Musick-al Notes

Another Musick-al note:    #   36

                     #5 – Knowing God – The Omnipresent One

    To recognize that God knows and sees all we do, even in darkness is to begin to know how great He is (Psalms 139:1-18). So often when people leave their home town and travel to foreign or larger places, they think that they can do anything they wish and no one will know.  We must understand that there is no place, day or night that God is not there so we cannot get away from His presence.  Our actions may not be known by family, friends or acquaintances but that does not mean that we are not accountable to God for what we do.  King David said in Psalms 3:14, “From the place of His habitation, He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth”. King Solomon said in Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good”.  God knows us and all our deeds (Matthew 10:42).

    Another aspect of the Omnipresence of God is His knowledge that transcends time. Note these verses: Isaiah 46:10, “declaring the end from the beginning, from ancient times, things not yet done”.   Revelation 21:6, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”  Note Jesus words in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I am”. God inhabits eternity! (Isaiah 57:15). What does ‘inhabit eternity’ mean?  It seems to me that God who created time lives outside of ‘time’ (that is before, during and after time), so that time is meaningless to Him (2 Peter 3:8) therefore we must conclude that God lives before, during and after ‘time’ at the same time.  He has predetermined that all be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-31), calling them from the world and justifying them in the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7) granting to the obedient eternal life (Hebrews 5:9).  He knows the end from the beginning, thus has always known those who obey Him.  How can we express the thought of God’s Omnipresence more than He always was, always is and always will be where there is no time – in eternity?  What a transcendent offering to man “Obey my will (Hebrews 5:9) and I will give you eternal life with Me in eternity!”   

                                                                              Gordon Musick

Another Musick-al note:    # 35                                                                      

     When we speak of the Omniscience (all knowing) God, we enter a realm that is most difficult to fathom in the human mind.  Scientific treasures have been uncovered for hundreds of years and we begin to expect new revelations every day but did you consider that God put all those elements in the world thousands of years ago?  Do you think that God was surprised when the atom was split in the atom bomb?  He undoubtedly knew for He put that power within the atom! Can man even know all the treasures that God has stored up in the world? Job 38:22, “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail?  Yes, we recognize the great things that are ‘found’ in the elements of the world, but how often does man also recognize that God had stored them up for man to find? 

     Consider also the majesty and planning God used in the creation.  Have you thought that before man was created, God had first made provision for him?  Animals, birds and fish were made for man but before they were made, God provided an environment for them, dry land upon which animals walked, water for fish to swim, air for birds to fly.  Before these were created, God made a source of food for all, grass, herbs, and trees to grow and reproduce.  God provided light, soil and air to for these to grow.  He also made vistas of beauty and glory for the eyes he would give man.  Vibrations and tones for man to hear and recognize one another.  Man has the ability to communicate by using one’s breath with the vocal cords.  Add to this the ability of the body to heal many of its wounds and sickness.  Unfortunately not all things can be healed, even with the help of medical science.  Remember, however, that Jesus was able to heal all things, blindness, deafness, lame legs, feet and withered arms and even give life back to the dead.  Jesus, the Son of God was omnipotent and omniscient, thus was able to do these things.

                                                                                          Gordon Musick

Another Musick-al note:    #   34    

     I find that it is impossible to speak of one of these great attributes of God without using another for they are all intertwined and work as a single unit.  Speak of the creative force and one must also speak of God’s omnipotence (power), His omniscience (knowledge) and His omnipresence. Inherent in these one must include His divine love, His eternal plan, His patience and forbearance with man, His hatred of sin, His forgiveness to obedient believers, and His abiding joy for all men.

     Now think of His Omnipotence displayed in everything in the universe.  He made the heaven and the earth, put an expanse (firmament) around the earth greater than man can even imagine. He made dry land appear, caused vegetation to grow and able to reproduce itself, put the sun and moon in place as well as the stars, made fish to swim in the water and birds to fly in the air, brought forth all the animals to live on the earth and crowned his achievement by forming man, breathing into him life and man who became a living being (soul).  No man can accomplish any of the above nor even understand all the power God put into a single atom.  The splitting of an atom brought forth the atomic bomb and released more power than on can even imagine.  Even in the human body so fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14), God has put powers that man struggles to know such as how does it heal when hurt, how every part is useful to the whole, how the mind is able to think and control the body, how the hand is formed and able to grasp even in tiny babies. Even within the eye how the retina with its rods and cones is able to turn light rays into shapes and colors within the brain. Man is able to determine the movement of air and the paths within the sea but understanding their origin is beyond the knowledge of man.  There are so many more things that could be cited that show the power of the Omnipotent God, but these should convince us of the greatness of our God.

                                                                                Gordon Musick

Another Musick-al Note:    #   33

     The opening verses of the Bible speak volumes about four great ‘Omni’ attributes of God which are Omni-creating, Omnipotent, Omniscience and Omnipresence. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (everything)!  The Bible speaks of His creating power in this way ‘Let there be and it was’.  The Hebrew writer (11:3) said that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made of things which do not appear.’  In Genesis, chapter 1, God said, ‘Let there be” seven times and it appeared ‘as from the storehouses of eternity’.  Another attribute is revealed in Genesis 1:26 when God said, “Let us make man in our image” showing the plurality of His Being which is continued throughout the Scriptures. Later to be known as Father, Son and Spirit – each having activity, not only in the creation but in the salvation of man (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-10, John 1:1-5, 14, 16:7-15, 1 Corinthians 2:7-10, 15:24, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Ephesians 1:1-2, Philippians 2:1-11, 1 Peter 1:17-22 and countless other Scriptures which reveal the relationships of each to the other). 

     God created the world and all that is therein, including man and said, “It is very good” (Genesis 1:31). Satan entered this unblemished work of God, Son and Spirit with the pernicious power and intent to destroy God’s work and through deceitful words caused Eve and Adam to disobey God. Their sin caused their death of separation from God and from the tree of life.  Yet God’s redemption of man had already been prepared (2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 1:4, Titus 1:2, 1 Peter 1:20), even to the blood of Christ who was slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).  After Jesus death and burial, He was raised from the dead and now sits at God’s right hand, giving salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).

                                                                                                Gordon Musick 

Another Musick-al note    # 32 

     Jesus said, this is eternal life that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).  I am going to begin in this note to tell you some things that I have learned about God.  It may be that you already know these things so these notes will only reinforce your knowledge and that will be good.

    God is!  The Bible does not try to establish the existence of God nor try to reveal His beginning, rather it begins with that fact. The Bible is the revelation of God to guide man throughout life so that man may be blessed in eternity.  God reveals Himself to man while doing so.  Notice these verses, Psalms 90:1-2, “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”  Isaiah 57:15, “thus says the high and holy One who inhabits eternity” I dwell in the high and holy place.” What does it mean to ‘inhabit eternity’? I admit that I do not know all the answers, but God seems to be saying that he inhabited eternity before, during and after time.  Further, He lives in such a way that even before time began, He already inhabited eternity after time is over!  Consider such passages as Revelation 13:8, “the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world”, John 8:58 “before Abraham was, I AM, Isaiah 46:10, “declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done”, GOD IS! Eternal,

ever-living, not subject to time, space, distance or measure, yet knows all men and their deeds (Psalms 139:1-18) and will bring all men before Him in judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).

    Let us do His will that we may be blessed in eternity with Him.

                                                                                    Gordon Musick

Another Musick-al note:     #  31

           Jesus came into the world as a baby (Matthew 1:18-25).  Paul declared that in the fullness of time, God sent his Son into the world to redeem the lost (Galatians 4:4).  JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME.  Jesus lived in this world, taught lessons of wisdom and truth, then gave His life as an atonement for our sins (Romans 5:11). When one sins there is a penalty to pay.  God declared in Ezekiel 18:4 that the soul who sins will surely die.  Jesus’ own earthly ancestors did not accept Him but all who do receive Him are given the right to become a child of God (John 1:11-14). Jesus died for every person (Hebrews 2:9) paying the penalty for us. On the third day He rose from the grave and is now seated at God’s right hand on His throne (Hebrews 12:2).   Having been made perfect Jesus is now the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:8).  Jesus is alive today.  He sits at the right hand of God on His throne in heaven and is the head of His body, the church (Ephesians 1:22).  All who obey Him become children of God (Galatians 3:26-27) and are added to His body, the church (Acts 2:47, Ephesians 1:22-23). 

       While the Scriptures record the birth of Christ, no mention is made that a day be set aside to celebrate His birth as a religious holy day.  His birth was announced to shepherds with angels singing in glorious chorus the glad tidings that God had begun the final act of redeeming mankind.  Jesus life, death and resurrection fulfilled every prophecy of God’s Word from creation to His death.  Through His apostles and teachers, God has revealed His will for man to follow His Son until the end of time.  We can be assured that God will fulfill all the prophecies concerning the end, judgment and eternal existence.  Rejoice then that Christ has come and obey His will that our eternal existence will be with Him.                                                              Gordon

Another Musick-al note:    #  30

           There are many good things about “The Christmas Season”, but God revealed nothing about observing the birth of Christ as a religious holiday.  Men do what they have always done throughout history and have made a holiday to observe His coming into the world.  Many forget to worship God and remember Christ yet exult in celebrating their own productions about His birth.  Many times those who get so excited about the celebration, the outward trappings of tinsel, pretty lights, good times, etc., seem to have forgotten the real spirit that it is supposed to represent – that Christ came into the world.  Many merchants are glad for the season because they can make more money.  Most of those who work are glad because it gives them a time of vacation when they can see friends and loved ones.  Children are glad because it gives them a chance to get out of school and receive presents.  But how many are really glad to have the opportunity to share the truth about God’s love in sending Jesus into the world?  We must never forget that all men need salvation from the penalty of sin and that Jesus came to fulfill that need. Christians must not fail to demonstrate the humble spirit of Christ, in serving others and to keep telling the ‘good news’ to mankind.  Demonstrating “The Christmas Spirit” in one SEASON of the year is insufficient for our lives.  Though the spirit of greed and commercialism may be more important to some than the spirit of giving, God uses this time to cause good things to happen in spite of man.  Many receive some of the things they need such as food, clothing, and loving expressions of concern.  We should re-examine our priorities and determine to place our emphasis on God’s Will.  Let us enjoy this holiday season, and thank God we live in a country where it is still not illegal to exalt the name and spirit of Christ.  Let us also determine to develop the spirit of loving obedience to God all year long!

Another Musick-al Note    #   29

         Being a Christian is the greatest thing that God has planned for man for it is written in (1Corinthians 2:9-10). “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.  But God has revealed them to us by the Spirit.” This was written to describe the blessings that would be given to those who become Christians.  Note what Paul said that he spoke these things which the Holy Spirit had taught (1 Corinthians 2:13).

          The person who would refuse to accept these blessings must either not believe that God is giving them or else he does not want them.  Everyone should want to be a Christian in order to receive such great blessings.  But being a Christian is not just assenting to certain facts.  Being a Christians means that one not only believes certain facts but he trusts God who gave the promises and is willing to sacrifice his will and desires to the will of God in obedience to His commands.  When God tells him to work and serve his fellow man, a Christians will do so willingly and freely because he loves his Lord who died for him.   

       The crowning hope of every Christian is eternal life with God. All faithful Christians will receive this reward.  Are you a faithful Christian today?  If you want the rewards and the blessings of a Christian, you may do so IF you will obey God’s word to believe in Christ, repent of your sins, confess His name before men, and be buried with Him in baptism for the remission of your sins (Romans 6:17-18).  If you love the Lord Jesus who died for you, you will do these things without question.  Become a Christian today!

Another Musick-al Note:      #  28

     Does the Bible teach that when one believes that Jesus is the Christ, that person receives remission of sins and thus enjoy salvation?  If so, why then on the day of Pentecost, did Peter tell those who believed to be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)?  And why was Paul (even after three days of prayer) told to be baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:6-16)?  The Bible does teach that salvation comes as a result of faith but the Bible also teaches that belief or faith is brought to fruition only when it is coupled with obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9, James 2:19-26).  Faith is only the beginning of all that man must do to be saved. Jesus said in John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).  The “right to become” is not the same as “becoming” therefore one must know what is required of man to actually “become” a child of God.  We must believe (John 8:24), also we must repent (turn from all sin) (Acts 17:30), confess the name of Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32-33) and be baptized, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). Paul said in Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered and having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”   That form of doctrine is baptism which is a form of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as Paul declared in I Corinthians 15:1-4.  The new birth, (baptism) gives us status as sons of God through faith, having obeyed the commands that Jesus has given which enable us to “put on Christ”. We must then follow Jesus teaching in our lives (Matthew 7:21-27, Romans 6:1-14).  Remember also that Jesus said that the apostles were to follow and teach all His commandments to all who believe (Matthew 22:18-20).  The words of the New Testament is all the truth that God has given to man.  Anything added, subtracted or substituted will be the doctrines of men (Matthew 15:9) which makes worshipping God vain (empty).        

Another Musick-al note:     #   27

That we have this book called ‘The Holy Bible’ is an amazing entity itself.  Containing some historical information unknown in any other place, it also has words of wisdom from the eternal God which He gave to mankind many centuries ago to guide man throughout his lifetime.  Even though almost every man failed to listen and follow, again and again prophets and teachers have come to declare and record God’s will to mankind.  The final demonstration of God’s love and desire to have man follow His will was sent into the world by His Son, Jesus the Christ. His life and teachings are recorded that man will know and follow Him that they might have eternal life. John reported that Jesus did and taught many things that are not written, but these are written that you might believe and have life in Him (John 20:30-31).  Jesus declared that the words written by the prophets of old were scripture and cannot be broken (John 10:35). Peter stated that the writings of Paul were also scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16).  John recorded Jesus saying that those who did not believe His teaching would be judged by the words that He had spoken (John 12:48). These recorded words are very important for every man to know and follow.  We are admonished to never add to nor take away from these words (Revelation 22:18-19) but rather to give great vigilance to pay attention to them lest we let them slip away from us (Hebrews 2:1).

Remember that Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).  We must give diligent study of the Word that we may handle it right (2 Timothy 2:15).  Our teaching must never violate the Word of God lest we lead anyone into destruction.  We must teach the Word fully, correctly and without any deviation so that the hearers will be led to obey Christ Jesus and be saved (Hebrews 5:9).