E van BlerkGal 3:29 En as julle aan Christus behoort, dan is julle die nageslag van Abraham en volgens die belofte erfgename.

2nd May, 2023 Identity as children of God – Self-Respect

The Bible teaches that each person is created in the image of God and is therefore valuable and deserving of respect. Additionally, it encourages believers to have a healthy sense of self-respect that is grounded in their identity as children of God.

Here are some Biblical references that speak to the concept of self-respect:

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This verse emphasizes that every person has inherent value and dignity because they are made in God’s image.

Matthew 22:39 – “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This verse teaches that we should love and respect ourselves in the same way we love and respect others.

Romans 12:3 – “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” This verse encourages believers to have a balanced and humble view of themselves.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds believers that their bodies are precious and deserving of respect because they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Overall, the Bible teaches that self-respect is an important aspect of our relationship with God and with others. It is grounded in the truth of our inherent value and dignity as God’s beloved children.

30th Apr, 2023 General themes/subject matter covered in each book of the Bible

Old Testament:

Genesis – Creation, the Fall, and the Patriarchs
Exodus – Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and establishment as a nation
Leviticus – God’s instructions for Israel’s worship and daily life
Numbers – Israel’s wilderness wanderings and preparation to enter the Promised Land
Deuteronomy – Moses’ final address and exhortation to the Israelites
Joshua – Conquest and settlement of the Promised Land
Judges – Israel’s cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance
Ruth – A story of loyalty and redemption
1 Samuel – The rise of Israel’s monarchy and the reign of King Saul
2 Samuel – The reign of King David
1 Kings – The divided kingdom and the reign of King Solomon
2 Kings – The decline and fall of the northern and southern kingdoms
1 Chronicles – Genealogies and history of Israel from Adam to David
2 Chronicles – The history of the southern kingdom of Judah
Ezra – The rebuilding of the temple and the return of the exiles from Babylon
Nehemiah – The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem
Esther – The story of a Jewish girl who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people

New Testament:

Matthew – The life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus
Mark – The life and teachings of Jesus, with a focus on his actions and miracles
Luke – The life and teachings of Jesus, with a focus on his compassion and interactions with people
John – The life and teachings of Jesus, with a focus on his divinity and spiritual significance
Acts – The history of the early Christian church, from Jesus’ ascension to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome
Romans – An explanation of the gospel and its implications for Jews and Gentiles
1 Corinthians – Paul’s instructions and corrections to the church in Corinth
2 Corinthians – Paul’s defense of his ministry and instructions to the church in Corinth
Galatians – Paul’s defense of the gospel of grace and warning against legalism
Ephesians – Paul’s explanation of the church as the body of Christ and instructions for Christian living
Philippians – Paul’s thanksgiving, encouragement, and exhortation to the church in Philippi
Colossians – Paul’s defense of the supremacy of Christ and instructions for Christian living
1 Thessalonians – Paul’s encouragement and exhortation to the church in Thessalonica
2 Thessalonians – Paul’s correction of misunderstandings about the second coming of Christ
1 Timothy – Paul’s instructions to Timothy on church leadership and doctrine
2 Timothy – Paul’s final instructions and encouragement to Timothy
Titus – Paul’s instructions to Titus on appointing church leaders and teaching sound doctrine
Philemon – Paul’s appeal to Philemon to forgive and receive his runaway slave Onesimus
Hebrews – An explanation of the superiority of Christ and his work as high priest
James – Practical exhortations on Christian living and faith that works
1 Peter – Encouragement and exhortation to believers suffering persecution
2 Peter – Warnings against false teachers and the certainty of Christ’s return
1 John – Emphasis on love for God and one another, assurance of salvation, and warning against false teachers
2 John – Exhortation to love one another and warning against false teachers
3 John – Commendation of hospitality and support for missionaries and warning against Diotrephes
Jude – Warnings against false teachers and exhortation to contend for the faith
Revelation – Apocalyptic visions of the end times, the second coming of Christ, and the ultimate triumph of God over evil

8th Apr, 2023 Jesus’ followers at the Cross.

According to the Gospel accounts, there were several followers of Jesus who stayed at the foot of the cross when he was crucified:

1. Mary, the mother of Jesus (John 19:25)
2. Mary Magdalene (John 19:25; Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40)
3. John, the beloved disciple (John 19:26-27)
4. Salome, the mother of James and John (Mark 15:40)
5. Mary, the wife of Clopas (John 19:25)
6. Other women who had followed Jesus from Galilee (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:41)

It’s worth noting that while these individuals are specifically mentioned as being at the foot of the cross, there may have been others who were present as well.

While the Gospel accounts do not specifically mention any of Jesus’ followers fleeing at the foot of the cross, there are a few instances where it is implied that some of his disciples abandoned him during his crucifixion:

1. Peter: Although Peter is not specifically mentioned as being at the foot of the cross, he is known to have denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion and then fled when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27). It is possible that he continued to stay away out of fear during the crucifixion.
2. The rest of the twelve disciples: According to the Gospel accounts, all of the disciples except for John fled and abandoned Jesus after he was arrested (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50).
3. Other followers: It is possible that other followers of Jesus who were not specifically mentioned also fled out of fear during the crucifixion.

However, it is worth noting that Jesus’ followers’ actions during the crucifixion should be understood in the context of the extreme danger they were facing as his followers. They were likely facing severe persecution and even death if they were seen as associating with Jesus at that time.

In the culture of the time of Jesus, women held a relatively low status in society compared to men. Women were generally not considered to be credible witnesses and were often excluded from public life and religious activities.

Therefore, it is significant that the Bible records women as being present at the foot of the cross and as the first witnesses to the resurrection.

The fact that women were present at the foot of the cross and were among the first to witness the resurrected Jesus highlights the credibility of their testimony. If the authors of the Gospel accounts were inventing the story, they would not have chosen women to be the first witnesses, as their testimony would not have been considered reliable in the culture of the time. The fact that they did choose women suggests that they were reporting what they believed to be true, even if it went against cultural norms and expectations.

Additionally, the inclusion of women in the Gospel accounts demonstrates Jesus’ radical approach to gender and social status. Jesus frequently challenged cultural norms and societal expectations, often by elevating the status of women and marginalized groups. By including women in the accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection, the Gospel writers were emphasizing Jesus’ teachings and actions that affirmed the dignity and value of all people, regardless of gender or social status.

7th Apr, 2023 Commandments

John 14:15‭-‬18 KJV

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Commandments for Christians as part of their life of faith and obedience to God. Here are some examples:

1. Love God and love your neighbor: Jesus affirms the two greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-39, saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
2. Follow Jesus: Jesus calls his disciples to follow him in Matthew 16:24, saying, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
3. Be baptized: Jesus commands his disciples to be baptized in Matthew 28:19, saying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
4. Observe the Lord’s Supper: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper as a way for his disciples to remember his sacrifice on the cross in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
5. Forgive others: Jesus commands his disciples to forgive others in Matthew 6:14-15, saying, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
6. Share the gospel: Jesus commands his disciples to share the gospel with others in Mark 16:15, saying, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Overall, the New Testament teaches that Christians are to live a life of faith, love, obedience, and service to God and others.

The old has past and the new has come as the apostle Paul indicates in Colossians 2:16-17, Paul writes, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

In the Book of Acts we see the following that can also be noted especially directed to the Gentiles.

Acts 15:22-29 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: and they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

28th Mar, 2023 Sabbath | The Law | Grace | Worldview

The Sabbath

The Bible teaches that the Sabbath is a holy day set aside for rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 23:3; Mark 2:27). Even though Jesus and the apostles observed the Sabbath and attended synagogue services (Luke 4:16; Acts 13:42-44; Acts 17:1-4).
There is no explicit command in the New Testament for Christians to observe the Sabbath on any particular day. Instead, Christians began to gather for worship on the first day of the week, Sunday, in commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection on that day (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
The shift from Saturday to Sunday as the primary day of worship and rest was a gradual process that took place over several centuries in the early Christian church.
Another reason for the shift was the fact that Christianity was increasingly becoming a separate religion from Judaism, and the Christian leaders felt a need to distinguish themselves from Jewish practices, including Sabbath observance. This was especially important as the early church expanded beyond the Jewish community and began to include Gentile converts.

Ultimately, the day on which we observe the Sabbath is a matter of personal conviction and preference. What is most important is that we set aside time for rest and worship, and that we do so in a way that honours God and promotes our spiritual growth.

Romans 14:5-6 ⁵ One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. ⁶ He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

It is worth noting that while the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments, Christians are no longer bound to observe all of the Jewish laws and customs. In the New Testament, the apostles and early Christian leaders made it clear that Gentile converts to Christianity were not required to observe the Jewish laws and customs, including Sabbath observance.

The Law and Grace

Observing the Jewish laws and customs, including Sabbath observance, was a major issue in the early Christian church, especially for the Gentile converts. This issue was addressed in several places in the New Testament, including in the book of Acts (Acts 15:10-11; Acts 15:19-20) and in the letters of the apostle Paul (Galatians 2:15-16; Colossians 2:16-17)

These passages, along with the decision of the Council of Jerusalem, made it clear that Gentile converts to Christianity were not required to observe the Jewish laws and customs, including Sabbath observance. The focus of the Christian faith was on faith in Jesus Christ and the grace of God, rather than on adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Galatians 3:23-25 – “Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

Here, the Apostle Paul argues that the Law of the Old Testament served as a temporary guardian for God’s people until the coming of Christ. Now that Christ has come and fulfilled the Law, believers are no longer under the Law as a means of salvation.

Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

In this passage, Paul asserts that believers are no longer under the Law because they are now under grace. This means that salvation is not earned through obedience to the Law but is a gift from God given through faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17 – “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

Here, Paul argues that the Old Testament laws regarding food, drink, and religious festivals were shadows that pointed to the coming of Christ. Now that Christ has come, these laws are no longer binding on believers.

Hebrews 8:13 – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

In this passage, the author of Hebrews argues that the Old Covenant has been made obsolete by the New Covenant established through Christ. The Old Covenant was based on the Law and required obedience to its commands, while the New Covenant is based on faith in Christ and the forgiveness of sins through his sacrifice.

Matthew 5:17-18 states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (NIV).

As the Apostle Paul explains in his letter to the Galatians, “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:19-20, ESV).

So while Matthew 5:17-18 reminds us of the continuity between the Old Testament and the new covenant, it also points to the fact that the new covenant has replaced the old covenant as the primary means of our relationship with God.

The New Covenant is a central theme in the Bible
It is a covenant of grace and salvation that God made with His people through Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant was based on the Law of Moses, which required strict obedience to a set of rules and regulations. The New Covenant, on the other hand, is based on faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.

The New Covenant was prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in Jeremiah 31:31-34. In this passage, God promises to make a new covenant with His people, which will be different from the covenant made with their ancestors at Mount Sinai. The new covenant will not be based on the Law of Moses, but on God’s grace and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself explains the New Covenant. In Luke 22:20, Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the Old Covenant and established the New Covenant. Through His sacrifice, believers can be forgiven of their sins and reconciled to God.

The New Covenant is based on grace alone through faith alone. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This means that salvation cannot be earned through good works or strict adherence to the Law of Moses. Instead, it is a free gift of God’s grace that is received by faith in Jesus Christ.

Living under the New Covenant means that believers are no longer under the Law of Moses. In Romans 6:14, Paul writes, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” This does not mean that believers are free to sin, but rather that they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that pleases God.

In conclusion, the New Covenant is a covenant of grace and salvation that God made with His people through Jesus Christ. It is based on faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Believers are no longer under the Law of Moses, but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that pleases God. This is a free gift of God’s grace that is received by faith alone.

The Creation Worldview

The consistent biblical creationist is one whose worldview is based on the Bible; this is his or her ultimate standard. As such, the creationist believes that an all-powerful (Matt. 19:26), all-knowing (Col.2:3), triune (Isa. 45:5; John 8:18) God created the universe in six ordinary days (Exod. 20:11) thousands, not billions, of years ago (based on genealogies such as Gen. 5:4–32). Today, God upholds the universe by His sustaining power (Heb. 1:3) in a logical and consistent way that we call the “laws of nature” or “laws of science” (Jer.33:25). The method by which God created the universe is not the same method by which He sustains it; God ended His work of creation by the seventh day (Gen. 2:2). The world was a paradise when it was first created (Gen. 1:31; Deut. 32:4). The first man (Adam) was given charge over all creation (Gen. 1:28, 2:15). Adam rebelled against the Lord (Gen. 2:16, 3:6). As a result, God cursed His creation (Gene. 3:14–19), which is why we now have death and suffering in the world (Rom. 5:12, 8:21–22). Since all humans today are descended from Adam (Acts 17:26), we all have a sin nature, and we too rebel against God —disobeying His commandments. Like Adam, we deserve death and eternal separation from God. In Christian theology, this is why God became a man ( John 1:1,14) and died on a cross. Jesus took our place as an act of mercy and has offered forgiveness for all who receive Him as Lord (Rom. 10:9–10). God had created the original animals and plants “after their kind” (Gen. 1:11, 21, 25; NASB), indicating that there are discrete barriers between basic animal and plants kinds, but that there can be variation within. The animals and plants we observe today are all variations of the original kinds (though some kinds have gone extinct). Natural selection happens . . . animals and plants can adapt somewhat to their environment. However, the processes involved never increase the information in the DNA and thus never result in a new kind of organism. God once flooded the entire earth in response to man’s wickedness (Gen. 6:5–7,17) but spared a few people in response to Noah’s obedience (Gen. 6:9, 18) and preserved them and the animal kinds by an ark (Gen. 6:19). Creationists believe that most of the fossils found on earth today are a result of this global Flood. This is only a very brief summary of the creationist position.

26th Mar, 2023 The I AM / Almighty (A&Ω)

I AM

Exodus 3:13-14
And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

John 8:56-59
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Almighty

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.

Revelation 1:7-8
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. 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.

I am in the Father, and the Father in me

John 14:8-10
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

Worship God – Proskuneo pros-koo-neh’-o Strong’s 4352

Matthew 4:10
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Revelation 22:8-9
And I John saw these things, and heard them . And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Matthew 8:2-3
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 9:18
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Matthew 14:31-33
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Matthew 28:8-10
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

25th Nov, 2018 Not myself but in The Lord only.

‘Want wat baat dit ’n mens as hy die hele wêreld win, maar aan sy siel skade ly? Of wat sal ’n mens gee as losprys vir sy siel? ‘
(Matt. 16:26)

Mrk. 8:34-38
‘EN toe Hy die skare saam met sy dissipels na Hom geroep het, sê Hy vir hulle: Wie agter My aan wil kom, moet homself verloën en sy kruis opneem en My volg. Want elkeen wat sy lewe wil red, sal dit verloor; maar elkeen wat sy lewe om My ontwil en om die evangelie ontwil verloor, hy sal dit red. Want wat sal dit ’n mens baat as hy die hele wêreld win en aan sy siel skade ly? Of wat sal ’n mens gee as losprys vir sy siel? Want elkeen wat hom vir My en my woorde skaam in hierdie owerspelige en sondige geslag, vir hom sal die Seun van die mens Hom ook skaam wanneer Hy kom in die heerlikheid van sy Vader met die heilige engele.’

‘ Die beginsel van die wysheid is die vrees van die Here , en kennis van die Heilige is verstand. ‘
(Prov. 9:10)

John. 3:14-21
‘En soos Moses die slang in die woestyn verhoog het, so moet die Seun van die mens verhoog word, sodat elkeen wat in Hom glo, nie verlore mag gaan nie, maar die ewige lewe kan hê. Want so lief het God die wêreld gehad, dat Hy sy eniggebore Seun gegee het, sodat elkeen wat in Hom glo, nie verlore mag gaan nie, maar die ewige lewe kan hê. Want God het sy Seun in die wêreld gestuur nie om die wêreld te veroordeel nie, maar dat die wêreld deur Hom gered kan word. Hy wat in Hom glo, word nie veroordeel nie; maar hy wat nie glo nie, is alreeds veroordeel omdat hy nie geglo het in die Naam van die eniggebore Seun van God nie. En dit is die oordeel: dat die lig in die wêreld gekom het, en die mense het die duisternis liewer gehad as die lig; want hulle werke was boos. Want elkeen wat kwaad doen, haat die lig en kom nie na die lig nie, dat sy werke nie bestraf mag word nie. Maar hy wat die waarheid doen, kom na die lig, sodat sy werke openbaar kan word, dat hulle in God gedoen is. ‘

Luke. 12:4-5
‘EN Ek sê vir julle, my vriende: Moenie vrees vir die wat die liggaam doodmaak en daarna niks meer kan doen nie; maar Ek sal julle wys wie julle moet vrees: vrees Hom wat, nadat Hy doodgemaak het, by magte is om in die hel te werp; ja, Ek sê vir julle, vrees Hom! ‘

Moenie die wêreld liefhê nie.

I John 2:15-17
‘ Moenie die wêreld liefhê of die dinge wat in die wêreld is nie. As iemand die wêreld liefhet, dan is die liefde van die Vader nie in hom nie. Want alles wat in die wêreld is — die begeerlikheid van die vlees en die begeerlikheid van die oë en die grootsheid van die lewe — is nie uit die Vader nie, maar is uit die wêreld. En die wêreld gaan verby en sy begeerlikheid, maar hy wat die wil van God doen, bly vir ewig. ‘

James. 4:1-12
‘WAARVANDAAN kom oorloë en vegterye onder julle? Kom hulle nie hiervandaan, van julle welluste wat in julle lede stryd voer nie? Julle begeer en julle het nie, julle pleeg moord en is naywerig en julle kan niks verkry nie. Julle veg en maak oorlog, en julle het nie, omdat julle nie bid nie. Julle bid en julle ontvang nie, omdat julle verkeerd bid, om dit in julle welluste deur te bring. Egbrekers en egbreeksters, weet julle nie dat die vriendskap van die wêreld vyandskap teen God is nie? Wie dan ’n vriend van die wêreld wil wees, word ’n vyand van God. Of meen julle dat die Skrif tevergeefs sê: Met jaloersheid begeer die Gees wat in ons woon? Maar Hy gee groter genade; daarom sê Hy: God weerstaan die hoogmoediges, maar aan die nederiges gee Hy genade. Onderwerp julle dan aan God; weerstaan die duiwel, en hy sal van julle wegvlug. Nader tot God, en Hy sal tot julle nader. Reinig die hande, julle sondaars, en suiwer die harte, julle dubbelhartiges! Weeklaag, treur en ween. Laat julle gelag in treurigheid verander word en julle blydskap in bedruktheid. Verneder julle voor die Here, en Hy sal julle verhoog. Broeders, moenie van mekaar kwaad spreek nie. Dié wat kwaad spreek van sy broeder en sy broeder oordeel, spreek kwaad van die wet en oordeel die wet; en as jy die wet oordeel, is jy nie ’n dader van die wet nie, maar ’n regter. Een is die Wetgewer, Hy wat mag het om te red en te verderf. Maar jy, wie is jy wat ’n ander oordeel? ‘

Rom. 12:1-3
‘EK vermaan julle dan, broeders, by die ontferminge van God, dat julle jul liggame stel as ’n lewende, heilige en aan God welgevallige offer — dit is julle redelike godsdiens. En word nie aan hierdie wêreld gelykvormig nie, maar word verander deur die vernuwing van julle gemoed, sodat julle kan beproef wat die goeie en welgevallige en volmaakte wil van God is. Want deur die genade wat aan my gegee is, sê ek vir elkeen wat onder julle is, dat hy nie van homself meer moet dink as wat ’n mens behoort te dink nie; maar dat hy daaraan moet dink om besadig te wees na die maat van geloof soos God dit aan elkeen toebedeel het. ‘

Daarom, soos geskrywe is: Die wat roem, moet in die Here roem.
(I Cor. 1:31; II Cor. 10:17)

Jer. 9:17-26
‘So sê die Here van die leërskare: Let op, en roep die klaagvroue, dat hulle kom; en stuur na die wyse vroue, dat hulle kom; en laat hulle gou maak en oor ons ’n weeklag aanhef, sodat ons oë afloop in trane en ons ooglede stroom van water. Want die geluid van weeklag word uit Sion gehoor: Hoe is ons verwoes! Ons het diep in die skande gekom, omdat ons die land moet verlaat, omdat hulle ons wonings omgegooi het. Want hoor, o vroue, die woord van die Here , en laat julle oor opvang die woord van sy mond; en leer julle dogters ’n weeklag en vir mekaar ’n klaaglied. Want die dood het in ons vensters opgeklim, in ons paleise ingekom om die kinders van die straat af uit te roei, die jongmanne van die pleine af. Sê dit: So spreek die Here : En die lyke van die mense sal neerval soos mis op die oop veld en soos gerwe agter die maaier sonder dat iemand dit versamel. So sê die Here : Laat die wyse hom nie beroem op sy wysheid nie, en laat die sterke hom nie beroem op sy sterkte nie, laat die ryke hom nie beroem op sy rykdom nie; maar laat hy wat wil roem, hom hierop beroem dat hy verstaan en My ken, dat Ek die Here is wat goedertierenheid, reg en geregtigheid op die aarde doen; want in dié dinge het Ek ’n behae, spreek die Here . Kyk, daar kom dae, spreek die Here , dat Ek besoeking sal doen oor almal wat besny is, wat nogtans onbesnede is: oor Egipte en Juda en Edom en oor die kinders van Ammon en Moab en oor almal wat die rand van hulle hare wegskeer, wat in die woestyn woon; want al die heidene is onbesnede, maar die hele huis van Israel is onbesnede van hart.’

Want die woord van die kruis is wel dwaasheid vir die wat verlore gaan.
(1 Cor 1:18)

Heb. 4:11-12
‘Laat ons ons dan beywer om in te gaan in dié rus, sodat niemand in dieselfde voorbeeld van ongehoorsaamheid mag val nie. Want die woord van God is lewend en kragtig en skerper as enige tweesnydende swaard, en dring deur tot die skeiding van siel en gees en van gewrigte en murg, en is ’n beoordelaar van die oorlegginge en gedagtes van die hart. ‘

I Cor. 1:20-25
‘Waar bly die wyse? Waar bly die skrifgeleerde? Waar die redetwister van hierdie eeu? Het God nie die wysheid van hierdie wêreld dwaas gemaak nie? Want aangesien in die wysheid van God die wêreld deur die wysheid God nie geken het nie, het dit God behaag om deur die dwaasheid van die prediking die wat glo, te red; want die Jode vra ’n teken en die Grieke soek wysheid, maar ons verkondig Christus wat gekruisig is, ’n struikelblok vir die Jode en dwaasheid vir die Grieke; maar vir die wat geroep is, Jode sowel as Grieke: Christus, die krag van God en die wysheid van God. Want wat dwaas is by God, is wyser as die mense; en wat swak is by God, is sterker as die mense. ‘

I Cor 2:13-14
‘Daarvan spreek ons ook, nie met woorde wat die menslike wysheid leer nie, maar met dié wat die Heilige Gees leer, sodat ons geestelike dinge met geestelike vergelyk. Maar die natuurlike mens neem die dinge van die Gees van God nie aan nie; want dit is vir hom dwaasheid, en hy kan dit nie verstaan nie, omdat dit geestelik beoordeel word. ‘

Rom. 1:16-17
‘WANT ek skaam my nie oor die evangelie van Christus nie, want dit is ’n krag van God tot redding vir elkeen wat glo, eerste vir die Jood en ook vir die Griek. Want die geregtigheid van God word daarin geopenbaar uit geloof tot geloof, soos geskrywe is: Maar die regverdige sal uit die geloof lewe. ‘

Gaan dan heen, maak dissipels van al die nasies

Matt. 28:18-20
‘En Jesus het nader gekom en met hulle gespreek en gesê: Aan My is gegee alle mag in die hemel en op aarde. Gaan dan heen, maak dissipels van al die nasies, en doop hulle in die Naam van die Vader en die Seun en die Heilige Gees; en leer hulle om alles te onderhou wat Ek julle beveel het. En kyk, Ek is met julle al die dae tot aan die voleinding van die wêreld. Amen.’

Laat ons dan by die evangelie van Christus bly.

Gal. 1:6-10
‘EK verwonder my dat julle so gou afvallig word van hom wat julle deur die genade van Christus geroep het, na ’n ander evangelie toe, terwyl daar geen ander is nie; behalwe dat daar sommige mense is wat julle in die war bring en die evangelie van Christus wil verdraai. Maar al sou ons of ’n engel uit die hemel julle ’n evangelie verkondig in stryd met die wat ons julle verkondig het, laat hom ’n vervloeking wees! Soos ons vantevore gesê het, sê ek nou ook weer: As iemand julle ’n evangelie verkondig in stryd met die wat julle ontvang het, laat hom ’n vervloeking wees! Soek ek dan nou die guns van mense, of van God? Of probeer ek om mense te behaag? As ek nog mense behaag, dan sou ek nie ’n dienskneg van Christus wees nie. ‘

27th Sep, 2017 Die Evangelie van Jesus

Vraag: “Wat is die evangelie van Jesus Christus?”

Die woord evangelie beteken ‘goeie nuus’.

• Die evangelie van Christus is die goeie nuus van sy koms om vergifnis van sondes te voorsien vir almal wat sal glo (Col 1:14; Rom 10:9).
• Sedert die eerste mens se sonde is die mens onder die veroordeling van God (Rom 5:12).
• Omdat almal God se volmaakte wet verbreek deur sonde te pleeg (Rom 3:23), is almal skuldig (Rom 5:18).
• Die straf vir die misdaad van sonde is die fisiese dood (Rom6:23) en dan is ‘n ewigheid in ‘n strafplek uitgegee (Rev 20:15; Matt 25:46).
• Hierdie ewige skeiding van God word ook die “tweede dood” genoem (Rev 20:14-15).

Die slegte nuus is dat almal skuldig is aan sonde en deur God veroordeel word.

Die slegte nuus word deur die evangelie, die goeie nuus van Jesus Christus, teengewerk.

• God het weens sy liefde vir die wêreld ‘n manier gemaak om die mens te vergewe van hulle sondes (Joh. 3:16).
• Hy het Sy Seun, Jesus Christus, gestuur om die sondes van die mens op Homself deur die kruisdood te neem (1 Pet 2:24).
• Deur ons sonde op Christus te plaas, het God verseker dat almal wat in die Naam van Jesus sal glo, vergewe sal word (Act 10:43).
• Jesus se opstanding waarborg die regverdiging van almal wat glo (Rom 4:25).

Vraag: “Wat beteken dit om in Jesus te glo?”

Die vraag: “Glo jy in Jesus?” klink amper soos “Glo jy in die tandemuis?”

Die vraag is eintlik: “Glo jy dat Jesus Christus is wie die Bybel sê Hy is, en vertrou jy in Hom alleen as jou Verlosser?”

Glo jy dat:

• Jesus God is? – (Joh. 1:1, 14)
•  Jy ewige skeiding van God en die ewige dood verdien (Rom 6:23)
• Jesus aan die kruis gesterf het om die straf vir jou sondes te betaal – (1 Cor 15:3; 2 Cor 5:21)
• Die offer van Jesus, die enigste voldoende betaling vir jou sondes is (1 Joh. 2:2; Joh. 14:6; Act 4:12)

Glo jy hierdie dinge? Indien wel, fantasties, maar om net op die feite oor Jesus te glo, is nie ‘n volledige getuienis nie. Bybelse geloof / oortuiging is veel meer as om net te glo dat sekere dinge waar is.
Bybelse reddende geloof, glo, vertrou en lewe, dag na dag op daardie feite.

‘N Stoel is ‘n goeie illustrasie.

Jy kan na ‘n stoel kyk en glo dit is gemaak van materiale wat sterk genoeg is om jou gewig te ondersteun, en jy kan glo dat dit korrek opgestel is. Maar dit is nie Bybelse geloof nie.
Bybelse geloof is as jy in die stoel sit. Jy gebruik die stoel omdat jy volkome vertroue het dat die stoel jou gewig sal dra en jou veilig van die grond af sal hou.

• Vertrou jy dat Jesus jou Verlosser is?
• Vertrou jy op Sy dood as die volle betaling vir jou sondeskuld?
• Is jy afhanklik van Sy opstanding as die waarborg dat jy ook na die dood na die ewige lewe verhoog sal word?

As jy verstaan ​​en glo wat die Bybel oor Jesus sê, en as jy op daardie waarhede vertrou as die basis vir verlossing, sal jy gered word! U glo in Jesus in die Bybelse sin. – (Joh 3:16, 36); (Rom 1:16, Rom 5:8, Rom 10:9); (Act 16:31)

25th Mar, 2017 Die 6 Stappe na Redding

Ordonnansie: Ons het n Opdrag wat uitgelê is in Matt 28:19-20
Die waterdoop deur onderdompeling is die Bybelse metode van doop as gevolg van die simboliese voorstelling van die dood, begrafnis en opstanding van Christus. Die doop is alleenlik ‘n daad van gehoorsaamheid en bepaal geensins jou redding nie. Die waterdoop simboliseer die gelowige se vertroue en totale afhanklikheid van die Here Jesus Christus, asook ‘n toewyding om gehoorsaam te leef vir Hom.