Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Books of Thessalonians Part 3

Dr. Barcly with Something to Think About - JUSTIFICATION

JUSTIFICATION

    According to the dictionary, justification in theology refers to that act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin.* In other words, it is the means by which we are made right with God. Although it is often stated that we are made right with God through faith…

Therefore, having been justified by faith, 

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… 

(Romans 5:1)

…there are, in fact, seven different statements in Scripture about our justification by God.**

In fact, Scripture states very clearly that we are, indeed, justified by God.

 

It is God who justifies. 

(Romans 8:33)

In addition, the Bible says that we are

…justified freely by His grace 

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

(Romans 3:24)

All of this is possible because of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and, therefore, the Bible also indicates that we:

now [having] been justified by His blood… 

…[and] saved from wrath through Him.

(Romans 5:9) 

It was accounted to him [Abraham] for righteousness. 

[B]ut also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him 

who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 

who was delivered up because of our offences, 

and was raised because of our justification. 

(Romans 4:22,24-25)

And as previously noted, Romans 5:1 states that we have been:

   

justified by faith

But it appears that it is not only by the above that we can achieve a degree of justification, even though the Bible indicates that it is primarily by faith that salvation is obtained. In Matthew it says:

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

(Matthew 12:37) 

And again in James it states:

Was not Abraham our father justified by works 

when he offered Issac his son on the altar?

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 

…was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works 

when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

(James 2:21,24-25)

Just another example indicating that salvation may be by faith…

For by grace you have been saved through faith… 

(Ephesians 2:8)

…but it may take more than faith alone for one to be justified and made right with God.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, 

so faith without works is dead also. 

(James 2:26)

And that should be something for us all to think about.

*dictionary.com

**Adapted from Romans Volume 2 God’s River Chapter 1 Pg 9-16 by Donald Grey Barnhouse  

     

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Books of Thessalonians Part 2

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE LOST

THE LOST

Many people are familiar with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, as found in the book of Luke, chapter 15. But not nearly as familiar are the Parables of the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep, found immediately preceding the Parable of the Lost Son in the same chapter. There is an interesting difference between the three stories, all three of which were for the benefit of the tax collectors, Pharisees, and scribes who were gathered near Him.

Jesus told about the parable of the Lost Sheep this way:

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, 

if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, 

and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” 

(Luke 15:4)

He told them that the man who has found that one lost sheep, goes home thankful and rejoicing because he has found it.

In a like manner, Jesus related the story of a woman who lost a coin and who diligently sweeps and cleans the house until the coin is found and then is thankful and rejoices because her money has been reclaimed.

Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost. 

(Luke 15:9)

And then there is the story of the Lost Son who wanted his inheritance and afterward, left into a far land where worldly living and unscrupulous friends soon left him destitute and homeless. Then it is said that:

I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, 

“Father, I have sinned before heaven and before you…” 

(Luke 15:18)

So he has to return to his father of his own volition. The father does not in this case go after his son. But when the son returns, the father is the first to notice and go to meet him.

Sheep are considered to be animals which are easily led, heedless and incapable of finding their way alone. Once lost they are essentially doomed unless the shepherd goes to find them. The coin, of course, is inanimate and incapable of anything. But humans are capable of making their way and making decisions based upon their circumstances. It is unfortunate that we often have to reach the lowest point possible before we decide to return to the Father. But even then, the story indicates that it is never too late and that He is always ready and eager to run to us and welcome us back into His arms. What cannot do or fend for itself must be sought out, but for those with free will, the initial decision must be theirs. And once that decision is made, the Father is right there.

All belong to God whether at times seems that way or not. There is a need and desire to search for those who may be lost. But there also remains a degree of personal responsibility for situations in which some people find themselves, and a true desire to return to their Father who is always there for them.   

Always something to think about.

Matthew Trott April 14, 2024

Service Sunday April 14th at 6 PM

 

Master's Hand Ministry will be having a service this Sunday April 14th at 6 PM at the Hillside Community Hall 27 Chance Harbour Rd.

Matthew Trott will bring us a message from the Word of God.

Jasmine Trott will be leading worship.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Books of Thessalonians Part 1

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - TO BE ENCOURAGED

 TO BE ENCOURAGED

We have just finished the study of the book of Daniel. It’s easy to get caught up in the story of the man who was taken captive at a young age from his home in Jerusalem, and forced to spend the rest of his life in captivity in a foreign land - Babylon. It’s also not hard to get wrapped up in the prophecies God gave him and to miss some of the basic themes of the book, including the constant presence of God’s sovereignty and the constant need of man’s obedience.

By understanding these two principles, Daniel rose to the highest level of government in both the Babylonian and the Mede-Persian empires, without ever losing his faith and duty to his God. In so doing, he left us with four means by which we should be encouraged.

We must always be encouraged to be realistic. Following God will likely not be easy or simple. There may be difficult times and dangerous periods when staying true may be a formidable task. In spite of his position as a slave and the possible difficulties involved, Daniel 

…purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…
(Daniel 1:8)

And so, remained faithful to God in spite of the circumstances in which he found himself.

We are also encouraged to remain cheerful and optimistic, regardless of the circumstances which envelope us. In spite of his surroundings, Daniel never seemed to let his situation get the best of him. It was said of Daniel and his friends that:

 

…in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, 

he found them ten times better than all…who were in his realm. 

(Daniel 1:20)

And King Belshazzar, when he summoned Daniel said:

“I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, 

and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.” 

(Daniel 5:14)

Thus, despite the realism of his captivity, Daniel remained in good spirits and cooperative with his superiors throughout his stay in the foreign lands.

In addition to this, we are also encouraged to remain full of faith. Daniel never stopped his life of prayer even though his circumstances never appeared to change.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. 

And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, 

he knelt down on his knees three times that day, 

and prayed and gave thanks before his God, 

as was his custom since early days. 

(Daniel 6:10)

Even when the angel told him that much of the vision he had received would take place far in the future, he, in spite of his own lack of understanding, did not appear to waver in his faith.

…for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days. 

(Daniel 12:13)

We, therefore, are encouraged to always be willing to teach and proclaim God’s word to others.

…those who turn many to righteousness 

[shall shine] like the stars forever and ever.

(Daniel 12:3)

As Jesus Himself said:

“…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

(Mark 16:15)

Daniel survived his situation and lived his life in captivity while continuing to follow these principles. In the days we’re in, and as dark as they sometimes seem, these are principles we should all continue to think about.  

    

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Daniel Part 23

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE TRUTH

 THE TRUTH

“What is truth?”

Pilate is reported to have posed the above question at the trial of Christ in Jerusalem and as recorded in John 18:38. It is a question that many have pondered over the years, especially as it pertains to the subsequent crucifixion and then resurrection of Jesus. Did such events truly take place or was it all a deception as some religions and many people believe? Does it really make any difference whether Christ arose from the dead or is it enough to just believe that He did? After all, many believe that the truth is simply what is right for you; and if it works for you then that is essentially your truth. So much of a story can be changed by the way one looks at it, and by the bias of the one writing it.

But the universe does not work that way. There are specific laws that are true whether or not we agree or desire them. The Law of Gravity exists, although we can modify it by special  means, and if you don’t think it applies to you, just try jumping off a tall building. The Law of Thermodynamics is similar, and although modifications can be made, deterioration develops in everything whether we like it or not. And if you don’t believe in the Laws of Motion - well, try  standing in front of an oncoming train.

The point is that universal truths exist and the evidence for those truths exist whether we like it or not. We must accept the evidence or receive the consequences of our denial. So this is the weekend in which we remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. There is considered to be more evidence for that event than for any other event in ancient history but many still deny its reality.  

J. Norman Dalrymple Anderson was a dean of the faculty of law at the University of London, chairman of the Dept. of Oriental Law at the School of Oriental and African Studies, and Director of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in the University of London. He stated:

The evidence for the historical basis of the Christian faith, 

for the essential validity of the New Testament witness to the person 

and teaching of Christ Himself, for the fact and significance of His atoning death, 

and for the historicity of the empty tomb and the apostolic testimony of the resurrection, 

is such as to prove an adequate foundation for the venture of faith.*

There are multiple other sources which corroborate the above statement and indicate firmly that there is a truth to the crucification and resurrection which is as basic as the Laws of Physics and not subject to individual whims or desires. It is a fact which must be either accepted as is or rejected, and that is up to each individual. But as Paul put it:

 

…if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 

And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty…

For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 

And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 

Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable.

(1Corinthians 15:13-18)

But now Christ is risen from the dead, 

and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

For since by man came death, 

by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 

For as in Adam all die, 

even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

(1Corinthians 15:20-22)

Christ said, in John 14:6, that He was “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” If what was said about Him is true, then what He says should also be true and that does give one a lot to think about.

*The New Evidence that Demands A Verdict - Josh McDowell, page 219.

Dr Spencer Barclay March 31, 2024

Easter Sunday Service

Please join us for our Easter service at the Hillside Community Hall 27 Chance Harbour Rd.

The service will be held at 2 PM for this Sunday only.

Dr. Spencer Barclay will bring us a message from the Word of God.

Master's Hand Singers will lead worship.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Daniel Part 22

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - DARKNESS

 DARKNESS

In both the books of Matthew and Mark, we are told that, at the time of Jesus’ death by crucifixion, 

from the sixth hour until the ninth hour 

there was darkness over all the land 

(Matthew 27:45)

and

when the sixth hour had come, 

there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

(Mark 15:33) 

This constituted one of the miracles that accompanied the crucifixion of Christ. Although some say this was an eclipse that just happened to take place at that time, examination shows that such was just not possible. No eclipse lasts for three hours and, in addition, the crucifixion took place at Passover, which itself occurred at the time of the full moon, thus also making an eclipse impossible. 

So why was there darkness for three hours? Darkness has often been associated with an absence of God and the knowledge of Him. Were the three hours an indication that He would be, as was Jonah:

…three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, 

so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

(Matthew 12:40)

In addition, there is a statement in the book of Amos:

“And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the Lord God,

“That I will make the sun go down at noon, 

And I will darken the earth in broad daylight…” 

(Amos 8:9)

In multiple passages in Scripture, darkness has long been associated with evil and the absence of God. There is also an association in some places with that future time called the day of the Lord.

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, 

and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death 

Light has dawned. 

(Matthew 4:16)

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

(Isaiah 5:20)

Who walks in darkness 

And has no light?

Let him trust in the name of the Lord 

And rely upon his God. 

(Isaiah 50:10)

Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,

Bound in affliction and irons… 

(Psalm 107:10)

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, 

And broke their chains in pieces.

(Psalm 107:14)

Then I saw that wisdom excels folly 

As light excels darkness. 

(Ecclesiastes 2:13)

The way of the wicked is like darkness;

They do not know what makes them stumble.

(Proverbs 4:19)

There are many more examples illustrating darkness and the reason why we told to:

 

“…Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; 

he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.”

(John 12:35)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 

Walk as children of light…

(Ephesians 5:8)

We are told in Genesis that God made two lights: 

…the greater light to rule the day [light] 

and the lesser light to rule the night [darkness]. 

(Genesis 1:16)

Unfortunately, it seems that too many people are still ruled by the lesser light, still ruled by darkness, and have not yet seen fit to:

…walk in the light as He is in the light… 

(1 John 1:7)

and

…walk before God 

In the light of the living… 

(Psalm 56:13)

The darkness that overcame the earth at the time of the crucifixion merely allowed us to see what it might be like to be forsaken by God and cast into the darkness without Him. Then, when we realize God has left us behind, we may also cry out as Jesus did at the ninth hour:

“My God My God why have you forsaken Me?” 

(Mark 15:34)

Three hours would apparently be more than enough to convince us that it is much better to walk in the light and not in the darkness. As Christ said:

“I am the light of the world. 

He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, 

but have the light of life.”

(John 8:12)

It certainly is something to think about. 

 

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Daniel Part 21

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - PETER

PETER

We are once again approaching that time of year when we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus. We do this at Easter even though there is really no connection between that day and the events we are remembering. And that may account, in some cases at least, why so many have a problem in accepting those events as being factual.

And, in some ways, that may not be so difficult to understand because even those closest to Christ did not understand or accept all that was taking place. Let us take the case of Peter for example.

He was a fisherman by trade. Most likely a hardy, rough and tumble sort of person, quick-tempered, not apt to be educated, but loyal to those who were loyal to him. As a result, he was not known to be really close to Christ and often ended up in some difficulty regarding his behaviour. For example, when in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus said to him:

 

…“Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, 

for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” 

(Matthew 16:23)

And in the garden, when Jesus was betrayed, it was Peter who acted rashly and:

…Simon Peter, having a sword, 

drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, 

and cut off his right ear… 

(John 18:10)

causing Jesus to once more somewhat rebuke him with the words:

…“Put your sword into the sheath. 

Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" 

(John 18:11)

And further it was Peter who denied Jesus three times when confronted by the servant girl in the house of the high priest.

Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, 

‘‘You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” 

He said, “I am not.” 

(John 18:17)

There is also no indication that Peter was there at the time of the actual crucifixion. And so, he does not present as the brave and fearless individual who was expecting the miracle which was about to happen. And yet, when Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb, it was to Peter she first reported the news, and it was Peter, along with another disciple, who entered the tomb and saw the clothes lying there. And, although not well educated, was readily willing to perceive and accept what had taken place.

Within a few weeks, he was boldly able to state:

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, 

a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, 

and signs which God did through Him in your midst…

Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, 

you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 

whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, 

because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 

This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

(Acts 2:23-24,32) 

Peter was essentially uneducated, impetuous, and a somewhat rough sort of a man who became a disciple. Although loyal and steadfast, he was not the bravest of men, and while under pressure denied Christ, showed troublesome behaviour, and even ran when the situation became difficult. But when confronted by and convinced by the truth, he became among the boldest and outspoken of men. When he determined who Christ really was, there was no stopping him. When we look at the resurrection and the empty cross at this season, may we determine to be as convinced and as emboldened as was Peter.

It certainly is something for one to think about.  

Caroline Barclay March 17, 2024

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Daniel Part 20

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - IN THE NAME OF...

 IN THE NAME OF...

In the Old Testament, prayers and invocations were usually made in the name of the Lord, our God. There are multiple examples of this throughout the Bible, such as:

“then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God…” 

(Deuteronomy 18:7)

“…and to bless in the name of the Lord…” 

(Deuteronomy 21:5)

…he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. 

(2 Samuel 6:18)

“…tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord…” 

(2 Chronicles 18:15)

…in the name of the Lord will I destroy them. 

(Psalm 118:10)

In the New Testament, however, although the phrase is still used, it is more often used in connection with Christ or in direct reference to Christ Himself. As we see in the following examples:

“…Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

(Luke 13:35)

“…Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!…” 

(Luke 19:38)

“…In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 

(Acts 3:6)

giving thanks always for all things to God the father 

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

(Ephesians 5:20)

…whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

(Colossians 3:17) 

But have you noticed that we never pray or invoke anything in the name of the Holy Spirit alone, only in conjunction with God and Jesus?

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, 

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” 

(Matthew 28:19)

Is this because of the different aspects of each personality of God? After all, we are told that God is love and that those who love God are loved in return. But there are many gods worshipped throughout the world and invoking the name of god could be referring to any one of these so called deities. The God of the Bible may be love but that is not the god that many refer to. On the other hand, Jesus is specific to the Son of the Living God and there is no doubt as to whom one is referring when they are praying in the name of Jesus, and through that Name, to God Himself. There is only one God who sent His Son to be a sacrifice for us all, and therefore doing anything in the name of Jesus refers only to the true God.

As for the Holy Spirit, well, He is not meant to be a conduit from us to God but rather from God to us and is the teacher of true wisdom.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit…will teach you all things, 

and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." 

(John 14:26)

“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 

(Luke12:12)

It is to the God of love, who is identified positively through His Son who became a sacrifice for us all, and who subsequently sent us ultimate wisdom though the Holy Spirit, that we make our requests known; with the Holy Spirit teaching us what to say.

In the name of the God of love, the Son of sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit of wisdom; it really is something to think about.