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The Dot represents Time.  The Line represents eternity (never ending).  What are you living for?  The Dot or The Line?

 

What does the Bible say about Jehovah and Jesus?

I.                     Jehovah –LORD in the Bible is referred to as the Creator. 

Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”  Jehovah created man.  In Zechariah 12:1 “…saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.” 

Isaiah 40:28  “…that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth….”  

Isaiah 45:11-12 “…Thus saith the LORD, … I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.”

In John 1:3-4 refers to Jesus as the Creator.  “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”  It says that ALL things were made by the Word which verse 14 identifies as Jesus.  This does not mean some things, it means ALL things.   Colossians 1:15-17 “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

In Hebrews 1:2 and 10 refers to Jesus as the Creator. “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;”  “And, thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:” In verse 8 God refers to His Son as God. “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God , is for ever and ever…”  

 

II.                  Jehovah—LORD in the Bible is referred to as the one whose way is being prepared.  Isaiah 40:3 “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”   This verse was fulfilled in Matthew 3:3  and Luke 3:4-6 where John the Baptist preaches about Jesus,  “For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” “As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight … And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”  It is also referred to in Mark 1:1-3 and John 1:23

 

III.               Jehovah—LORD is become our salvation.  Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”    Jesus is referred as our salvation in the New Testament in several passages of Scripture.  Acts 4:10-12 “...that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, … Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  When Simeon saw and held baby Jesus he said in Luke 2:30, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”  II Timothy 2:10 “…that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” 

 

IV.              Jehovah—LORD and Jesus are both referred to as the Saviour. 

Isaiah 43:11 “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.”  Isaiah 45:21-22 “…who hath told it from that time? Have not I the LORD? And there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” 

Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

 

V.                  The meaning of the name Immanuel is God with us.  Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary was the child who was referred to as “God with us.”

Isaiah 7:14 “There the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, ad bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”  Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  II Corinthians 5:19 “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; …”

 

VI.               Jehovah and Jesus have the same title, “the mighty God” and “Almighty God”. Isaiah 10:21 refers to Jehovah as the mighty God. 

 Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy about Jesus, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  This verse also calls Jesus the everlasting Father giving Him the attribute of being eternal.  Jehovah—LORD is called the Almighty God in Genesis 17:1 “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God: walk before me, and be thou perfect.”  Jehovah—LORD is called Almighty God many times in Scripture.  Jesus is referred to as the Almighty in Revelation 1:8, “Even so, Amen.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

 

VII.             Jehovah and Jesus are eternal and not created. Psalm 90:1-2 tells us “LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”  Micah 5:2 is a prophecy concerning Jesus. “…yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”  Matthew 5:4-6 identifies this prophecy was about Jesus.

In Psalm 102: 18-27 refers to Jehovah-LORD as the creator in verse 25-26, “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.”  And in verse 27 is says, “But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.” Hebrews 1:10-12 applies these verses in Psalm 102 to Jesus.  “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.” Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” 

 

VIII.           Jesus and Jehovah are one.  John 10:30, 38 “I and my Father are one.”  “Bui if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.”  Jesus prays, John 17:5, “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:11 “…they may be one as we are.” See also verses 21, 22.  In John 20:28 Thomas refers to Jesus as “My Lord and my God.”  Jesus does not rebuke him for calling him God but commends him in verse 29.   John 5:18 says “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.”  I John 5:7 “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”  Colossians 2:9 “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

 

IX.              Jehovah and Jesus are referred to as “the first and the last” and “the king of Israel.”

Isaiah 44:6 “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”  John 1:49 “… Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.”  Revelation 1:8 says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:13-18 describes the Son of man.  Verse 17 says, “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.  And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not: I am the first and the last:”

 

X.                  The same thing is said about bowing to Jehovah—LORD and Jesus.

Isaiah 45:21-23 “…who hath told it from that time? Have not I the LORD? And there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour: there is none beside me.  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” 

Philippians 2:9-11  “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory for God the Father.”

XI.               Isaiah 8:13-14 calls Jehovah—LORD the stone that causes men to stumble and the rock that makes them fall.  In Romans 9:32-33 this is applied to Jesus.  Isaiah 8:13-14 “Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”

Romans 9:32-33 “… For they stumbled at that stumblingstone: As it is written, “Behold I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence; and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”  Also see Psalm 118:22 and I Peter 2:6 -8.

XII.             Jehovah—LORD and Jesus is the Redeemer.

Psalm 130:7-8  “Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.  And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

Titus 2:13-14 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself, a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”  Notice also that Jesus is called the great God.

 

XIII.           Jehovah—LORD and Jesus is Judge.

 

God Jehovah—LORD is Judge.    

Psalm 50:1-6 “The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.² Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. ³ Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. ⁴ He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. ⁵ Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. ⁶ And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.”

Psalm 96:13 “Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” 

Psalm 98:9 “Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.”

 

Jesus is Judge

John 5:22-23 ^“ For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: ²³ That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.”

Acts 10:38-42 “ How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ³⁹ And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: ⁴⁰ Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; ⁴¹ Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.”

Romans 14:10b “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

II Corinthians 5:10 “

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;”

 

 

 

Free Indeed

Gospel of John Series #21—Do You Know My Jesus?

I.                    Introduction:  In the beginning of John 8, Jesus was teaching in the temple.  He was interrupted when the Scribes and Pharisees entered, bringing with them a woman found in the sin of adultery.   Seeking to trap Jesus in His words they said, “Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:5)  Jesus answer is found in John 8:7 “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”  One by one they left, each being convicted of their own sin.  When only one sinner, the woman, remained, Jesus asked her, “Woman, where are those thine accusers?  Hath no man condemned thee?”  She said, “No man, Lord.”  Jesus in offer of forgiveness responded, “Neither do I condemn thee,” and by His instruction He showed He did not approve of her sin.  He said, “Go and sin no more.”  Jesus offers the same forgiveness and instruction to us today.  Once we turn to Him as Savior, we are instructed to “Go and sin no more.”  A true believer is a new creature in Christ, old things are passed away, all things are become new.  The Holy Spirit that lives inside the believer, convicts us of sin and causes us to not want to sin any more.

Once Jesus finished instructing the adulterous woman, it seems Jesus used the circumstance to launch into His further teaching.  In verse 12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  He that followeth me (that is, he that is a true disciple of mine) will not walk in darkness (That is, will not continue to live a life of sin) but shall have the light of life, (that is shall have and live righteously according to the light given when one receives eternal life).

II.                 Proposition:  Understand today that Jesus is who He said He is.  He is the light of the world and He can free one from living a life in bondage to sin.  STAND AND PRAY.

III.             Transition:  Let’s now read how those of the established Jewish religion challenged Jesus and how Jesus answered their challenge, verifying that He is the light of the world that can free one from the bondage of sin.

IV.             Body:  Read John 8:12-18.  Jesus stated in verse 12, “I am the light of the world.”  The Pharisees challenged Him—you are saying this about yourself, but what you are saying is not true.  Jesus (V. 14) defended His record of Himself.  He said, “I know where I came from and I know where I am going.” And you Pharisees don’t know these things, you are only using your physical earthly judgment.  Jesus then said, “I judge no man” but if I judged my judgment would be true because I do not judge by myself but with my heavenly Father that sent me.  He reminds the Pharisees that Old Testament law states that the testimony of two men is true and both Jesus and the Father who sent Him, bear witness of Jesus.

Read John 8:19-20.  Here we see the Pharisees second question and challenge to Jesus.  “Where is your father?”  Jesus answered the Pharisees—you don’t know me or my Father.  If you knew me, you would also have known my Father.  Despite this pointed rebuke of the Pharisees, no one took Jesus to be tried or condemned because it was not yet God’s appointed time for this.  Verse 20 says, “No man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.”  We must remember that God has His plan.  Concerning salvation, God’s plan and timing are clear, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.”  (II Cor. 6:2)

Read John 8:21-24.  Jesus again spoke to the Pharisees.  He told them the He was going to go His way, and the time would come when they would seek Him, but they would die in their sins, and not be able to go where He was going.  But the Jews missed the whole point, and questioned, “Will he kill himself?”  Their question shows how Satan blinds the minds of men.  Let me repeat what Jesus said in verse 21 and see if you understand what Jesus was saying.  “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins, whither I go, ye cannot come.”  In verses 23-24 Jesus explains what He meant.  The first point He made is that He and they are from different worlds.  They are from beneath, that is from this world, and Jesus is from above, heaven, not of this world.  This is the basis for their lack of understanding and the unbelievers’ lack of understanding of spiritual matters today.  Then Jesus restated His original point.  That is why I said you are going to die in your sins.  If you don’t believe me now, that I am who I said I am, the light of the world, and you don’t follow me there will come a time when you will seek me, but it will be too late, and you will die in your sins, and not be able to go where I go, that is, to heaven.

Read John 8:25-29.  It seems at this point some of the Jews became more serious minded about what Jesus was saying.  They asked Him, “Who art thou?” This is a good question everyone in this room and everyone in the world should be asking concerning Jesus—“Who art thou?”  This question brings us back to the beginning of Jesus teaching session in John 8:12.  “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”  In verses 26-27 Jesus said He had many things to say, but they did not understand that Jesus was speaking what He heard from the One who sent Him, His heavenly Father.  In verses 28-29 Jesus explained there would come a time when they would know who Jesus was, and that He was from the Father.  That time would be when Jesus, the Son of man would be lifted up on the cross. In John 8:30 we find the people’s response to Jesus teaching.  Read John 8:30 “As he spake these words, many believed on him.”  They believed the truths Jesus taught and they put their trust in Him.  Jesus instructed these new believers in John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  Proof of being “a disciple indeed”, a true believer, is this; a true believer will continue in obedience to God’s Word, and will know the truth and Jesus, the truth will free that one from the power of sin in this life, and from the penalty of sin after death.  Do you know the truth?  In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  Jesus is the truth.  Do you know Him?  Has He made you free from your sin and its penalty?

Maybe you are saying, I have always believed in Jesus, or I have my own beliefs.  How can you say to me I will be made free?  This sounds like what some of the Jews said to Jesus.  Let’s read the Jews conversation with Jesus in John 8:33-36.  Read.  “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Son abideth ever.  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

In verse 33 we see they tried to put their hope in their old religion.  They claimed they were not in bondage and they did not need to be made free.  Note this.  No one can receive help until they admit they have a problem.  Though they denied having a need, Jesus pointed them to clear fact and truth in verse 34, “Truly, truly, whosever commits sin is the servant of sin.”  A servant does not remain in his master’s household forever.  Only a son remains and becomes heir to the father’s inheritance.  The fact is we all commit sin, we are all the servants of sin, and as servants we have no inheritance from our Father in heaven.  To receive inheritance from the Father, everlasting life, we must face the terrible reality of our own sinfulness and turn to Jesus, the Savior, who alone can rescue us. He is the light of the world, and He can free one from sin’s bondage.  John 8:36 states “If the Son therefore shall make you free; ye shall be free indeed.”

V.                 Conclusion:  You may have been taught about and believed in Jesus all of your life, and even prayed one or many prayers to be saved, but you may still be in the same group as those who never did any of these things.  The proof of true belief is in your life.  Since the time you asked Christ to save you has it changed your life?  Do you show evidence of being “a disciple indeed”?  John 8:31-32 “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  Do you know my Jesus?  Has God spoken to your heart today?  Is He speaking to you NOW? 

Hymn 224—Why Not Now?

Hymn 244—Just as I am Without One Plea.

Red Sea Rules: 10 Rules for Difficult Situations   adapted from book by Robert Morgan

 
1. When you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there: Our Father has custom designed the experiences we need to prepare us for His kingdom.
2. Be more concerned for God’s glory than your relief: The next time your overwhelmed, instead of asking, “How can I get out of this mess?” try asking, “How can God be glorified in this situation.” In John 9 the disciples met a man blind from birth. When they asked Jesus if this was as a result of his sin or that of his parents, Jesus responded, “Your asking the wrong question. This man was born blind so that the power of God could be displayed in his life.” When Mary and Martha reproved Jesus for not coming immediately and healing Lazarus, Jesus responded, “This sickness is not unto death, but that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” At the onset of the most excruciating week of His life, Jesus asked not, “How can I get out of this? But “How can God’s name be glorified?” Our job amid the difficulty is to learn our Lord’s simple but submissive prayer: What shall I say? Save me from this hour? No, Father, glorify Your name. The story of parted waters shows us that God gains glory: -When His enemies are defeated; -When His children are delivered; -When His name is exalted; -When his exploits are remembered; and –When His praises are sounded. He will gain honor for Himself over our adversarial situations.
3. Acknowledge satan’s attacks on your life, but keep your focus on the Lord: “Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:6-8) “Therefore if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” (John 8:36)
4. Pray fervently: “The fervent prayer of a righteous man is mighty in its working.” (James 5:16)
5. Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him… Do not fret – it only causes harm.” (Psalm 37:7-8) “The battle is not yours, but God’s…. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you… Do not fear or be dismayed.” (2 Chronicles 20:15,17 )
6. When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith: “Your strength shall be renewed day by day like morning dew.” (Psalm 110:3) “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of you tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” (Mathew 6:34) Trust God for guidance in small increments; and if you can’t see what lies dimly in the distance, do what lies clearly at hand.
7. Envision God’s enveloping presence: “I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too – your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—I can’t take it all in.” (Psalm 139:5-6 MSG) “Lord let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone.” (Psalm 33:22) God’s presence in the trial is much better than exemption from the trial. “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5) “Speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you.” (Acts 18:9-10) “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.” (Gen. 28:15) “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything.” (Phil. 4:5,6) The best way to develop and abiding awareness of God’s presence is to speak to Him often in prayer. Prayer is the environment in which we most solidly connect with God on an intimate basis. Do it often.
8. Trust God to deliver in His own unique way: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15) The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever.” (2 Tim. 4:18) God still delivers, but we must understand that, “My thoughts are not your thoughts; nor are your ways My ways.” (Isaiah 55:8)
9. View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future: I know He tries me to increase my faith. “A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted.” –Warren Wiersbe) The Lord loves to respond to faith.
10. Don’t forget to praise Him: “Praise and worship are the sand and cement that hold the bricks in place along life’s daily path. Every segment of our day should be encased in praise. “See those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3) Praise is our typical expression of joyful confidence and triumphant thanksgiving at what God has done, is doing, and is going to do.