American Loon

All Glory to God the Father and to our Savior Jesus Christ

From Westminster Shorter Catechism (written in 1647), questions 95 to 98

Q95: To whom is baptism to be administered?
A95: Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized. 

Q96: What is the Lord’s supper?
A96: The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worth receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace. 

Q97: What is required to be the worthy receiving of the Lord’s supper?
A97: It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgement to themselves. 

Q98: What is prayer?
A98: Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies. 

We enter a new chapter this week. John 6, and it starts out “After these things…”. If your memory is short the last 2 verses of John 5 can pretty much sum up what “these things” were.

“For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:46-47) Jesus was talking to the Pharisees and telling them straight out that their unbelief as to who He was would lead to their destruction. A thought that was unfathomable to most of them. I say most of them, because Nicodemus came to see what the Lord had told him and he believed. As for the rest of them, how could these guys who were so sure of their righteousness, so knowledgeable of the scriptures, absolutely miss the bus when the long sought Messiah, who was written about all over the Old Testament, was standing before them? Because of their unbelief, I think we will do something a bit different, to drive the lesson home. 

There are some 300 prophecies of the coming of the Messiah in the Bible. I have chosen 47 Old Testament prophecies of the coming of Christ, and their fulfillments in the New Testament. The term Bible Study should be just that, a study of the Bible. What better way for you to learn about the Truth of Christ coming than studying where it is found in the Bible.

It’s a lot of information and I don’t expect you to look these up all in one day. Go through a couple each day, run down the verses and then think about what you just read. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you go about this task. Let this be an enjoyable trip through the scriptures as you see time and time again God’s hand in guiding history to enact His will. And while you are going through the Bible, make sure to give glory and honor to our Lord who keeps us in good stead.

1. Messiah would be born of a woman. Genesis 3:15
   Matthew 1:20, Galatians 4:4

2. Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2
   Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-6

3. Messiah would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14
   Matthew 1:22-23, Luke 1:26-31

4. Messiah would come from the line of Abraham. Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:18
   Matthew 1:1, Romans 9:5

5. Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. Genesis 17:19, Genesis 21:12
   Luke 3:34

6. Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob. Numbers 24:17
   Matthew 1:2

7. Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10
   Luke 3:33, Hebrews 7:14

8. Messiah would be heir to King David’s throne. 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 9:7
   Luke 1:32-33, Romans 1:3

9. Messiah’s throne will be anointed and eternal. Psalm 45:6-7, Daniel 2:44
   Luke 1:33, Hebrews 1:8-12

10. The Messiah would be called Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
    Matthew 1:23

11. Messiah would spend a season in Egypt. Hosea 11:1
    Matthew 2:14-15

12. A massacre of children would happen at Messiah’s birthplace. Jeremiah 31:15
    Matthew 2:16-18

13. A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah. Isaiah 40:3-5
    Luke 3:3-6

14. Messiah would be preceded by a forerunner. Malachi 3:1
    Matthew 11:10

15. Messiah would be rejected by his own people. Psalm 69:8, Isaiah 53:3
    John 1:11, John 7:5

16. The Messiah would be a prophet. Deuteronomy 18:15
    Acts 3:20-22

17. Messiah would be preceded by Elijah. Malachi 4:5-6
    Matthew 11:13-14

18. The Messiah would be declared the Son of God. Psalm 2:7
    Matthew 3:16-17

19. The Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Isaiah 11:1
    Matthew 2:23

20. Messiah would bring light to Galilee. Isaiah 9:1-2
    Matthew 4:13-16

21. The Messiah would speak in parables. Psalm 78:2-4, Isaiah 6:9-10
    Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35

22. Messiah would be sent to heal the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1-2
    Luke 4:18-19

23. Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 110:4
    Hebrews 5:5-6

24. The Messiah would be called King. Psalm 2:6, Zechariah 9:9
    Matthew 27:37, Mark 11:7-11

25. The Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a donkey. Zechariah 11:12
    Matthew 21:4-5

26. Messiah would be praised by little children. Psalm 8:2
    Matthew 21:16

27. Messiah would be betrayed. Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13
    Luke 22:47-48, Matthew 26:14-16

28. Messiah’s price money would be used to buy a potter’s field. Zechariah 11:12-13
    Matthew 27:9-10

29. Messiah would be falsely accused. Psalm 35:11
    Mark 14:57-58

30. Messiah would be silent before his accusers. Isaiah 53:7
    Mark 15:4-5

31. Messiah would be spat upon and struck. Isaiah 50:6
    Matthew 26:67

32. Messiah would be hated without cause. Psalm 35:19, Psalm 69:4
    John 15:24-25

33. Messiah would be crucified with criminals. Isaiah 53:12
    Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27-28

34. Messiah would be given vinegar to drink. Psalm 69:21
    Matthew 27:34, John 19:28-30

35. Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10
    John 20:25-27

36. The Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed. Psalm 22:7-8
    Luke 23:35

37. Soldiers would gamble for Messiah’s garments. Psalm 22:18
    Luke 23:34, Matthew 27:35-36

38. Messiah’s bones would not be broken. Exodus 12:46, Psalm 34:20
    John 19:33-36

39. The Messiah would be forsaken by God. Psalm 22:1
    Matthew 27:46

40. Messiah would pray for his enemies. Psalm 109:4
    Luke 23:34

41. Soldiers would pierce Messiah’s side. Zechariah 12:10
    John 19:34

42. The Messiah would be buried with the rich. Isaiah 53:9
    Matthew 27:57-60

43. Messiah would resurrect from the dead. Psalm 16:10, Psalm 49:15
    Matthew 28:2-7, Acts 2:22-32

44. The Messiah would ascend to heaven. Psalm 24:7-10
    Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51

45. The Messiah would be seated at God’s right hand. Psalm 68:18, Psalm 110:1
    Mark 16:19, Matthew 22:44

46. Messiah would be a sacrifice for sin. Isaiah 53:5-12
    Romans 5:6-8

47. Messiah would return a second time. Daniel 7:13-14
    Revelation 19

Last week we left off with Jesus talking to the Pharisees in the very direct manner that he used when talking to these men. Never hostile, but confronting them with the unbelief of their hearts, which for men with ears to hear but never hearing had to be direct. Isaiah spoke of this in Isaiah 6:9, Mark also spoke of this, Mark 4:12. These Jews heard what Jesus said but did not hear.

We are the same it seems. We’ve gone to church, hopefully, and listened to the parables and lessons given out in the sermon. This is making the not always valid assumption that you’ve gone to a church that preaches the whole counsel of God. Not many do these days, and therein lies the problem. If you listen to someone that you’re not all that interested in, speaking something bland and non-committal, what they have said will go in one ear and out the other.

And because of that, our everyday conversations end up going something like this: you’re talking to somebody and they’ve mentioned they’re slightly irritated with themselves for not resisting whatever has been tempting them, but they can’t help themselves. Or, with all that’s going on in the world these days, your friend says that they worry about many things. They know they should not worry, but again, they can’t help it, they just do. And this one I’ve heard a lot of lately, “I have faith, but…” You may be confused by this, it may be something that you yourself have said. What’s the big deal?

The big deal is God knows what you need before you need it. (Matthew 6:8) Temptations are quite often a test of your willingness to trust in God. It is not a sin to be tempted, but to succumb to it is. Eve was tempted by satan, you’ll recall. (Genesis 3:1-7) Her trust in God was not what it should have been and we all are affected by her decision. Remember that Jesus was also tempted by satan, (Matthew 4:1-11) so He knows what we go through and can help you when you’re sorely tempted. Turn to Him who is our mediator, our High Priest, our King. (Hebrews 4:14-16) The rest of it comes down to trust in God to handle those things that you worry about. Why would you not? He created all, and what can you change by worry? Your Creator is handling the details and knows what is best for you. Trust, it all comes down to trust. If you truly trust in God, there would be no worry, no “but” after Faith.

So you see, this is a common problem with man’s interaction with his Creator. Back when God spoke to his people through His chosen prophet, the people spoke with their mouths that yes, they agreed with God’s commands and would follow them, but a very short time later, they requested a golden calf to worship because Moses had been gone too long, (Exodus 32:1-4) or there was no water, or they didn’t like the food, or the desert was too harsh. (Exodus 15:22, 17:16). Moses was a favorite of God (Deuteronomy 34:10–12) and yet the people rebelled. Jesus is much greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6) and they were seeking to kill him, for what they perceived as blasphemy, claiming to be the Son of God, forgiving of sins, performing signs and wonders on the sabbath and the most grievous of all, telling them they were not righteous, but sinners, much like those they looked down upon.

(Mk 2:5-7; also Mt 9:2-3 and Lk 5:20-21) spoke of Moses being a great prophet, but Christ here speaks of John the Baptist, foretold so long ago by Isaiah 40:3–5, and Malachi 3:1, 4:5 and these prophecies were fulfilled in Matthew 3:1–3; Mark 1:1–3; Luke 1:76; 3:1–6; John 1:22–23. Jesus tells them that they asked John the Baptist if he was the Christ, and he testified to the truth and they accepted that. (John 5:33) But He, Jesus, says that His testimony does not come from man, here’s the whole verse: But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. (John 5:34). I find that verse 34 needs to be looked at carefully so let’s look at Ellicott’s Commentary for clarification.

(34) But I receive not testimony . . .—There is no reason for changing the word. The substantive, and verbs from John 5:31, have been rendered by “witness,” and it is better to keep it here. The English also fails to give the article, and is therefore misleading. He did receive witness from men—had received witness from John—but this was not the witness upon which all was based. Its purpose was to lead them to Christ Himself, and He now refers to it, to show them it’s true position, that that purpose might be fulfilled.
But these things I say, that ye might be saved.—The emphasis of the clause should be placed upon the pronoun “ye.” The thought is, that our Lord does not refer to John’s witness for His own sake, but in order that they might be saved. He had a greater witness than that of John, but this they were not yet prepared to receive. They had received John for a season, and had rejoiced in his light. He refers to him now that that light may lead them to the true Source of Light. Some of those who had sent to the Baptist may now understand his words in a deeper sense than any which had come to them before, and may find in them words leading to salvation.

Hopefully that helped. The English language is not always the best way to understand the Bible. The people had rejoiced for a season and were now in better shape to understand what Jesus was saying and receive salvation.

However, now we come to the hard part. Hard for the Pharisees, hard for the Jews, and sometimes hard for some of us. Jesus tells them that His testimony is greater than John’s… “for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent.” (John 5:36-38).

As I said, the hard part. They did not believe Him whom He sent. Do you believe, truly believe? Trust enough to let go and let God provide your daily bread without worry? Trust Him enough to accept that every good thing you have comes from above? (James 1:17)

Here’s the rest of the hard part. Read it with your heart involved.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:39-47)

Believe and Trust with your whole heart. Repent, for we sin every day and you are held accountable once you know the Good News. Accept that your Creator knows what is best for you, even before you know it. And place no conditions to the Faith you have. Live the life that you have been called to. You may not think that you have been called, but you have. You’ve been called by God, that is what saving Grace is. A calling that has lifted you from death to life, brought you into the light. The Greek word from which the English word “church” is always translated is εκκλησια which renders as call/calling/called. Jesus in Matt 16:18, “…upon this, the rock, I will be building of me the εκκλησια, and gates of hades will not be prevailing…”

We are the Called who have been chosen by God for salvation, (Ephesians 1:4-5) plucked out of our headlong path to damnation, for the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) What the church then becomes is not a building, but we the Called coming together to worship He who has called us, who then go out and do His will in obedience to our Calling.

Having now knowledge of this, go forth and serve your King and give glory to Him in all that you do, for you are among the Called. As you ponder this lesson, and I pray that you do, may the Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)