November 28, 2010
Scripture:
Scripture:
Prayer
Hymn 97 - Oh how sweet the gospel message
Prayer
Today we going to look at the word “believe.” What does believe mean? What do you believe? Do you believe your car is parked out on the road? Why? You believe it is there because you parked it there, got out and walked across the street. That is called believing in your head. You believe facts in your head. Read John 3:36—this is an illustration of believing a fact.
Secondly, there is believing in your heart. Read Song of Solomon 5:16. This verse describes the Lord Jesus. This type of believing is a feeling.
Lastly, there is believing in your spirit, which is having faith in the unseen. Read Hebrews 11:1.
Let’s now talk about these three types of belief as they relate to salvation. Read Acts 16:31. When you first accept the Lord as your Saviour, it’s a fact. There’s a story about a brother who once was telling the gospel to a certain man. After they talked for a while, the man said he wanted to get saved; so, they knelt down and prayed. When they got up, the man said,”I don’t feel any different.” The brother answered, “Right now, it is a fact—you have to make it a feeling.” You need it in your heart, not just in your head.
Now read Psalm 45:1; this verse describes the feelings of one who has grown to know the Lord. When you first get saved, it is a fact. Then, you can learn to love the Lord. This is what is called growing in the Lord.
Read Revelation 3:20: how can we hear the voice of the Lord, when we can’t even see Him? By reading His Word, we can hear Him. Remember, in Song of Solomon, we read about His mouth: that refers to His Word.
Lastly, I would like to talk about marriage. Read Genesis 2:24. When you get married, your relationships change. Now read Matthew 11:25. After you get married, you can learn all about that person. You are supposed to love them with all your heart. Sadly, what happens quite often is that after a few years of being married, one partner leaves and the couple gets divorced.
What happens when you put salvation together with marriage Well, you are the bride and the Lord Jesus is the bridegroom. You can learn to know all about the Lord Jesus, and read about Him in the Bible. You should love Him with all your heart. Once you get saved, it is a fact and facts can get cold. Let it become a feeling and faith.
Zachariah was in the same position that Abraham was in. Both were promised a child in their old age. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness; but Zachariah didn’t and had trouble. Mary and Joseph are also promised a son; and both are told that these sons will be great.
The angel told Zachariah about this son that was to come. He would be great, but it would be in the sight of the Lord. That’s what counts. He should not drink wine or cut his hair. This sounds as though John was a Nazarite, which was a vow of separation. He would also be filled with the Holy Ghost, which was more than anything that they had in the Old Testament. They had the Spirit come upon them, but weren’t filled with it.
John was the prophet that heralded the Lord’s coming; and not only that, but he also prepared the people for it. He was out there in the wilderness, calling people to repentance. Malachi tells us that he was filled with the spirit of Elijah, who was powerful in moving hearts. When the Lord comes again, he won’t need a herald. But this time He came in humility and lowliness, as Philippians 2 tells us, and needed one. John played an important part in the fulfilling of Malachi’s prophecy, and it was important that Zachariah and Elisabeth train him well.
Zachariah was dumbfounded by all this, and asked for a sign. The angel told him that he was Gabriel, who stood in God’s presence. He told Zachariah that he would be dumb till all that he said had come to pass. God doesn’t afflict willingly, but must if an issue arises. Doubt closed Zachariah’s mouth, but faith opened it.
God had sent Zachariah a special message, but all the evidence pointed to the contrary. Still, God wanted faith. And it tells us here that things will happen in His season, not ours. All that He has counselled will come to pass.
The multitude waiting outside might be a difference from the Old Testament, as we don’t read much about that in the law; just for the Day of Atonement. But Zachariah took longer than usual, and when he came out he couldn’t speak. He finished up his time, or course, at the temple; and then went home to Elisabeth.
Hymn 135 - There is no other name than thine
Prayer