Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2015 19:29:42 GMT -5
Subject: Helena, MT Gospel Meetings 1-18-2015
January 18, 2015
Dennis Wilhoit Hymn #163 (Jesus, My Saviour King)
Hymn #139 (Have You Any Room for Jesus?)
In connection with the last meeting I’d like to start with some verses in Matthew 8:11-12 “And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This is speaking about those who lived in the Old Testament times and they were regarding Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the children of God. Those three would be counted in and the rest would be cast out. There were counted in as God’s children. These verses in John 1:11-12 tells us why- “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” The next verse really explains what it means to be counted in , “which were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
What does that mean? We know we must be born again and be obedient and receive the spirit in our hearts to be counted in. ‘not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, not of the will of man’ what does that mean? We have a good explanation in the first verse we read. Those who were determined to be God’s children were simply in the bloodline. They trusted in that bloodline and didn't feel they had to have the reverence for God as Abraham had. They didn’t think they needed to believe it.
In a part of Missouri you would find people of my last name ‘Wilhoit’ and they are in the family. Likewise in SE Wyoming you will find the ‘Lerwicks’. It would have been tempting for me to believe since I was part of the family name that I was automatically counted in. My parents have been gone for 10 years and I have no close relatives nearby. It helps me to realize that this has nothing to do with it. It’s a personal thing. Jesus said “God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham” (Matthew 3:9). He was speaking of Abraham and telling them this had nothing to do with salvation.
Another thing to look at is the phrase “nor of the will of man”. What of Ishmael? How was he born? Abraham and Sarah contrived and used their own will to do this. A son was born to a union outside of their union. He was not included in those who will be counted as God’s children where it says “many shall come from the east and west and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” It shows it’s not of our own self determination that we are found in a place of God’s kingdom.
Another one is mentioned “nor of the will of the flesh”. Jacob and Esau come to mind. Esau sold his birthright. Jacob came by it legally and lawfully by the will of the flesh.
We have examples how to be counted in doesn’t happen and we have examples of how it is to be counted in. Peter said speak of the Holy Spirit to give to those who obey him. Jacob was obedient to his parents and he obeyed the vision of the ladder. That’s the Old Testament being counted in, how what about now? Something’s meant a lot to me. We just finished Philippians letter. A verse in the third chapter and I want to read it. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20).
I cannot remember his name but there was a senior worker in Greece, perhaps his name was Anton Cotsarelis (spelling)? He was on a visit to the U.S. and passed away at Milltown. He and others were discussing how true is the King James Version compared to the original Greek version. He noticed no difference. I’m not here to say either way. If you have an Oxford press King James Version, you'll notice for this verse Philippians 3:20, in the reference that conversation also shows “citizenship”. I’ll back that up with some more statements. In the Strom Concordance you'll find the word citizenship. What is Paul talking about here? I think it is the theme of the whole letter. He said your citizenship is in heaven. We had a visit with Earnest Nelson. He had a niece laboring in the work in Hong Kong. He was saying just as Hong Kong is a colony of the British Isles, Philippi was a colony of Rome (from the chapter of Philippians). They were born in Macedonia but their citizenship was still Rome. Paul said he was a Roman citizen. A man marveled that Paul was free born and that he could say that. It was because he was born a Roman citizen. He was writing from Rome and was saying your real citizenship is in heaven. To have this you have to have been born again and obey and receive the gospel. In chapter 2:12 of Philippians it says “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
This verse helps us understand obedience and helped them to become citizens of heaven. The Holy Spirit is fundamental to that citizenship. That is what makes us citizens because we have obeyed and received the spirit. Having faith and courage to prove it is what holds people back. That’s what our work is about, helping people understand that.
I had an experience in China. I went back to Hong Kong for Special Meetings then I traveled back to China for meetings and went back and forth between the two places. It is hard to take it in the contrast between the two. They were like day and night in the 1980’s. In 1992 I had my first visit to England. What was outstanding was the English spoken in England was the same spoken in Hong Kong. That was the norm. After 80-90 years of British rule in Hong Kong it was just like England and had democracy. It’s not that way now. In 1997 the 100 year lease ended and Hong Kong was handed back to Beijing, China with freedoms guaranteed but that eroded. Hardly anyone speaks English there now. That’s how much it has changed. It brings to mind the fact that Jesus said he told the people to be in this world but do not be of this world (a part of).
In that hymn is says “Have you any room for Jesus?” The year 1997 was approaching and for Hong Kong we didn't know what would happen. On 6/30 at midnight they knew things would change and their things would be worthless in Hong Kong. People quietly sent all their assets to England. All they had to do after that was to go to England. All we have to do if we are truly children of God is to receive, obey…it should not be a huge struggle to deal with the business and pleasures of the world. Those people in Hong Kong had no interest in Hong Kong. Their thoughts were where their treasure was. How much do I understand where mine is? Hope we’ll have a chance to speak more about that.
-------------------------------------------------->
Devin Lerwick Hymn #34 (Teach Us, Lord)
Matthew 18:7-9 “Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”
Dennis mentioned different words and meaning behind them. Offense means to stumble or a snare something that causes us to stumble. It says to not offend or being made an offense, this is spiritual. He was talking about things that could cause us to stumble in our walk, or something we might see or handle spiritually speaking. Things we would do, see or walk. Jesus wasn't asking us to physically cut off our hand. Stumbling is a dangerous thing. If you keep stumbling, eventually
you will fall. That is how things get broken. It would be wonderful to remove things that cause us to stumble.
There was a man in Wyoming that has cancer in his leg. It is fast growing cancer. The doctor looked at it and said we’ll try and remove it and get it all out. He said I’m into saving lives first and limbs second. I am thankful that is the same spirit God has and he cares more about our soul than anything else.
It says if there are things that offend thee cast it from thee. Don't keep them around as it will cause you to fall but get them out of sight and mind.
I’ll read in the 2nd verse through the 4th of this same chapter. “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as a little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus went from speaking about this to things that offend. The best way to face offense is as a little child, with a tender heart. Children don’t cause offense or take offense.
I was thinking of the eye and things we might look at and desire. There are times I wish I could go back to being a little boy. Maybe you have had that wish. A wish to be blind so that I do not find things appealing to my eye…thinking if I get things right there would not be that struggle. It would be wonderful if we could have a childlike eye and not desire flesh and the world. We are born with an earthly perspective on life. We tend to see just this earth and natural things. Hopefully we’ll see with the eye of faith and have a heavenly perspective. To see the earth is just dust and see with a heavenly perspective. That’s the way Jesus saw. He looked through God’s eyes. He saw the people and looked upon them with compassion and as sheep without a shepherd. He had the right heart, eye and perspective. We are thankful that we can see as Jesus saw and not be critical and have a good heart.
Next I was thinking about our hands. What we might be grasping onto. Little children when they are born they come out with a fist, with their hands clenched. That is how we came into the world. We want to grab onto and keep things but we die with our hands open. Whatever we have gathered here on earth we will not take with us. It would be wonderful if the things we have gathered won't get in the way of our spiritual goal and we don’t get too busy for the things of God.
In I John 1:1 it says “that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.” He’s speaking here about heaven. When Jesus
was resurrected he had them touch him and do wonderful things. Spiritually speaking when we get to know Jesus we get to handle precious stones where before we were handing temporary things like hay, rubble and earthly things. Jesus’ hands healed, he broke bread and drew them near and comforted people. I am thankful for the kindness in his hands.
At my cousin’s wedding there was a little boy who was the ring bearer. The ring didn't mean as much to him as it did to the people getting married. He was playing with it and he dropped it. So he picked it up and continued to play with it. He dropped it two more times and the final time it rolled into a crack and it as gone! What to do? There was someone nearby took off his ring and gave the little boy the ring and he held onto so tight as to not lose it ever again. When he realized it could be gone he wasn't going to let it go. It is wonderful if we could have that desire. Sometimes we do not know the worth of what we have…the worth of the Bible, fellowship with the children of God and with God. We want to handle these things with love and treasure them and realize how precious it is. We don’t want to let it go. So often we let go of precious things and grab onto the baser things in life; if we would only hold onto these precious things tighter.
I then thought of the feet. What is wrote of Jesus in Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
It is a wonderful picture of Jesus coming. ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet’. Also his footsteps led to heaven. I am so thankful his feet have brought good tidings and showed us where and how to walk.
Isaiah 11 is speaking of Jesus’ coming “and there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.” In verse 6 it tells us of the effects of the spirit “the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” I like that. I am thankful for the leading of Jesus. He had the spirit of a child. Where a child can go, anyone can follow. Any soul can follow Jesus, if they are willing to be a child.
‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet.’ We attempted the highest peak in Wyoming and one thing I found up high was the steps can be very dangerous. Every step following Jesus we want to be very sure. To stumble or fall could mean your life. Spiritually it could cost our life if things get in the way.
In the workshop if I trip over something it gets put out of the way immediately. I’d like to be that way spiritually to get it out of the way. I am thankful he knows our hearts, our eyes, our feet and our hands. He was willing to have a nature like ours. He’s gone before us and he can help us follow and cast out those things that harm. I hope we all would be sensitive to his leading.
Hymn #372 (May the Lord Depend on You?)
January 18, 2015
Dennis Wilhoit Hymn #163 (Jesus, My Saviour King)
Hymn #139 (Have You Any Room for Jesus?)
In connection with the last meeting I’d like to start with some verses in Matthew 8:11-12 “And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This is speaking about those who lived in the Old Testament times and they were regarding Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the children of God. Those three would be counted in and the rest would be cast out. There were counted in as God’s children. These verses in John 1:11-12 tells us why- “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” The next verse really explains what it means to be counted in , “which were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
What does that mean? We know we must be born again and be obedient and receive the spirit in our hearts to be counted in. ‘not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, not of the will of man’ what does that mean? We have a good explanation in the first verse we read. Those who were determined to be God’s children were simply in the bloodline. They trusted in that bloodline and didn't feel they had to have the reverence for God as Abraham had. They didn’t think they needed to believe it.
In a part of Missouri you would find people of my last name ‘Wilhoit’ and they are in the family. Likewise in SE Wyoming you will find the ‘Lerwicks’. It would have been tempting for me to believe since I was part of the family name that I was automatically counted in. My parents have been gone for 10 years and I have no close relatives nearby. It helps me to realize that this has nothing to do with it. It’s a personal thing. Jesus said “God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham” (Matthew 3:9). He was speaking of Abraham and telling them this had nothing to do with salvation.
Another thing to look at is the phrase “nor of the will of man”. What of Ishmael? How was he born? Abraham and Sarah contrived and used their own will to do this. A son was born to a union outside of their union. He was not included in those who will be counted as God’s children where it says “many shall come from the east and west and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” It shows it’s not of our own self determination that we are found in a place of God’s kingdom.
Another one is mentioned “nor of the will of the flesh”. Jacob and Esau come to mind. Esau sold his birthright. Jacob came by it legally and lawfully by the will of the flesh.
We have examples how to be counted in doesn’t happen and we have examples of how it is to be counted in. Peter said speak of the Holy Spirit to give to those who obey him. Jacob was obedient to his parents and he obeyed the vision of the ladder. That’s the Old Testament being counted in, how what about now? Something’s meant a lot to me. We just finished Philippians letter. A verse in the third chapter and I want to read it. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20).
I cannot remember his name but there was a senior worker in Greece, perhaps his name was Anton Cotsarelis (spelling)? He was on a visit to the U.S. and passed away at Milltown. He and others were discussing how true is the King James Version compared to the original Greek version. He noticed no difference. I’m not here to say either way. If you have an Oxford press King James Version, you'll notice for this verse Philippians 3:20, in the reference that conversation also shows “citizenship”. I’ll back that up with some more statements. In the Strom Concordance you'll find the word citizenship. What is Paul talking about here? I think it is the theme of the whole letter. He said your citizenship is in heaven. We had a visit with Earnest Nelson. He had a niece laboring in the work in Hong Kong. He was saying just as Hong Kong is a colony of the British Isles, Philippi was a colony of Rome (from the chapter of Philippians). They were born in Macedonia but their citizenship was still Rome. Paul said he was a Roman citizen. A man marveled that Paul was free born and that he could say that. It was because he was born a Roman citizen. He was writing from Rome and was saying your real citizenship is in heaven. To have this you have to have been born again and obey and receive the gospel. In chapter 2:12 of Philippians it says “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
This verse helps us understand obedience and helped them to become citizens of heaven. The Holy Spirit is fundamental to that citizenship. That is what makes us citizens because we have obeyed and received the spirit. Having faith and courage to prove it is what holds people back. That’s what our work is about, helping people understand that.
I had an experience in China. I went back to Hong Kong for Special Meetings then I traveled back to China for meetings and went back and forth between the two places. It is hard to take it in the contrast between the two. They were like day and night in the 1980’s. In 1992 I had my first visit to England. What was outstanding was the English spoken in England was the same spoken in Hong Kong. That was the norm. After 80-90 years of British rule in Hong Kong it was just like England and had democracy. It’s not that way now. In 1997 the 100 year lease ended and Hong Kong was handed back to Beijing, China with freedoms guaranteed but that eroded. Hardly anyone speaks English there now. That’s how much it has changed. It brings to mind the fact that Jesus said he told the people to be in this world but do not be of this world (a part of).
In that hymn is says “Have you any room for Jesus?” The year 1997 was approaching and for Hong Kong we didn't know what would happen. On 6/30 at midnight they knew things would change and their things would be worthless in Hong Kong. People quietly sent all their assets to England. All they had to do after that was to go to England. All we have to do if we are truly children of God is to receive, obey…it should not be a huge struggle to deal with the business and pleasures of the world. Those people in Hong Kong had no interest in Hong Kong. Their thoughts were where their treasure was. How much do I understand where mine is? Hope we’ll have a chance to speak more about that.
-------------------------------------------------->
Devin Lerwick Hymn #34 (Teach Us, Lord)
Matthew 18:7-9 “Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”
Dennis mentioned different words and meaning behind them. Offense means to stumble or a snare something that causes us to stumble. It says to not offend or being made an offense, this is spiritual. He was talking about things that could cause us to stumble in our walk, or something we might see or handle spiritually speaking. Things we would do, see or walk. Jesus wasn't asking us to physically cut off our hand. Stumbling is a dangerous thing. If you keep stumbling, eventually
you will fall. That is how things get broken. It would be wonderful to remove things that cause us to stumble.
There was a man in Wyoming that has cancer in his leg. It is fast growing cancer. The doctor looked at it and said we’ll try and remove it and get it all out. He said I’m into saving lives first and limbs second. I am thankful that is the same spirit God has and he cares more about our soul than anything else.
It says if there are things that offend thee cast it from thee. Don't keep them around as it will cause you to fall but get them out of sight and mind.
I’ll read in the 2nd verse through the 4th of this same chapter. “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as a little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus went from speaking about this to things that offend. The best way to face offense is as a little child, with a tender heart. Children don’t cause offense or take offense.
I was thinking of the eye and things we might look at and desire. There are times I wish I could go back to being a little boy. Maybe you have had that wish. A wish to be blind so that I do not find things appealing to my eye…thinking if I get things right there would not be that struggle. It would be wonderful if we could have a childlike eye and not desire flesh and the world. We are born with an earthly perspective on life. We tend to see just this earth and natural things. Hopefully we’ll see with the eye of faith and have a heavenly perspective. To see the earth is just dust and see with a heavenly perspective. That’s the way Jesus saw. He looked through God’s eyes. He saw the people and looked upon them with compassion and as sheep without a shepherd. He had the right heart, eye and perspective. We are thankful that we can see as Jesus saw and not be critical and have a good heart.
Next I was thinking about our hands. What we might be grasping onto. Little children when they are born they come out with a fist, with their hands clenched. That is how we came into the world. We want to grab onto and keep things but we die with our hands open. Whatever we have gathered here on earth we will not take with us. It would be wonderful if the things we have gathered won't get in the way of our spiritual goal and we don’t get too busy for the things of God.
In I John 1:1 it says “that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.” He’s speaking here about heaven. When Jesus
was resurrected he had them touch him and do wonderful things. Spiritually speaking when we get to know Jesus we get to handle precious stones where before we were handing temporary things like hay, rubble and earthly things. Jesus’ hands healed, he broke bread and drew them near and comforted people. I am thankful for the kindness in his hands.
At my cousin’s wedding there was a little boy who was the ring bearer. The ring didn't mean as much to him as it did to the people getting married. He was playing with it and he dropped it. So he picked it up and continued to play with it. He dropped it two more times and the final time it rolled into a crack and it as gone! What to do? There was someone nearby took off his ring and gave the little boy the ring and he held onto so tight as to not lose it ever again. When he realized it could be gone he wasn't going to let it go. It is wonderful if we could have that desire. Sometimes we do not know the worth of what we have…the worth of the Bible, fellowship with the children of God and with God. We want to handle these things with love and treasure them and realize how precious it is. We don’t want to let it go. So often we let go of precious things and grab onto the baser things in life; if we would only hold onto these precious things tighter.
I then thought of the feet. What is wrote of Jesus in Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
It is a wonderful picture of Jesus coming. ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet’. Also his footsteps led to heaven. I am so thankful his feet have brought good tidings and showed us where and how to walk.
Isaiah 11 is speaking of Jesus’ coming “and there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.” In verse 6 it tells us of the effects of the spirit “the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” I like that. I am thankful for the leading of Jesus. He had the spirit of a child. Where a child can go, anyone can follow. Any soul can follow Jesus, if they are willing to be a child.
‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet.’ We attempted the highest peak in Wyoming and one thing I found up high was the steps can be very dangerous. Every step following Jesus we want to be very sure. To stumble or fall could mean your life. Spiritually it could cost our life if things get in the way.
In the workshop if I trip over something it gets put out of the way immediately. I’d like to be that way spiritually to get it out of the way. I am thankful he knows our hearts, our eyes, our feet and our hands. He was willing to have a nature like ours. He’s gone before us and he can help us follow and cast out those things that harm. I hope we all would be sensitive to his leading.
Hymn #372 (May the Lord Depend on You?)