?
James wasn’t one of the apostles. He wasn’t the one called James the son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21) or James the son of Alphaeus (Luke 24:10).
James the Just was the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55).
He didn’t believe in Jesus during his time on earth (John 7:5). He believed in Christ when Jesus appeared to him after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7).
James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem after Peter was arrested and left Jerusalem.
He played a major role in convincing the Jewish leaders to accept Gentiles without requiring them to become Jews and be circumcised (Acts 15:13-21). He quoted Amos, reminding them that salvation of the Gentiles was prophesied.
“In that day I will restore the fallen house of David. I will repair its damaged walls. From the ruins I will rebuild it and restore its former glory. And Israel will possess what is left of Edom and all the nations I have called to be mine.” The Lord has spoken, and he will do these things. (Amos 9:11-12 NLT)
5 Facts about the Book of James
James died in A.D. 62. The book was written around A.D. 48.
It is the 59th Book of the Bible, but it was the first letter written in the New Testament.
The Book of James was written while Paul was on his first missionary journey and before the Jerusalem Council.
It’s a how-to guide on not only hearing the Word of God, but doing it: living a Christian life of faith, dealing with confrontation, commitment to God, and attitude and behavior when challenged.
After Stephen’s martyrdom, persecution against believers increased. He wrote the letter to encourage the believers in their faith during difficult times in hostile environments.
In contrast to most New Testament writers, James barely mentioned Jesus directly in his letter. However, it is saturated with the teachings of Jesus, in particular the Sermon on the Mount. He also references indirectly to all Jesus’ famous teachings.
The book of James gives practical advice about Christian living and ethics; the How To Live Like a Christian Guide.
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July 4, 2014
Angel Gabriel
Accounts of angels appear throughout the Bible, but the first time an angel of God is called by name is in Daniel 8:16. Angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel the prophet to give him the interpretation of his vision about a goat and a ram.
Two angels, excluding Lucifer, are mentioned by name in the Bible. These two angels are Gabriel and Michael. Both of these angels are identified in the Book of Daniel and then mentioned in the New Testament.
4 Visitations by Angel Gabriel
There are four accounts of visitations of Gabriel to three different people on earth. Two of these accounts were to Daniel (Daniel 8:16-19; 9:20-27). The other two accounts were when he visited
Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, in the midst of his priestly duties in the Temple and
Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, to tell her of the birth of the Messiah in Luke 1:26-28.
Gabriel
Gabriel means “strength of God” or “mighty one of God”.
He is the archangel who represents the ministry of the Holy Spirit; he is always seen in association with Messianic prophecy. He brought revelation, understanding, skill and interpretation to Daniel in the Old Testament; He brought the same to Zechariah and Mary in the New Testament.
Michael
Michael means “who is like God” or “God-like”.
Michael, the archangel is associated with spiritual warfare as seen in Daniel 9, 12 and Revelation 12. In Daniel 9 he helped Gabriel overcome the prince of Persia and in Revelation 12 he leads the war against Satan. Michael appeared to Daniel in Daniel 10:21.
In Jude 9 Michael argued with the devil about the body of Moses.
It is Michael’s responsibility to protect Daniel’s people the nation Israel. There have been many attempts throughout the ages to eliminate them. It’s Michael’s responsibility to prevent that from happening.
These two angels work together like the Word and the Spirit work together. They do what God commands; they minister to believers, strengthening you to do God’s will.
There is spiritual warfare between good and evil. It’s the angels that fight against the demons; believers pray.
Send to KindleThe post Angel Gabriel appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
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RETHA Groenewald AUTHOR
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