Tag: Rock

Who is the Rock? Day 9

On By KateIn Devotionals, Who is the Rock?Leave a comment

(Psa 78:35)  And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

Good morning, dear Reader! We have passed the Winter Solstice and our days are beginning to lengthen. I have always loved it when we get to this point because I know that the sun will set later and later with each passing day! I also love the symbolism. The darkness of winter can be symbolic of the state of one’s spiritual life. The more there is darkness in our heart, the more we will sin.

(Joh 8:12)  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Praise the Lord that our Redeemer came to pay the price for our sins. He came to bring light to a dying world. Have you ever done a study on that word “redeem”? It totally blessed me! Noah Webster defines it as:

REDEE’M, v.t. [L. redimo; red, re, and emo, to obtain or purchase.]

To purchase back; to ransom; to liberate or rescue from captivity or bondage, or from any obligation or liability to suffer or to be forfeited, by paying an equivalent; as, to redeem prisoners or captured goods; to redeem a pledge.

To rescue; to recover; to deliver from.
Th’ Almighty from the grave hath me redeem’d.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. Psa 25. Deu 7.

To compensate; to make amends for.

To free by making atonement..

To pay the penalty of.

To save.

God’s violated law, by obedience and suffering in the place of the sinner, or by doing and suffering that which is accepted in lieu of the sinner’s obedience.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. Gal 3. Titus 2.

In commerce, to purchase or pay the value in specie, of any promissory note, bill or other evidence of debt, given by the state, by a company or corporation, or by an individual. The credit of a state, a banking company or individuals, is good when they can redeem all their stock, notes or bills, at par.

Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, paid the price for our sin and rescued us from the bondage of that sin. No longer do we have to sin because we have the power of Christ’s Holy Spirit abiding within us. We can say no to sin! Our Redeemer has completely saved us and has paid the ransom on our behalf! The word “redeemer” appears 18 times in the entire Bible and only in the Old Testament. Out of those 18 times, it is used as a proper noun seven times: Redeemer! As you may or may not know, the number seven in Scriptures is the number for completion and perfection. How appropriate is that? Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, came to earth to complete salvation. His salvation is perfect – without Him, there is no salvation! No religion can provide complete and perfect salvation; only faith in Jesus Christ and His payment for our sins!

(Job 19:25)  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
(Psa 19:14)  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
(Psa 78:35)  And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
(Pro 23:11)  For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
(Isa 41:14)  Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
(Isa 43:14)  Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.
(Isa 44:6)  Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
(Isa 44:24)  Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
(Isa 47:4)  As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
(Isa 48:17)  Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
(Isa 49:7)  Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
(Isa 49:26)  And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
(Isa 54:5)  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
(Isa 54:8)  In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.
(Isa 59:20)  And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
(Isa 60:16)  Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
(Isa 63:16)  Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
(Jer 50:34)  Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

This is such a blessing to me! I hope it is to you as well! There’s always a golden nugget that can be found in the Scriptures if we simply search. 😃

If you’ve read through this post today and you have doubts whether or not you are saved, born again, please leave a comment simply asking me to reach out to you. I would rather be certain of where I will spend eternity than to be afraid to admit to my church family that I’m doubting that I’m saved! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Who is the Rock?

On By KateIn Catholicism1 Comment

Christ taught that a foundation that is built upon the Rock, Jesus Christ, will last. The catholic church teaches that Peter is the rock. Unfortunately for them, this viewpoint will fall apart.

~Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

~Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

~Deuteronomy 32:18 Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

~2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

~1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

There is no question in these four verses that the Rock is God, Jesus Christ. Not only do these verses emphatically state that the Rock is Christ, but the word Rock is capitalized! No matter how much the catholic church teaches that Peter is the rock, their doctrine is a direct contradiction to these Scriptures.  So why does the catholic church teach this?  Let’s look at the Scriptures:

~Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Peter’s statement (that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God) is that rock Christ spoke of in Matthew 16:18. No matter how hard Satan tries to convince mankind that there are many ways to Heaven, Christ is the only foundation – the only way to Heaven. It is that rock (that Jesus is God, the Saviour and Messiah) that will prevail. Not Peter.

~Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Albert Barnes worded it beautifully when in his commentary of this verse:

He that is in possession of it has the power of access, and has a general care of a house. Hence, in the Bible, a key is used as a symbol of superintendence an emblem of power and authority. See the Isa_22:22 note; Rev_1:18; Rev_3:7 notes. The kingdom of heaven here means, doubtless, the church on earth. See the notes at Mat_3:2. When the Saviour says, therefore, he will give to Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, he means that he will make him the instrument of opening the door of faith to the world the first to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. This was done, Acts 2:14-36; 10. The “power of the keys” was given, on this occasion, to Peter alone, solely for this reason; the power of “binding and loosing” on earth was given to the other apostles with him. See Mat_18:18. The only pre-eminence, then, that Peter had was the honor of first opening the doors of the gospel to the world.

God is a God of order. The Jews had always been the ones to have the salvation of the Lord and to bring it to others. The Gospel had to be preached to them first (see Romans 1:16, 2:9 and 2:10). The Jew would have to be convinced that the Holy Spirit and salvation they received was the same one the Gentiles were receiving. That is why Peter was given the honor of opening the doors of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.

The early church had the Apostles to lead them into all truths of the Old Testament Scriptures. As the Gospels and Epistles were written (by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit – not by the Apostles “efforts”) along the way, they were read to the church. The “construction” of the New Testament Scriptures were meticulously cared for and treasured (see 2 Timothy 4:13). The early church definitely had Scriptures which were used by the Apostles and disciples to teach them in all things!

~2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The catholic church leaders do not want their members reading the Word and interpreting for themselves because they fear that their members would be inspired with truth from the Holy Spirit!

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Day 20 – Eight Reasons David Loved The Lord

On By KateIn Uncategorized1 Comment
Psalm 18 was a Psalm that David very likely wrote before he became king. This is the introduction to the Psalm:

Psalms 18:1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,) I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

This Psalm was written to proclaim the deliverances the Lord had given to him through the years. Because of all these deliverances and the Lord’s care of him through every trial and distress, David loved the Lord his God. It is interesting that verse two gives us David’s eightfold reason for loving the Lord.

Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

1) The Lord is my Rock.

Jesus is the Rock. A life built upon faith in Him is a life built upon the Rock (rather than sand. He is the sure and stable foundation that will last through all the storms of life, regardless of how fierce and strong they may blow.

One nugget I gleaned this morning was looking up the Hebrew word behind the word rock. It is “cela or sela.” This word is the same as the name of an ancient city in the Bible: Sela, the rock-city of Idumaea, now called Petra. If you have ever seen pictures of this interesting city carved out of the rock walls and cliffs, you would be amazed at its wonder. Taking a look at this ancient city in Edom gives a possible inkling of what David had in mind when using this word in reference to the refuge and safety found in the Lord.

Psalms 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?

Psalms 18:46 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

2) The LORD is my fortress.

A stronghold, a place of strength, a place where the enemy cannot enter. Like the previous term, this word also holds some wonder. This Hebrew word for fortress or stronghold is where we get the name Masada from. This was a city built on top of a mountain, that was inaccessible to the enemy. As far as the history of this particular city goes, it is quite sad – however, the picture presented to us in Scripture is a blessing to consider.

Psalms 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

1 Samuel 23:25-29 Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

3) The LORD is my deliverer.

The one who rescues from all distress, from all enemies, the one who pulls me out of the muck and the mire that I’ve fallen into.

Psalms 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psalms 18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Psalms 18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

The Lord delivers us because He delights in us! That statement brings tremendous comfort and assurance to the soul!

4) The LORD is my God.

When pondering on this verse a while ago, I was thinking that David was here just naming his Deliverer, ie. He is God, then giving seven specifics about how personal God was to him. But upon further reflection, I think David was stating that God was his God. God was the one with David’s life in His hands, with David’s welfare on His mind, and with David’s care on His heart.

The Lord’s relationship to David (and to us) was an eightfold one, as expressed in this verse. Eight is the number of new beginnings – and if you are saved, all of these eight things are true of you as well – you had a new beginning with the Lord Jesus Christ the moment He became your God, the moment He became your Saviour. With the Lord as your God, with your Heavenly Father in control of all that goes on in your life, there is no need for fear. The word for God here means “the Strong One, the Almighty.”

5) The LORD is my strength, in whom I will trust.

The word for strength here is “properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge,” from a root meaning “to cramp, i.e. confine.” Seeing both this term and rock used in the same verse presents some contrasts:

Rock (sela) means “to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)”; and speaks of the inaccessability of those hidden in it. Whereas this term strength also refers to a rock, but focusses more on the strength of the rock – ie. consider the strength of a mountain. Your enemies cannot move it! If your strength comes from the Lord, and His strength is as the mountains, nothing will move you (or Him); you are secure in Him. The wind and the waves may come – but the Rock holds firm!

Psalms 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalms 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

David said it was in the Lord he would trust. Knowing that the Lord is watching out for David and working in his life, protecting him, sheltering him, delivering him, David placed his confidence and reliance on the Lord. We can learn from this great lesson and continue to place our day-to-day affairs into His capable hands. We can trust fully in the Lord!

6) The LORD is my buckler.

The Lord is our shield – He is the one that will protect us spiritually and physically in this life. Too many people try to make their own shields – whether a cushion of wealth or being surrounded by bodyguards or an army – but David said the Lord was to be our shield, our Protector. As long as He is watching out for His children, if we are walking closely to Him and striving to do His will, then we don’t have to fear men or anything else that comes our way.

Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Like verse 19, this verse is excellent! Truly, it is God’s gentleness in reaching down to us that lifts us up and makes us great. His kindness and tenderness reaches out to His children and exalts them in His sight.

Psalms 18:16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

7) The LORD is the horn of my salvation.

Horns in the Bible represent power. Think of an animal fighting with another animal – the horn is what gives one an advantage and helps it to win. It can be used to defeat the enemy and protect itself. Well, it is God’s power that defeats our enemies and protects us, that keeps us safe until we are home in Heaven with Him.

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Psalms 18:17-18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.

8) The LORD is my high tower.

Here is another place of refuge and safety. The benefit of a high tower is that you are placed above the battle and can see the enemy coming before they can get to you. But you are also protected and sheltered within it. David knew the Lord was his high tower, his refuge and safety.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Psalms 144:1-2 (A Psalm of David.) Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

The Lord wasn’t just a fortress, wasn’t just any high tower or deliverer. He was David’s fortress, David’s high tower, David’s shield and deliverer. Is He yours?

Preached June 21st/07
Written June 22nd/07
Jerry Bouey

(Note: linking to these websites on Petra and Masada does not indicate an endorsement of them. They are provided merely to show pictures and give general information about these two ancient cities. Please use your own discernment as to their content.)

Day 9 – The Eight Rocks of Scriptures

On By KateIn Uncategorized1 Comment

While I was on the phone with my dear friend, we were discussing the possibilities of doing a 30-day series on the verses containing the word “rock.” As I searched out this possibility, the Lord impressed upon my heart to search for each time the word “rock” was capitalized – Rock. When the results surfaced, I began to weep tears of joy along with my dear friend. My eyes rested on seven verses containing the word Rock and the seventh verse had two occurrences, totaling eight! There is no greater feeling in the world than that of finding a nugget in God’s Word that will blow your socks off! How perfectly the Eight Rocks of Scriptures fell into this series that Brother Jerry Bouey and I are doing. As I started digging into the eight occurrences, I saw that they all had a common denominator. Let’s dig for these golden nuggets together.

(1) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deu 32:4) This Rock’s work is perfect. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (Heb 9:11) All this Rock’s ways are judgment. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (Rev 19:11) This Rock is truth and is without sin. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Joh 14:6) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15) Just and right is this Rock. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. (Psa 33:4) In summary, this Rock is the Word of God – Jesus. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Joh 1:1) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Cor 13:10) This Rock is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

(2) But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. (Deu 32:15) This verse references the Rock of salvation. Acts 4:10-12, Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (10) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (11) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (12) (Emphasis mine) In summary, this Rock represents salvation. This Rock is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

(3) Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. (Deu 32:18) This Rock is the one that formed us. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Col 1:16) In summary, this Rock is the Creator. This Rock is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

(4) How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? (Deu 32:30) This Rock chastises those He loves. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (Heb 12:6) The born-again believer is now a son/daughter of God. This child now receives chastening so that we can be molded into the image of Christ. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (Joh 1:12) In summary, this Rock chastens us. This Rock is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

(5) For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. (Deu 32:31) There is none other that is like this Rock. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Act 4:12) Allah cannot qualify. Buddha cannot qualify. Joseph Smith cannot qualify. In summary, there is only one Rock. This Rock is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

(6) The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. (2 Sa 23:3) This Rock is God. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1 John 5:7) This Rock speaks to His people. John 10:14-16, I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (14) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. (15) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (16) In summary, this Rock is the God who speaks to His people, both the Jew and the Gentile. This Rock is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

(7) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Cor 10:4) The beautiful Jesus, the Perfect Sacrifice for all men (the number for man is six) is the Rock of all Rocks. The spiritual Rock referenced here, Jesus Christ, is the seventh time the word “Rock” (capitalized) is mentioned. The seventh (perfect) appearance of the word Rock refers to the perfection of Jesus Christ. There is no other Rock from which we can receive salvation – this is our perfect spiritual drink. Only Christ can give the living water which we need – eternal life. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (Joh 7:38) “That Rock was Christ” is the eighth appearance of the word Rock! Only the Rock of our salvation can give us a new beginning – only Jesus Christ can provide perfect and complete salvation for all mankind! None other!

Dear God…
The living waters flow from You
The Rock that is higher than I
You freely gave, my freedom paid
To the Perfect Rock I draw nigh.

Jesus My Redeemer, My King

On By KateIn Various1 Comment

Thou art my Rock and my Fortress
Thou art my hiding place
Under Thy wing of protection
Thy Word I truly embrace

Thou givest me song in the nighttime
Thou givest me light on the way
Directing my every footstep
Protecting my night and my day

A Shepherd Thou art in my life Lord
Thy rod and staff guide my way
Gently prodding, pulling and guiding
My heart at Thy Throne I do lay

What comfort Thou givest this pilgrim
What peace and joy lies within
Tis nothing I could do for myself, Lord
Only Thy Blood cleanseth me from this sin

Dear Jesus, Thou art my Deliverer
On Thee will I focus my heart
Thou hast given me life eternal
My name from Thy Book will not part

I will meet Thee my Lord, my Redeemer
When my course on earth has been run
And my eyes will be able to see Thee
Then in person I’ll worship the Son!

Oh come join me all ye who love Him
Let our voices ne’er cease to sing
Cast thy burdens at Jesus’ Precious Feet
Shout Hosannah to our Heavenly King!

Given to me June 16, 2006
Kate Plourde

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