Ron & Nathele Graham

Simeon Found Jesus :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR7

It’s that time of year again. Many people take a good look at themselves and resolve to make changes in the way they live. Some see the need to give up a bad habit, such as smoking. Other’s want to be better stewards of their money.

Every year I resolve to lose weight, but like most resolutions I never seem to be able to put it into practice for more than a couple of weeks. There’s always next year, right? Of all the resolutions to be made, drawing nearer to Christ is one that every Christian should make and keep. A closer walk with Christ should be our hearts desire.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:8a)

How often have you felt that you’re far from God? We all go through times of being on the mountain top, then we plunge down into the valley. God is always right there with us, but when we’re in the valley we sometimes feel far from Him. He hasn’t moved away, but you’ve stopped looking for Him.

Many Christians read through their Bible each year, and that’s a good habit to get into. Scriptures can be memorized and brought to mind in a time of need. If you become familiar with passages that bring comfort you will be able to bring peace to a friend who is struggling, and therefore help others in their walk with Jesus. Reading through the Bible is good, but maybe this year you should resolve to really study it.

As you study, have a good concordance nearby in order to learn the meaning of each word in a verse. No matter what version you use, our English Bible is merely a translation from the original languages. Quite often you will gain deeper understanding by knowing the definition of original words and phrases.

You’ll learn that it was God who created everything and it didn’t evolve from nothing. Only by study will you learn what God says as opposed to how mankind has confused His Word.

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

You may have to change your mind about the “profane and old wives’ fables” you’ve been taught once you study Scripture. For instance, many preachers teach that the reason God destroyed all flesh in the Flood is that Seth’s sons married Cain’s daughters. What a fable that is! Satan uses that fable in order to make God look angry and vindictive. An honest study of Genesis chapter 6 reveals that the “sons of God” are the fallen angels and the “daughters of men” are human women.

This ungodly union produced the Nephilim, which had to be destroyed or all of creation would be beyond redemption. If you believe that God destroyed all flesh because one human married another human, then you’ll be confused about other passages where God gives orders to destroy all men, women, children, and animals of certain tribes.

The human genome has to be protected from corruption of their DNA by satanic forces. Unless you study what God says rather than man’s fables you will be very confused. By the way, scientists today are corrupting DNA quite regularly…just as in the days of Noah.

Only Bible study will give you the knowledge to defend your faith. If someone asks you a question, you’ll have the answer.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)

The world, which is under the influence of Satan, accepts many things that contradict God’s word. If you “sanctify the Lord God” in your heart, then you will have no conflict of how to answer someone who claims that God is okay with the particular sin they embrace. They will say not to judge them because Christians aren’t to judge. People like to pull a verse out of context and build a false doctrine around it.

By studying God’s word you can explain that you aren’t judging because God defines sin and the wages of sin is death. Then you can open their eyes to God’s love and forgiveness. If you have studied Scripture you will be able to help them to repent and accept salvation that only is through Christ.

Walking closer with our Lord takes determination. As you study God’s word, examine your life. We all have sin that comes between us and Jesus. Recognize the sin in your life and ask God to help you move away from it. James wrote that if we draw close to God, He will draw close to us and then he tells us how to do that.

“Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:8b-10)

We tend to recognize sin in others but justify our own sin. Anger, lust, and poor stewardship of our money are just a few things we justify. James says to stop being double minded. Don’t have one standard for yourself and another standard for others. Cleanse your hands of the sin in your own life and live as an example to others of how to honor Christ.

Remember, God hasn’t changed His mind about what is and isn’t sin. What was sin yesterday is sin today. He shed His blood to purchase your redemption from the wages of sin:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Christ paid a huge price to save you. Don’t take that fact lightly.

Many people today say they can “feel” that things are changing. “Something’s in the air,” they say. That “something” is prophecy being fulfilled. Many Christians ignore prophecy and refuse to study it. That’s wrong. God gave us prophecy for our benefit…a light that shines in a dark place.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:19-20)

Peter had witnessed amazing things as He walked with Jesus, but in spite of what he saw he placed prophecy above what he experienced, yet most preachers won’t teach about it. In effect that’s telling God that a large portion of His Word doesn’t matter. The events happening around the world, especially in the Middle East, will make more sense when looked at through Bible prophecy. Why is there such a fight over Israel’s right to exist?

God gave that land to the Jewish people. Period.

God gave it to them forever. The UN, the USA, or any other political alliance you can name, has no right to take it away. Study Genesis chapter 13 to see that the land was given by God Almighty to Abram’s seed forever. Abram (whose name was changed to Abraham) is the father of the nation of Israel.

Prophecy tells us that all nations will come against Israel, and we see that happening today. The war will continue but Israel will be victorious. As you study Scripture, don’t neglect prophecy. God wants us to understand and walk close to Him as we face these last days. Which brings us to the Rapture.

Studying Scripture will reveal that not only is the Rapture scriptural but it’s on the very near horizon. Many people erroneously believe that the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is a new teaching. Nonsense. In your study of Genesis you will come across Enoch who was taken (raptured) by God prior to the judgment of Noah’s flood (Genesis 5:24 and Hebrews 11:5). Enoch is a “picture” of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture.

Also study Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians and you will see that Paul taught a pre-tribulation Rapture. Also understand that the letters that Jesus dictated to John, which are found in chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation, spell out the history of the ekklēsia. After the final letter, John saw a door open in heaven.

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” (Revelation 4:1)

This is the Rapture. The rest of Revelation is what John saw happening after the ekklēsia (Christians) are raptured. There were marvelous things in heaven, but on earth it will be awful. The events of the final seven years will be horrendous…God’s wrath will be poured out. All those who have not accepted Christ for salvation will face harrowing times. This alone should inspire you to draw near to God and witness to others about the good news of salvation through Jesus.

The most comforting of all subjects of study is salvation. God made it simple for us but people have complicated it.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

What a wonderful promise! There’s nothing you can do, no works involved, that can save you. Only grace from God accepted by faith brings salvation. There’s no other way to spend eternity in Heaven than through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Everyone is a sinner and falls short of God’s perfect standard, but Jesus shed His blood for the entire world. The question is, in what have you placed your faith?

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-26)

Have you placed your faith in Christ alone for salvation? Many people place their faith in works, such as doing good deeds. Some believe that baptism equals salvation. How many people have been baptized but haven’t placed their faith in Christ and think they are saved? Each person must make the choice to accept God’s free gift for themselves.

Works should be a result of your faith. You should be baptized because of obedience and you should do good deeds help as a way to glorify Christ, but only faith brings salvation. As you walk closer to Jesus you will become more and more thankful for the price He paid to redeem you.

Of all the resolutions you can make, the one with the greatest rewards is to truly study His Word and walk close to Him.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

Simeon Found Jesus :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR7

Joseph and Mary knew who Jesus was, but that knowledge didn’t make them think they were above the Mosaic Law. Under that Law there were certain requirements a woman was to do after giving birth, and Mary was not exempt from following those requirements. When a woman gave birth to a male child, she was considered unclean for seven days (Leviticus 12:2).

“And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.” (Leviticus 12:4)

 In addition to the mother’s requirements, on the eighth day the male child was to be circumcised.

“And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” (Leviticus 12:3)

This requirement actually pre-dated the Law by many years; God had given this directive to Abraham as the sign of a covenant between Him and the children of Abraham. Mary did all     that was required by the Law. Even though she bore the Son of God she was merely human and subject to the Law of Moses.

According to the Law, after the time that she was considered unclean a woman was to bring a Lamb and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering (Leviticus 12:6). If for some reason she was unable to bring a lamb then two turtledoves or two pigeons were acceptable.

“And if she be not able to bring a lamb then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.” (Leviticus 12:8)

Mary followed the requirement of the Law by bringing her sin offering and a burnt offering.

“And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord…and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:22,  24)

Joseph and Mary must have felt bad because they could only bring birds but no lamb for the sacrifice. Did they understand that Jesus was the Lamb? Just like people today, Joseph and Mary only knew day by day God’s plan and followed as best they could. We can be sure that the Magi hadn’t visited yet because Joseph and Mary would have been able to buy a lamb to offer as her sin offering.

With no gold, frankincense, or myrrh she could only offer the birds. Also, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to Jerusalem but on the night the Magi visited, Joseph was warned in a dream to leave for Egypt immediately. Being obedient they left that very night. It was on the day that Joseph and Mary took the offerings to the priest that a man named Simeon had his prayers answered.

 “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2:25-26)

In just a few words we learn so much about Simeon. He loved God. There are many prophecies in the Old Testament that foretold the Messiah’s birth and Simeon took the words of the prophets seriously. He was looking for the Messiah and his faith was strong.

Because the prophets had foretold of the coming Messiah, many people were looking for Him, but not everyone had the depth of yearning that Simeon had. It’s hard to understand how the Scribes and Pharisees missed the Messiah’s birth because they studied Scripture, but they didn’t look for Him.

They didn’t have the desire that Simeon had to see the Messiah. The religious leaders had head knowledge of Scripture, but Simeon had heart knowledge. The Holy Spirit still speaks to people today, but most people ignore Him. Many people have head knowledge of Scripture and only a few truly desire to seek the Messiah.

Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit so it should be easier for us to hear His voice, but too many of us are distracted by the world and ignore God’s leading.

The Holy Spirit came upon Simeon but didn’t indwell him, yet Simeon was devout and heard His voice. When a person is led by the Spirit, wonderful things will happen. Unlike the priests and Pharisees, Simeon desired to see the Messiah…the consolation of Israel.

“And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou has prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:27-33)

We can all learn from Simeon. His great desire was to see “the Lord’s Christ” and was watching for Him. Then, when he saw Him, Simeon embraced Him. Do we do that? When we see our need for Jesus and finally accept Him for our salvation, do we truly embrace Him or do we just go on as if our life hasn’t been changed?

Simeon also blessed Him rather than waiting to be blessed by Him. Think about it and see if you truly embrace Jesus and if you just sit around waiting for Him to bless you. Embrace Him and bless Him and your life will be changed for the better.

Simeon had insight that few people had in those days. He understood that the Messiah would come to Israel, but he also understood that He was coming as a light to the Gentiles. That fact is something that many religious leaders couldn’t come to grips with. Many years later a Pharisee named Nicodemus would come to Jesus to seek understanding. Jesus talked a long while with Nicodemus and gave him much to ponder.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus said that God loved the “world” not just the Jews. There was separation between the Jews and the Gentiles and much resentment. Jesus came first to the Jews and when they rejected their Messiah, the Gentiles were also welcome to accept His sacrifice for salvation. When Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus He didn’t exclude Gentiles from this gift. God’s love is offered to everyone, but His gift needs to be accepted.

It would be wonderful if everyone had the desire to see “the Lord’s Christ” like Simeon did, because it is God’s desire that all people come to salvation.

‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17)

Simeon found the desire of his heart when he saw Jesus. What is the desire of your heart? Do you want to see Jesus, or are you willing to settle for fleeting desires of this world? Jesus didn’t come to condemn us but to save us. Salvation through Him should change us.

The King of kings was born as a baby in a humble manger. Most people were aware that one          day the Messiah would come to them but few were actually seeking to find Him. The Shepherds were the first ones to receive the Good News, and they left their flocks to go find Him. The Magi were looking for Him. They saw His star and followed it to Bethlehem and found Him. Among the few who were looking for Him was Simeon and his prayers were answered.

Today we are living in a time that prophecy is being fulfilled. Are you ignoring the signs of the times? Jesus came once to offer salvation to everyone. He will come again to bring judgment upon the unbelieving world that follows Satan. Before God’s wrath begins, all those who have placed their faith in Jesus for salvation will be called Home. Right now, today, is when you need to embrace Jesus. If Simeon hadn’t been seeking Him he would have missed the greatest gift of all.

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” (Luke 2:29-30)

Because Simeon saw Jesus he found peace. Can you say that you have found peace? Sin brings death and we are all sinners. Only faith in Jesus Christ will bring forgiveness of sin and eternal life.

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6)

If you were to die today do you have the same peace that Simeon found by embracing Jesus?                It’s a fact that we all face death. It’s also a fact that God’s wrath is very near. Whether death takes you or you are called Home in the Rapture prior to God’s wrath, the only way to live eternally with God is to give your life to Jesus right now. You have a choice so choose wisely.

God bless you all,

 Nathele Graham