JesusRules.co.za: Recent Episodes
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The resurrection is vitally important in Paul's thinking and in the New Testament in general, and should be prominent in our thinking as well. Also, a warning to flee to Christ before He closes the door forever.
(With translation into Zulu)
A solemn reminder from Jesus' own words that He opens the door to eternal life for all who truly believe in Him, but to all others He shuts it completely.
(With translation into Zulu)
Buite Christus is mense verduisterd, verhard, sonder perke en onrein. Iemand wat Christus op die regte manier leer ken het, sal anders lewe. Ons moet alles aflê wat by die ou, sondige mens hoort en alles najaag wat by die nuwe skepping pas, o.a. waarheid, vergewensgesindheid, eerbaarheid, goeie spraak en vriendelikheid.
Christene moet die eenheid van die Gees bewaar. Christus gee gawes en bedienings in die gemeente met die doel dat elke lid van die liggaam sy taak sal vervul en dat die gemeente op die manier opgebou sal word om geestelike volwasse te word.
Dat de heidene mede-erfgename met die Jode is deur Christus, is 'n voorheen-verborge geheimenis wat eers deur die bediening van Paulus geopenbaar is. Al sy lyding t.w.v. hulle is dus eintlik tot hulle eer. Paulus is doordronge van die grootsheid van Christus en die evangelie.
Die heidene is van nature totaal verlore en hopeloos. Maar Christus het Jood en heiden in Homself met God versoen. Albei groepe het op dieselfde manier en tot dieselfde mate toegang tot God deur Hom.
Eers word 'n oorsig van die verskriklike toestand van die verlore mens gegee en dan 'n herinnering aan God se groot liefde en genade wat mense verlos. God red uit eie inisiatief en tot Sy eie eer, alleen deur geloof in Christus en sonder ons eie werke, maar ware redding lei tot goeie werke.
Paulus se gebed vir die Efesiërs draai veral daarom dat hulle meer sal besef van hulle voorregte en ryke erfenis in Christus, maar eindig met 'n loflied oor die grootheid en heerlikheid van die opgestane Heer om wie alles draai.
Die gelowige het wonderlike voorregte en gawes ontvang in Christus, alles net deur die soewereine genade van God. Daar wag ook 'n wonderlike erfenis, nadat God alles onder Christus sal verenig.
It is by Christ, and not by the ways of the old covenant, that we can approach God. Jesus was rejected of men and we must be ready to share in His disgrace en route to our eternal home, openly professing Him, persevering in good works, submitting to church leaders and praying. God is faithful to strengthen and keep His people.
A series of practical exhortations on love, hospitality, care for Christians in prison, marital purity, the right attitude towards money in light of God's promises and the right attitude towards godly church leaders, finishing with a reminder of Christ's unchanging nature.
The pursuit of holiness is essential in the Christian life, with Esau's example serving as a warning to us. The believer has come to something much greater than Mount Sinai, and falling away from this will lead to utter condemnation. God will renew all things and will judge.
We must throw off all hindrances in the race of faith and keep our eyes on Jesus, Who persevered through all His suffering. We must also remember that God disciplines us through hardships, so that we do not lose heart in such times.
The examples of Abraham, Moses and various other saints further explain the nature of true faith. Faith looks forward, believing in the resurrection, and sacrifices much for the sake of Christ. Faith doesn't always lead to earthly success, often entailing suffering during our earthly pilgrimage.
We can only please God by faith. This is exemplified by various Old Testament saints, of whom Abraham is given most attention in this first part of the chapter. True faith and hope is characterised by a desire for the heavenly inheritance.
We can only come to God through faith in Christ, being cleansed by His blood. Those who relinquish their trust in Jesus will undergo a most fearful judgement. All believers, even those who made a great start, need to persevere. Christ will surely return and will richly reward His people.
The Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeatedly offered because they were only a shadow and powerless, but Christ offered up Himself only once. He was perfectly obedient and His sacrifice is totally sufficient for all time. He now sits at God's right hand as Victor and as Mediator of the new covenant.
The new covenant could only be inaugurated through Christ's death. Old Testament blood sacrifices were a shadow of the perfect blood of Christ, shed once for all to do away with sin. Christ will return to judge the world and finally redeem His people.
The temple service of the Old Testament was only a shadow, pointing to the reality of Christ's perfect service in the heavenly tabernacle. He has offered His own blood to secure eternal redemption for all who trust in Him. His blood can truly cleanse our consciences.
Jesus is High Priest, not in an earthly sanctuary, but in God's very presence. He has also brought a new covenant to pass which far exceeds the old one: His laws are now written on His people's hearts, they all know Him and receive forgiveness of sins.
Jesus remains High Priest eternally, underlined by God's oath in appointing Him, so that we have a sure hope in Him. He lives forever to intercede for those who trust in Him and He is able to save them completely.
Jesus is a priest of the order of Melchizedek - being both King and Priest at the same time and remaining forever - and He thus far exceeds the Levitical priests of the old covenant.
Diligence and endurance are needed to obtain the promised inheritance. The promises of God to believers are utterly dependable, even being confirmed by God with an oath. Christians have a sure and certain hope in Christ, Who has gone before us into God's own presence.
A serious call to grow in knowledge and become mature by diligent study and obedience. If we do not do this, there is a real danger of falling away and falling under God's judgement.
An introduction to the great theme of the book of Hebrews - Jesus our High Priest - specifically touching on His compassion, His call by God and His obedience while on earth.
Entering God's rest by faith. The meaning of the Sabbath in the New Testament. God's coming judgement.
Jesus is greater than Moses. The need to persevere in the faith. The relationship between faith and obedience.
A solemn warning about not drifting away, but remembering Jesus, who became a perfect Saviour for us by becoming man and Who has compassion with us, but Whom God has also appointed Ruler over everything.
Jesus is God's perfect revelation, being fully God and God's Son. He is exalted above all, being far superior to the angels and eternal.