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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN




Gloria Phifer     
A Son is given






                This last month (Dec. and part of Jan.)  We have been looking at the events surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth.

  God has given His Only Begotten Son. He has sent Him into our world. John 3:16.  AMP. “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world That He gave up His Only Begotten (unique) Son, so whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17. For God did not send The Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.” What are your thoughts concerning this declaration?


                I am always amazed that God loved us (the world) that He would send His Son. Actually, give His Son for us. My finite mind stands in awe at the plan of God. The mystery hidden in His Son. That mystery was “salvation.” Eternal life!!! So we can live with Him forever.


                Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a Child is BORN, unto us a Son is GIVEN.  Unto us…His Child, His Son is born…given!!! THOUGHTS?


                Hebrew for born “yalad” “To bear young, to beget, specifically to show lineage, to bring forth, to bear, bring forth in travail.”

                Given in Hebrew is “Nathan” “ to give, appoint, ascribe, assign, avenge, without fail, grant, perform, place, pour forth, send out, set forth, consecrate,  exchange, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield, produce, stretch out, extend, designate, be published, be uttered, be assigned, be afflicted, to be given up, be delivered up, to be put upon.”


                What words stand out to you?  I can see so many that have meaning to me. To appoint. Jesus was appointed, He had an assignment. He was sent to perform. He was consecrated. He came to avenge the enemy. Jesus was committed. He was entrusted with bringing forth our salvation. He was designated…the Only Savior. He had an assignment. He would be afflicted, be given up to suffering and the cross. He would be delivered up. All of our sins would be put upon Him.


                John 12:27-33. He would be lifted up from the earth (the cross) to draw all men unto Him.


                I am overwhelmed that He was given for us!!! Thoughts?  Romans 8: 31-32 “He that spared not His Own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Vs. 35 “Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ?  Do you know how much God loves you?


                I am like David, “Oh Lord, what is man that You are mindful of him? And the son of man, that You visit him?” Ps 8:4 and Hebrews 2:6.


 Oh Lord, we that have spurned You, turned our back and gone our own way, why have You pursued us?  I especially know this, for He pursued me as a child, a teenager and then as a young adult. I was one who wanted forgiveness, but also wanted to live my own life. He persisted, until spiraling down, I reached up…and He was there!!! His faithfulness and love are beyond words.


Isaiah 9:6 the government will be upon His shoulder. Government in Hebrew is “Misrah” “Empire, government, rule dominion. From the word “Sarah” A primitive root; to prevail…have power as a Prince. Contend, have power, contend with, persist, exert oneself, persevere.”


 Let’s look at Psalm 2.  God has set His King, His Son upon His holy hill of Zion. Jesus Christ will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God will give Him the heathen for His inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. (Blessed are they that put their trust in Him. vs. 12)


                Shoulder in Hebrew is “Shkem” “The neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens. Shoulder, back.  To incline the shoulder to a burden. To rise or start early. To start early in the morning.

(I’m not sure why…but I thought of the Resurrection…early in the morning.)


                Isaiah 9:6 “His Name…” Hebrew for Name is “Shem” “Through the idea of definite and conscious position. As a mark or memorial of individuality, by implication honor, authority, character, famous, renowned, name. Name, reputation, fame, glory, The Name (As designation of God) memorial, monument.

To set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix. Transform into. Work. Bring to pass, appoint, give.

                Vs. 6 His Name shall be called (To call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim, and call with Name of God)   Wonderful… “Hebrew is “pele” “A miracle: marvelous thing, wonder (ful, -fully). Wonder, marvel, wonder (extraordinary, hard to understand thing.) Wonder (of God’s acts of judgment and redemption).

To be beyond one’s power, be difficult to do. To be marvelous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action. To separate. To do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing. To show Oneself wonderful or marvelous.”  What are your thoughts on Jesus Name being “Wonderful?”


                He is extraordinary. There is no one like Him!!! Jesus Christ is God Almighty!!!

Vs. 6 “Counsellor” Hebrew is “ya’ats” “To advise, to deliberate or resolve. Consult, (give, and take)

Counsel (lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. Deliberate, counsel together. “1 Cor. 1:30 (Jesus gives us wisdom.) 1 Cor. 2:5, Eph. 1:17, Col. 2:2-3.  In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Thoughts?


                Isaiah 9:6 His Name shall be called….”The Mighty God.” Hebrew for Mighty “gibbowr” (ghib-bore’).  “Powerful, Warrior, Champion, Chief, excel, Man, Mighty One, Strong, Valiant Man. Strong Man, Brave Man, Mighty Man. “ Ps. 91:1, Isaiah 13:6, 2 Cor. 6:18, Rev. 1:8, Rev. 11:17, Rev. 15:3, Rev. 19:15

                JESUS IS ALMIGHTY GOD!!!  Thoughts?


                God in Hebrew is “El” “Strength, as mighty, especially The Almighty. Deity. God. Power. God, the One True God, Jehovah. Strength, Power.”


                Isaiah9: 6: His Name shall be called… The Everlasting Father…Hebrew for everlasting… “Perpetuity, forever, continuing future. Ancient (of past time) forever (for future time. Of continuous existence. Eternity.


                Hebrew for Father “ab” “Chief, Patrimony, Principal. Of God as Father of His people. Head or Founder of a household, family or clan. Of Benevolence and protection. Term of respect and honor.

Matt. 23:9, John 14:1-13. Vs. 9 Jesus said…”he that has seen Me has seen the Father…”


                Isaiah 9:6 His Name shall be called….”The Prince of Peace.” Hebrew for Prince is “sar” “Prince, Ruler, Leader, Chief, Official, Captain, Commander (military). Ruler of rulers (of God.) Dominion, Make Oneself a Prince. Bear rule. To be or act as a Prince, rule, contend, have power, prevail over, reign, govern. To Lord it over.”


                Peace in Hebrew is “shalowm” “completeness, soundness, welfare, peace. Safety, soundness (in body), welfare, health, prosperity. Peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment, peace, friendship. With God, especially in covenant relationship. Peace (from war) peace (as adjective). Welfare. All is well. Rest, be well, wholly, favor, happy, great, good health. Perfect such as be at peace.”   What stands out to you?


                Luke 1:79, John 14:27 (Given to us from Jesus), John 20:19-21.  2 Thess. 3:16.   How important is peace to you?

Mark 4:35-41. “Peace, be still” Who is This Man that even the wind and sea obey?  He is The Prince of Peace.  In the storms of our lives He speaks “Peace, be still!!! All is well, all is well!!!” Isaiah 26:3-4 Ps 29:11.

What does this speak to you?


                Isaiah 9:7 the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end…Rev. 11:15. Matt 28:18. Ps. 22:28, Matt. 2:6 (we saw this earlier in our studies.). Luke 17:21.  Have we thought that the Kingdom of God is within us, since we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior?  How great is it that He governs our life. Thoughts?  

  I love that His government and peace go together. Col. 1: 10-23. Wow! We have been translated into the Kingdom of God’s Dear Son.  Translate in Greek is a big word “methistemi”

(met-is-tay-mee) To transfer, carry away, depose or exchange, remove, translate, turn away, to cause or make to stand, to place, put, and set. To make firm, fix, establish. To cause a person or a thing to keep his or its place. To stand, be kept intact (of family, a kingdom, to escape in safety. To establish a thing, cause it to stand. To uphold or sustain the authority or force of anything. To set or place in a balance. To stand

Immovable. Stand firm. To stand, continue safe and sound, stand unharmed, to stand ready or prepared. To be of a steadfast mind. Of quality, one who does not hesitate, does not waiver.”


                Wow! I don’t know about you but this blesses me so much!  I am safe in The Kingdom of His Son! He has placed me there!!! This gives me so much security.  I am In Christ, I am in His Kingdom!!!

His government is over me!!!  What about you…what stands out to you?


Kingdom in Greek is “basileia” “Properly, royalty, rule or a realm, kingdom, reign. Royal power, kingship, dominion, rule. Of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah. Of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiahs Kingdom. Used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of The Messiah.

Girls, we are in The Kingdom of Jesus Christ. We are In Christ!!! The Kingdom of God is within us.!!!


Isaiah 9:7 I love that the increase of His government and peace shall never end. He will reign upon the throne of David.  He will establish it with judgment and with justice forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform it!!!   Blessed be The Son who was given for us!!!



               










Friday, December 12, 2014

YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS








Gloria Phifer
            In our last study, the Archangel Gabriel, brought a message to Mary. Her response was one of incredible faith. Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to your word.” She left in haste to her cousin Elizabeth (who was pregnant with John the Baptist) the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt with joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. Elizabeth exclaimed that Mary was the mother of her Lord and blessed was the fruit of Mary’s womb. (When you have time, read again how Mary magnified the Lord and her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior. Luke 1:46-55.)

            Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then returned to her home town Nazareth.  The Bible does not let us know how Joseph found out Mary was with child. (We don’t see the reaction of her parents either.)  In the Old Testament a woman pregnant, outside of marriage, would be stoned. It was a terrible disgrace.

            Matt. 1:1 the book of the generations of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham. From Abraham to the coming of Christ was 42 generations.

            1: 18-25 Mary and Joseph were espoused to one another. Espoused in Greek “To give a souvenir (engagement present) betroth. To woo her and ask her in marriage. To be promised in marriage, be betrothed.”  This was a binding, legal arrangement.

           
 Vs. 19 what kind of man was Joseph? What was his dilemma?  How would he treat Mary? 

          
  Vs. 20-24. What a dream!!! This dream fulfilled scripture. Isaiah 7:14. Being a man of God Joseph would know this scripture.  Vs. 21 this scripture brings up so much emotion in me.  “And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name JESUS: for He shall SAVE His people from their sins.   

            What a privilege Joseph would have, to name the Son of God…JESUS!!!  I don’t know about you but this touches my heart.  Before His birth, His Name was given…that wonderful Name that we have used in our salvation, in our rejoicing, in our darkest moments. That Name that brings salvation, deliverance, hope, healing…!  What are your thoughts at this moment in the presence of The Name of Jesus?


Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus left His heavenly kingdom and took on the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.  Vs. 9-11 what will happen at the Name of Jesus and what will every tongue confess?

            Vs. 23 we find another Name for our Savior…EMMANUEL…God with us. Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son and shall call His Name EMMANUEL.

           
 At this moment in Joseph’s and Mary’s life The King of Kings and Lord of Lords was on His way into our world.  Growing in the womb of Mary was JESUS!!!  Do you see the miracle of this as I am seeing it???  On His way into our lives!!!

         
    Joseph was obedient. What did Joseph do vs.24-25?  Notice in vs. 25 ….”She brought forth her Firstborn Son…the scripture says “her firstborn son.”


            Notice…Joseph called His Name JESUS!!!

           
 Luke 2:1-7.  Caesar Augustus did not know that God was initiating this action to bring His Only Begotten Son to His place of birth. Why did Joseph and Mary have to go to Bethlehem? What was Mary’s condition as she traveled? Where was she when she gave birth?

Another fulfillment of prophesy…Micah 5:2” But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah though you be little among the thousands  of Judah, 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.”

            
 What a beautiful scripture!!! Are you in awe as I am? Micah was written approx.750 B.C. 

           
 I believe Joseph had money for an inn, because he was a responsible man. But because of the taxing, there was no room.  Vs. 7 where was our Savior born?

         
   LAB. 2:7 “Strips of cloth were used to keep a baby warm and give him a sense of security. These cloths were believed to protect his internal organs. The custom of wrapping infants this way is practiced in may Mid-eastern countries.”

         
   LAB “The mention of the manger is the basis for the traditional belief that Jesus was born in a stable. Stables were often caves with feeding troughs (mangers) carved into the rock walls. Despite the popular Christmas card pictures. The surroundings were dark and dirty.”

            As I was reading this I thought of “The Light of The World” coming into this dark and dirty world. He was Light!!! Thoughts?   John 8:12.

            Luke 2:8-20. The shepherds were in the fields watching over their sheep at night. Something amazing happened…WHAT HAPPENED???

            Vs. 9-14. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.   A birth announcement given by an angel. Vs.12 what is the sign given to them so they will know this is the Baby?

          
  Vs. 13-15 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

What is God’s heart toward mankind? Can you imagine a multitude of heavenly angels praising God and saying this?  This was no ordinary night. The world would never be the same because THE CHRIST HAD BEEN BORN!!!


Vs. 16 what did the shepherds find?  What did Mary do Vs. 19?  She had just given birth and their first visitors were shepherds. Why do you think God gave this announcement to the shepherds?

            
 LAB “Luke records that Jesus birth was announced to shepherds in the fields. These may have been the shepherds who supplied the lambs for the Temple sacrifices that were performed for the forgiveness of sin. Here the angels invited these shepherds to greet The Lamb of God…Who would take away the sins of the world forever.”  John 1:36.

           
 Jesus is The Lamb of God and He is The Shepherd of the sheep. Psalm 79:13, Ps 80:1, Isaiah 40:10-11, Psalm 79:13, Ps. 95:7, Ps. 100:3, John 10:11-14, Heb. 13:20-21, 1 Pet 2:25, 1 Pet. 5:4.

            Our Savior and Shepherd has been born. Angels have heralded His birth. We herald His coming and birth in our hearts.

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift!!!  2 Cor. 9:15.