Truth for the Times Past part 2
Notes
Transcript
Preliminary:
Preliminary:
Review: I want to go back tonight and discover a little more about the Revelation of God to us. If you remember last time we talked about this we used the illustration of Steve Job’s introducing the Macintosh
With a sleek design, a graphical user interface, and a promise of making technology accessible to everyone, the Macintosh changed the way we interact with computers. Jobs' presentation was not just about a piece of hardware; it was about unveiling a new era of computing."
"In a similar way, God has progressively revealed His truth to humanity over time. Just as the Macintosh represented a significant step forward in technology, the messages delivered by the prophets in times past represented significant revelations of God's plan for humanity.
We talked about the measure, the messengers, and the message of Jesus’ coming.
Tonight I want to go back and reread Hebrews 1:1-3
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
When do you think the internet was invented, discovered, born however you want to look at it?
Urban legend says that Al Gore claimed to have invented the internet in 1999
But no it was before the 90’s
It was even before I was born in 1981
Oh you didn’t have it in your home yet - but it was around
It’s a fascinating series of events and studies, and discoveries:
The first practical schematics for the internet would not arrive until the early 1960s, when MIT’s J.C.R. Licklider popularized the idea of an “Intergalactic Network” of computers.
Shortly thereafter, computer scientists developed the concept of “packet switching,” a method for effectively transmitting electronic data that would later become one of the major building blocks of the internet.
Leonard Kleinrock developed the mathematical theory of packet-switching, the technology underpinning the Internet, while a graduate student at MIT a decade before the birth of the Internet which occurred when his host computer at UCLA became the first node of the Internet
ARPAnet (ARPANET was a pioneering computer networking project initiated by the United States Department of Defense. It was designed to enable communication and information sharing between research institutions and government agencies.)
It was October 29, 1969, where ARPAnet delivered its first message: a “node-to-node” communication from one computer to another. (The first computer was located in a research lab at UCLA where Leonard Kleinrock was and the second was at Stanford; each one was the size of a small house.) The message—“LOGIN”—was short and simple, but it crashed the fledgling ARPA network anyway: The Stanford computer only received the note’s first two letters.
But it was the beginning ARPAnet was later decommissioned in 1989
The technology continued to grow in the 1970s after scientists Robert Kahn and Vinton Cerf developed Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol, or TCP/IP, a communications model that set standards for how data could be transmitted between multiple networks.
ARPANET adopted TCP/IP on January 1, 1983, and from there researchers began to assemble the “network of networks” that became the modern Internet.
The online world then took on a more recognizable form in 1990, when computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web.
While it’s often confused with the internet itself, the web is actually just the most common means of accessing data online in the form of websites and hyperlinks.
But I am fascinated with this technology of packets -
You could explain it this way - You pick up your smart phone go to its web browser and type in the bibleholinesschurch.net
Your browser takes that and puts it in the form of a request to the GODADDY servers wherever they are, for a copy of the website. it then puts it in a virtual envelope called a packet and stamps it with all kinds of data and metadata. IP Addresses and other information.
It then takes that request and sends it through your phones wireless network be that wifi or data then to the wires and cables through routers and switches all the way until it reaches the server
The server receives the request and pulls up the copy of the website then it pulverizes the website into millions of tiny pieces each one put into a virtual envelop like the request was stamp on the outside with all kinds of address information.
Each of those pieces are pushed out into wire, cable, and fiber until they find your phones IP address
Your phone then reassembles those packets and the website appears on your screen.
This happens in a matter of seconds, information and data is traveling so fast - and we just take it for granted that its going to be there when we plug in the domain.
This is known as now as packet-switching:
In packet-switching, information is divided into smaller packets, each of which can travel along different paths and be reassembled at the destination to reconstruct the original message. This process ensures efficient and reliable data transmission across networks.
But what does that have to do with Hebrews 1:1-3 that is a very good question, I see it like this:
II. The Disclosure of Redemptive Truth in Times Past
II. The Disclosure of Redemptive Truth in Times Past
God Revealed His Truth in the Promises - Just as packets travel through various paths in a network to reach a particular destination so God’s message came through different prophets and in various forms such as visions, dreams etc.
In packet-switching each packet may take a different route, but they all come together and each have a part in showing the final message - So God used different prophets and methods to Reveal Himself to us
His promises were like little packets full of information of what the revelation of God would in its fulfillment look like.
The Bible especially the Old Testament is full of many exceeding great and precious promises. These imperishable promises reveal the intelligence, integrity, and immutability of Almighty God to all of humanity.
These inspiring and illuminating promises gave courage and strength to those who were hungering and thirsting - who were war torn and weary - who looked for an enduring hope and an eternal happiness.
They were redemptive prophetic promises
Promises that as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:10 “the prophets have inquired and searched diligently…searching what or what manner of time this was going to happen...”
Promises that even the angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)
these certified promises are an integral part of the whole plan of redemption revealed in time past and in time present.
The Promised Gift of the Son (Isa. 9:6; Isa. 7:14).
The prophecy of a child born and a son given.
Isaiah 9:6 “6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
“a child is born” no doubt is a direct reference to the incarnation - when God became us.
“a son is given” seems to refer to the global love of God that was displayed and revealed in the fact that God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son.
The promise continues, “And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isa 9:6
This concept of the promised gift of the son becomes even greater by the names given to the Son in Isaiah’s prophetic promise. They reveal the inherent qualities of His Divine nature.
Wonderful - reveals Jesus’ supernatural power to perform miracles, signs and wonders.
We are still in awe of the miraculous works of Jesus not only in the scriptures
But in divine healings
transformed lives
answers to prayer
Divine interventions
So often I see God’s handiwork and have to say along with the Psalmist:
Psalm 118:23 “23 This is the Lord’s doing; It is marvellous in our eyes.” Wonderful, Wonderful -Jesus is to me!!!
Counselor - This designation reveals the authority of Jesus to advise and guide His children - Now Dr. Oswalt, and I think he has a point will run these two names together
Wonderful counselor - The Promised One’s counsel is going to be so amazingly wonderful - Only the KJV and NKJV has a comma between the two terms - all of the other English versions I looked at had them as one.
However it is - Jesus is Wonderful and He is a Wonderful Counselor
When we have questions, decisions, choices, feel like we’ve been wronged, or see something that irritates us - if we will go to Him instead of attempting to fix it ourselves He gives the best counsel, the best advice - because it is right!!!
The Mighty God - reveals His Omnipotent almighty power
Everlasting Father - reveals His abiding presence and love
The Prince of Peace - this reveals His eternal kingdom of peace that He has provided for through the cross.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
The Promised Government of the Son (Isa. 9:6-7).
The government upon His shoulder seems to indicate
that Isaiah the prophet looked down through time and saw the Messiah he was prophesying about with the cross placed on the shoulders of the Son of God.
The burdens and bewilderment's of a broken humanity were placed there in the form of an old rugged cross. And through this he bore the burden bringing in the Kingdom of God
Isaiah 9:7 “7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
The songwriter put it this way:
That name still lives and will live on forever,
While kings and kingdoms will forgotten be.
Thro' mist or rain, 'twill be beclouded never.
That name shall shine and shine eternally.
George Frederik Handel put it this way:
The kingdom of this world
Is become
The kingdom of our Lord
And of His Christ
And of His Christ
And He shall reign for ever and ever
The Promised Gift of the Spirit (Joel 2:28).
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions:
I love what T.M. Anderson writes about this:
The ages past waited eagerly and expectantly for the fulfillment of this gracious promise. A few of God's enlightened worthies saw the enrapturing promise from afar and appropriated it by an achieving faith. These notable saints testified to the transcendent gift and transforming grace received in the fulfilled promise. The promise contained all the fullness of God. He willed to pour out His limitless love in full measure in the gift of the Spirit. He disclosed His willingness to make the heart of an humble man His temple for all time and eternity. The promise included a glorious freedom through the Spirit. The blessed Holy Spirit released the latent potentialities in the human soul and directed them into the service of the Savior.
This poured out Promise was given in Acts 1:8 “8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
They were promised the Holy Spirit would give enabling to receive and understand the truth
John 16:13–15 “13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
We are sealed by the Holy Spirit, Supplied with strength and the fruit by the Spirit many promises and spiritual realities
God Revealed His truth in the Precepts
Psalm 119:4–6 “4 Thou hast commanded us To keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed To keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.”
This divine command has never changed - God still expects us to keep His precepts diligently T.M. Anderson wrote:
His unchangeable command regarding His precepts is immutable because His divine nature is immutable. In fact, the inherent principles of God's changeless character are contained in every command revealed in His Word. In order to comprehend the meaning of God's precepts it is necessary to study them in the clear light of divine revelation.
In Biblical terminology, "command," "precept," and "statute" each have distinct meanings, though they often overlap in their function of guiding the faithful. Here's a brief explanation of each:
Command (Mitzvah in Hebrew) A command is a direct order or instruction given by God that requires obedience.
Their Purpose: Commands are often straightforward and specific, meant to guide behavior and actions. Examples include the Ten Commandments (e.g., "You shall not steal," "Honor your father and mother").
In Context**: Commands are clear directives intended to govern moral and religious conduct. They are seen as expressions of God's will.
Precept (Piqqud in Hebrew) A precept is a general rule or underlying principle intended to guide behavior or thought.
Their Purpose: Precepts are broader in scope than commands and often serve as guiding principles that inform the application of specific commands. They can cover aspects of moral, ethical, and spiritual life. They point to God’s nature and in turn point to truth.
Context**: Precepts are guidelines that provide direction for living a righteous life. They help interpret and apply God's laws in various circumstances. For example, "Love your neighbor as yourself" can be seen as a precept. - They were to
Statute (Choq in Hebrew) A statute is a law or decree established by a sovereign authority, in this case, God. Statutes are formalized and often written rules.
Purpose**: Statutes are specific laws that govern the conduct of God's people, often related to religious rituals, ceremonies, and societal regulations.
Context**: Statutes are detailed and prescribed practices, such as the dietary laws in Leviticus, the festivals, and the sacrificial system. They are binding and carry the weight of divine authority.
All of these work together to lead us to Christ - Paul says the Law was like a tutor or teacher to lead us to Christ
The Moral Law in the Commandments
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
The importance of the commandments in guiding moral behavior.The great truths that are eternal and contained in the law of God were for one purpose.
That one express purpose was of converting his soul or the turning his soul back to God.
The law of God was designed to rule man’s moral behavior.
They were first written on tables of stone - in the covenant of Grace they are now written on the fleshly tables of the hearts and minds
Jeremiah saw this great truth and testified to it in his prophecy
Jeremiah 31:31 “31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, That I will make a new covenant With the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:”
The moral and spiritual law of God was emphasized, exemplified, and enforced by the inspired prophets and holy fathers in Israel.
The guilty were punished when they willfully violated the law, and the obedient were rewarded when they observed the law.
Our Lord said, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matt. 5:18.
It is revealed in the Word that the righteousness of the moral law shall be fulfilled in the character and conduct of God's ransomed children. (See Rom. 8: 3-4
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The Measure of Love Revealed in the Commandments (Deut. 6:5).
Loving God with all heart, soul, and might.
The Meaning of Life Revealed in the Commandments (Deut. 6:6-9).
Teaching the commandments and incorporating them into daily life.
God’s Patterns
The Pattern of Christ (Exod. 12:3-5).
The lamb without blemish as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.
The Pattern of the Church (Gen. 2:23-24; Eph. 5:31-32).
The church as the body of Christ, originating from Christ.
The Pattern of the Cross (Num. 21:9; John 3:14-15).
The brass serpent lifted by Moses as a type of Christ’s crucifixion.
The Pattern of the Conquerors (Exod. 15).
The song of triumph and guidance by God.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Packet-Switching: Once all packets arrive, they are reassembled to form the complete message.
God's Revelation: In the last days, God's final and complete revelation came through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Illustration: "Just as all packets come together to complete the message, in these last days, God's ultimate revelation has come through His Son, Jesus Christ, providing us with the full and final understanding of God's nature and will."
Reliability and Authority:
Packet-Switching: The packets are guided by protocols ensuring they arrive accurately and are reassembled correctly.
God's Revelation: Jesus, as the exact imprint of God's nature, is the ultimate and authoritative revelation, ensuring we have a reliable and complete picture of God.
Illustration: "Protocols ensure that data packets reach their destination correctly. Similarly, Jesus Christ, being the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, provides us with the most accurate and authoritative revelation of God."
Ongoing Support:
Packet-Switching: The network continues to manage and direct packets, ensuring ongoing communication.
God's Revelation: Jesus upholds the universe by the word of His power, indicating His ongoing role in sustaining creation and revelation.
Illustration: "Just as a network continually manages the flow of packets, Jesus, who upholds the universe by His powerful word, continues to sustain all things, ensuring that God's revelation and presence are constantly with us."