In the beginning of Church History: The Visit Of The Virgin Mary To Elizabeth; The Salutation Of Elizabeth, Luke 1:39–45.
As soon as she could conveniently fit herself out for the journey. Mary left for the hill country - Hebron, which was situated in the tribe of Judah, about forty miles south of Jerusalem, and upwards of seventy from Nazareth, to visit her cousin Elisabeth, and to see what the Lord had planned for her. This visit leads us to the following observations:
1. The visit made by the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. The holy virgin had understood by the angel, that Elizabeth was no less akin to her in condition than in relation, being both fruitful in conception; she hastens into the hill country to visit that holy matron: the two wonders of the world were now met under one roof, to congratulate their mutual happiness; only the meeting of the saints in heaven, can parallel the meeting of these two saints on earth.
2. The design and intention of this visit, which was partly to communicate their joys to each other, and partly to strengthen the faith of each other: such a soul as has Christ spiritually conceived in it, is restless and cannot be quiet till it has imparted its joy.
3. The effect of the virgin's salutation; she had no sooner saluted Elizabeth, but the babe in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy, doing homage, and paying adoration, to his Lord, who was then in his presence. If Elizabeth and her holy babe rejoiced, when Christ came under their roof, how should our hearts leap within us? We are privileged to have the Son of God come into the secret of our souls, not to visit us for an hour, but to dwell with us, yes, to dwell in us, and last forever.
4. How Elizabeth, by an extraordinary spirit of prophecy, confirms what the angel before had told the holy virgin: Blessed, says she, art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb; and what an honor is this, that the mother of my Lord, should come unto me!
Elizabeth acknowledged the incarnation of Christ, and the union of the divine and human nature in the person of the Mediator. She acknowledges Christ to be her Lord, and Mary to be the mother of the Son of God. Observe, how the virgin is pronounced blessed, not so much for carrying Christ in her womb by sense, as for bearing him in her heart by faith; Blessed is she that believed. Mary was not so blessed in the bringing forth Christ, as believing in him: yet the believing here mentioned, I take to be, her firm assent to the message brought her by the angel; as if Elizabeth had said, "Dumbness was inflicted on my husband for his unbelief of what the angel said, but, Blessed art thou that did believe the angel." My husband, a man, an aged man, a learned and eminent man, a priest of the most high God; and the message to him of more appearing possibility; yet he disbelieved; but thou a woman, a mean, unlearned woman, of a private condition, and the message brought most incredible both to nature and reason, and yet it is believed by you! Blessed therefore is she that believed; and know, that as a reward for thy faith; all things shall certainly be performed that were foretold thee from the Lord.
We can learn Two from this things:
1. That it is the property of God to do great and wonderful things. Our faith must be great, and our expectation great; great expectations from God, honor the greatness of God.
2. That if our faith be great, God's performances will be gracious and full. Blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a performance of those things which were told here from the Lord.5
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Virgin Mary Learns Of The Plan For The Birth Of Christ
In the beginning of Church History: The Announcement Of The Birth Of Christ Came To The Virgin Mary, Luke 1:26–38.
The scene now changes to a distant part of the country. Nazareth was in Galilee, fifty or sixty miles from Jerusalem. A city of Galilee - As Joseph and Mary were both of the family of David, the patrimonial estate of which lay in Bethlehem, it seems as if the family residence should have been in that city, and not in Nazareth; for we find that, even after the return from the captivity, the several families went to reside in those cities to which they originally belonged. But it is probable that the holy family removed to Galilee for fear of exciting the jealousy of Herod, who had usurped that throne to which they had an indisputable right. Thus, by keeping out of the way, they avoided the effects of his jealousy.1 In the sixth month of her pregnancy The Angel Gabriel was sent with a message for Mary. Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women. Mary had been selected to be the mother of the long-expected Messiah--the mother of the Redeemer of mankind. Long had he been predicted; long had the eyes of the nation been turned to him and long had his coming been an object of intense desire. To be reckoned among his ancestors was accounted sufficient honor for even Abraham and David. But now the happy individual was designated who was to be his mother; and on Mary, a poor virgin of Nazareth, was to come this honor, which would have rendered infinitely illustrious any of the daughters of Adam--the honor of giving birth to the world's Redeemer and the Son of God.2 All this was announced, also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary.
As she had only promised to marry Joseph, and not as yet married, she knew that this conception could not have yet taken place; and she modestly inquires by what means the promise of the angel is to be fulfilled in order to regulate her conduct accordingly. The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee. The body of Jesus would be created by the direct power of God. It was not by ordinary generation; but, as the Messiah came to redeem sinners--to make atonement for others, and not for himself--it was necessary that his human nature should be pure, and free from the corruption of the fall. God therefore prepared him a body by direct creation that should be pure and holy. See Hebrews 10:5.2
And, behold, your cousin Elizabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. The case of Elisabeth is mentioned to inspire Mary with confidence, and to assure her that what was now promised would be fulfilled. It was almost as improbable that Elisabeth should have a child at her time of life, as it was that Mary should under the circumstances promised. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. It appears that at the instant of this act of faith, and purposed obedience, the conception of the immaculate humanity of Jesus took place; and it was Done unto her according to his word.1
The scene now changes to a distant part of the country. Nazareth was in Galilee, fifty or sixty miles from Jerusalem. A city of Galilee - As Joseph and Mary were both of the family of David, the patrimonial estate of which lay in Bethlehem, it seems as if the family residence should have been in that city, and not in Nazareth; for we find that, even after the return from the captivity, the several families went to reside in those cities to which they originally belonged. But it is probable that the holy family removed to Galilee for fear of exciting the jealousy of Herod, who had usurped that throne to which they had an indisputable right. Thus, by keeping out of the way, they avoided the effects of his jealousy.1 In the sixth month of her pregnancy The Angel Gabriel was sent with a message for Mary. Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women. Mary had been selected to be the mother of the long-expected Messiah--the mother of the Redeemer of mankind. Long had he been predicted; long had the eyes of the nation been turned to him and long had his coming been an object of intense desire. To be reckoned among his ancestors was accounted sufficient honor for even Abraham and David. But now the happy individual was designated who was to be his mother; and on Mary, a poor virgin of Nazareth, was to come this honor, which would have rendered infinitely illustrious any of the daughters of Adam--the honor of giving birth to the world's Redeemer and the Son of God.2 All this was announced, also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary.
As she had only promised to marry Joseph, and not as yet married, she knew that this conception could not have yet taken place; and she modestly inquires by what means the promise of the angel is to be fulfilled in order to regulate her conduct accordingly. The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee. The body of Jesus would be created by the direct power of God. It was not by ordinary generation; but, as the Messiah came to redeem sinners--to make atonement for others, and not for himself--it was necessary that his human nature should be pure, and free from the corruption of the fall. God therefore prepared him a body by direct creation that should be pure and holy. See Hebrews 10:5.2
And, behold, your cousin Elizabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. The case of Elisabeth is mentioned to inspire Mary with confidence, and to assure her that what was now promised would be fulfilled. It was almost as improbable that Elisabeth should have a child at her time of life, as it was that Mary should under the circumstances promised. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. It appears that at the instant of this act of faith, and purposed obedience, the conception of the immaculate humanity of Jesus took place; and it was Done unto her according to his word.1
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The History Of The Infancy Of John The Baptist And Christ: - Part Three
The History Of The Infancy Of John The Baptist And Christ: - Part Three
Date: B.C. 5 or 4
In the beginning of Church History: The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zacharias in the temple announcing the birth of John The Baptist, Luke 1:5–25.
And Zachariah said unto the angel, How shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well advanced in years. The angel answers, that he was dispatched by God as a messenger extraordinary, to declare this good news to him. And seeing he was so hard to believe it, and required a sign, he should have it, but such an one as should be a punishment of his unbelief, as well as a sign to confirm his faith; namely, he should from that time on, to the birth of the child, be dumb and deaf, as the original word signifies; because he had not hearkened to the angel's speech, he was struck deaf; and because he had said it, he was made dumb.5
The people waited for Zachariah, and marveled that he stayed so long in the temple. The priest was not accustomed to remaining in the temple more than half an hour. Having remained on this occasion a longer time, the people became apprehensive of his safety, and wondered what had happened to him. And when he came out, he could not speak.
They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: He beckoned to them, and remained speechless. It might have been expected that the extraordinary occurrence in the temple, together with his own calamity, would have induced him at once to leave this place and return home; but his duty was in the temple. His piety prompted him to remain there in the service of God. He was not unfitted for burning incense by his dumbness, and it was not proper for him to leave his post. It is the duty of ministers of religion to re- main at their work until they are unfitted for it, and unable to serve God in their profession. Then they must retire. But until that time, he that for trifling causes forsakes his post is guilty of unfaithfulness to his Master.2
As soon as the days of his service were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
Elizabeth hid herself she did not go into public, and concealed her condition. This might have been done that she might spend her time more entirely. in giving praise to God for his mercies, and that she might have the fullest proof of the accomplishment of the promise before she appeared in public or spoke of the mercies of God.2
Date: B.C. 5 or 4
In the beginning of Church History: The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zacharias in the temple announcing the birth of John The Baptist, Luke 1:5–25.
And Zachariah said unto the angel, How shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well advanced in years. The angel answers, that he was dispatched by God as a messenger extraordinary, to declare this good news to him. And seeing he was so hard to believe it, and required a sign, he should have it, but such an one as should be a punishment of his unbelief, as well as a sign to confirm his faith; namely, he should from that time on, to the birth of the child, be dumb and deaf, as the original word signifies; because he had not hearkened to the angel's speech, he was struck deaf; and because he had said it, he was made dumb.5
The people waited for Zachariah, and marveled that he stayed so long in the temple. The priest was not accustomed to remaining in the temple more than half an hour. Having remained on this occasion a longer time, the people became apprehensive of his safety, and wondered what had happened to him. And when he came out, he could not speak.
They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: He beckoned to them, and remained speechless. It might have been expected that the extraordinary occurrence in the temple, together with his own calamity, would have induced him at once to leave this place and return home; but his duty was in the temple. His piety prompted him to remain there in the service of God. He was not unfitted for burning incense by his dumbness, and it was not proper for him to leave his post. It is the duty of ministers of religion to re- main at their work until they are unfitted for it, and unable to serve God in their profession. Then they must retire. But until that time, he that for trifling causes forsakes his post is guilty of unfaithfulness to his Master.2
As soon as the days of his service were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
Elizabeth hid herself she did not go into public, and concealed her condition. This might have been done that she might spend her time more entirely. in giving praise to God for his mercies, and that she might have the fullest proof of the accomplishment of the promise before she appeared in public or spoke of the mercies of God.2
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The History Of The Infancy Of John The Baptist And Christ: - Part Two
Date: B.C. 5 or 4
In the beginning of Church History: The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zacharias in the temple announcing the birth of John The Baptist, Luke 1:5–25.
While he was offering incense according to the custom, there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zachariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. He feared this heavenly messenger had come to denounce the judgments of God against a faithless and disobedient people, who had too long and too well merited it. But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zachariah: for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. John signifies the grace or favor of Jehovah. A name well suiting the person, who was afterward so highly in favor with God, and endued with abundance of grace; and who opened a way to the most glorious dispensation of grace in the Messiah's kingdom. And so Zacharias's former prayers for a child, and the prayer which he, as the representative of the people, was probably offering at this very time, for the appearing of the Messiah, were remarkably answered in the birth of his forerunner.4
A child of prayer and faith is likely to be a source of comfort to his parents. Were proper attention paid to this point, there would be fewer disobedient children in the world; and the number of broken-hearted parents would be lessened. But what can be expected from the majority of matrimonial connections, connections begun without the fear of God, and carried on without his love. Many shall rejoice at his birth - He shall be the minister of God for good to multitudes, who shall, through his preaching, be turned from the error of their ways, and converted to God their Savior.
In the beginning of Church History: The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zacharias in the temple announcing the birth of John The Baptist, Luke 1:5–25.
While he was offering incense according to the custom, there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zachariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. He feared this heavenly messenger had come to denounce the judgments of God against a faithless and disobedient people, who had too long and too well merited it. But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zachariah: for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. John signifies the grace or favor of Jehovah. A name well suiting the person, who was afterward so highly in favor with God, and endued with abundance of grace; and who opened a way to the most glorious dispensation of grace in the Messiah's kingdom. And so Zacharias's former prayers for a child, and the prayer which he, as the representative of the people, was probably offering at this very time, for the appearing of the Messiah, were remarkably answered in the birth of his forerunner.4
A child of prayer and faith is likely to be a source of comfort to his parents. Were proper attention paid to this point, there would be fewer disobedient children in the world; and the number of broken-hearted parents would be lessened. But what can be expected from the majority of matrimonial connections, connections begun without the fear of God, and carried on without his love. Many shall rejoice at his birth - He shall be the minister of God for good to multitudes, who shall, through his preaching, be turned from the error of their ways, and converted to God their Savior.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The History Of The Infancy Of John The Baptist And Christ: - Part One
Date: B.C. 5 or 4
In the beginning of Church History: The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zacharias in the temple announcing the birth of John The Baptist, Luke 1:5–25.
In the days of Herod, the king, surnamed the Great, the son of Antipater, an Idumean by birth, who had professed himself a proselyte to the Jewish religion, but regarded no religion, farther than it promoted his secular interests and ambition. For the first time, the throne of Judah was filled by a person not of Jewish extraction, who had been forced upon the people by the Roman government. Therefore it appears plain that the prophecy of Jacob, Genesis 49:10, was now fulfilled; for the scepter had departed from Judah: and now was the time, according to another prophecy, to look for the governor from Bethlehem, who should rule and feed the people of Israel The course of Abiah: His wife was the daughter of Aaron. Her name was Elisabeth. She was of one of the sacerdotal families. This shows that John was most nobly descended: his father was a priest and his mother the daughter of a priest; and thus, both by father and mother, he descended from the family of Amram, of whom came Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, the most illustrious characters in the whole Jewish history.1
Both Zacharias and Elisabeth were now well up in years. God chooses this woman, naturally barren, and now aged also, to be the mother of John the Baptist, therein working a double miracle; and it is observable in holy writ, that when God denied to any women children for some long time, and then opened their wombs, they were the mothers of some eminent persons, whom God made great use of. Thus it was with Sarah, Rachel, the wife of Manoah, Hannah, 1Samuel 1:1-28, and this Elisabeth.
In the beginning of Church History: The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zacharias in the temple announcing the birth of John The Baptist, Luke 1:5–25.
In the days of Herod, the king, surnamed the Great, the son of Antipater, an Idumean by birth, who had professed himself a proselyte to the Jewish religion, but regarded no religion, farther than it promoted his secular interests and ambition. For the first time, the throne of Judah was filled by a person not of Jewish extraction, who had been forced upon the people by the Roman government. Therefore it appears plain that the prophecy of Jacob, Genesis 49:10, was now fulfilled; for the scepter had departed from Judah: and now was the time, according to another prophecy, to look for the governor from Bethlehem, who should rule and feed the people of Israel The course of Abiah: His wife was the daughter of Aaron. Her name was Elisabeth. She was of one of the sacerdotal families. This shows that John was most nobly descended: his father was a priest and his mother the daughter of a priest; and thus, both by father and mother, he descended from the family of Amram, of whom came Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, the most illustrious characters in the whole Jewish history.1
Both Zacharias and Elisabeth were now well up in years. God chooses this woman, naturally barren, and now aged also, to be the mother of John the Baptist, therein working a double miracle; and it is observable in holy writ, that when God denied to any women children for some long time, and then opened their wombs, they were the mothers of some eminent persons, whom God made great use of. Thus it was with Sarah, Rachel, the wife of Manoah, Hannah, 1Samuel 1:1-28, and this Elisabeth.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The Christian Church The Early Years
The Christian Church The Early Years Takes a historical look at the first hundred years of Christianity and is available at Christian Church History.Net
The first chapter of Revelation contains a general introduction to the whole book, and comprises the following parts:--
The first chapter of Revelation contains a general introduction to the whole book, and comprises the following parts:--
I. The announcement that the object of the book is to record a revelation which the Lord Jesus Christ had made of important events which were shortly to occur, and which were signified by an angel to the author, John, Revelation1:1 A blessing is pronounced on him who should read and understand the book, and special attention is directed to it because the time was at hand when the predicted events would occur.
II. Salutation to the seven churches of Asia, Revelation 1:4-8. To those churches, it. would seem from this, the book was originally dedicated or addressed, and two of the chapters (2 and 3) refer exclusively to them. Among them evidently the author had resided, (Revelation 1:9,) and the whole book was doubtless sent to them, and committed to their keeping. In this salutation, the author wishes for them grace, mercy, and peace from "him which is, and which was, and which is to come"--the original fountain of all light and truth--referring to more sublime.
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