Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO

JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS ILMA’S VLOG

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December 14
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JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS
15 “We are Jews by nature and not sinners from the Gentiles; 16 nevertheless, knowing that a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law; since by works of the Law no flesh will be justified. 17 But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Far from it! 18 For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a wrongdoer. 19 For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”- Galatians 2:15-21
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According to a commentary by Morris, this is Paul’s first use of the great ancient Greek word dikaioo (justified, declared righteous) in his letter to the Galatians. “It is a legal concept; the person who is ‘justified’ is the one who gets the verdict in a court of law. Used in a religious sense it means the getting of a favorable verdict before God on judgment day.” Paul knew that even a strictly observant Jew such as he was could never be considered right before God by what he did under the Law of Moses. Instead, he, Peter, and every single Christian must have believed in Christ Jesus. According to Stott, “‘Faith in Jesus Christ’, then, is not intellectual conviction only, but personal commitment. The expression in the middle of verse 16 is (literally) ‘we have believed into (eis) Christ Jesus.’ It is an act of committal, not just assenting to the fact that Jesus lived and died; but running to Him for refuge and calling on Him for mercy.” By refusing fellowship with Gentile Christians, Peter said in his actions that we are – in part – considered right before God by the works of the law. Paul couldn’t stand this because it wasn’t the truth.
Luther comments “To give a short definition of a Christian: A Christian is not somebody who has no sin, but somebody against whom God no longer chalks sin, because of his faith in Christ. This doctrine brings comfort to consciences in serious trouble.” Essentially Paul said, “There is more sin in trying to find acceptance before God by our law-keeping than there is sin in everyday life as a Christian.” Commitment is essential in salvation; without it, we will be doing works of the Law.
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REFLECTION
• Why is commitment essential in our salvation?

HOW HYPOCRISY COMPROMISES TRUTH ILMA’S VLOG

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December 13
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HOW HYPOCRISY COMPROMISES TRUTH
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? -Galatians 2:11-14
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In this letter to the Galatians, Paul mentions how he confronted Peter and didn’t keep quiet about how Peter does not act like a true Christian. In Acts 11:1-18, Peter himself was told to welcome Gentiles into Christianity without the precondition of becoming Jews. In verse 12, we witness Peter being afraid to eat with the Gentiles because he cared so much about what the Jews would say about associating with the uncircumcised. Though Peter was previously in agreement with welcoming Gentiles into the church without bringing them under the Law of Moses, when Peter came to Antioch at Paul’s home church, it was another story. He refused to associate with Gentile Christians once certain Jewish believers from Jerusalem came. Knowing their background, Peter knew they would be offended at his fellowship with Gentiles who had not come under the Law of Moses. In their eyes, these uncircumcised Gentiles were not really Christians at all. Therefore, to please them and to avoid a conflict, Peter treated these Gentile Christians as if they were not Christians at all. What a shame! Don’t we all do this as well, fearful of what those people with reputation would think of us if we do not fit into their belief system and traditions? We please humans more than God.
This clearly shows how Paul takes this matter seriously. He had publicly confronted Peter over the issue in verse 14. This was also serious because it involved the issue of eating together. It is easy to criticize Peter; but every person knows what it means to do something that you know is wrong. Everyone knows what it feels like to go against what you know very well is right. Everyone knows what it feels like when social pressure pushes you towards compromise in some way. Salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit did not made Peter perfect; the old Peter was still there, just seen less often.
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REFLECTION
• How can we ensure that we don’t do the opposite of what we preach and believe?

RECOGNIZE THE GRACE GIVEN TO YOU & REMEMBER THE POOR

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December 12
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RECOGNIZE THE GRACE GIVEN TO YOU & REMEMBER THE POOR
6 But from those who were of considerable repute (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism)—well, those who were of repute contributed nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised 8 (for He who was at work for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised was at work for me also to the Gentiles), 9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. 10 They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do – Galatians 2:6-10
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Based on a commentary on this chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Paul knew that in his day, there were leaders of high reputation – “famous” Christians, if you will. But they did not overly impress or intimidate Paul; whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man. Even though Paul met with influential and famous Christians a few times, they did not give him the gospel he preached. The leaders in Jerusalem added nothing to the gospel Paul preached or to the apostolic authority he possessed. Paul didn’t wait for someone else to make him a great Christian. He knew that it came down to a personal relationship between himself and Jesus. This isn’t to say that Paul received nothing from others or that no one else could ever bless him; but his Christian life was not built upon what other people did for him. Stott comments says that “Paul’s words are neither a denial of, nor a mark of disrespect for, their apostolic authority. He is simply indicating that, although he accepts their office as apostles, he is not overawed by their person as it was being inflated (by the false teachers).” Paul certainly did remember the poor in Jerusalem. He put a lot of effort towards gathering a contribution among the Gentile churches for the sake of the saints in Jerusalem.
I am amazed at Paul’s boldness to declare and confront those who will preach the wrong gospel or even distort it. How many church leaders have this kind of integrity and boldness to challenge all believers to truly obey and live the gospel? We have so many counterfeit churches teaching false or twisted gospels and also many so-called Christians who accept wrong gospels because they don’t take responsibility to obey and live the truth.
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REFLECTION
• Why is recognizing God’s grace key to living the renewed life we have in Jesus?

FIGHT FOR THE TRUE GOSPEL

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December 11
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FIGHT FOR THE TRUE GOSPEL
3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 Yet it was a concern because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them, even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. – Galatians 2:3-5________________________________________
In the Mosaic law, a Gentile convert must be circumcised. Paul addresses this issue in this part of his letter to the Galatians. A commentary says that Paul’s point is that the leadership in Jerusalem accepted Titus (a Gentile convert) even though he was not circumcised in accord with the Mosaic Law. This shows that the Jerusalem leadership accepted the gospel of grace as Paul understood it. The circumcision of Titus was a potential issue because circumcision – the cutting away of the male foreskin – was the sign of initiation into the Jewish faith and the Mosaic covenant. If a Gentile man wanted to become a Jew, he would have to be circumcised as an adult. Jewish men were circumcised as babies. Since all Jewish men were circumcised and most all Gentile men were not, it was an easy way to refer to “those who are part of the covenant” and to “those who are outside of the covenant of Moses.” According to Luther, “Paul did not condemn circumcision as if it were a sin to receive it. But he insisted, and the conference upheld him, that circumcision had no bearing upon salvation and was therefore not to be forced upon the Gentiles.”
In verse 4, Paul confronts this issue of because of false brethren who attempted to bring Paul and other Christians into bondage. It is important why Paul calls these men false. Of course, they did not think of themselves as false brethren. They thought of themselves as true brethren. But because they opposed and contradicted the gospel revealed to Paul by Jesus Christ, they really were false brethren, according to the standard of Galatians 1:6-9. Paul also addressed how these false brethren came sneaking in secretly to look into their freedom in Jesus and bring them back into slavery to the laws. These men probably had the best of intentions, but they were still dangerous men who had to be confronted.
In verse 5, Paul states that he remained steadfast. Some might react this way out of pride or just plain stubbornness. But Paul did it so that the truth of the gospel might continue with you (the Gentile Christians like those in Galatia).
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REFLECTION
• What is the role of a true believer in ensuring the true gospel is uncorrupted?

PAUL’S INTEGRITY IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL ILMA’S VLOG

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December 10
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PAUL’S INTEGRITY IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL
Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that somehow, I might be running, or had run, in vain.
-Galatians 2:1-2
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From Galatians 1, we hear from Paul’s letter that he took a trip to Jerusalem, here he describes a second trip to it, fourteen years later. In Galatians 1, Paul said in his letter that his gospel came by a revelation from Jesus and not from man, not even from the apostles in Jerusalem. According to a commentary, two visits to Jerusalem over 14 years demonstrated that Paul did not sit at the feet of the disciples of Jesus to learn the gospel.
Traveling with Paul to Jerusalem were both Barnabas (who was well respected among the leadership in Jerusalem according to Acts 4:36-37 and 11:22) and Titus (who was a Gentile convert). Titus was a remarkable man and associate of Paul. In this part of his letter, Paul tells the Galatians that he went to Jerusalem by the express direction of God. He did not go because any man called him to come; it was because God told him to go.
In verse 2, we witness Paul’s humility and discretion at telling the apostles that he is preaching the gospel of Christ. He didn’t know how everyone of reputation in Jerusalem would receive it. Perhaps some of the apostles themselves were wrong on this point, and needed to be corrected! But if there was any confrontation to be done, Paul did it privately to those who were of reputation. He did the best he could to not publicly embarrass those who were of reputation in Jerusalem. According to a commentary, this probably did not come from the fear that he himself would fall away. Probably it was the fear that an unnecessary conflict with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem leaders might damage his reputation and ministry in some way. Also, the danger was that false teachers – if encouraged in some way by the leaders in Jerusalem – might undo Paul’s work in planting churches and raising disciples for Jesus, and therefore would make Paul’s work in vain.
How many believers live a life of integrity like Paul, who is bold to confront anything that might be false teaching or anything that might hinder God’s truth to be spread to all? In our world today, we see so many compromised churches, teaching different gospels.
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REFLECTION
• What is our part as true believers in ensuring that the true gospel is preached?

PROOF OF PAUL’S ANOINTING ILMA’S VLOG

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December 9
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PROOF OF PAUL’S ANOINTING
18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 But I did not see another one of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which are in Christ; 23 but they only kept hearing, “The man who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they were glorifying God because of me.
– Galatians 1:18-24
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In this letter of Paul to the Galatians, he testifies that his conversion from persecutor to apostle wasn’t human but God appointed. In the following verses, he gives his testimony and evidences that his claim is true. In verse 18, he gives them an account of the total number of years before he knew Cephas. Though Paul calls this fellow Christian Cephas, he’s probably better known to us as Peter. As in Simon Peter (John 1:42). According to another commentary, it says that we shouldn’t think that Paul meant here that it was wrong to hear of the gospel through others, or that those who do hear it from someone who isn’t an apostle somehow have an inferior salvation. The point is simply that the gospel Paul preached was not a gospel of man, and this was settled forever because he did not receive it from any man. Paul did not travel to what we would call Saudi Arabia. The area known in that day as Arabia in his day extended all the way to the city of Damascus. Paul probably lived in some quiet desert place outside of Damascus. Then after three years: Paul proved here that he did not learn the gospel from the apostles, because he had been a Christian for three years before he even met the apostles Peter and James. Paul’s whole point in the second part of this chapter is important. His gospel was true, and his experience was valid, because it really came from God. It is fair for every Christian to ask if their gospel has come from God, or if they have made it up themselves. The questions are important because only what comes from God can really save us and make a lasting difference in our lives.
I can attest to divine appointment. I didn’t know God had prepared me to work for Him until I was in my late 50’s. He started to prod me to tell people about Christ since I was seven years old and have been schooled by the Holy Spirit even before I read the bible.
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REFLECTION
• How would one know if they are appointed directly by God?

REVELATION: AFTERMATH OF OBEDIENCE ILMA’S VLOG

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December 8
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REVELATION: AFTERMATH OF OBEDIENCE
11 For I would have you know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel which was preached by me is not of human invention. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my [countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15 But when He who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. – Galatians 1:11-17
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In this letter of Paul to the Galatians, he is emphasizing to them that the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ is not something he made up or is coming from a human. In verse 12, he tells them that it was something that was a revelation, not something he was given by another man or taught it. A revelation is divine, it is not something humans can do. Our ability to change ourselves is limited, but a revelation can transform us into a new creation. In verse 14, Paul witnesses to the Galatians and gives again his testimony to build this case of revelation. He used to persecute the believers because he followed his ancestors in continuing their tradition. But when God chose him and revealed His Son to him, he obeyed the Spirit’s revelation to him and he was transformed to the new person that God has turned him around from a persecutor to an apostle. In verse 16, he mentions that he didn’t train from other apostles ahead of him, instead he obeyed the instruction to go away.
Before I was born again almost nine years ago, I habitually served my own interests. It was always about me. When I began studying God’s word, I started to see that I was a sinner and an idolater. That was the conviction that came as the words of the bible popped out of its pages and dealt with my sins. As soon as I gave up trying to understand it and instead, obeyed faithfully the truths that was replacing the lies I listened to for over 5 decades, revelations from the Holy Spirit came flowing out of my mind and heart. I was never the same. Sadly, many Christians were hijacked by religion, tradition and cultural paradigms that stunt their maturity and hinder them to live the new life in Christ. They are unable to renew their minds because of disobedience.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think obedience is the key to get revelation from the Holy Spirit?

ON DISTORTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

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December 7
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ON DISTORTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1::6-10
________________________________________The word gospel literally means “good news.” A commentary says that Paul meant, “There is no ‘good news’ in this message. It is only bad news, so it really isn’t a ‘different good news.’ It is bad news. The New King James Version translation is much better at this place, because it makes a distinction between different and another, accurately reflecting the difference between two distinct ancient Greek words used. Different has the idea of “another of different kind” and another has the idea of “another of the same kind.” It is as if Paul wrote, “They brought you a completely different gospel. They claim it is just an alternative gospel of the same kind, but it isn’t at all. It is all together different.”
In verse 7, Martin Luther says “Note the resourcefulness of the devil. Heretics do not advertise their errors. Murderers, adulterers, thieves disguise themselves. So, the devil masquerades all these devices and activities. He puts on white to make himself look like an angel of light.”
To distort the gospel means to use the same words or idea, but cunningly twist it. This is much more wicked, because it seems like it is true yet, it is actually a lie. Lies comes from the evil one. In verses 8-9, Paul warns them of the consequence of twisting the gospel of Christ. He also reminds them of their responsibility as a believer to ensure that they don’t receive such false teachings, for they too will be accursed. In verse 10, he tells the Galatians that to be a servant of God, you cannot continue to please humans.
In our current days, we see so many Christians believe lies that come from false teachings which results from going the different path. They are deceived to think they are going to heaven when they are actually going to hell.
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REFLECTION
• How can a true believer recognize false teachings and false teachers?

December 7
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ON DISTORTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1::6-10
________________________________________The word gospel literally means “good news.” A commentary says that Paul meant, “There is no ‘good news’ in this message. It is only bad news, so it really isn’t a ‘different good news.’ It is bad news. The New King James Version translation is much better at this place, because it makes a distinction between different and another, accurately reflecting the difference between two distinct ancient Greek words used. Different has the idea of “another of different kind” and another has the idea of “another of the same kind.” It is as if Paul wrote, “They brought you a completely different gospel. They claim it is just an alternative gospel of the same kind, but it isn’t at all. It is all together different.”
In verse 7, Martin Luther says “Note the resourcefulness of the devil. Heretics do not advertise their errors. Murderers, adulterers, thieves disguise themselves. So, the devil masquerades all these devices and activities. He puts on white to make himself look like an angel of light.”
To distort the gospel means to use the same words or idea, but cunningly twist it. This is much more wicked, because it seems like it is true yet, it is actually a lie. Lies comes from the evil one. In verses 8-9, Paul warns them of the consequence of twisting the gospel of Christ. He also reminds them of their responsibility as a believer to ensure that they don’t receive such false teachings, for they too will be accursed. In verse 10, he tells the Galatians that to be a servant of God, you cannot continue to please humans.
In our current days, we see so many Christians believe lies that come from false teachings which results from going the different path. They are deceived to think they are going to heaven when they are actually going to hell.
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REFLECTION
• How can a true believer recognize false teachings and false teachers?

PAUL, AN APOSTLE WRITES TO THE GALATIANS ILMA’S VLOG

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December 6
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PAUL, AN APOSTLE WRITES TO THE GALATIANS
Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. – Galatians 1:1-3
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According to some commentaries, the book of Galatians has been called the “Declaration of Independence of Christian liberty.” The great reformer Martin Luther especially loved this letter; he called Galatians his “Catherine von Bora” after his wife; because, he said, “I am married to it.” If it is true that Galatians was written around A.D. 50, then Paul would have been a Christian for about 15 years, being converted on the road to Damascus around A.D. 35. This emphasis on Paul’s apostolic credentials is important. Paul had strong words for these Galatians, and they had to understand that he wrote with authority; indeed, apostolic authority. Paul expected that Christians would respect his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Wuest comments that “The word apostle as Paul uses it here does not merely refer to one who has a message to announce, but to an appointed representative with an official status who is provided with the credentials of his office.” It is our duty to also respect Paul’s authority as an apostle. We do this by regarding this ancient letter as the Word of God, and by taking it seriously to heart. Paul’s calling as an apostle was not from man, nor was it through man. It didn’t originate with man, and it didn’t come through man. It originated with God and came directly from God. His standing as an apostle was not based on opinion polls and it did not come from any human council. It was based on a Divine call, made through both the Father and the Son. Martin Luther wrote “When I was a young man, I thought Paul was making too much of his call. I did not understand his purpose. I did not then realize the importance of the ministry… We exalt our calling, not to gain glory among men, or money, or satisfaction, or favor, but because people need to be assured that the words we speak are the words of God. This is no sinful pride. It is holy pride.” (Martin Luther)
I was led by the Spirit to study again this book as I am being trained to pull down strongholds and exposing false doctrines. It confirms my passion to bring truth.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think this introduction to his letter is important to all believers?

MAY MY PRAISE BE PLEASING TO HIM ILMA’S VLOG

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December 5
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MAY MY PRAISE BE PLEASING TO HIM
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
May the LORD rejoice in His works;
32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 May my praise be pleasing to Him;
As for me, I shall rejoice in the LORD.
35 May sinners be removed from the earth
And may the wicked be no more.
Bless the LORD, my soul.
Praise the LORD! Psalm 104:31-35
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This psalm is an exaltation to the Lord. The psalmist declares God’s glory that lasts throughout eternity. It is a declaration of God’s mighty deeds and his power. In verse 32, it gives us a picture of how everything is under God’s control: the earth and mountains all are only able to follow what He wants done. In verse 33, the psalmist models what all believers ought to do, to sing praises to the Lord Almighty, who is worthy of all praise. He declares his choice to be loyal to only bring God the glory. He made a promise that while he still has breath, he will only be faithful to Him. Verse 34 is another declaration of his reverence for the Lord. How he ensures that his worship will be in accordance to God’s preferred adoration. He prays in verse 35 that those who habitually sins be annihilated from this earth. He pleads God to watch his soul prosper and continue to praise Him.
According to enduringword.com commentary, the psalmist understood that God is also worshipped by our thoughts. What we choose to set our mind on is a measure of what we truly value. Knowing the greatness and goodness of God as revealed in creation, the psalmist wanted his thoughts to be pleasing to God.
May sinners be consumed from the earth: This seems a strange and solemn declaration in this psalm. Yet it is the logical consequence for those who reject God as Creator. Paul later developed this thought in Romans 1, speaking of the guilt and consequences due to those who reject God as Creator and worship the creature rather than the Creator.
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REFLECTION
• How can the way we worship God be displeasing to Him?