WEEKLY WORSHIP
JULY 27/28, 2024
{BL 550-30}
DECLARATION
For [we are not] ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. { Rom 1:16-17 KJV}
Sabbath Meditations
"Pinchas" (Phinehas, dark skinned)
How God Honors Those Who Honor Him
Nu 25:10-29:40, Jer 1:1-2:3, 1Pet 3:8-4:19
Sunday Message
"I WILL BETROTH YOU TO ME FOREVER"
Hosea 2:19-20, Rom 1:16-17, Gen 2:24, Isa 54:5, Num 6:24-26
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, Precious Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, thank-You O' Great Triune for gathering us together on this holy day in fellowship and in love. We thirst for knowledge in learning the character of our Creator. We meditate on the Word written in our Holy Bible, the scripture therein becoming our life's roadmap to eternal joy in the presence of You who created us all. Open our eyes, our ears, our hearts and our souls to receive Your message and apply its teaching to our daily walk. In the name above all names, JESUS the CHRIST, Amen
MESSAGE
In Hosea 2:19-20 KJV - We find the following written: {GOD is speaking through the Prophet Hosea} "And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. (20) I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD."
According to the International Bible Encyclopedia: Hosea, in this great parable of the prodigal wife, is surpassed only by a greater Teacher's parable of the Prodigal Son, [Jesus] uses betrothal as the symbol of Yahweh's pledge of His love and favor to penitent Israel.
God's desire is to share with His creation the most intimate relationship that which is found through His Sacrament of Marriage. Certainly you would be hard pressed to find a more powerful bond of intimacy, love, respect, loyalty, fidelity and trust outside of Marriage. Our Creator elevates this bonding in marriage as supremely important in His economy. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. {Gen 2:24 KJV}
Betroth, betrothal, betroved....OH MY! This primitive root-word in Hebrew is "aras", {aw-ras}, and means to ENGAGE, ESPOUSE, for MATRIMONY.
In modern times, the betrothal period of the betroved couple begins when they publicly declare their intent and commitment to become MAN and WIFE, forever! Upon consummation of the union, the betrothal would terminate into matrimony. This was not the case, as the Lord reveals in His scripture. "Once betroved....always betroved"
God says that His betrothal is inclusive of all the elements of the definition of the term "aras". His word is and will FOREVER BE --FOREVER! That is His promise.
Years ago Linda and I, during our travels, and while attending an evening worship service on-the-road, the following scripture was preached: "For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the LORD of hosts; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth". {Isa 54:5 NASB}
What gave me pause were the first six words; For your husband is your Maker. I had never heard that verse before. The topic of that night's sermon was the marriage of Lord Jesus to His church. This verse took my breath away.
My manly Ego came to the surface and I had to pause. The thought of me, being a HUSBAND and one day soon I would be a BRIDE was pretty tough on my Brain-Box. The concept was crystal clear but the 'grasping part' was weak.
Well, it took a while but finally I GOT OVER MYSELF and the picture of this betrothal took on a beauty and majesty that only the Holy Spirit can render. Its not about me. Its not about us. It is all about HIM, our Creator, our Maker, our Savior.....say His name with me...JESUS! Say it again, JESUS! That is BEAUTY!
APPLICATION & SUMMARY
The Author of the universe, God almighty longs to have and to share with us the most Holy, most Wonderful, most gracious gift that can be given. HIMSELF.
Gen 2:24 KJV - Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Read this verse over and over again and then let your mind absorb the magnitude of its value. When Jesus marries His Bride (that is you and me) we become one flesh, one spiritual flesh with He who made us. Who fashioned us in the womb of our mothers. He was there when we took our first breath. First lifted our tiny voice. More powerful than the bond between mother and infant, Jesus offers us an eternity of Him-- sharing His love, His strength, His Wisdom, His Holiness, His being in the most intimate and powerful bond whereby we become one in each other, FOREVER. There is no greater gift. There is no finer Grace. We are betroved forever.
WE ARE THE BRIDE--WE ARE THE CHURCH!
CLOSING PRAYER
Almighty GOD, I am breathless during this moment of great awe, having been blind, I now see. The words of my mind do not seem to carry value and weight worthy of addressing this enormous and extraordinary promise of Yours that Holy Scripture reveals to us. What better example of of the depth and breadth of Your endless love than to be joined / betrothed forever with our creator as one! Praise You Lord Jesus, AMEN.
DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, Ye heav'n-ly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen
BENEDICTION: Num 6:24-26 The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. 'AMEN
INVITATION
If you have never invited Jesus to be your Lord and savior, or, if you have in the past yet remain unsure of salvation and forgiveness of sin, Please pray with me now:
Lord Jesus I need to fill a hole in my life that follows me where ever I go. I believe that You are the Lord, that you were hung on a cross and died. I believe that you were raised back to life by God, Your Father, ascended into heaven and presently sit at the right hand of Almighty God. Please come into me, clean me, take me and make me Yours and let me serve from this day forward and forever, Thank-You Jesus, AMEN
If you sincerely prayed with me, your salvation has been assured. Waste no time in finding like minded folks, to fellowship with, who also know the lord. Be introduced to a church that preaches from the BIBLE. Begin the journey from which you will never tire of. Then discover the Majesty, Beauty and loving Power of Jesus the Christ. Welcome to the family!
Chaplain Gary
Christ go with you now...until we meet again
Christ go with you now...keep praying on till then
It really doesn't matter what the weather...
Just as long as we all are TOGETHER...
Christ go with you now...Till we meet again!
WEEKLY WORSHIP
(Published every Friday evening)
CHRIST ETERNAL SENIOR MINISTRIES
HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?
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