by BrianRegrut | Dec 8, 2021 | Christmas, Holy Spirit, Hope, Trust
The Bible explains what is known as the virgin birth. She became pregnant not through a man, but through a supernatural act of God.
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
Matthew 1:18-19
As a follower of the law, Joseph could divorce his wife for any cause, but he couldn’t divorce someone to whom he was not married. Therefore we have to look more closely at the customs of the times and the meaning of the words used to describe this situation. Betrothal, translated here as “pledged to be married”, describes a legal agreement joining two people. This is quite different from what we today call an engagement because once betrothed, neither of the two could back out. A betrothal could only be broken by death or divorce. That they had “not come together” reflected a custom of the time that a pledged couple would remain apart for a period of time–often until a room is added to the home of the groom’s family to which the groom would ultimately bring his bride. That they did “not come together” also suggests that they were not intimate up until this time, that’s why the birth of Jesus is described as a virgin birth or a conception without the seed of a man.
Would Mary’s pregnancy cause her to be marginalized or even result in her being stoned for adultery? No. Not unless Joseph were to publicly proclaim that he was not the father of the child in her womb.
“But as he considered these things (Mary’s pregnancy), behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”
Matthew 1:20-21
This miraculous virgin birth of a savior would prove to be a pivotal turning point in the history of mankind. Joseph, would forever be known as a man who listened to God and was faithful to both his wife and the law.
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”
Matthew 1:22-25
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by BrianRegrut | Jun 9, 2021 | Creation, End Times, Guide for Living, Holy Spirit, Jesus' Teaching, Trust
Let’s begin answering this three-part question by defining truth. Truth is an assertion that can be proven through measurement. It is true, for example, that a cup can hold tea. We can prove the assertion by pouring tea into a cup and noting that it stays in the cup. Truth can also be an assertion or belief that cannot be falsified or one that is supported by a preponderance of evidence. Though no one living has seen or talked with Julius Caeser, we accept as true that he lived, ruled and was murdered because we have copies of writings of people who lived at the time of Caeser. In the same way, we know about Jesus of Nazareth because of the written and oral testimony of his contemporaries.
Finding truth can be a bit more complex especially as it relates to the great questions about life and death, why we can think and feel and love and communicate, and why the world is as it is. We’re going to present several ways that you can begin to understand some of the greatest truths in the universe. Let’s begin with nature.
God uses creation to reveal two basic truths: 1) that there is a God; and 2)that He is all powerful. In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul, an apostle of Jesus, wrote: “since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-20). He’s saying that there any observer of nature can plainly see that only God–a brilliant designer and all-powerful builder could have created it. PauI also explained that some people chose not to accept this basic truth and will “[change] the truth of God into a lie.” Romans 1:18, 26. And for that, there will be harsh consequences.
Of course, the primary way to find God’s truth is by reading the Bible. However, God is a concealer as we learn from conveyor of wisdom who penned these words more than 2500 years ago: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” (Prov. 25:2) Why would he do that? Typically, the truth is concealed from those persons who don’t want to listen to the truth and have hardened their hearts against it. For example, parables were used by Jesus, the Christ (Messiah or Anointed One) for the purpose of concealing truth and preventing understanding. (Matt. 13:13-15.) So, the best way to find truth is to allow the Holy Spirit to teach it to you.
The Holy Spirit will “guide” you into all truth. (John 15:26, 16:13 “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth …When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” His guidance is not only as to Biblical truth, but to all truth. If something is true, he will reveal it to you as being true. If something is false, he will show you that it is not true. Quietly listening to this Holy Spirit, who dwells within those who are God’s children, often brings to mind the very truths for which we are searching.
Are there objective truths? Yes. Objective truth is factual. It matches up with reality. For example, the Bible explains the location of God’s temple at the time of Christ, to be in Jerusalem. That is factual. The law of gravity is objective Truth. It is not dependent on subjective opinion. There can only be one objective truth. It can’t be “your truth” vs. “my truth.” Subjective truth, on the other hand, is rooted in the opinions of each individual and therefore may not be truth at all.
For a believer who wants to know God’s truth, he or she should start with the Bible. The Bible is a collection of 66 documents or books written through the divine inspiration of God over the course of 1500 years and preserved and translated in most of the world’s languages. Asking the Holy Spirit to open up one’s spiritual eyes, a believer will discover that Bible contains wisdom for living and an understanding of the promise of eternal life with God once he or she experiences physical death.
A believer will discover that Biblical truth is best revealed when he or she:
1.) Is spiritually healthy with no unconfessed sin;
2.) Has, to the best of his or her ability, put aside evil practices, 1Peter 2:1-2; Eph. 4:31; and Col.3:8-9; 3.)
3.) Reads with a desire to do so in order to grow up spiritually, 1Tim. 2:1; the Bible is the believer’s spiritual food: bread (Matt. 4:4), apples (Prov. 25:11), honey (Ps.19:10), meat (Heb. 5:12) and milk (1Pet. 2:2) .
4.) Prays for understanding, Ps. 119:18, 34;
5.) Trusts God to give understanding, Prov. 22:17-21 “ … written to thee … that I might make known the certainty of the Words of truth.”
6.) Believes what is read, Ps.119:160;
7.) Approaches the Word with humility;
8.) Does not try to change what is read; For example, don’t add words to the scripture, don’t leave out words, and stay in the context;
9.) Meditates on it, think on it, day and night, Ps. 1:2, Ps. 119:15; 10.) Study it, 2Tim. 2:15; and 11.) Find from the Word itself how to understand it;
a. By comparing spiritual ideas, 1Cor. 2:12-13;
b. By dividing the Word into separate parts for further understanding, 2Tim. 2:15;
c. By determining who is speaking; for example, in the Psalms we see David speaking for himself and then David switches to speaking for the Lord, Ps. 18:20, 22-25; and
d. By studying similitudes (similarities, likeness, resemblance), Hosea 12:10; by studying contrasts (differences), Amos 3:3 .
God’s Truths are factual and match up with reality. Creation is one of the greatest truths of the Bible. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis1 and Romans 1:20) In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. In this case the Word refers to Jesus (John 1:1). Finally, Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life no one comes to the Father but by me.” Have you put your faith and trust in Jesus? If not, why not? He is the only way to eternal life and His Word is Truth, God’s Truth. Today is the day of decision .
by BrianRegrut | Apr 21, 2021 | Guide for Living, Holy Spirit, Trust
The human authors who wrote the Bible did not do so by an act
of their own will or natural inspiration. Rather, the Holy Spirit
exerted supernatural influence upon these writers as stated in
2 Peter 1:21, “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by
the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, the Holy Spirit is the author of the
Bible.
The Bible is timeless and true, containing no inaccuracies with
regard to history or factual science. Although written by 40
men over a period of 1500 years, it flows harmoniously and seamlessly
void of any inconsistencies or contradictions. As King David
said, “the Spirit of the Lord spoke by me and His word was on
my tongue.” (2 Samuel 23:2). All the words of the Bible are
“God breathed” and therefore, the Bible is infallible, prophetic,
completely free from error and absolutely trustworthy.
As stated in 2 Timothy 3:10, the Bible is profitable for doctrine,
reproof, correction and for instruction in righteousness. God’s
word has special power as written in Hebrews 4:12, “For the
word of God is living and powerful, sharper that any two edge
sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit.” The
Bible is the God inspired operations manual for life and it is
Best Investigated Before Leaving Earth!
by BrianRegrut | Jul 1, 2020 | Guide for Living, Holy Spirit
Great question and the answer can be very lengthy, so let’s start. We all are one in body, soul and spirit. However, when we place all our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes into and indwells us. Mark 1:1-8 (and many other Bible passages.)
What’s known as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is part of that mystery of the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit, and yes, the Holy Spirit is NOT an ‘IT’ but a being who has all the attributes of a personality. Once this commitment to Jesus Christ is made, many changes occur as a result of the Holy Spirit indwelling us. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and calls us to repentance. Previously, sinning did not bother us and often we were not even aware of our thoughts and actions that alienated us from God. The Holy Spirit enables us to be free from our slavery to sin.
The Holy Spirit through His Word, the Bible, and speaking directly to our minds gives us inner peace and contentment in now knowing for certainty where we will be when this life on earth ends. The Holy Spirit will change our desires and what we think is important. Previously, perhaps earthly gains, fame or money were our objectives. Now it is to grow closer to our Savior every day of the rest of our lives. God’s Spirit will reveal His plan for your life as a Christian, giving it real meaning and purpose.
Friends will change because our interests and priorities will differ from theirs. The Holy Spirit will guide you to seek fellowship with fellow believers who will help each other grow in the knowledge of His Word. Love for one’s children and family and our ‘neighbors’ will become stronger when we personally experience the love of God in Jesus.
The Holy Spirit will additionally open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others that includes their physical and daily needs but also and more importantly their need to say ‘yes’ to Jesus and experience this new life too. There are many more benefits to elaborate on but suffice it to say, having God’s Spirit in you is the greatest thing that can ever happen to you.(Gal. 5:22-23)
We pray that you may experience this indescribable new life TODAY. Just invite Jesus in. He is waiting at the ‘door’ of your heart. Open it wide and His Spirit will come in and reside with you forever.
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