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Jesus and His Purpose

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I thought I would share the notes to a lesson I taught on the Person of Jesus. All too often Christians lack understanding in our Saviour so it is my hope that some will be stretched a bit by these notes.

 

 

Jesus and His Purpose

 

 

 

 

For

 

 

 

 

Springs of Refreshing Fellowship Church

1932 Gwynn Oak Ave

Woodlawn, MD 21207

 

 

 

 

Prepared by:

 

Elder William James Carter, The 1st

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 April 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© The Christian Perspective

 

Jesus and His Purpose

 

The Deity of Jesus

 

          Many of those that claim to be Christians today have very little knowledge of who Christ is and His purpose. It is for this reason this lesson will delve into the deity of Christ and His purpose. John 1:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

     The first thing that should be noted in this verse is the term “in the beginning.” It is similar term that was used in Genesis 1:1. The term does not refer to the starting point of time rather is refers to the beginning of recorded time. The idea here is that the text is pointing to the eternality of Jesus. It shows that Jesus existed before time was recorded by man. Even more importantly not only did Jesus exist before recorded time but He enjoys a status of pre-existence.

     The pre-existence of Christ lend considerable credibility to His Deity. Jesus removes a little of His veil in John 8:58 with the words:

          “Before Abraham was I am.”

This interesting choice of words shows that Jesus not only existed before Abraham but that He remains eternal. At no point does His existence or deity cease to be. The fact that the Jesus remains before Abraham is testament that He continues to exist in eternity past. Only deity can exist in such a fashion as to be in the past and present simultaneously.

     The next aspect to be examined is the term “Word.” One partial definition of “Word is: “the ultimate revelation of Jesus Christ in the incarnate Word of God”.[1] By this Jesus is personified as being the very image of God. This is what makes the term “Immanuel” significant. Immanuel means “God with us” and the Word being presents the very picture of an ever-present God becomes clear.

     Verse one continues by showing that the Word was with God. This is a clear indication of two distinct personalities. Jesus, the Word, existed and continues to exist with God the Father. The term with is not simply positional rather it is relational. It shows an unbreaking union in the Godhead. Additionally this union is not just a strong relationship but that the Godhead is in full agreement insofar as all is concerned. There is no disagreement between the members of the Godhead.

     The ending of verse one points not only to the Deity of Jesus but also to the very fact that Jesus is God. He is just as much as God as the Father is. This fact is NOT a form of polytheism rather is shows the multifaceted God mentioned in Genesis 1:1. While we may lack understanding how one God can be present in three Persons we must understand that clarity to the matter will be part of a victorious end to this life.

     The incarnation of Jesus is not a coincidental or happenstance matter. God planned this from the time of the fall of man in the Garden. As such many prophecies concerning the virgin birth of Jesus were made throughout the Old Testament. One prominent prophecy is found in Isaiah 7:14:

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

This prophecy came to pass as Mary gave birth to the Messiah (Luke 2:6-7). It is important to note that Jesus was conceived while Mary remained a virgin. This is significant because Jesus did not come from the seed and blood of man. Remember that it is the father’s blood that is in offspring. Because Jesus is the Son of God he could not be tainted with the blood of man. This is the reason He had to come through a pure vessel not tainted by man’s sinful blood.

     Because of His incarnation many see Jesus as being man only. However that is far from true. However Jesus could not come to earth in the fullness of His glory. He had to lay aside some of His attributes in order to accomplish His task. Philippians 2:7 points to this fact:

“But stripped Himself [of all privileges and [a]rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being” (Amplified Bible).

     The term for this action is called “kenosis” which means that Jesus “surrendered no attribute of His Deity, but that He did voluntarily restrict their independent use in keeping with His purpose of living among men and their limitations.”[2]  He did not stop being God but emptied Himself by:

  1. Veiling His divine glory – no man could look on God in the fullness of His glory and live
  2. Subjecting Himself to human limitations – Jesus was fully man in that He lived in the shell of a man having to be limited as man is.
  3. Giving up independent use of comparative attributes – Jesus willing laid aside His omniscience, omnipresence and omnipresence. These attributes were still available to Him but He chose to surrender the use of these attributes so that He could identify with man.

     Even with this pouring out Jesus remained Devine even though He lived as a man. With this Jesus was one hundred percent God and one hundred percent man. It is for this reason that Christ has been called the God- Man. It is the union of God and man which is called the hypostatic union. At no time was Jesus less God nor did He ever become less man. He was “Immanuel” or God with us. There are a number of reasons this union is significant but for the sake of this lesson only three will be discussed. Those reasons are that:

  1. The union is evidence of the eternal priesthood of Christ – Hebrews 9:11
  2. The prophetic office of Christ is evidenced in the union – Matthew 21:11
  3. The kingly office of Christ requires both the Divine and human – Revelation 15:3

     Because Jesus was and remains one hundred percent God, while incarnate, He had within Him no ability to sin. Multiple texts point to the sinless life of the God-man. Among them are:

  1. Hebrews 4:14 -15:  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  15 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.
  2. I Peter 2:21-22:  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
  3.  I John 3:5: And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

 

 

His Purpose

     While Jesus performed many works prior to His crucifixion is task at large was really simple. That task was to perform the will of His Father. John 5:30:

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”

     This statement by Jesus is indicative of the obedience Jesus. It shows His complete and total submission to the Father. Jesus did not come to do anything apart from the Father. Remember that He and the Father are one and as such it is impossible for One to operate without the absolute consent of the Other. But what is the will of the Father? In order to fully understand the will of God there must be an understanding of the nature of man before sin corrupted him. The first man initially:

  1. Was sinless because he was created without sin.
  2. Communed regularly with God.’
  3. Had an intimate relationship with God.

The fall of man caused a divide that God was not desirous of. From that time He put into action a plan to restore man to his rightful relationship. Part of that plan is put in to play by redemption.

 

Redemption – To redeem mean to buy back. When man sinned the process of death began. The death was not merely physical death rather the death was separation from God. With this meant that man no longer belonged to God but that God had to pay a price in order to restore man back to his pre-sin state.

I Corinthians 7:23:

          “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”

Before redemption man is a servant to not only other men but also to sin. Those who are not redeemed are basically owned by sin because of their service to sin.

Romans 6:6:

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

Hebrews 9:12

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

I Peter 1:18-19:

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Reconcile – To reconcile a thing is to restore it to a former state. Formally God enjoyed an unhindered relationship with man. There was nothing that could cause a divide other than disobedience. From the time of the fall the Godhead sought to restore that relationship.

II Corinthians 5:18-19:

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

Ephesians 2:15-16:

“Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby”

Salvation- Salvation is deliverance from the power of sin. It was sin that caused the divide between man and God and the eradication of the power of sin presents the ability for a restored relationship.

John 3:16-18:

“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.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Acts 4:12:

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Titus 3:3-6:

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour”

 

 

[1] Townes, Elmer Theology for Today

[2] Townes, 192

Just ‘Cause They Call it Christian

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Just 'Cause They Call it Christian.

Just ‘Cause They Call it Christian

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized3 Comments

     All too often Christianity has been made to succumb to the world it sits in. This is largely because many that count themselves Christians compromise the Word of God to the extent that the Word is nearly nullified simply because of the acquiescing of the leaders of the Church. Much of this acquiescing has been in the form of calling things Christian that far fall from the standards of holiness. Christianity has been maligned to the extent that the word “Christian” has been wrongly placed on nearly everything that the world has to offer. Suffice it to say, however, that just ‘cause they call it Christian don’t make it so.

     This is one that is bound to get some fur to flying. Still the area of music must be examined. There are many forms of music available for Christians and non-Christians alike. Yet many choose to place Christianity on music simply by changing the Words of a popular tune. Because of this there are many forms of music purporting to be Christian when all it really is an attempt to change the Christian culture under the guiles of reaching the youth. This has resulted in “Christian” Rock, Punk Rock, Rap, Soul, R & B, Heavy Metal and the list goes on. God does not need the mimicking of stylistic ventures of the world in order to be worshipped. Instead He requires that the Church come out from the world and be separate (II Chronicles 6:17). And while the noted text is an Old Testament reference it holds much relevance today because it presents the idea of holiness which goes far beyond dispensational ideas.

     The idea of holiness appears absent even in the matter of the coming Halloween festivities. Many churches will have alternative activities which serve only to promote the diabolical influences of the infamous holiday. There are many that will have a Christian form of Halloween by having congregants dress as Mary, Jesus, Moses and other biblical characters while bobbing for apples and telling not so scary stories. This is far from the pulling away as referenced earlier rather this is kowtowing to influences that should have no say in the Christian realm. Christianity should have no likeness to the rest of the world. In matter of fact the converse is true; Christians should be peculiar be reason of their stand for holiness. This because the people of God are called to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (I Peter 2:9). And because Christians are holy then there is no room for calling things Christian that have no likeness of holiness.

     And there are hosts of other areas that can be examined insofar as separation is concerned.  This idea is encapsulated in just a few words; just ‘cause they call it Christian don’t make it Christian. As such it is prudent that those that seek to hold up the blood stained banner hold it up without wavering. Hold up the standard without concern for reprisal. The unsaved are looking for a difference and that difference cannot be found be calling things Christian that clearly are not.

Ode to Clergy

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Ode to Clergy.

Ode to Clergy

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized2 Comments

October, yes this month is set aside as “Clergy Appreciation Month” so I can think of no better time to express thanksgiving and appreciation to those clergymen who have played a part in my life.

To start, it was about fifty years ago that I came into this world. While I have no express remembrance of the day I can say of a certainty that the day was great and wonderful. You see I was named after my maternal grandfather, the late Reverend William James Smith. Yes, this naming of me set the stage for whom and what I am to be. This Baptist pastor gave me a clergyman to look up to. And why not, I bore his name and it appears that name has propelled me into the profession we share. Yes, it was a day that is written in the annals of time that started me on a path, a path most definitely.

But my grandfather, that preacher in my life, was not the only preacher to influence the indelible light within. You see I can and will never forget the pastor of my youth, the pastor called Reverend Waters. Yes, I remember that strong-handed man as he preached and taught. I did not know until years later, much later, that I was his favourite because I took interest in what was said and posed questions to that end. While Reverend Waters is no longer with us his imprint is sure; this preacher, this pastor this clergyman began to point me in a direction, a direction of service for God.

These two were impactful and part of me they will ever be. Yet there is at least one other, another that has grave significance to me. I speak of the one and only Dr. Wayne E. Anderson. Now, here is a man, a preacher, a teacher, a clergyman for sure. It is because of him that I began to work, no not merely with my hands but a work that started from within. Because of him, service was learned and by him, ministry was birthed. Forget him, no way no how. It is because of the boldness of this man that in boldness I learned to stand.

But my days in Hawaii would not last forever. It was deemed that I would return to my roots of Baltimore. And in doing so I found myself working with another dear clergyman, one raising the standard called Bishop Johnny C. Carrington, Sr. This man, this man of good report, saw reason in me to work in the clergy. And so it was with his great insight that I would be furthered into my plight. This plight, you see, is not a negative one, rather a plight to do a work that few will ever do. And because of that plight I hold to my word, that I will preach the Word of God until I can no more. And because of the Bishop ministry in me is a ministry all can see.

But by destiny it seems that I had to move again. More travels found me under yet another clergyman, this one Pastor William Riley. A man, a good man, as unorthodox as he was, saw more reason to further the work within me. No longer would I be Minister Carter but Elder Carter am I. Not because I am so worthy but because of the worth seen in me. Yes, we worked together in more than one way but this preacher, this teacher, this man of God did more than just give me papers; he gave me reason to continue the work started in me.

And back to Baltimore, I have come. And with Bishop Carrington, I am again. This time things are quite different. The Bishop is no longer just a good preaching, teaching man but now he is my mentor, my mentor showing me what the pastorate should be. Yes, he is giving, and he rebukes too. Still, he is a clergyman without whom my work would never do.

And while this ode is a memoir of sorts I simply want to say to those bearing me great influence, thank you for all that you have said and done. The years have not all be the best but because of the clergymen in my life, I look forward to the rest. And while I could not name all that have influenced me over the years of time I want the clergy everywhere to know that I am seasoned well because you took time, time to spend on me. So, to those of you that remain and can read these words please know that my love for you is true.

God bless you servants of God.

Fight the Fight

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Fight the Fight.

Fight the Fight

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized1 Comment

     It seems that everywhere we turn there is one squabble after another. This is evident in the United States today as there are more fights than can be repeated here. There are fights against and for homosexuality, abortion, capital punishment, immigration and many more subjects. A major fight taking place even as these words are being penned is taking place in the United States Capital in respect to the financing of the country. There are some that that argue that the Affordable Healthcare Act is anything but affordable while it heavily taxes the people while intruding into their personal lives. These are the ones that are standing and fighting for what they see as right and lawful.

     But fighting is no new thing in this country. Recall, for instance, the Revolutionary War. After that was the Civil war and then the fight for the rights of the Constitution to be equally applied to all citizens without regard to skin tone. Each of these fights was hard and many lives were lost because the fight was not for mere ideology rather the fights were for freedom. That freedom was to be recognized in the unabridged worship of God, the right to be free in a free land and the right to be free in the fundamental democratic processes. Of course there were objections yet the tireless fighting of those that stood for right prevailed over oppressive governments and Godless people.

     Such is the case for Christians today. We are being attacked from every angle for every reason. Christians are told that they are bigots and hate mongers merely because they have chosen to stand on the Word of God without compromise. Even worse some Christians are being killed and otherwise abused and tortured throughout the world for no other reason than the fact that they are Christians. Despite this Christians are not called to a life of apathetic acquiescing rather we are called to stand in the face of the petulant oppressors that seek only the demise of the righteous.  

     Paul had similar problems. He had to fight and contend with some that chose to ignore the Word of God and oppress not only Paul but also others that chose to follow God. In this vein Paul found reason to encourage Timothy. There was unrighteousness going on at every hand pulling from the faithful teachings of Christ. With this Paul encouraged Timothy in I Timothy 6:12 with the words “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” This fight meant that Timothy was not to give in to the immorality of the day rather he was to stand and hold up the blood-stained banner with all boldness and confidence.

     As such I argue strongly that those of us that name the Name of Jesus to strap on our instruments of war as described in Ephesians 6:12-17 which reads, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

     Nobody said the fight would be easy neither is there any indication that there will be no casualties. Still the fight is for freedom for by freedom we live and without freedom we die. We must fight because freedom, on many fronts, is on the brink of collapse. This is something that is the antitheses to the Constitution and more importantly the Word of God. Yes, we must lay down the clothing of apathetic acquiescing and put on war clothes so that we can be prepared to fight the fight.

I Do Not Like It

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized7 Comments

I Do Not Like It

Time For Real Change

Taking a Stand

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Taking a Stand.

Taking a Stand

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Some months ago I wrote the following article and posted on my blog. The more recent stand made by Ted Cruz provides more reason for those that stand for righteousness to get to their feet and relent not to oppressive opposition. It is time to stand not only for a country but also the Word of God.

 

Taking a Stand

 

     Recently Rand Paul, Kentucky Senator, took to the Senate floor in Washington D.C.  He did not take to the floor because he had nothing else to do. In fact Paul had no plans of filibustering. But he had had enough with lies, untruths and misleading insinuations in respect to the use of drones and the prospective Central Intelligence Agency director’s view of such practices. His stand on the Senate floor was a stand to return to The Constitution and the principles which it holds.

 

     After nearly thirteen hours Paul’s stand proved to be effective. Some have asked questions regarding the constitutionality of the use of drones at best the answers were evasive. So, Paul sought to take a stand for The Constitution and a victory was won. The report is that:

 

The filibuster was a tactical win. Paul delayed the vote on Brennan because he was seeking White House clarification on what limits they believe the law places on the use of drones to kill Americans. He got his answer. Attorney General Eric Holder promptly sent a response on Thursday. During his afternoon briefing, White House press secretary Jay Carney emphasized that the administration had responded to Paul. “The answer to that question is no,” Mr. Carney reiterated.[1]

 

     With this evidence of taking a stand for what is right won out. But Paul is not the only one taking a stand for The Constitution. Many sheriffs are up in arms about the very idea that some politicians are working tirelessly to strip the rights of the people to “keep and bear arms” (U.S. Constitution, Article 2). The false premise is to protect the children in wake of the slaughter of many at one school. And while no one will argue against the tragic loss of all human lives had there been one person properly trained and armed those lives might have been saved. Nonetheless employing the Sandy Hook tragedy into the “gun control” discussion is within itself tragic. Even so many are standing for The Constitution.

 

     A number of politicians are seeking a number of ways to greatly limit this absolute right. For instance the State of Maryland presently has in place regulations stating that one needs to prove that he needs to carry a firearm before being given a permit. With this regulation in place the courts have determined that the requirement is too stringent and needs to fall more in line with The Constitution. As of this writing necessary changes have yet to be made but some are standing for The Constitution. So, too, are the sheriffs in Nevada. They refuse to give in to the political overtures of those that seek only to strengthen their own hands of power rather they stand firmly for The Constitution. The report is that “Stating they support citizens’ right to bear arms, the Nevada Sheriff’s Association last week issued a letter signed by all 17 sheriffs declaring their intention to uphold the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”[2]

 

     Along the same lines Sheriff James Singleton refuses to relent to winds that would tear at the very fundamental values that have kept this nation strong for more the two centuries. He is taking a stand by upholding The Constitution and has made that very clear with these words:

 

That oath has not changed, nor have I wavered in my promise to keep that oath. And as long as I am your sheriff, I will continue to uphold that oath. My deputies and I “will not support, assist or condone any unconstitutional infringement of your right to keep and bear arms as set forth in the Second Amendment.

Changes in our laws do need to be made to keep criminals and the mentally impaired from being able to obtain firearms. So many times people with mental problems wind up in jail on some petty charge until someone can find a place for treatment. Jail is not the place for persons with mental issues.[3]

     Many applauds are made for those that hold to the truism of a great and wonderful nation. Stands certainly need to be made and those that stand for what is right deserve utmost accolades. But whatever happened to those that are supposed to uphold the standards of Scripture? Where are those that confess that they trust in the Most High? Is there a reason unbeknownst to the general populous that would cause the otherwise brave-hearted to retreat to a world of passivity and apathy? While these are certainly rhetorical questions the fact of the matter is that it is high time for Christians to take a stand.

     Ephesians 6:12-14 reads, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” In this the evidence shows that the Christian will face certain contrary winds. The winds will come from the ungodly as well as the unrighteous. Opposition comes from the spiritual realm as well as the natural. Despite this the Christian is encouraged to stand and then stand again.

     Much like The Constitution the Word of God is under attack. There are many that want God out of the picture as they want The Constitution to be nonexistent. Yet God is not to be ignored. He is and will continue to be. Nevertheless Christians need to take a stand. The stand is upholding that which is true and right. It is not compromising because of the lack of popularity, or the appearance thereof, of the Standard rather it is holding fast in the face of what seeks to tear down that which is true. It is holding onto the vow to serve God even if it means our own demise. After all if the Christian is in fact a disciple of God then he is a martyr. Taking a stand means that there is none more important than that which is stood for. It is high time that passivity and apathy became things of the past and that the Christian put on his boots and take a stand!