April 22nd Bulletin

‘Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight!'” ‘ Matt. 3:1-3

Well, we’ve finished considering the means by which theologians in the religious marketplace quantify Old Testament quotes when used in the New Testament.

And you’ve had the opportunity to see the general consensus among the denominational/ evangelical realm on their perspective of Old Testament quotes in the New.  You now have some idea how leaders in that sphere think and how they teach others. Hope it was helpful. Way back (about four weeks ago, previous articles are posted on our web site www.newcreation.us) when we started this study, mention was made of the intention to examine some of the more frequently quoted Old Testament passages in the New, as well as the more difficult to understand and/or unusual passages. This week we start to carry through on that promise. So what are the most commonly quoted Old Testament passages in the New Testament? Again, it depends a bit on how quotes are quantified (entire passage/part of a passage quoted or any allusion to the quote). Let’s take a look at those verses which are quoted entirely, partially or alluded to at least ten times by the inspired New Testament writers. Number 1) Psalm 110:1 “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet.’ ” (NAS) This passage is quoted in some form and alluded to 18 different times in the New Testament. There are five direct quotes (in Matt. 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43, Acts 2:34-35 and Hebrews 1:13), the rest of the verses are allusions to this particular passage. Here’s the interesting part about the thirteen allusions, eleven refer to Jesus’ position as seated at the right hand of God. (Type in “right hand” into an electronic concordance and you’ll get your eleven references) Brethren, what do you suppose the Scripture is emphasizing here concerning Jesus Christ? How about that He now sits at THE Power Position.  Put your thinking caps on and consider this. Which book in the New Testament seeks to teach God’s people the importance of seeing Jesus on the throne with their spiritual eyes of faith? He brews up some great pictures for us in this book. Got it figured out yet? Don’t miss the clue! The other two allusions (1 Cor. 15:25; Heb. 10:13) touch upon the idea of Jesus reigning until His enemies are made a footstool for his feet. OK, here’s a pretty important statement made by an angel of the Lord to John the revelator while in the spirit on the Lord’s Day. When John fell at his feet to worship him at the awesome news of the sure and certain victory, the marriage supper, and judgment of the Lamb over all his enemies, he said, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10) The spirit of prophecy is about Jesus and Psalm 110:1 could not begin to be fulfilled until Christ ascended to the throne. But now that He’s there, with the help of the church, all His enemies are in the process of being made a footstool for His feet. Can I get an amen??!!