Larry Lilly's Journal Down From His Glory Larry Lilly Vol 19 Issue 12
Down From His Glory
Someone said, “The problem with John’s Gospel is it leaves out the Christmas Theme.” Hardly! Note the opening passage of John 1:1-14:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NKJV)
John brings to the fore, “The Incarnation.” Matthew touched on this with his Immanuel, God with us. John gets into the nitty-gritty and makes it clear that the birth of Jesus Christ is in fact, God, The Word was/is God wrapped in flesh. As such He is presented as eternal, as the creator of all things, His life which He freely gives to all who believe in the light of human existence. The darkness, the description of the human condition from Adam’s fall, cannot grasp this truth, and therefore rejects what it cannot comprehend. The result of this is God put this truth into a simpler form via Matthew and Luke. Matthew presents Jesus Christ as the coming King of all things. Luke as the man, Mark as a servant, and John graphically as God in Flesh.
Verse 14 gives a history of The Incarnation with simplified language: John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (NKJV)
Dwelt “Among us” is a statement that boggled the mind of the ancient world. This truth refutes their concept of God or a God in that their mythology featured depraved beings, supposed “God” living among them and performing the decadent actions recorded in Genesis 6, the “gods” committing the unthinkable with humans of that era!
Christ, God with us, presents the true God as living in human flesh, identifying with our pain, our sorrow, as well as our rejection by others. Hebrews makes this clear:
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (NKJV).
The God who cares was incomprehensible to the minds of the time. Yet, scripture assures all who will accept the truth, that God does care, as one has written,
“It matters to Him about you.”
The culture of the day God walked among us, was erotic, in the fullest sense of the word. Erotic, the love of the best and most beautiful. Erotic in the area of sex was a part, and in that use of the word, anything goes. The perversion of our time, while seemingly new was the norm of the time Jesus walked on the earth, and due to His moral influence, He was rejected, as are His followers who follow His heavenly teaching that the “ugly, deplorable, people and things of creation have a place of usefulness. Their beauty is that God cares!
Strange as it may seem, the scriptures teach that one of the reasons for the Incarnation is to show us how we can live. Jesus as one of His ministries demonstrates that a person, with God, the Spirit working on the inside can and does correct aberrant behavior. Paul emphasizes this here:
Colossians 1:27 “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (NKJV)
John 1:11-12 reveals the why of Incarnation:
John 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (NKJV)
Those who believe in Jesus Christ are given the power/right of born children of God; this is in line with John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)
This December season, while we are about doing all the Christmas things, please keep in mind that the greatest gift is already given by God to people who need salvation, which is all the world if we will but believe.
William E. Booth-Clibborn put it like this:
"the Great Creator became my Savior, and all God's Fullness dwelleth in Him!"
Sharing the above verses with people as the opportunity presents itself, can make an eternal difference in that persons forever life! LML.
Someone said, “The problem with John’s Gospel is it leaves out the Christmas Theme.” Hardly! Note the opening passage of John 1:1-14:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NKJV)
John brings to the fore, “The Incarnation.” Matthew touched on this with his Immanuel, God with us. John gets into the nitty-gritty and makes it clear that the birth of Jesus Christ is in fact, God, The Word was/is God wrapped in flesh. As such He is presented as eternal, as the creator of all things, His life which He freely gives to all who believe in the light of human existence. The darkness, the description of the human condition from Adam’s fall, cannot grasp this truth, and therefore rejects what it cannot comprehend. The result of this is God put this truth into a simpler form via Matthew and Luke. Matthew presents Jesus Christ as the coming King of all things. Luke as the man, Mark as a servant, and John graphically as God in Flesh.
Verse 14 gives a history of The Incarnation with simplified language: John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (NKJV)
Dwelt “Among us” is a statement that boggled the mind of the ancient world. This truth refutes their concept of God or a God in that their mythology featured depraved beings, supposed “God” living among them and performing the decadent actions recorded in Genesis 6, the “gods” committing the unthinkable with humans of that era!
Christ, God with us, presents the true God as living in human flesh, identifying with our pain, our sorrow, as well as our rejection by others. Hebrews makes this clear:
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (NKJV).
The God who cares was incomprehensible to the minds of the time. Yet, scripture assures all who will accept the truth, that God does care, as one has written,
“It matters to Him about you.”
The culture of the day God walked among us, was erotic, in the fullest sense of the word. Erotic, the love of the best and most beautiful. Erotic in the area of sex was a part, and in that use of the word, anything goes. The perversion of our time, while seemingly new was the norm of the time Jesus walked on the earth, and due to His moral influence, He was rejected, as are His followers who follow His heavenly teaching that the “ugly, deplorable, people and things of creation have a place of usefulness. Their beauty is that God cares!
Strange as it may seem, the scriptures teach that one of the reasons for the Incarnation is to show us how we can live. Jesus as one of His ministries demonstrates that a person, with God, the Spirit working on the inside can and does correct aberrant behavior. Paul emphasizes this here:
Colossians 1:27 “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (NKJV)
John 1:11-12 reveals the why of Incarnation:
John 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (NKJV)
Those who believe in Jesus Christ are given the power/right of born children of God; this is in line with John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)
This December season, while we are about doing all the Christmas things, please keep in mind that the greatest gift is already given by God to people who need salvation, which is all the world if we will but believe.
William E. Booth-Clibborn put it like this:
"the Great Creator became my Savior, and all God's Fullness dwelleth in Him!"
Sharing the above verses with people as the opportunity presents itself, can make an eternal difference in that persons forever life! LML.
The Book Worm's Corner Joyce Lilly
Joyce and Eva Kor
Histories and Mysteries of Daniel Dr. William Grant Nelson PHD.12 Chps 120 pages
Dr. Nelson’s book fills in the blanks revealing the Bible and Historical importance of Daniel. That too many empty spaces exist in most recent articles and preaching on the last days is shameful. Prophesy, for the most part, is only partially taught in many “Bible Colleges” thus, the student learns to prepare an outline of things but is left ignorant of the glue that holds the order of the prophecies.
One of the mysteries of Daniel is never mentioned by most modern teachers. Here’s a hint. Daniel committed to doing what God wanted, even under the most severe trials.
This book is highly recommended by several Jewish men who were converted to Jesus and have a deep understanding of the place Israel plays in the drama of eschatology. Dr. Nelson quotes Clarence Larkin in Chapter Eleven on how to discern true Bible Prophesy:
It must have been known prior to its fulfillment.
It must be beyond all human foresight.
It must give details.
Sufficient time must elapse between its publication and fulfillment to exclude the prophet or any interested party from fulfilling it.
There must be a clear and detailed fulfillment of the prophecy in every particular.
Dr. Nelson explains the “490” years of Daniel’s Prophesy as clear as any book I have read on the subject, clearer than most. Get a copy of this much-needed book ASAP! J. D. Lilly
Note: Larry is offering this book Free as per Mrs. Nelson request to first come first served. It will be gone fast, so hurry to request your free copy. A freewill offering will be appreciated.
Dr. Nelson’s book fills in the blanks revealing the Bible and Historical importance of Daniel. That too many empty spaces exist in most recent articles and preaching on the last days is shameful. Prophesy, for the most part, is only partially taught in many “Bible Colleges” thus, the student learns to prepare an outline of things but is left ignorant of the glue that holds the order of the prophecies.
One of the mysteries of Daniel is never mentioned by most modern teachers. Here’s a hint. Daniel committed to doing what God wanted, even under the most severe trials.
This book is highly recommended by several Jewish men who were converted to Jesus and have a deep understanding of the place Israel plays in the drama of eschatology. Dr. Nelson quotes Clarence Larkin in Chapter Eleven on how to discern true Bible Prophesy:
It must have been known prior to its fulfillment.
It must be beyond all human foresight.
It must give details.
Sufficient time must elapse between its publication and fulfillment to exclude the prophet or any interested party from fulfilling it.
There must be a clear and detailed fulfillment of the prophecy in every particular.
Dr. Nelson explains the “490” years of Daniel’s Prophesy as clear as any book I have read on the subject, clearer than most. Get a copy of this much-needed book ASAP! J. D. Lilly
Note: Larry is offering this book Free as per Mrs. Nelson request to first come first served. It will be gone fast, so hurry to request your free copy. A freewill offering will be appreciated.
Letters & Comments
Dear Brother Lilly & The Great Blond,
Thank you so much for the Journal. Was blessed by “Bitterness is a Root Sin! Get rid of it.” I always enjoy hearing about books dealing with Revelation because eschatology is one of my favorite studies.
This was really a very, very good week on top of this mountain. First, we had a chance to meet with the Lt. Governor about Lifer issues and the commutation process. It was very informative and encouraging. Our Lt. Governor is genuinely a man of vision. He’s given so many men and women hope. One of the things I like is that he has former inmates in prominent positions dealing with prison issues. He is a man of integrity and a straight shooter. He didn’t beat around the bush concerning Lifer’s getting parole. He said the bill does not have much chance of passing the current State House. But he kept emphasizing the need to continue filing for commutation, PTL.
Our new chaplain is the first ever to ask the choir to schedule the songs he wants to sing; This is an added challenge for me. Our Youth Choir is coming along very well. We’re also blessed to have lost four brothers this month. It’s always a great joy when brothers go home.
As always, you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Remember knowing the living Word is the key to understanding the written Word. God Bless, C.W.
Editor’s Note. C.W. has led the choir in a Max prison for many years. He is serving a life sentence, but he is free in Jesus and blooms where he is planted. The zeal of Christ is evident in his life. He has long ago repented of the sin that landed him on the mountain. Many think that such a person can never really be saved. I like what the former warden, Clinton Duffy, of the famous San Quentin Prison in California said to a Rotary meeting one time when a moral man said,
“Warden Duffy, we all know a leopard cannot change his spots!”
Warden Duffy replied:
“Sir, you’re right, a leopard cannot change his spots, but men can and do; I see it every day!” LML
**
“Death is only putting out the lamp at the rise of a new Dawn”. David Watson.
“For Christians, God assures us of a future that is better than all our past.” J.C. Stern
“Please keep in mind the main reason for Jesus Christ coming into the world bearing the name, Immanuel, meaning “God with us” is to save his people from their sins. The idea among many religious people that He is only interested in “good” people is unrelated to reality. Christ said, “There is none good, no not one.” Therefore Paul is correct when he labeled himself as Chief among the lost. It’s a sure bet that you will never receive Jesus until you realize how desperately you need Jesus Christ. He came to save the lost ones.”
Thank you so much for the Journal. Was blessed by “Bitterness is a Root Sin! Get rid of it.” I always enjoy hearing about books dealing with Revelation because eschatology is one of my favorite studies.
This was really a very, very good week on top of this mountain. First, we had a chance to meet with the Lt. Governor about Lifer issues and the commutation process. It was very informative and encouraging. Our Lt. Governor is genuinely a man of vision. He’s given so many men and women hope. One of the things I like is that he has former inmates in prominent positions dealing with prison issues. He is a man of integrity and a straight shooter. He didn’t beat around the bush concerning Lifer’s getting parole. He said the bill does not have much chance of passing the current State House. But he kept emphasizing the need to continue filing for commutation, PTL.
Our new chaplain is the first ever to ask the choir to schedule the songs he wants to sing; This is an added challenge for me. Our Youth Choir is coming along very well. We’re also blessed to have lost four brothers this month. It’s always a great joy when brothers go home.
As always, you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Remember knowing the living Word is the key to understanding the written Word. God Bless, C.W.
Editor’s Note. C.W. has led the choir in a Max prison for many years. He is serving a life sentence, but he is free in Jesus and blooms where he is planted. The zeal of Christ is evident in his life. He has long ago repented of the sin that landed him on the mountain. Many think that such a person can never really be saved. I like what the former warden, Clinton Duffy, of the famous San Quentin Prison in California said to a Rotary meeting one time when a moral man said,
“Warden Duffy, we all know a leopard cannot change his spots!”
Warden Duffy replied:
“Sir, you’re right, a leopard cannot change his spots, but men can and do; I see it every day!” LML
**
“Death is only putting out the lamp at the rise of a new Dawn”. David Watson.
“For Christians, God assures us of a future that is better than all our past.” J.C. Stern
“Please keep in mind the main reason for Jesus Christ coming into the world bearing the name, Immanuel, meaning “God with us” is to save his people from their sins. The idea among many religious people that He is only interested in “good” people is unrelated to reality. Christ said, “There is none good, no not one.” Therefore Paul is correct when he labeled himself as Chief among the lost. It’s a sure bet that you will never receive Jesus until you realize how desperately you need Jesus Christ. He came to save the lost ones.”
Rejoice in our Trials Dale Byers
Rejoice in Our Trials Dr. Dale Byers
Read I Peter 1:1-7:
Psalm 56:22 Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be forsaken.
REJOICE: James1:1-5; Phil. 3:1; Phil. 4:4; Phil. 4:10 ( Compare these verses).
A. Rejoice because of the REASONS for our suffering
We are righteous in our position in Christ:
We are righteous in our pattern for Christ: we are called Christians.
We have righteous purposes with Christ: winning the lost
(3 enemies the world; the flesh and the devil)
2 Tim. 3:12 Yes, and all that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Rom. 8:31- 39
B. Rejoice because of the REWARDS for our suffering
2 Chron. 15:7 But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Matt. 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
1 Tim. 2:12 If we suffer we shall also reign with him; if we deny him he also will deny us; If we believe not, yet he abides faithful; he cannot deny himself.
C. Rejoice because of the REDEMPTION OF OTHERS: Acts 5:40-42
Acts 16:25 But about midnight Paul & Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
In our trials we have an opportunity to demonstrate to grace of Christ to those without our Savior.
* Blog site for past articles: http://daleabyers.wordpress.com/
Read I Peter 1:1-7:
Psalm 56:22 Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be forsaken.
REJOICE: James1:1-5; Phil. 3:1; Phil. 4:4; Phil. 4:10 ( Compare these verses).
A. Rejoice because of the REASONS for our suffering
We are righteous in our position in Christ:
We are righteous in our pattern for Christ: we are called Christians.
We have righteous purposes with Christ: winning the lost
(3 enemies the world; the flesh and the devil)
2 Tim. 3:12 Yes, and all that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Rom. 8:31- 39
B. Rejoice because of the REWARDS for our suffering
2 Chron. 15:7 But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Matt. 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
1 Tim. 2:12 If we suffer we shall also reign with him; if we deny him he also will deny us; If we believe not, yet he abides faithful; he cannot deny himself.
C. Rejoice because of the REDEMPTION OF OTHERS: Acts 5:40-42
Acts 16:25 But about midnight Paul & Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
In our trials we have an opportunity to demonstrate to grace of Christ to those without our Savior.
* Blog site for past articles: http://daleabyers.wordpress.com/
Friendly Reminder:
The Journal as part of our media ministry depends on the prayers and help of our friends, often referred to as Prayer Warriors. A note from you saying how the Journal helps in some way will be appreciated as would a freewill offering if possible. Email is
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
You may listen to our new ministry on radio station 96.3 in the Terre Haute Region each morning Monday-Friday at 7:30. The program is titled, A Minute with Larry Lilly and reaches the entire TH area.
To send an offering you may use the following address.
Larry LIlly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Thank you for being a part of this expanding ministry.
The Journal as part of our media ministry depends on the prayers and help of our friends, often referred to as Prayer Warriors. A note from you saying how the Journal helps in some way will be appreciated as would a freewill offering if possible. Email is
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
You may listen to our new ministry on radio station 96.3 in the Terre Haute Region each morning Monday-Friday at 7:30. The program is titled, A Minute with Larry Lilly and reaches the entire TH area.
To send an offering you may use the following address.
Larry LIlly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Thank you for being a part of this expanding ministry.