Shopping Cart
Your Cart is Empty
Quantity:
Subtotal
Taxes
Shipping
Total
There was an error with PayPalClick here to try again

Blog
There Is No Partiality With God (Part Three)
Posted on July 15, 2014 at 5:55 PM |
![]() |
Texts: Malachi 1:1-3; Roman
9:8-13
Introduction
In Part Two, I
introduced this title and defined partiality. God
is not partial; His sovereignty, as I had argued in the previous Journals, is
not partiality. In this Journal, I will begin with some Scriptural proof of God’s impartiality. Scriptural Proof of God’s Impartiality Now, let’s
examine Scriptures that prove God’s impartiality. Paul’s letter to the Church
of Rome tells us that, “For God does not show favoritism” (literally,
partiality). (Rom 2:11) In his letter to the Church of Colossae, Paul declares,
“For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done and there is no
partiality [with God]” (Col 3:25). To the church of Ephesus, Paul assures the
slave owner, “Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing
that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no
partiality [Gk. prosopolempsia] with him” (Eph 6:9). In Romans 10:12 Paul notes, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek;
for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.”
The Apostle Paul says, “And from those who seemed to be influential (what they
were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who
seemed influential added nothing to me” (Gal 2:6). The Prophet Jeremiah
said, “Behold,
the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are
circumcised merely in the flesh— [this include the house of Jacob]” (Jer 9:25).
The Apostle testifies about the impartiality of Christ, thus, “And if you call
on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear
throughout the time of your exile” (1 Pe 1:17). Because of who God is, there is
no flaw in His sovereignty.
God’s Sovereignty One of the biblical truths that is confusing to some
is God
has a choice to do what He wills. The texts Malachi 1: 1-3 and Rom 9: 8-13 have dual
meanings. As I had mentioned, these texts reaffirmed God’s election in Genesis
25: 22-23 and the word “hate” focused on Esau’s sin of rejecting God’s
sovereignty and election in His redemptive plan for man. In his Commentary,
Micah-Malachi (Vol. 32), Dr. R. L. Smith observes, “This certainly is election language. ‘Loved’ means
chosen and ‘hated’ means not chosen. But also there is probably an overtone of
bitterness here directed at Edom. Edom’s origin is traced to Esau who was the
older twin brother of Jacob.[1]’”Many
scholars point at the covenant language in these texts, but fail to recognize
the dual meanings: Esau’s sin of rejecting God’s sovereignty, which led to his
constant fight and hatred against Jacob emphasized by the word “hate” is not
mentioned by most commentators.
To
continued [1] R. L. Smith. Micah-Malachi (Vol. 32) |
There Is No Partiality With God (Part Two)
Posted on July 7, 2014 at 1:41 PM |
![]() |
Texts: Malachi 1:1-3; Roman 9:8-13
Introduction In
Part One, I discussed in the introduction that God is not partial. However, in God’s election, Esau was not
selected. The word “hate” was used in
Malachi’s prophecy (Mal 1: 1-3) at this time in direct reference to Esau’s
rejection of God's sovereignty and had persistently fought against Jacob in
revenge. God’s election for His redemptive purpose is not partiality. God
does what He pleases. In addressing God’s election in Roman 9: 8-13, Paul compares the election of the Gentiles to
faith in Christ to that of the election of Jacob instead of Esau before they
were born (Gen 25:22-23). Paul argues
that no one can question God; He does
what He wills. This special act of God is called sovereignty. The objective of this Journal is to prove that God is impartial in dealing with His
people. It points to the true meaning of the texts, and is also supported by
appropriate Scripture references. God
does not think the way we think, for His ways and thoughts are above our understanding
(Isaiah 55:8-9). He is not confined to
our culture. God by-passed the birthright, which is honored in many cultures,
including the Jewish people, for His redemptive plan. There
are two major points to be considered under this topic. Part I defines partiality, sovereignty, and presents
Scriptures to prove the impartiality of God. Part II focuses on the fact that
the Gentiles’ selection was part of God’s redemptive plan. Let’s begin with the
definition of partiality.
I. God is Not Partial
Partiality Defined First, God is not partial. The Greek orator, Demosthenes believes that
true knowledge starts with a definition. The question that comes to mind is,
what is partiality? The Greek word for
partiality is prosopolempsia. It is
an inclination to favor one group or person over the other, or views or opinions
over alternatives. Usually this refers to respect of one person over the other.
There are several Hebrew words that translate partiality: e.g., Masso, Nasa, etc.
The Answer.com online dictionary
defines it as: “The state of being partial; favorable prejudice or bias; and a
special fondness; a predilection.” To be continued. |
There Is No Partiality With God (Part I)
Posted on June 12, 2014 at 3:09 PM |
![]() |
Texts: Malachi 1: 1-3; Roman
9: 8-13 Introduction
One of the major
debates about God is whether He is partial.
In my introduction of the topic (“Is there any partiality in God? What
does He mean by “Jacob I loved and Esau I hated,”), the first issue I want to
address is, there is no partiality with
God. What is cleared in the texts is
God’s election and sovereignty. The term election use here is not in the Calvinistic
position because God calls both Edom and Judah to repentance. Calvinism believes that God predestined some
to salvation and others to eternal separation from God.
In Roman 9: 8-13, Paul compares
the election of the Gentiles to faith in Christ to that of the election of
Jacob instead of Esau while they were not born. Paul argues that no one can
question God, He does what pleases Him. This special act of God is called sovereignty. The issue here is in
Malachi 1: 1-3 when the prophet reaffirmed Jacob’s election and Esau rejection
initiated in Genesis 25: 22-23 with a strong emphasis: “Esau I hated.” What
many commentators have not seen in this covenant language is the parallelism
embedded in this text. “Parallelism generally refers to the repetition of
content by using the same or a similar construction, but using different words
that have similar or related meanings.”
In God’s election, Esau was not selected, but the
word “hate” was used at this time in direct reference to Esau’s rejection of
God's sovereignty and had persistently fought against Jacob in revenge. God’s election
for His redemptive purpose is not partiality. The objectives of this
teaching are to
To be continued.
Bratcher, R. G., & Nida, E. A. A
handbook on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (New York: United Bible
Societies, 1993), 191.
|
Is There Any Partiality With God? What Does God Mean By “Jacob I Loved and Esau I Hated?”(Part Three)
Posted on May 30, 2014 at 6:32 PM |
![]() |
Texts: Malachi 1:1-3; Romans 9:10-13
I'll conclude the introduction of this
controversial topic in this section. Part
III focuses on the objectives and the summary of each major topic.
The
objectives of this study are to
Here
is the summary of the major topics proposed for this study: 1:
No Partiality with God. This sub-topic proves that God is impartial. It
points to the true meaning of the texts and is supported by appropriate
Scripture references to substantiate my claim.
God is sovereign; that is, He does what He pleases. He is not confined
to our culture. On many occasions, God by-passed the birthright honor among His
people in election for His redemptive plan.
II: God Hates Sin and Not Sinner. In
this study, I’ll focus on the objection of those who think that God hated Esau
as a person. I argue extensively that God also loved Esau but hated his sin of
rejecting God’s election and sovereignty. However, God’s election does not necessarily
imply a curse upon the person rejected. God elected Isaac in His redemptive
plan and rejected Ishmael, the first born of Abraham from Hagar, Sarah’s
handmaid. God said to Abraham that Ishmael would be a great nation (Gen 17: 20).
This implies blessings. We can deduce from this to conclude that the election
of Jacob instead of Esau does not mean Esau was cursed on the face of this
earth. The Bible reveals God’s blessings on Jacob and Esau (Gen 25: 23; 33: 9;
36: 1ff), and He also punished them for the sins they committed. The key
blessing of Jacob was his election initiated in Genesis 25: 22-23. The Prophet
Malachi, in his covenant language, reaffirmed the rejection of Esau and the selection
of Jacob.
III: The Geographical Locations of Jacob and
Esau Today. This topic traces the location of Jacob and Esau. A
careful study of the rivalry between them to this day. The
eschatological (end-time) facts about this family will be discussed.
There are great
insights in this major controversial topic: What does God mean by “Jacob I
loved and Esau I hated?” My desire is to prove that God’s election is not partiality.
Other scholars believe that the texts indicate God’s hatred for Esau as a
person. Consider this question again before
casting your vote in this debate: “If God hates sinners, then why did Christ
lay down his life for sinners on the Cross of Cavalry?”
To be continued. |
Is There Any Partiality With God? What Does God Mean By “Jacob I Loved and Esau I Hated?” (Part Two)
Posted on May 22, 2014 at 9:47 AM |
![]() |
Texts Malachi 1:
1-3; Romans 9: 13 Introduction In Part I of the
introduction, I began with the introduction of Malachi 1: 1-3, Romans 9: 13,
two among the many difficult texts in the Bible. These texts raise a question
about God’s partiality. Part II is the continuation
of the introduction. Malachi 1: 1-3 and Romans 9: 13 give birth to the ongoing debate within Protestantism regarding
salvation among Calvinism, Lutherianism, and Armenianism. It is not my intention to
address all the theological positions regarding salvation of these
denominations. My focus is on “election”. In fact, at the time of Malachi’s prophecy,
around 430 BC, there was nothing like the “isms” above. All these theological debates developed
during the Reformation with the posting of Luther’s 95 theses, which were
mainly intended for academic disputation on October 31, 1517 AD.[1] In
the election debate, Calvinism believes in an unconditional election to salvation
with those outside the elect foreordained to damnation (double-predestination).
Lutheranism holds to unconditional predestination to salvation for the
elect. On the other aisle of the salvation
controversy is Armeniansim, which teaches that election is conditional in
view of foreseen faith or unbelief.[2] This debate is huge in Protestantism
and each group had produced volumes to prove its position. This makes the
understanding of salvation too complicated. This major theological debate
within Christianity has no winner to this day. I believe the ongoing
controversy was not the original intent of the minor Prophet Malachi. My desire
in this Journal is not to discuss every position, but rather, to prove that the
strong word hate used in this context
reaffirmed God’s election of Jacob, the rejection of Esau mentioned in Genesis
25: 22-23, and purposely rejected Esau’s sin for God’s election and
sovereignty.
Because of the
importance of this controversy, I will address this topic from biblical,
historical, and prophetical perspectives. The key issue that I want to address
is, “Does the word, ‘hate’ used in the case of Esau imply God’s hatred of Esau
as a person or is He referring to Esau’s sinful behavior against His sovereignty?”
I believe, after a careful examination
of the texts, God also loved Esau but hated his sin of rejecting God’s
sovereignty for the election of his brother Jacob. This Journal series will
prove why. The texts, that we are studying, refer directly to God’s election of
Israel, and the Gentiles respectively. And there is no partiality in God’s
election. God does what He pleases (sovereignty). The Apostle Paul argued that
man is in the hand of God just as the clay is in the Potter’s hand. The will of God in everything is perfect.
Therefore, God’s choice in by-passing
the birthright, in the case of Esau and many others, as we will study in this Journal series, is impartial. What many commentators have
not seen in this covenant language is the parallelism embedded in this text. “Parallelism generally
refers to the repetition of content by using the same or a similar
construction, but using different words that have similar or related meanings.” The truth that is found in Scripture is that Jacob and Esau were blessed.
Esau’s descendants were the Edomites, a kingdom that was very powerful then.
Jacob was also blessed, his descendants became Israel and the family line of
the Messiah. They committed sins and God punished them impartially. The question that we
need to ask ourselves as we study this topic is, If God hates sinners then why did He lay down His life for sinners? To be continued. [1]E. Fahlbusch & G.W. Bromiley. In The
encyclopedia of Christianity (Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leiden,
Netherlands: Wm. B. Eerdmans; Brill.,2005).
[2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_soteriology#Distinct_schools
accessed October 26, 2013.
|
Is There Any Partiality With God? What Does God Mean By "Jacob I Loved and Esau I Hated?" (Part One)
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 8:56 AM |
![]() |
Texts: Mal 1:1-3; Rom 9: 10-13 Introduction
Researching and praying to understand difficult texts in the Bible has
helped to increase my faith and walk with God. I got saved in 1962, and I
began to read through the Bible yearly from 1980. There were many
texts I could not understand. Following are just a few:
This Journal is intended to clarify the misunderstanding of the above
texts because, though we have faith in Christ, understanding difficult
texts of God’s Word will help to increase our faith and walk with Jesus
Christ daily. I’ll begin with two of the difficult texts. My faith in
Christ became stronger as I studied and got the answers to my questions
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Following the conviction of Saint Anselm of Canterbury who (also
influenced Saint Augustine of Hippo) said, “I do not understand in order
that I might believe, but I believe in order that I might understand.”[1] I also accepted Jesus Christ by faith with the heart to understand.
This position is opposed by Peter Abelard, a scholastic philosopher and
theologian, who believes that “… doubt leads to inquiry, which leads to
truth. [Therefore,] nothing is believed unless it is first understood.”[2] (“I understand in order to believe”.―Peter Abelard.) However, Hebrews
11:1 nails it: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain
for what we do not see.” The texts (Malachi 1: 1-3; Romans 9:13) raise a question about God’s
partiality. I believe that these texts are one of the difficult texts
in the Bible. If God loves Jacob and hates Esau, this suggests
partiality in our human understanding. I understand that this is one of
the controversial issues in the Scripture―one of the battle grounds for
theologians and commentators. Theological terms like election and
sovereignty are found in part of the texts. Another major debate
engulfed in these texts is whether God hates Esau as a person, or, was
God reaffirming His election of Jacob initiated in Genesis 25: 22-23? I
believe that the covenant language used by Malachi was embedded with a
parallelism in reaffirming (1) Esau’s rejection in God’s redemptive plan
and (2) the related word hate refers particularly to Esau’s
sin. Esau did not only sin in his constant fight against his brother
Jacob, but he directly sinned against God for His election and
sovereignty. For Esau, God was wrong in by-passing the birthright in
selecting his younger brother! Hence, he continued to revenge in every
way to destroy Jacob and his descendants.
To be continued [1] D. S. Hogg & Peter Abelard. The dictionary of historical theology. T. A. Hart, Ed. (Carlisle, Cumbria, U.K.: Paternoster Press., 2000) 1079-1142. [2] D. S. Hogg & Peter Abelard 1079-1142.
|
The Calvary Dilemma (Part Two)
Posted on April 17, 2014 at 12:00 PM |
![]() |
Texts Isaiah 52: 7-10; 53: 1-12 Introduction
God the Son laying down
His life on the Cross of Calvary is a dilemma for the unbelievers. Even some so-called Christians question this
too. The Prophet Isaiah declares, “Who has believed our message and to whom has
the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Calvary predictions are so amazing that few
will believe him (Is 53: 1-2). In the background study
of Easter sent out last week, I argued that there would be no Easter if there
had not been a fall in the Garden of Eden, and since the perfectness of God’s
creation was tainted by the fall, therefore creation takes on a redemptive trend.
Isaiah 52:7-10; 53: 1ff. contains the
prophet’s message describing the suffering of Christ with a graphic details of
the crucifixion of the Messiah nearly 800 years before it actually occurred.
The Prophet presented pivotal points about the Messiah’s death: (1) His
suffering, (2) His obedience to God’s will, and (3) the result of His
obedience. First,
Isaiah predicted the suffering of the Messiah for the sins of man. Isaiah 52: 14 states that
the Messiah would be beaten, bloody, and disfigured.
Second,
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be obedient to God’s will in His
suffering. “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not
open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before
her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth” (Is 53:7). The Apostle John attested to this when he saw
Jesus walking toward him, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the
world!” (Jn 1:29)
Third,
Isaiah also predicted the result of Christ’s obedience. In verses 10b-12, the Prophet said that the
Messiah’s death would assure spiritual life for many, and that the Christ
would be resurrected to enjoy the fruits of His sacrifice. Verse 12 reads, “Therefore I will give him a
portion among the great, and he will poured out his life unto death, and was
numbered with the transgressors. For he
bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
I am aware of the
scholarly debates on these texts. Some
scholars think that the suffering servant is Israel and her future
exaltation. Other had argued that the
texts were in direct reference to the Prophet Isaiah own suffering and
redemption. But in a careful study of the texts, the most important truth is that
the servant would have trouble with his ministry in Israel (Is 49:4). He would be abhorred and despised (Is 49:7);
he would be beaten and mocked (Is 50: 6-7). And that in the midst of his
suffering, this particular servant will not be discouraged or give up (Is
42:4). He would bring forth justice and
salvation to Israel and other nations by being a light and a covenant to them.
The servant would establish justice for all the nations but suffer opposition
and physical abuse before his eventual vindication and exaltation. This
servant, I believe, is Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Reflecting on this
mystery of God becoming man, experienced pain to redeem His creation, Isaiah a
wonderful question, “Who has believe [this report?”] (53:1-2). Do you believe
in the finished work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary? Isaiah was right by saying that few people
will accept this message. It does not make since to the natural man that God
became man, suffered, and laid down His life for sinners. – This is a dilemma
to the ungodly and Good News to the Christians.
Happy
Resurrection/Easter!
|
The Background for Easter/Resurrection (Part One)
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 3:02 PM |
![]() |
Text: Genesis 3:15
As we prepare for the Easter/Resurrection celebration this month, I
would like to share with you the background of this unique occasion.
What are your thoughts about Easter? What is the importance of Christ's
death on the Cross of Calvary for you and me? Easter is a true story of
redemption. The question that one may ask is, “Redeeming whom?” The
death of Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption for
His creation – including man from the power of sin.
This Journal intends to summarize the background of the
Resurrection/Easter thus: (1) God’s Creation of all things, (2) the
fall of man, and (3) God’s promised of redemption for His creation. First, God’s creation was good. The Bible tells us a
beautiful true account of creation in Genesis. Genesis Chapters 1-2 say
God created all things – 1: 1 states, “In the beginning God created the
heavens and the earth.” Among God’s wonderful creation were: light,
day, night, heaven, earth, etc. and most importantly man was created in
God’s image (1:27). God blessed Adam to be fruitful and multiply and to
have dominion over His creation (1:28). And God pronounced that all He
had created was good (1: 31).
In Chapter 2, God prepared a beautiful home for Adam called, the Garden
of Eden, and provided all that he needed for his sustenance (Gn 2:
8ff). However, he was not allowed to eat the fruit of one tree: “but of
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in
the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Gn 2:17).
In Genesis 2, God also said that it was not good for a man be alone, he
needed a helper (2:18). He put Adam in a deep sleep, and took one of
his ribs and made his wife, Eve. Adam said with excitement, “This is
now bone my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman,
because she was taken out of man” (Gn 2: 23). Adam, Eve, and all of
God’s creation live happily before God until man disobeyed Him. Second, the fall of man. There was a dramatic shift in
Chapter 3 when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit.
This disaster began with the serpent’s deception of Eve: “You will not
surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will
be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gn 3:4).
The antecedent of the fall caused them to cover themselves with leaves
and went into hiding when God came to visit with them in the Garden of
Eden. God asked them whether they had eaten the forbidden fruit. In
response, Adam blamed it on his wife, and Eve also blamed it on the
serpent (Gn 3:8-13). Third, God cursed the disobedience of the people and the serpent. God’s punishment is embedded in His victory. For the purpose of this
topic, I will focus on the curse on the serpent and the woman. Genesis
3:15 reads, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall
bruise His heel.” This is the first Gospel in Genesis. The very woman who was deceived would bring forth the deliverer! Consequently, God drove them from the Garden and placed a flaming
sword, at the east of the garden, which turned every way to guard the
way to the tree of life (Gn 3: 24). As I had mentioned, in the curse
between the woman and serpent, a promise of redemption was embedded
through the Seed of the woman. This Seed is Jesus Christ. From this
background, I shall, in my next Journal, focus on the prophecies
concerning Christ’s death. There would be no Easter/Resurrection if there has not been a fall in the Garden of Eden.
Happy Resurrection/Easter!
To be continued. |
The First Great Commission in Genesis (Part Three)
Posted on September 22, 2013 at 7:41 PM |
![]() |
Text: Genesis 12: 1-3, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your
country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I
will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless
you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing, I will
bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all
people on earth will be blessed through you.’”
In Part Two of The First Great Commission in Genesis, I discussed that
Abraham’s call to greatness in the sight of God was not done
overnight. He went through developmental stages in his walk with God.
The final major point on this topic is controversial. Biblical scholars
have disagreed on the transition of Genesis 12: 3a. This Journal will
present the various views, and conclude with my thoughts about this
debate. We have already studied the first point in Part One: the
Messianic seed-bearers (as promised in Genesis 3:15), and Part Two:
Abram grew in his blessing. The third and final major point to be
discussed is the blessing of the world through Abraham. 3. The blessing of the World through Abraham
There is a scholarly debate regarding the translation difficulties in
Genesis 12:3a. The Hebrew text could be interpreted in either of two
ways:[1]
“First, God could be promising that Abraham will be a blessing to the
nations by going out and testifying to them. His message was about the
true God, who has revealed Himself to him. In this case, Abraham’s
leaving and blessing the nations with the true knowledge of God would be
for missionary and evangelistic purposes.
“Second, the alternative interpretation takes Genesis 12: 3a in a
reflexive manner; it means that the people would bless themselves by
believing and imitating Abraham’s faith and example. If this reflexive
view is the right translation as Vos and others believe, then the
passage speaks of the effect in the lives of the people who are impacted
by Abraham’s life and faith. I hold to the former interpretation―that
God sent Abraham to bless the nations by making His name known to the
whole world.
“Another bigger picture of the debate in Genesis 12: 3 among
evangelicals and other Christians, is whether or not the Jews in the Old
Testament were universally called to be missionaries. My position is
God elected the Jews to be His witnessing people in an informal sense.
In this way, the whole world might come to know the true God. One
cannot conclude (though I know some do) that every Jew in the Old
Testament was called to be a missionary in a formal sense. Many of the
Jews, however, were called to be missionaries in the formal sense of
being called to bring God’s Word to the nations, e.g. Jonah, Jeremiah,
Ezekiel, Daniel and Amos. A corollary of this position is that it is
unbiblical to claim that every Christian is called to be a missionary in
the formal sense of the world. However, every Christian, by virtue of
his faith in Christ, is expected to be a faithful steward of the
Gospel. He is to bear witness to Jesus Christ everywhere.”
Scholarly debate, within the body of Christ, is not new. It helps us to
understand that only the Holy Spirit can help us to know God and
understand His Word.
Special appeal:
If this Journal has been a blessing to you, please forward it to those
in your contacts or social media. A new subscriber will receive one of
my books in an E-book, A Journey of Faith: A Call to Missions Without a Purse at no cost. This book has been a tremendous blessings to many
Christians globally; it helps every Christian to grow in the midst of
chaos. To receive your free book and weekly Journal, type in your e-mail address below. You will instantaneously receive a thank you letter in your inbox with a downloadable option for your book. [1] R. Zarwulugbo Liberty. Growing Missionaries Biblically: A Fresh Look at Missions in an African Context (Bloomington, IN.: iUniverse, Inc., 2012) 64-65.
|
The First Great Commission in Genesis (Part Two)
Posted on July 26, 2013 at 11:08 PM |
![]() |
Text: Genesis 12: 1-3, “The
Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your
father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you
into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you
will be a blessing, I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I
will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you.’”
In
Part One of the The First Great Commission in Genesis, I discussed that the
Great Commission began with the call of Abraham. He was commissioned
to make God’s name known to all men. In that Journal I proved the Messianic
lineage of the seed-bearers (as was promised in Genesis 3:15). It commenced with God’s choice in selecting
Seth, Noah, Shem, Abraham, and the genealogy that began with Abraham to Jesus
Christ in Matthew 1:1-17. Three major points were advanced: (1) the Messianic
seed-bearers, (2) Abraham grew in his blessing, and (3) the blessing of the
world through Abraham. I talked about point one in Part One. Details of
this discussion are in my book, Growing Missionaries Biblically, click here. You can get it on Amazon with a good discount. This week’s Journal will focus on the second point. 2. Abraham
grew in his blessing At the heart of God’s mission is His
desire to be known throughout His creation. Abraham was commissioned with this
Good News! To do justice to the above
text, let’s examine the five “I will make you” phrases. Two of them, “I will make
you a great nation and I will make your name great” are linked to the future
aspect at the time of the promise.
The
Hebrew word translated as “great” is gadól.
It denotes something very big, or that which expands. Also, the verb, ‘sh (to make) has the idea of doing,
preparing, manufacturing, putting into effect, etc. The concept of making or re-creating
is embedded in this text. The second Hebrew word translated “great” has the
same root as gadol but with a
slightly different meaning. Note the promise, “I will make your name great.” The Hebrew word for great here
is agaddela(h). It is a verb, piel, active, cohortative, common, and
is first- person singular. It means growing up as in developmental stages. This promise was achieved through a growing
process. Abraham grew in his great name and in his walk with God. His call
to be a blessing, i.e. to evangelize the world, includes “leaving” his old
country behind. This also signifies his spiritual rebirth into a new
re-creative era. The new creation typically began with Abraham and shall end
with Jesus Christ. The same God, who created this present universe, has begun
His work of re-creation; it shall be finalized in the Second Coming of Jesus
Christ with a new heaven and a new earth.
Some
think that the call of God equals maturity in the faith and ministry. This is not true. Therefore, we are training men and women in seminaries and
are mentoring some by experienced pastors or laymen who are men of God. Abraham,
father of the faith, grew in his greatness; he experienced obstacles in his
journey just as we do in ours. In spite
of his dark days in his calling, he was faithful. What God requires is faithfulness to your
calling. To be continued. You will receive one of my books in an E-book at no cost for signing up. This book has been a tremendous blessings to Christians globally. |
Categories
- My Spiritual Autobiography and Call to Missions (1)
- Missions (38)
- The First Gospel in Genesis (1)
- Man’s Redemption: The Focus of God’s Mission (1)
- Sermon Preached (4)
- Sermon Preached at the Community Outreach (11/15/12) (1)
- Thanksgiving Day Sermon Preached 11/15/12 (1)
- The Birth of Jesus Christ (2)
- The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part Two) (1)
- The Birth of Christ Part Three (1)
- The birth of Jesus Christ Part Four (1)
- The Keys to Unlock your Blessings in 2013 (Part One) (1)
- The Keys to Unlock your Blessings in 2013 (Part Two) (1)
- Paul and Timothy in the Book of Philippians (Part One) (1)
- Paul and Timothy in the Book of Philippians (Part Two) (1)
- Paul and Timothy in the Book of Philippians (Part Three) (1)
- Paul and Timothy in the Book of Philippians (Four) (1)
- Paul and Timothy in the Book of Philippians (Part Five) (1)
- Paul and Timothty in the Book of Philippians (Part Six) (1)
- Paul and Timothy in the Book of Philippians (Part Seven) (1)
- Paul and Timothy in the Book of Philippians (Part Eight) (1)
- The Power of Forgiveness (1)
- Proof of the Resurrection (1)
- The Heart of a Godly Leader (Part One) (1)
- The Heart of a Godly Leader (Part Two) (1)
- The Heart of a Godly Leader (Part Three) (1)
- The Threefold Character of a Christian Mother (1)
- Father’s Day and the Bible (1)
- “Nothing Can Destroy Christianity If We Live Like Christians” (1)
- The First Great Commission in Genesis (Part One) (1)
- The First Great Commission in Genesis (Part Two) (1)
- The First Great Commission in Genesis (Part Three) (1)
- The Background for Easter/Resurrection (Part One) (1)
- The Calvary Dilemma (Part Two) (1)
- Is There Any Partiality With God? What Does God Mean By "Jacob I loved and Esau I hated?" (1)
- Is There Any Partiality With God? (Part Two) (1)
- Is There Any Partiality With God? (1)
- There Is No Partiality With God (Part I) (1)
- Is There Any Partiali With God? (Part Two) (1)
- There Is No Partiality With God (Part Three) (1)
- Press Release (1)
- Making The Biblical Texts Meaningful To Life (6)
- Is There Any Partiality With God (Part V) (1)
- Response to Rev Jesse Gibson's E-mail (Part I) (1)
- Response to Rev. Jesse Gibson's concern (Part 2) (1)
- Webinar and Podcast Bible Study (3)
- Response to Rev. Gibson's concern (Part III) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study To Be Launched This Month (2)
- Webinar Bible Study (34)
- Invitation to Webinar Bible Study (2)
- The Webinar Starts Tomorrow (1)
- What is a Christian Marriage? Are American Marriages Biblical? Introduction (1)
- What is a Christian Marriage? (Part II) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay for 03/01/15 (1)
- Where were Adam when the serpent deceived Eve? (1)
- Where were Adam when Eve was deceived? (1)
- What is a Christian Marriage? Are American Marriages Biblical (Part III replay) (1)
- What is a Christian Marriage? (Part IV A Replay) (1)
- The Root of (1)
- The Root of Divorces: An Invitation (1)
- What is a Chriswtian Marriage? Are American Marriages Biblical? (Part IVB) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Invitation (1)
- What is a Christian Marriage? (Part V A Replay) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Invitation 4/05/15 (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Part V B Replay 04/05/15 (1)
- Invitation to Webinar Bible 04-12-15 (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay Week 8 (04/12/15) (2)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay ( Part VD Wk 9) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay (Part V E, Wk 10) (1)
- Invitation for Webinar Bible Study (05/03/15) (1)
- What is a Christian Marriage? (Part V-F) (1)
- Invitation to Webinar Bible Study (05/10/15) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay (05/10/15) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay (05/17/15 Wk, 14) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay 05/24/15 (Part 2B) (1)
- Webinar Bible Invitation (05/31/15) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay: Lamech's Wives (05/31/15) (1)
- Webinar Bible Replay: Noah (05/07/15) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Invitation (06/14/16) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay: Abraham's Wedding (06/14/15 (1)
- Abraham's Wddeing and Calling (part 2) 06/21/15 (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay (06/28/15) (1)
- Webinar Bible Study Replay: Isaac's Wedding Part 2 (07/05/15) (1)
- Invitation to Jacob's Weddings (1)
- Jacob's Wedding, Part 1 Replay (1)
- Jacob's Wedding & Children - Replay, Part 2 (1)
- Jacob's (1)
- Jacob's Wives & Children-Replay (1)
- Family Crisis: Jacob's Four Wives and Children (Replay) (1)
- Jacob's Family & Wealth in Haran (Replay) (1)
- Jacob Returns To Canaan, Part 6 Replay (1)
- Jacob's Returns to Canaan, Part 7 Replay (1)
- Jacob (1)
- Jacob Returns to Canaan, Par 8 Replay (1)
- Jacob Returns to Canaan, Part 9 Replay (1)
- Jacob Returns to Canaan, Part 10 Replay (1)
- Jacob Returns to Canaan, Part 11 (Replay) (1)
- Jacob Returns to Canaan: Conclusion, Part 12 (Replay) (1)
- Reflection: The Pre-Fall Marriage and Marriages After The Fall (Replay) (1)
- David's Wedding and Call to Lead Israel, Part 1 (Replay) (1)
- David's Wedding and Call to Lead Israel, Part 2 (1)
- David''s Victory for Israel and His First Wedding, Part 3 (1)
- The Background of David and Abigail's Wedding, Replay (1)
- David and Abigail's Wedding: A Marriage Without Dowry or Bride Price, Part 5 (Replay) (1)
- David and Bathsheba's Wedding, Part 6 (Replay) (1)
- Thanksgiving Greeting 2015 (1)
- David and Bathsheba's Wedding, Part 7 (Replay) (1)
- Dvid's Wives and Children, Part 8 (Replay) (1)
- David the Father of Jesus, Part 9 (Replay) (1)
- David the Father of Jesus, How? Part 10 (Replay) (1)
- Jesus Is the Son of David to Fulfill God's (1)
- Jesus Is the Son of David to Fulfill God's Redemptive Plan for His Creation (1)
- Jesus Is Son of David to Fulfill God's Redemptive Plan, Part 12 (Replay) (1)
- Jesus Is the Son of David to Fulfill God's Redemptive Plan, Part 13: Conclusion (Replay) (1)
- The Background of Solomon's Weddings and Leadership, Part 1 (Replay) (1)
- King Solomon's Weddings and Leadership, Part 2 (Replay) (1)
- King Solomon's Wives and Leadership (Replay) (1)
- Hosea's Wedding and Ministry: An Introduction, Part 1 (Replay) (1)
- The Background of Hosea's World and Wedding, Part 2 (Replay) (1)
- Hosea's Wife, Children, and Ministry Part 3 (Replay) (1)
- Hosea's Wedding and Ministry Conclusion, Part 4 (Replay) (1)
- Boaz & Ruth's Wedding, Part 1: Historical Background(Replay) (1)
- Boaz & Ruth's Wdding, Part 2 (Replay) (1)
- Boaz & Ruth Had A Son, Part 3 (Replay) (1)
- The Background of Moses & Zipporah's Wedding (Repl;ay) (1)
- Moses and Zipporah's Wedding, Part 2 ( (1)
- Moses and Zipporah's Wedding, Part 2 (Replay) (1)
- Moses and Zipporah's Marriage, Part 3: The Call of Moses (Replay) (1)
- Moses & Zipporah's Marriage and Mission.Part 4 Replay (1)
- The Background of Joseph and Asenath's Wedding, Part 1 (Replay) (1)
- Joseph: The Famed Statesman, Part 2 (Replay) (1)
- The Fulfillment of Joseph's Dreams, Part 3 (Replay) (1)
- The Unamed Bride and Groom: The Wedding in Cana (Replay) (1)
- The Biographical Sketch, Wedding and Ministry of Peter (Replay) (1)
/