Wednesday 26 August 2015

When did the Apostles expect to get their reward





When did Apostles expect to get their reward of eternal life?

2 Timothy 4:8(KJV)

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing1 John 3:2-3King James Version (KJV) (Paul write's on that the resurrection morning / rapture of the church.)



Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

1John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is


Phil 3:11, 3:21, 1 Cor 15:51-55, 1Thess 4:16-19, 1Thess 1:10, 1Pet 5:4,

St John 14:1-4, Psa 31:19, Matthew 25:46  2 Timothy 1:10, Col 3:4

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV)
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 4:1

Luke 14:14







Believers' Crowns
Title
Reason
Reference
An Imperishable Crown
For leading a disciplined life
1 Corinthians 9:25
A Crown of Rejoicing
For evangelism and discipleship
1 Thessalonians 2:19
A Crown of Righteousness
For loving the Lord's appearing
2 Timothy 4:8
A Crown of Life
For enduring trials
James 1:12;Revelation 2:10
A Crown of Glory
For shepherding God's flock faithfully
1 Peter 5:4
 




and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

John 5:21-29 Kjv
21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation


John 11:24
Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
Acts 23:6
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead."


Acts 24:10-2710 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.



26 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.

Acts 28:20 to …For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and
that.
Acts 23:6-8 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the …
Job 19:25,26 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the …
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, …
Matthew 22:31,32 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that …
John 5:28,29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that …
1 Corinthians 15:12-27 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some …
Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like to …
1 Thessalonians 4:14-16 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also …
Revelation 20:6,12,13 Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on …

Isaiah 26:19

Job 14:9-15


1John 3:2-3

Ps 3:8-9

Rev 7:16-17, Rev22:12


After death  before the resurrection : reservation in hell for the wicked dead / waiting in peace / asleep for the Saved dead believers

Luke 16:19-31,Job27:19-20, 2Pet2:4-10, Pro32:10, Matt10:28, Matt 25:41-46, Eze18:20,
  • Job 14:10
  • Job 14:14
  • Psalm 6:5
  • Psalm 49:15
  • Daniel 12:2
  • John 5:28-29
  • John 3:13
  • Acts 2:29-34
  • 2 Peter 3:4

  • Mark 8:36



    Thursday 20 August 2015

    When is Eternal life (John 17:2-3)

                              "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN" This Is Eternal Life (17:2-3)

    INTRODUCTION

    1. In His "High Priestly Prayer" (John 17), Jesus makes mention of
       eternal life...
       a. "that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given
          Him." - Jn 17:2
       b. "And this is eternal life..." - Jn 17:3

    2. Eternal life is a major theme in the gospel of Christ...
       a. Jesus was crucified in order to offer eternal life - Jn 3:14-16
       b. Eternal life in Christ Jesus is the gift of God - Ro 6:23

    3. But what exactly is eternal life...?
       a. Is it simply a future blessing, pertaining to life after death?
       b. Or is it a present possession, something to enjoy in this life?

    [What does the Bible say?  Let's see if we can find the answer to the
    question...]

    I. ETERNAL LIFE: PRESENT OR FUTURE?

       A. ETERNAL LIFE AS A FUTURE BLESSING...
          1. Many scriptures refer to eternal life as a future blessing
             a. Jesus spoke of it in this way - cf. Mt 25:46; Mk 10:28-30
             b. Paul wrote of it in this way - cf. Tit 1:2; 3:7; Ro 6:22
          2. Thus many think of eternal life in this way
             a. As a future blessing
             b. An everlasting existence in the presence of God, free from
                death, sorrow and pain - cf. Re 21:1-7
             c. Available in this life as a hope
          -- It is certainly scriptural to conceive of eternal life as a hope for the future

       B. ETERNAL LIFE AS A PRESENT POSSESSION...
          1. John often writes of eternal life as a present possession
             a. As that which is abiding in one (or not) - cf. 1Jn 3:14-15
             b. That God has given us eternal life, that we have eternal
                life - 1Jn 5:11-13
          2. Might John be using a form of speech known as the futuristic present?
             a. "This use of the present tense denotes an event which has
                not yet occurred, but which is regarded as so certain that
                in thought it may be contemplated as already coming to
                pass." - Dana & Mantey, p. 185
             b. Examples of such speech can be found in Jn 14:3; 17:24
             c. If so, eternal life would still be only a future blessing,
                something to be hoped for
          3. There is another explanation which I believe highly plausible
             a. John chooses to use the phrase "eternal life" in a special
                sense
                1) Describing a quality of life (and not just quantity of
                   life) which comes by knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ
                2) In the manner in which Jesus uses it in His "High
                   Priestly Prayer" - Jn 17:3
                   a) Jesus says "This is eternal life..."
                   b) Defining it as "that they may know You, the only true
                      God, and Jesus Christ..."
             b. In these sense, eternal life is a present possession!
                1) When we come to 'know' God and Jesus, we experience a
                   quality of life that surpasses what the world has to
                   offer
                2) As a present possession, this quality of life is a
                   foretaste of the future blessing we shall experience with
                   God
                3) As a foretaste, this quality of life can rightly be
                   called eternal life
                4) For is not our life with God now really the beginning of
                   eternity with God?

    [Since Jesus spoke of eternal life in both ways, it is both a future
    blessing and present possession.  As we come to 'know' God and Jesus, we
    begin to experience the blessings of eternal life.  This naturally
    raises the question...]

    II. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO 'KNOW' GOD AND JESUS?

       A. THE MEANING OF THE WORD 'KNOW'...
          1. There are two different words for 'know' in the Greek
             a. oida - this word suggests a fulness of knowledge, coming
                from observation
             b. ginosko - this word suggests a progression in knowledge,
                frequently implying an active relationship between the
                knower and the object known
          2. In Jn 17:3, the word is ginosko
             a. So to 'know' God and Jesus goes beyond knowledge of facts
                about them
             b. It implies a progressive knowledge and understanding which
                comes by having an active relationship with Them
             c. "To know the Father and Jesus Christ (for He is the only way
                to the Father) refers not to merely abstract knowledge, but
                to joyful acknowledgment of his sovereignty, glad acceptance
                of his love, and intimate fellowship with his person
                (through Scripture, that is, through his Word to us; and
                through prayer, that is, through our word to him)."
                - Hendriksen

       B. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN 'KNOWING GOD'...
          1. As suggested by Hendriksen, it involves communication through
             the Word and prayer
          2. It is also directly related to keeping the commandments of the
             Lord
             a. As emphatically stated by John in his epistle - 1Jn 2:3-4
                1) This is how we know that we know (ginosko) Him
                2) Otherwise we lie if we say that we know (ginosko) Him
             b. As explained by Jesus to His apostles - Jn 14:21,23
                1) Keeping His commandments results in being loved by the
                   Father and the Son
                2) Keeping His word results in the Father and Son dwelling
                   in us
             c. Thus we will 'know' (ginosko) them:  ever progressing in
                knowledge because of an active relationship with God and
                Jesus!

    CONCLUSION

    1. Eternal life is more than just a hope regarding a future blessing...
       a. It is a present possession, an unparalleled quality of life
          available in this life
       b. It is a blessing that comes from 'knowing' God and Jesus in a
          personal and progressive way
       c. It is enjoyed only by keeping the commandments of God and Jesus!

    2. In the course of our short sojourn in this life, 'knowing' God is
       most important... - Jer 9:23-24
       a. More so than wisdom
       b. More so than power
       c. More so than riches

    Jesus came to show us the only way to truly 'know' God, and to
    experience the eternal life that He made possible through His death on
    the cross.  Are you walking in the commandments of the Lord that you
    might truly know God and His Son Jesus, and thereby experience eternal
    life...?  Mark A Copeland