JESUS, THE SON OF GOD
I read something in the Bible a few days ago that really piqued my interest and I felt I MUST find out more about it. I seem to be enjoying days of revelations or illuminations of Scripture lately.
The place where I was reading is Act 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
I had been studying about the real meaning of the word “Repent” as it is used in Acts 2:38. I knew it came from a Greek word meaning to change your mind, but I wanted it “boiled down” further than that.
I realize that the different denominations put their own spin on it. I was not interested in that. I wanted to know, from the Bible, if there was a more lucid explanation of the word.
Does it really mean a “changing of the mind”, a “reversal of thinking”, a “Profession of Belief in Jesus as the Son Of God”, or does it go deeper than that?
The jury is still out, but there a few things I did learn from looking at all of the scriptures pertaining to Jesus being the Son of God.
Satan challenged His Sonship right after His baptism and time in the wilderness. In essence Satan said, “If you are the Son of God, PROVE IT TO ME. Mat 4 Luk 4
Jesus felt no obligation to do that. Neither did He feel obligated to answer the High Priest when challenged in the court room:
Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
The demons in the catacombs of Gadara knew who He was.
Mat 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Mar 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
John’s Gospel was written for the purpose of helping people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, BECAUSE BELIEVING IS ESSENTIAL TO ETERNAL LIFE.
Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME.
Peter promptly answered Jesus when questioned about who he thought Jesus is.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Gabriel spelled it out to Mary in the Announcement:
Luk 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Luk 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Luk 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Luk 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Luk 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.
Luk 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luk 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the SON OF THE HIGHEST: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luk 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Listen to Jesus Himself when He was comforting the former blind man:
Joh 9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, DOST THOU BELIEVE ON THE SON OF GOD?
Joh 9:36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
Joh 9:37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
Joh 9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshiped him.
If Jesus is the Son of God, we must, of necessity, adjust our lifestyle to fit that fact. Is that the essence of Repentance?
The Romans had their gods and goddesses. The Greeks did the same. The Egyptians also had theirs. In fact, the world was steeped in idolatry of one sort or another.
We are no different today. We have, in our civilized modern world, myriads of objects or beings that fill our waking moments with attention and affection.
Following Jesus demands a change in the course of our lives. Does that constitute Repentance, a change in course, a change in purpose? Or is Repentance something entirely different—something that requires little or no change in lifestyle or direction?
Can we accept Jesus, and continue our life as we did before we met Him, or will He require more of us if we intend to follow Him and live for Him?
Gal 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Gal 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Gal 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Gal 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain
1Jo 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Mat 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Mat 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Mat 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Mat 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
Mat 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
Joh 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
Joh 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
Joh 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Joh 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Joh 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Joh 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
Act 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Act 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
1Jo 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Act 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee
Sunday, June 13, 2010
LEAVEN
LIKE UNTO LEAVEN
Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, TILL THE WHOLE WAS LEAVENED.
The outstanding characteristic of leaven is its ability to penetrate to every molecule of the dough it is introduced into.
Please notice that Jesus used this characteristic trait of leaven in describing the characteristics and purpose of the KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE EARTH.
IT WILL NOT STOP UNTIL IT HAS REACHED, AND CHANGED, THE WHOLE EARTH! There are, of course, exceptions, for we know from Ezekiel 47 that there are some places (people) that will not receive the workings of the Holy Ghost. Eze 47:11 But the miry places thereof and the marshes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ will penetrate into, and produce the desired effect, in every corner of the globe before we see the consummation of the purposes of God in the earth.
This means that EVERY NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGION will wither and die on the vine in the path of the DELUGE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD that is, I believe, starting on planet earth even as we write these lines.
Let me go a little farther and declare that EVERY DENOMINATION OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION WILL ALSO SUFFER THE SAME FATE, for they are the work of Man’s hands.
How in the world will God be able to accomplish such a monumental task? The earth is BIG, and there are billions of people on it. Most of the people are already entrenched in some other kind of worship that would have to be abandoned if/when they turn to Jesus Christ and His Salvation.
The Word of God gives us a few clues about the methods God will use to accomplish what he intends to do. The clues are masked in symbolic and parabolic language, and are easily missed if we are not in tune with the Spirit. God has intentionally masked them, to keep insincere people from finding them. Psa 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.
I could not possibly cite for you all of the ways the process has been described and likened to, but there are many places where they can be found, hidden in the scriptures.
The greater part of the teachings which are “standard” today are the results of the best efforts on the part of mankind to figure out and understand, with their own minds, what has been written BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Confusion is the only possible result. There is certainly no shortage of that.
The “standard” prophetic curriculum has “the great tribulation that nearly abolishes the Church” in our future. The Word of God says it is already in the past, and it didn’t apply to the Church at all.
The “standard” curriculum has the Antichrist/man of sin rising to tyrannical, dictatorial power in some future era. The Bible doesn’t show that to be so at all. It shows it to have been here for centuries, and will be revealed and destroyed by the Spirit of God shortly.
How did all the prophecies get scrunched up into the last seven years of the dispensation? It was done deliberately, and for a purpose. Do you know why?
Isa 28:17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
Jer 16:19 …..Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
Just as leaven keeps working until it has permeated the entire mass of the dough, so the Kingdom of God will keep doing what it is supposed to do until it has reached, and altered, the entire world.
Is our God big enough, strong enough, to do that?
Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, TILL THE WHOLE WAS LEAVENED.
The outstanding characteristic of leaven is its ability to penetrate to every molecule of the dough it is introduced into.
Please notice that Jesus used this characteristic trait of leaven in describing the characteristics and purpose of the KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE EARTH.
IT WILL NOT STOP UNTIL IT HAS REACHED, AND CHANGED, THE WHOLE EARTH! There are, of course, exceptions, for we know from Ezekiel 47 that there are some places (people) that will not receive the workings of the Holy Ghost. Eze 47:11 But the miry places thereof and the marshes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ will penetrate into, and produce the desired effect, in every corner of the globe before we see the consummation of the purposes of God in the earth.
This means that EVERY NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGION will wither and die on the vine in the path of the DELUGE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD that is, I believe, starting on planet earth even as we write these lines.
Let me go a little farther and declare that EVERY DENOMINATION OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION WILL ALSO SUFFER THE SAME FATE, for they are the work of Man’s hands.
How in the world will God be able to accomplish such a monumental task? The earth is BIG, and there are billions of people on it. Most of the people are already entrenched in some other kind of worship that would have to be abandoned if/when they turn to Jesus Christ and His Salvation.
The Word of God gives us a few clues about the methods God will use to accomplish what he intends to do. The clues are masked in symbolic and parabolic language, and are easily missed if we are not in tune with the Spirit. God has intentionally masked them, to keep insincere people from finding them. Psa 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.
I could not possibly cite for you all of the ways the process has been described and likened to, but there are many places where they can be found, hidden in the scriptures.
The greater part of the teachings which are “standard” today are the results of the best efforts on the part of mankind to figure out and understand, with their own minds, what has been written BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Confusion is the only possible result. There is certainly no shortage of that.
The “standard” prophetic curriculum has “the great tribulation that nearly abolishes the Church” in our future. The Word of God says it is already in the past, and it didn’t apply to the Church at all.
The “standard” curriculum has the Antichrist/man of sin rising to tyrannical, dictatorial power in some future era. The Bible doesn’t show that to be so at all. It shows it to have been here for centuries, and will be revealed and destroyed by the Spirit of God shortly.
How did all the prophecies get scrunched up into the last seven years of the dispensation? It was done deliberately, and for a purpose. Do you know why?
Isa 28:17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
Jer 16:19 …..Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
Just as leaven keeps working until it has permeated the entire mass of the dough, so the Kingdom of God will keep doing what it is supposed to do until it has reached, and altered, the entire world.
Is our God big enough, strong enough, to do that?
FOOTSTOOL
TILL I MAKE….. THY FOOTSTOOL
Last night I was musing about the terrible struggles our early Church fathers endured while trying to formulate Church Doctrine about the relationship Jesus had to His Father.
There were two or three main teachings that were in conflict, and the Emperor Constantine wanted, desperately, to bring about a consensus of doctrine, so the Church could progress in the work of evangelism. The infighting over doctrine was producing nothing but chaos and turmoil. The various Bishops were resorting to physical assaults and property damage on each other when their views of the Godhead were opposed. Character assassinations were more normal than abnormal.
Constantine died before he could solidify Church Doctrine. The infighting seemed to get worse with each effort he made. The Bishops were fighting carnally, trying to solve a Spiritual problem. It didn’t work then—it will not work now. It was only after three or four more emperors had tried and failed, and three to five decades worth of water had gone under the bridge, and a major Church split had occurred, that even a semblance of unified teaching was found. AND IT STILL WAS NOT CORRECT. It had been formulated by the minds of men rather than by the Spirit of God.
Suddenly, “out of the blue”, came a verse of scripture I had not thought of for months:
Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Thee are several places in scripture where David’s writing is reiterated, and it always seems to be pointing to Jesus Christ. I’ll print them out for you here.
Mat 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mar 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, the LORD said to my LORD, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?
Luk 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Luk 20:43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Heb 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Before I was finished with my musings, I had digressed from the original subject entirely, and was ready to argue the point of who is going to get the job of evangelization done.
Most Evangelists, and many Pastors, seem to leave us with the impression that “we, the people” will accomplish the task with our tithes and offerings and witnessing to our neighbors and friends. They tell us that our method needs to be “fine tuned”.
There can be no doubt in our minds about whether the world will be turned to Jesus Christ before our earth is “folded up” or replaced by another one. That fact is well established by the scriptures (with due apologies to Hal Lindsey, Ervin Baxter and others). We can fully expect that nearly one whole generation, along with a good share of another generation, will turn to the Lord through Jesus Christ before the final curtain falls on this age.
It is “in the Book” if you will look for it. You will first have to discard some of the former teachings about the future course of events, or you will never be able to clearly see what the Word of God is trying to tell us.
The Bible tells us (James 3:16) “But where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Church history witnesses to a constant strife between factions endeavoring to promote the doctrinal system which they favored, and also the church political system which seemed more correct in their eyes. It qualifies to be classified in the “Strife” section. There was little or no lasting Good produced during those sessions of turmoil.
It is little wonder that a great abundance of incorrect teaching should evolve from such a condition within the Church when so much confusion, envying and strife prevailed. How could Humanity expect to be receiving Revelations of the Spirit of God when they were indulging their carnal natures to such an extent as they were? Impossible then, impossible now. We need to repent
But “Who, How, and When” must be dealt with before we can get a clear picture of the situation at hand.
First “Who?” must be answered. I think most of us will agree that it is Almighty God who is making the assertion about His right hand, and Jesus Christ’s enemies being made His Footstool.
Does Jesus have enemies? If so, who are they? “Yes, Virginia, Jesus has enemies, and they are getting desperate as we approach the closing of this age.
If Jesus is to be crowned the Victor, what will happen to the “hero” they worship and pay homage to? They know, and they don’t like it… not at all. The fanatical spirit they are following shows them all kinds of ways to cause havoc and terror.
Their “guiding spirit” is in panic mode… fighting for its life.
I think we will all agree that these false religions, all of them, are following, and being driven by, a wicked spirit that HATES our God with a passion
Our God, however, is quietly going about His business of convicting, convincing and saving great hordes of people in different parts of the earth… every minute, every hour and every day.
The Church is growing by leaps and bounds in spite of all they can do to hinder it. Also, in spite of the prevalent teachings that the Church will become so terribly decimated by demonic forces that it will have to be snatched away from planet earth to prevent it from being completely annihilated by evil forces.
The “footstool” is being prepared by the LIVING GOD for HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.
Mankind can only hope to have a part in the process as we lay down our carnal ways of doing things, and learn how to follow the guidelines of His Spirit. The programs and schemes of Man will do nothing more than get in the way of what God is (is) doing, and have to shoved out of the way by the Spirit of God.
Strife produces NOTHING GOOD. Likewise, ENVYING DOES NOTHING that is Spiritually constructive. Confusion and evil works are the ONLY thing produced by our carnally motivated efforts.
The only productive activity on our part is that which stems from, and is in harmony with, the Spirit of God. There are definite guidelines for Spiritual endeavor, and they must be followed if there is to be any hope for success.
“If any man strive for the masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully.” (2Ti 2:5)
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zec 4:6)
Hab 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: FOR I WILL WORK A WORK IN YOUR DAYS, WHICH YE WILL NOT BELIEVE, THOUGH IT BE TOLD YOU.
Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Isa 44:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
Zec 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (THE CHURCH)
Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Isa 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
God is well able to accomplish whatever will be necessary when the time is ripe for His Plan to be fulfilled.
That plan calls for a world-wide awakening to Jesus Christ, which will affect the greater portions of two generations of humanity. An extremely high ratio of people will hear and respond to the Spirit of God when He calls to them.
The Bible tells us that the Lord will SEND REAPERS TO REAP A HARVEST at the proper time. We can “go to the bank” with that.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Rom 15:12 And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Psa 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Last night I was musing about the terrible struggles our early Church fathers endured while trying to formulate Church Doctrine about the relationship Jesus had to His Father.
There were two or three main teachings that were in conflict, and the Emperor Constantine wanted, desperately, to bring about a consensus of doctrine, so the Church could progress in the work of evangelism. The infighting over doctrine was producing nothing but chaos and turmoil. The various Bishops were resorting to physical assaults and property damage on each other when their views of the Godhead were opposed. Character assassinations were more normal than abnormal.
Constantine died before he could solidify Church Doctrine. The infighting seemed to get worse with each effort he made. The Bishops were fighting carnally, trying to solve a Spiritual problem. It didn’t work then—it will not work now. It was only after three or four more emperors had tried and failed, and three to five decades worth of water had gone under the bridge, and a major Church split had occurred, that even a semblance of unified teaching was found. AND IT STILL WAS NOT CORRECT. It had been formulated by the minds of men rather than by the Spirit of God.
Suddenly, “out of the blue”, came a verse of scripture I had not thought of for months:
Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Thee are several places in scripture where David’s writing is reiterated, and it always seems to be pointing to Jesus Christ. I’ll print them out for you here.
Mat 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mar 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, the LORD said to my LORD, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?
Luk 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Luk 20:43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Heb 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Before I was finished with my musings, I had digressed from the original subject entirely, and was ready to argue the point of who is going to get the job of evangelization done.
Most Evangelists, and many Pastors, seem to leave us with the impression that “we, the people” will accomplish the task with our tithes and offerings and witnessing to our neighbors and friends. They tell us that our method needs to be “fine tuned”.
There can be no doubt in our minds about whether the world will be turned to Jesus Christ before our earth is “folded up” or replaced by another one. That fact is well established by the scriptures (with due apologies to Hal Lindsey, Ervin Baxter and others). We can fully expect that nearly one whole generation, along with a good share of another generation, will turn to the Lord through Jesus Christ before the final curtain falls on this age.
It is “in the Book” if you will look for it. You will first have to discard some of the former teachings about the future course of events, or you will never be able to clearly see what the Word of God is trying to tell us.
The Bible tells us (James 3:16) “But where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Church history witnesses to a constant strife between factions endeavoring to promote the doctrinal system which they favored, and also the church political system which seemed more correct in their eyes. It qualifies to be classified in the “Strife” section. There was little or no lasting Good produced during those sessions of turmoil.
It is little wonder that a great abundance of incorrect teaching should evolve from such a condition within the Church when so much confusion, envying and strife prevailed. How could Humanity expect to be receiving Revelations of the Spirit of God when they were indulging their carnal natures to such an extent as they were? Impossible then, impossible now. We need to repent
But “Who, How, and When” must be dealt with before we can get a clear picture of the situation at hand.
First “Who?” must be answered. I think most of us will agree that it is Almighty God who is making the assertion about His right hand, and Jesus Christ’s enemies being made His Footstool.
Does Jesus have enemies? If so, who are they? “Yes, Virginia, Jesus has enemies, and they are getting desperate as we approach the closing of this age.
If Jesus is to be crowned the Victor, what will happen to the “hero” they worship and pay homage to? They know, and they don’t like it… not at all. The fanatical spirit they are following shows them all kinds of ways to cause havoc and terror.
Their “guiding spirit” is in panic mode… fighting for its life.
I think we will all agree that these false religions, all of them, are following, and being driven by, a wicked spirit that HATES our God with a passion
Our God, however, is quietly going about His business of convicting, convincing and saving great hordes of people in different parts of the earth… every minute, every hour and every day.
The Church is growing by leaps and bounds in spite of all they can do to hinder it. Also, in spite of the prevalent teachings that the Church will become so terribly decimated by demonic forces that it will have to be snatched away from planet earth to prevent it from being completely annihilated by evil forces.
The “footstool” is being prepared by the LIVING GOD for HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.
Mankind can only hope to have a part in the process as we lay down our carnal ways of doing things, and learn how to follow the guidelines of His Spirit. The programs and schemes of Man will do nothing more than get in the way of what God is (is) doing, and have to shoved out of the way by the Spirit of God.
Strife produces NOTHING GOOD. Likewise, ENVYING DOES NOTHING that is Spiritually constructive. Confusion and evil works are the ONLY thing produced by our carnally motivated efforts.
The only productive activity on our part is that which stems from, and is in harmony with, the Spirit of God. There are definite guidelines for Spiritual endeavor, and they must be followed if there is to be any hope for success.
“If any man strive for the masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully.” (2Ti 2:5)
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zec 4:6)
Hab 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: FOR I WILL WORK A WORK IN YOUR DAYS, WHICH YE WILL NOT BELIEVE, THOUGH IT BE TOLD YOU.
Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Isa 44:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
Zec 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (THE CHURCH)
Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Isa 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
God is well able to accomplish whatever will be necessary when the time is ripe for His Plan to be fulfilled.
That plan calls for a world-wide awakening to Jesus Christ, which will affect the greater portions of two generations of humanity. An extremely high ratio of people will hear and respond to the Spirit of God when He calls to them.
The Bible tells us that the Lord will SEND REAPERS TO REAP A HARVEST at the proper time. We can “go to the bank” with that.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Rom 15:12 And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Psa 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
FIRSTBORN--FIRSTFRUITS
FIRSTBORN -FIRSTFRUITS
At Easter time, we think of the Resurrection of Jesus, and what it means to us as human beings. Many of the Scriptures point up the larger meaning for us.
Acts 13:33 tells us that Jesus was BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER WHEN HE WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD.
" Thou art my Son, THIS DAY have I BEGOTTEN thee."
Colossians 1:15 tells us that Jesus is the FIRSTBORN of every creature:
Col 1:18 "who is the BEGINNING, the FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD;
I Cor 15:20, 23 refer to Him as the FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT.
Rom 8:29 "that he might be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
The Word also tells us something about ourselves, who follow the Lamb, and meet the requirements of God for our lives. Doing that is not as easy as it has been made to appear.
Rev 14:4 These are they which---were redeemed from among men, [being] the FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD--
James 1:18 Of His own Will BEGAT HE US WITH THE WORD OF TRUTH, that we should be a kind of FIRSTFRUITS of HIS CREATURES. A study of the Firstfruits is very profitable.
The Word also tells us which direction we are headed. Look at Heb. 12:23 "To the general assembly and CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT." This is more than membership in the local group.
I Peter 1:3 "hath BEGOTTEN US again unto a lively hope by the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD."
We have an empty tomb. We do not believe in Reincarnation of the soul, in order to live again after death of this body. Pity the poor souls who do not have a Risen Saviour.
"HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN"
At Easter time, we think of the Resurrection of Jesus, and what it means to us as human beings. Many of the Scriptures point up the larger meaning for us.
Acts 13:33 tells us that Jesus was BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER WHEN HE WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD.
" Thou art my Son, THIS DAY have I BEGOTTEN thee."
Colossians 1:15 tells us that Jesus is the FIRSTBORN of every creature:
Col 1:18 "who is the BEGINNING, the FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD;
I Cor 15:20, 23 refer to Him as the FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT.
Rom 8:29 "that he might be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
The Word also tells us something about ourselves, who follow the Lamb, and meet the requirements of God for our lives. Doing that is not as easy as it has been made to appear.
Rev 14:4 These are they which---were redeemed from among men, [being] the FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD--
James 1:18 Of His own Will BEGAT HE US WITH THE WORD OF TRUTH, that we should be a kind of FIRSTFRUITS of HIS CREATURES. A study of the Firstfruits is very profitable.
The Word also tells us which direction we are headed. Look at Heb. 12:23 "To the general assembly and CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT." This is more than membership in the local group.
I Peter 1:3 "hath BEGOTTEN US again unto a lively hope by the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD."
We have an empty tomb. We do not believe in Reincarnation of the soul, in order to live again after death of this body. Pity the poor souls who do not have a Risen Saviour.
"HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN"
THE END OF THE WORLD
THE END OF THE WORLD
Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of THE END OF THE WORLD?
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, BUT THE END IS NOT YET.
I have capitalized two portions of the above scripture selection in order to emphasize the point I want to show you about the teachings of Jesus to His disciples that day on the Mount of Olives.
The term END OF THE WORLD is not the same as THE END IS NOT YET. They are two different subjects, and are IN NO WAY CONNECTED.
The two phrases show how the disciples asked one question, and Jesus answered it in a different way than they had expected.
I would like to add right here, that MUCH OF THE BIBLE is written the same way. I believe it was intentional on the part of the Lord. If the Word of God could be figured out with the MINDS OF MEN, then the smartest of them could all know the secrets of God. But, "The secret of the Lord is with those that FEAR HIM." He has hidden them from the wise and the prudent, and revealed them unto Babes.
One reason for the Church world being in such a state of confusion is because men have built doctrines on the best understanding the human mind can have of a Book that was written by the SPIRIT of God. "No Comprende" is the ONLY response our human understanding can give to the WORD OF GOD.
IF THE SPIRIT DOES NOT INTERPRET THE WORD FOR US, WE GROPE IN DARKNESS. And we are BOUND TO MAKE MISTAKES if we do not seek for, and get, the INTERPRETATION OF THE SPIRIT.
Have you ever had the experience of hearing the Bible explained by others, and something within you tells you it is not correct? I have, many times. Those times have caused me to go before the Lord and ask Him to reveal the TRUTH to me. Each time, when I have sought Him diligently enough, He causes His LIGHT to shine into my spirit. When He does, I know what the TRUTH of the matter is.
The disciples asked about the END OF THE WORLD. The Old Testament, especially the book of Isaiah, has much to say about the subject. They, no doubt, thought He was talking about the END OF THE WORLD when He told them about the DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE IN 70 AD.
BUT THOSE ARE TWO DIFFERENT SUBJECTS ALTOGETHER.
When the disciples asked Him about the matter He had introduced at the Temple site, He continued to explain about the OVERTHROW OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE, instead of answering their misguided question about the END OF THE WORLD.
Most of the Church World is still as lacking in understanding as the disciples were on that day so long ago. We have "lumped" several subjects together, and crammed them all into a "last seven years", and given it a name that doesn't fit at all-- "The GREAT TRIBULATION" (aka THE REIGN OF ANTICHRIST).
Jesus had told the disciples plainly that the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple would be the time of THE GREAT TRIBULATION. Nothing worse BEFORE it. Nothing worse AFTER it. What can be more precise than that?
But, people ask, "What about Mat 24:6 And ye SHALL HEAR OF WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, BUT THE END IS NOT YET.
Are we not seeing these things unfold right before our very eyes?"
The answer is, "Yes these events are taking place, BUT THEY ARE NOT the events Jesus was talking about.” Jesus was referring to events which would happen immediately before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
THE EVENTS WE ARE WITNESSING NOW ARE A DIFFERENT SUBJECT ALTOGETHER.
Here is where a look into history can be of great benefit. During the last five or six years before 70 AD. there were several "earth shaking" events occurred in the Roman Empire that had a profound effect on their relationship to Jerusalem and the Jews.
One historical account reads like this: Which wars, the gloss says, will be between the nations of the world, and Israel. Here wars may mean the commotions, insurrections, and seditions, against the Romans, and their governors; and the INTESTINE SLAUGHTERS COMMITTED AMONG THEM, some time before the siege of Jerusalem, and the destruction of it. Under Cureanus the Roman governor, a sedition was raised on the day of the passover, in which twenty thousand perished; after that, in another tumult, TEN THOUSAND WERE DESTROYED BY CUT-THROATS: in Ascalon two thousand more, in Ptolemais two thousand, at Alexandria fifty thousand, at Damascus ten thousand, and elsewhere in great numbers. The Jews were also put into great consternation, upon hearing the design of the Roman emperor, to put up his image in their temple:
Another historical note reads: Mat 24:6-7 -
Ye shall hear of wars. The Jewish war began in A. D. 66, and ended five years after. During this period all the Roman empire was filled with commotion. Nero, the emperor, was overthrown by Galba; six months after, Galba was overthrown by Otho; a few months after, Otho was overthrown by Vitelius; a little later, he was overthrown by Vespasian. All of these but the last, who ascended the throne shortly before Jerusalem was destroyed, died violent deaths.
Here is what others have written about the months just prior to the overthrow.
see that ye be not troubled; so as to leave the land of Judea as yet, and quit the preaching of the Gospel there, as if the final destruction was just at hand;
for all these things must come to pass; these wars and the reports of them and the panic on account of them; these commotions and slaughters, and terrible devastations by the sword must be; being determined by God, predicted by Christ, and brought upon the Jews by their own wickedness; and suffered in righteous judgment, for their sin:
but the end is not yet; meaning not the end of the world, but the end of Jerusalem, and the temple, the end of the Jewish state; which were to continue, and did continue after these disturbances in it. …
But the armies of Titus did accomplish the desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple in August of 70 AD. Not one stone was left on top of another. They were torn apart to retrieve the gold which had melted and ran down from the roof when it burned.
Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Luk 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of THE END OF THE WORLD?
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, BUT THE END IS NOT YET.
I have capitalized two portions of the above scripture selection in order to emphasize the point I want to show you about the teachings of Jesus to His disciples that day on the Mount of Olives.
The term END OF THE WORLD is not the same as THE END IS NOT YET. They are two different subjects, and are IN NO WAY CONNECTED.
The two phrases show how the disciples asked one question, and Jesus answered it in a different way than they had expected.
I would like to add right here, that MUCH OF THE BIBLE is written the same way. I believe it was intentional on the part of the Lord. If the Word of God could be figured out with the MINDS OF MEN, then the smartest of them could all know the secrets of God. But, "The secret of the Lord is with those that FEAR HIM." He has hidden them from the wise and the prudent, and revealed them unto Babes.
One reason for the Church world being in such a state of confusion is because men have built doctrines on the best understanding the human mind can have of a Book that was written by the SPIRIT of God. "No Comprende" is the ONLY response our human understanding can give to the WORD OF GOD.
IF THE SPIRIT DOES NOT INTERPRET THE WORD FOR US, WE GROPE IN DARKNESS. And we are BOUND TO MAKE MISTAKES if we do not seek for, and get, the INTERPRETATION OF THE SPIRIT.
Have you ever had the experience of hearing the Bible explained by others, and something within you tells you it is not correct? I have, many times. Those times have caused me to go before the Lord and ask Him to reveal the TRUTH to me. Each time, when I have sought Him diligently enough, He causes His LIGHT to shine into my spirit. When He does, I know what the TRUTH of the matter is.
The disciples asked about the END OF THE WORLD. The Old Testament, especially the book of Isaiah, has much to say about the subject. They, no doubt, thought He was talking about the END OF THE WORLD when He told them about the DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE IN 70 AD.
BUT THOSE ARE TWO DIFFERENT SUBJECTS ALTOGETHER.
When the disciples asked Him about the matter He had introduced at the Temple site, He continued to explain about the OVERTHROW OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE, instead of answering their misguided question about the END OF THE WORLD.
Most of the Church World is still as lacking in understanding as the disciples were on that day so long ago. We have "lumped" several subjects together, and crammed them all into a "last seven years", and given it a name that doesn't fit at all-- "The GREAT TRIBULATION" (aka THE REIGN OF ANTICHRIST).
Jesus had told the disciples plainly that the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple would be the time of THE GREAT TRIBULATION. Nothing worse BEFORE it. Nothing worse AFTER it. What can be more precise than that?
But, people ask, "What about Mat 24:6 And ye SHALL HEAR OF WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, BUT THE END IS NOT YET.
Are we not seeing these things unfold right before our very eyes?"
The answer is, "Yes these events are taking place, BUT THEY ARE NOT the events Jesus was talking about.” Jesus was referring to events which would happen immediately before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
THE EVENTS WE ARE WITNESSING NOW ARE A DIFFERENT SUBJECT ALTOGETHER.
Here is where a look into history can be of great benefit. During the last five or six years before 70 AD. there were several "earth shaking" events occurred in the Roman Empire that had a profound effect on their relationship to Jerusalem and the Jews.
One historical account reads like this: Which wars, the gloss says, will be between the nations of the world, and Israel. Here wars may mean the commotions, insurrections, and seditions, against the Romans, and their governors; and the INTESTINE SLAUGHTERS COMMITTED AMONG THEM, some time before the siege of Jerusalem, and the destruction of it. Under Cureanus the Roman governor, a sedition was raised on the day of the passover, in which twenty thousand perished; after that, in another tumult, TEN THOUSAND WERE DESTROYED BY CUT-THROATS: in Ascalon two thousand more, in Ptolemais two thousand, at Alexandria fifty thousand, at Damascus ten thousand, and elsewhere in great numbers. The Jews were also put into great consternation, upon hearing the design of the Roman emperor, to put up his image in their temple:
Another historical note reads: Mat 24:6-7 -
Ye shall hear of wars. The Jewish war began in A. D. 66, and ended five years after. During this period all the Roman empire was filled with commotion. Nero, the emperor, was overthrown by Galba; six months after, Galba was overthrown by Otho; a few months after, Otho was overthrown by Vitelius; a little later, he was overthrown by Vespasian. All of these but the last, who ascended the throne shortly before Jerusalem was destroyed, died violent deaths.
Here is what others have written about the months just prior to the overthrow.
see that ye be not troubled; so as to leave the land of Judea as yet, and quit the preaching of the Gospel there, as if the final destruction was just at hand;
for all these things must come to pass; these wars and the reports of them and the panic on account of them; these commotions and slaughters, and terrible devastations by the sword must be; being determined by God, predicted by Christ, and brought upon the Jews by their own wickedness; and suffered in righteous judgment, for their sin:
but the end is not yet; meaning not the end of the world, but the end of Jerusalem, and the temple, the end of the Jewish state; which were to continue, and did continue after these disturbances in it. …
But the armies of Titus did accomplish the desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple in August of 70 AD. Not one stone was left on top of another. They were torn apart to retrieve the gold which had melted and ran down from the roof when it burned.
Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Luk 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
THE DEAD SOUL
THE DEAD SOUL
One day, early in my years of being a Pastor, I started to study about the Soul of Man-- what it is, etc. I'm not sure I like what I found. Sometimes Truth can be disturbing.
First thing I found was that the soul of mankind came into being by God breathing into the body He had formed from the dust of the earth. The combination of the earthy body and the Breath of Life created a LIVING SOUL.
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Next, I discovered that the Lord promised DEATH on the day the man and his wife should eat of the forbidden tree.
Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
THEY DID EAT-- choosing to trust their own judgment rather than the judgment and command of God. The serpent had told them the FIRST LIE "Thou shalt not die." Adam lived in his physical body for more than 900 years after eating from the "tree" which had been forbidden.
I discovered that the "DEATH" which God had warned them about was not primarily a PHYSICAL death, but a death of another type.
Further study revealed to me that the SOULS of all mankind who are not within the shelter of Jesus, the Christ of God, are called "dead" in scripture.
To illustrate what happened at Eden, Evangelist C.W. Phileo in 1945, gave us an object lesson. He had me go out to a peach tree during service, and cut off a twig. He then asked us if we would class the twig as being dead or alive. It was fresh. It was beautiful and green. But he brought home a powerful lesson on the only source of life was for the twig to remain attached to the parent tree.
The soul that is not attached to God through Jesus is DEAD. The SOULS of Adam and Eve were CUT OFF from God when they rebelled. Their souls were DEAD from that moment on, even though they were physically still alive, and lived for a long time after that.
Of course, there were many cataclysmic changes took place when the man and his wife disobeyed God's orders. Suddenly, there were creatures of prey, and their victim species were terrified at their presence. Mankind was robbed of its instinct, and given another one. The list could go on.
In the mid-forties, we had to rely on Robert Young's Analytical Concordance or Strong's Exhaustive for an in-depth study of any part of the Bible. I had a Young's, and nearly wore it out studying various subjects. Now, a touch of the finger brings up more than I could dig out in hours of searching back the then. Thank God for what computers can do.
But, in all my poring over the original texts and the translations, I could not, (nor can I now) find any reference to the soul of man being immortal, or "never-dieing", as it is often described by people who seem to know. Maybe some of you can help me find where it is described as being immortal.
What I did find, in history, was that the idea of the soul being immortal came originally from the people who taught and believed in "transmigration of the soul", or, as we know it today, "re-incarnation". It was popularized by the Greek philosopher Plato and others like him.
The medieval Church (the Papacy) incorporated it into the curriculum , because it served their purposes of fear and intimidation so very well. Fear of excommunication was paralyzing to people who were ignorant of the Word of God, and steeped in the traditions of unregenerate men. The Church did not, however, teach "transmigration of the soul" as others had done. Purgatory and Limbo served very well to give them power over even the dead people.
I found, also, that every living creature was considered a "soul" in scripture, and every creature was destined to die. Righteous men die, the same as the unrighteous. Jesus told the folks to not fear physical death, but rather to fear Him who was able to destroy (I studied that word also) both the body and the soul.
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
One day, early in my years of being a Pastor, I started to study about the Soul of Man-- what it is, etc. I'm not sure I like what I found. Sometimes Truth can be disturbing.
First thing I found was that the soul of mankind came into being by God breathing into the body He had formed from the dust of the earth. The combination of the earthy body and the Breath of Life created a LIVING SOUL.
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Next, I discovered that the Lord promised DEATH on the day the man and his wife should eat of the forbidden tree.
Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
THEY DID EAT-- choosing to trust their own judgment rather than the judgment and command of God. The serpent had told them the FIRST LIE "Thou shalt not die." Adam lived in his physical body for more than 900 years after eating from the "tree" which had been forbidden.
I discovered that the "DEATH" which God had warned them about was not primarily a PHYSICAL death, but a death of another type.
Further study revealed to me that the SOULS of all mankind who are not within the shelter of Jesus, the Christ of God, are called "dead" in scripture.
To illustrate what happened at Eden, Evangelist C.W. Phileo in 1945, gave us an object lesson. He had me go out to a peach tree during service, and cut off a twig. He then asked us if we would class the twig as being dead or alive. It was fresh. It was beautiful and green. But he brought home a powerful lesson on the only source of life was for the twig to remain attached to the parent tree.
The soul that is not attached to God through Jesus is DEAD. The SOULS of Adam and Eve were CUT OFF from God when they rebelled. Their souls were DEAD from that moment on, even though they were physically still alive, and lived for a long time after that.
Of course, there were many cataclysmic changes took place when the man and his wife disobeyed God's orders. Suddenly, there were creatures of prey, and their victim species were terrified at their presence. Mankind was robbed of its instinct, and given another one. The list could go on.
In the mid-forties, we had to rely on Robert Young's Analytical Concordance or Strong's Exhaustive for an in-depth study of any part of the Bible. I had a Young's, and nearly wore it out studying various subjects. Now, a touch of the finger brings up more than I could dig out in hours of searching back the then. Thank God for what computers can do.
But, in all my poring over the original texts and the translations, I could not, (nor can I now) find any reference to the soul of man being immortal, or "never-dieing", as it is often described by people who seem to know. Maybe some of you can help me find where it is described as being immortal.
What I did find, in history, was that the idea of the soul being immortal came originally from the people who taught and believed in "transmigration of the soul", or, as we know it today, "re-incarnation". It was popularized by the Greek philosopher Plato and others like him.
The medieval Church (the Papacy) incorporated it into the curriculum , because it served their purposes of fear and intimidation so very well. Fear of excommunication was paralyzing to people who were ignorant of the Word of God, and steeped in the traditions of unregenerate men. The Church did not, however, teach "transmigration of the soul" as others had done. Purgatory and Limbo served very well to give them power over even the dead people.
I found, also, that every living creature was considered a "soul" in scripture, and every creature was destined to die. Righteous men die, the same as the unrighteous. Jesus told the folks to not fear physical death, but rather to fear Him who was able to destroy (I studied that word also) both the body and the soul.
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Friday, June 11, 2010
DEIRY OF JESUS
THE DEITY OF JESUS
Perhaps I have failed to make my position clear about whether Jesus is God or not. I suppose I am what others might want to call Dualist, if I understand that term correctly.
As I see it, Jesus was BOTH God and Man while He was in His ministry here on earth. Until His baptism by John, He was Man with unpolluted blood (the virgin birth accomplished this). His blood could atone for sin because of this.
When Jesus was baptized in water, the Holy Ghost came upon Him.
John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him]. He was then GOD IN FLESH-- complete Deity in Flesh without the Nature of Sin. (Virgin birth)
Jesus ministered in this manner for three and one half years.
But a transaction took place on the Cross which made Him cry in anguish, "My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken me?" The Holy Ghost was withdrawn from Jesus, and at the same moment, all the guilt of the world flooded over Him. "He who knew no sin (nature) became (laden with) sin for us.
It was flesh that died at Calvary-- not God. Here is the miracle of Justification.
Our guilt was placed upon Jesus, so that His righteousness could be given to us.
We must realize that sometimes Jesus spoke as Man-- other times the same lips spoke as God. Hence "before Abraham was--I AM." "I can of myself do nothing-- what I see my Father do--"
The Holy Ghost, given at baptism, was, is, and always shall be "Alpha and Omega."
The scriptures in Isaiah (41:4 48:12) are not, as near as I can see, speaking of the flesh of God in Jesus Christ. Rather, the Spirit that inhabits Eternity.
We must remember that the doctrine which became known as The Trinity did not make its appearance until over a hundred years after Jesus died. It could well qualify as the teachings of man rather than of God. At least, that is the way it looks from here.
God bless!
Perhaps I have failed to make my position clear about whether Jesus is God or not. I suppose I am what others might want to call Dualist, if I understand that term correctly.
As I see it, Jesus was BOTH God and Man while He was in His ministry here on earth. Until His baptism by John, He was Man with unpolluted blood (the virgin birth accomplished this). His blood could atone for sin because of this.
When Jesus was baptized in water, the Holy Ghost came upon Him.
John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him]. He was then GOD IN FLESH-- complete Deity in Flesh without the Nature of Sin. (Virgin birth)
Jesus ministered in this manner for three and one half years.
But a transaction took place on the Cross which made Him cry in anguish, "My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken me?" The Holy Ghost was withdrawn from Jesus, and at the same moment, all the guilt of the world flooded over Him. "He who knew no sin (nature) became (laden with) sin for us.
It was flesh that died at Calvary-- not God. Here is the miracle of Justification.
Our guilt was placed upon Jesus, so that His righteousness could be given to us.
We must realize that sometimes Jesus spoke as Man-- other times the same lips spoke as God. Hence "before Abraham was--I AM." "I can of myself do nothing-- what I see my Father do--"
The Holy Ghost, given at baptism, was, is, and always shall be "Alpha and Omega."
The scriptures in Isaiah (41:4 48:12) are not, as near as I can see, speaking of the flesh of God in Jesus Christ. Rather, the Spirit that inhabits Eternity.
We must remember that the doctrine which became known as The Trinity did not make its appearance until over a hundred years after Jesus died. It could well qualify as the teachings of man rather than of God. At least, that is the way it looks from here.
God bless!
COULD NOT DISANNUL
COULD NOT DISANNUL
I got a real “wallop” a few days ago while musing about Abraham and the one-sided (Unilateral) Covenant of Promise that God made with him, after the 42 years of testing (Documenting) his Faith (Obedience) were finished.
Abraham walked with God in very much the same way that Christians SHOULD walk with Him today.
It was, basically, a walk of FAITH and OBEDIENCE. There were no other requirements asked for nor expected, as far as God was concerned.
The relationship had plenty of GRACE (Divine Enablement) in it, for no ordinary man could do what Abraham was asked to do, that of sacrificing Isaac, without the enabling factor of God’s Grace. That was the “Acid Test” of his FAITH (Obedience).
It was after that incident that God added the element of PROMISE to the relationship.
Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Those three elements, GRACE, FAITH, AND PROMISE were all that was needed.
That relationship endured for 430 years before being interrupted for a time, and for a reason.
Gal 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, (to define sin—Wey) (to identify wrongdoing—God’s Word) (to show what wrongdoing is—Goodnews), till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
The Law was given as a Schoolmaster to bring us to Faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The Law, AT NO TIME was able to supercede or cancel out the relationship of FAITH, GRACE AND PROMISE that existed between God and Abraham.
Gal 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
All through the 1500 years of the LAW, there were people who acquired and maintained the same relationship that Abraham had experienced—that of GRACE, FAITH and PROMISE. Many of the Heroes of Faith (Heb 11) came from that period of time.
The LAW, which had been Divinely inaugurated at the first Passover, was also Divinely set aside on the Cross of Calvary when Jesus said, “It is finished”. The “Schoolmaster” was dismissed, and school was let out. THERE WERE NO MORE RESTRICTIONS. There were NO MORE RITUALS AND NO MORE CEREMONIES.
If we have “done our homework” (learned our lessons), we have learned to put our trust in Jesus for the Salvation of our souls. THAT IS FAITH.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
FAITH gives us access to THE GRACE OF GOD, and HOPE.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: that by these ye might be PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
FAITH GRACE PROMISE (The same as Abraham, our Father)
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is OF FAITH, that it might be BY GRACE; to the end the PROMISE MIGHT BE SURE to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
NO RESTRICTIONS NO RITUALS NO CEREMONIES
HOWEVER, if we have completed our lessons given by the Schoolmaster (LAW) we have learned a few PRINCIPLES of God that we will faithfully practice because of Love and Respect for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
I got a real “wallop” a few days ago while musing about Abraham and the one-sided (Unilateral) Covenant of Promise that God made with him, after the 42 years of testing (Documenting) his Faith (Obedience) were finished.
Abraham walked with God in very much the same way that Christians SHOULD walk with Him today.
It was, basically, a walk of FAITH and OBEDIENCE. There were no other requirements asked for nor expected, as far as God was concerned.
The relationship had plenty of GRACE (Divine Enablement) in it, for no ordinary man could do what Abraham was asked to do, that of sacrificing Isaac, without the enabling factor of God’s Grace. That was the “Acid Test” of his FAITH (Obedience).
It was after that incident that God added the element of PROMISE to the relationship.
Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Those three elements, GRACE, FAITH, AND PROMISE were all that was needed.
That relationship endured for 430 years before being interrupted for a time, and for a reason.
Gal 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, (to define sin—Wey) (to identify wrongdoing—God’s Word) (to show what wrongdoing is—Goodnews), till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
The Law was given as a Schoolmaster to bring us to Faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The Law, AT NO TIME was able to supercede or cancel out the relationship of FAITH, GRACE AND PROMISE that existed between God and Abraham.
Gal 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
All through the 1500 years of the LAW, there were people who acquired and maintained the same relationship that Abraham had experienced—that of GRACE, FAITH and PROMISE. Many of the Heroes of Faith (Heb 11) came from that period of time.
The LAW, which had been Divinely inaugurated at the first Passover, was also Divinely set aside on the Cross of Calvary when Jesus said, “It is finished”. The “Schoolmaster” was dismissed, and school was let out. THERE WERE NO MORE RESTRICTIONS. There were NO MORE RITUALS AND NO MORE CEREMONIES.
If we have “done our homework” (learned our lessons), we have learned to put our trust in Jesus for the Salvation of our souls. THAT IS FAITH.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
FAITH gives us access to THE GRACE OF GOD, and HOPE.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: that by these ye might be PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
FAITH GRACE PROMISE (The same as Abraham, our Father)
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is OF FAITH, that it might be BY GRACE; to the end the PROMISE MIGHT BE SURE to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
NO RESTRICTIONS NO RITUALS NO CEREMONIES
HOWEVER, if we have completed our lessons given by the Schoolmaster (LAW) we have learned a few PRINCIPLES of God that we will faithfully practice because of Love and Respect for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
HE THAT BELIEVETH
HE THAT BELIEVETH
John 3:18 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Strong's Concordance gives a definition (4100) of "believeth" which is about as plain as it needs to be. He gives, "Trust the soul's well being to Him."
The Jewish folks still trust Moses. Others trust Alla, or Buddha, or whomever else. It doesn't matter. None of these are trust worthy.
Neither are we safe to put confidence in anything we can do ourselves. Many of us seem to think that we have to add a little bit here and there in order for our salvation to be valid.
This is not true. Jesus paid the FULL PRICE. Salvation is HIS GIFT to us. All He asks from us is full confidence in Him to save our souls from Hell and get us to Heaven.
While it is true that He desires a growth in Spiritual stature as we go along, and is grieved if we do not progress, the lack of it does not in any way detract from our Salvation. It is a gift.
It is just as true that if we make progress in the Spirit, we get a greater enjoyment from, and appreciation for, our Salvation, so that He seems sweeter as we go along. Progress will be rewarded, but in no way can it make our Salvation more secure than it already was, or is.
The victory of the Christian life is no more nor less than our complete confidence in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Deliverer. To place any confidence anywhere else becomes spiritual adultery.
Complete confidence in Jesus makes us steadfast and unmovable. Psalms 125:1 They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.
Psalms 146:5 Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
John 3:18 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Strong's Concordance gives a definition (4100) of "believeth" which is about as plain as it needs to be. He gives, "Trust the soul's well being to Him."
The Jewish folks still trust Moses. Others trust Alla, or Buddha, or whomever else. It doesn't matter. None of these are trust worthy.
Neither are we safe to put confidence in anything we can do ourselves. Many of us seem to think that we have to add a little bit here and there in order for our salvation to be valid.
This is not true. Jesus paid the FULL PRICE. Salvation is HIS GIFT to us. All He asks from us is full confidence in Him to save our souls from Hell and get us to Heaven.
While it is true that He desires a growth in Spiritual stature as we go along, and is grieved if we do not progress, the lack of it does not in any way detract from our Salvation. It is a gift.
It is just as true that if we make progress in the Spirit, we get a greater enjoyment from, and appreciation for, our Salvation, so that He seems sweeter as we go along. Progress will be rewarded, but in no way can it make our Salvation more secure than it already was, or is.
The victory of the Christian life is no more nor less than our complete confidence in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Deliverer. To place any confidence anywhere else becomes spiritual adultery.
Complete confidence in Jesus makes us steadfast and unmovable. Psalms 125:1 They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.
Psalms 146:5 Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
BRING ME A MINSTREL
BRING ME A MINSTREL
There is a vivid illustration in the Bible of what good music can do for a congregation of saints, or for an individual believer.
I use the term "GOOD MUSIC" intentionally, for it is my opinion that there is far too much "beat of the heathen" in much of the noise that is being passed off as music for worship in these days.
I never studied music, but in my Pastoral years I did learn that music can set the mood for a congregation, either to promote PRAISE, or to promote WORSHIP.
There is a distinct difference between PRAISE and WORSHIP. Both are beneficial and necessary, but neither one to the exclusion of the other.
The use of fast, higher pitched songs will tend to promote a happy atmosphere where folks want to clap their hands, tap their feet, or run around the building. That is very good in its place, but, over the long haul, it produces relatively poor Spiritual stablility in the saints-- especially the younger ones.
Conversely, the slower, lower pitched songs tend to promote more of an atmosphere of WORSHIP, which is more conducive to the bringing forth of the Gifts of Utterance in the congregation. We are nigh starved to death for lack of hearing the Voice of the Spirit in many of our congregations.
Experiment with the 23rd Psalm. Pitch it high, and speed it up. It produces an exuberance of spirit right away. Try it again, low pitched, and quite slow. It calls forth an entirely different mood immediately. What it does for the individual, it will also do for the congregation.
Elisha, and perhaps others of the Prophets knew this about music. When two kings called upon him for advice about a forthcoming battle, he NEEDED something to counteract his utter contempt for one of the kings. He possibly asked the minstrel to sing Psalm 23. ?????
II Kings 3:14 And Elisha said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
Do you want the Moving of the Spirit in your congregation? Set the mood for it. Do you want excitement and jubilance? Set the mood for it.
You will have to LEARN HOW to WORSHIP, and then TEACH YOUR PEOPLE HOW, for it is almost a lost art in our present day Church culture.
There is a vivid illustration in the Bible of what good music can do for a congregation of saints, or for an individual believer.
I use the term "GOOD MUSIC" intentionally, for it is my opinion that there is far too much "beat of the heathen" in much of the noise that is being passed off as music for worship in these days.
I never studied music, but in my Pastoral years I did learn that music can set the mood for a congregation, either to promote PRAISE, or to promote WORSHIP.
There is a distinct difference between PRAISE and WORSHIP. Both are beneficial and necessary, but neither one to the exclusion of the other.
The use of fast, higher pitched songs will tend to promote a happy atmosphere where folks want to clap their hands, tap their feet, or run around the building. That is very good in its place, but, over the long haul, it produces relatively poor Spiritual stablility in the saints-- especially the younger ones.
Conversely, the slower, lower pitched songs tend to promote more of an atmosphere of WORSHIP, which is more conducive to the bringing forth of the Gifts of Utterance in the congregation. We are nigh starved to death for lack of hearing the Voice of the Spirit in many of our congregations.
Experiment with the 23rd Psalm. Pitch it high, and speed it up. It produces an exuberance of spirit right away. Try it again, low pitched, and quite slow. It calls forth an entirely different mood immediately. What it does for the individual, it will also do for the congregation.
Elisha, and perhaps others of the Prophets knew this about music. When two kings called upon him for advice about a forthcoming battle, he NEEDED something to counteract his utter contempt for one of the kings. He possibly asked the minstrel to sing Psalm 23. ?????
II Kings 3:14 And Elisha said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
Do you want the Moving of the Spirit in your congregation? Set the mood for it. Do you want excitement and jubilance? Set the mood for it.
You will have to LEARN HOW to WORSHIP, and then TEACH YOUR PEOPLE HOW, for it is almost a lost art in our present day Church culture.
THE GREAT TRIBULATION
THE GREAT TRIBULATION
MAT 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Jesus had just finished pronouncing desolation to the nation of Judah, when He made the above declaration to them or about them.
Here is what follows that episode.
MAT 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to [him] for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
MAT 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Those words of Jesus set the stage for a much longer discourse at a later time.
MAT 24:3 ¶ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
The primary concern of Jesus as He talked to them on the Mount of Olives was a warning about letting men deceive them.
MAT 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
THAT IS STILL HIS MAIN CONCERN. It should also be ours.
Let's take a good look at what the Disciples asked Jesus that day.
Tell us, when shall these things be? That was the first portion of a three-part question. They, being men and not possessing Spiritual knowledge, THOUGHT they were asking only one question.
The last thing He had told them was about the Temple buildings-- that they would be completely demolished. He DID NOT tell them WHEN it would happen, nor WHY it would happen.
40 years would roll by before the prophecy of Jesus would be fulfilled. It would be accomplished by the Roman general Titus in 70 AD. But Jesus gave them no date.
He only said, "Take heed that no man deceive you." He then related some conditions whereby they might have an idea of what was about to happen.
MAT 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
MAT 24:16-21 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For THEN shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
I readily admit that I do not have all the answers, but I believe I have SOME OF THEM. I also have to admit that I have serious doubts about the validity of most of the answers that are floating around today.
Sounds like Jesus was telling His disciples that the sacking of Jerusalem in 70 AD would be the time of what is called THE GREAT TRIBULATION. (Remember that Jesus was talking about Jerusalem and the Temple when He mentioned the term "GREAT TRIBULATION"
Now, if this be correct (and I am convinced that it is), how in the world did the GREAT TRIBULATION get shoved clear down into what is considered the LAST DAYS? Who did it, and why?
There are a couple of other scriptures where the words "GREAT TRIBULATION" are found. But neither scripture mentions the fact that it will be the worst that has ever happened, or ever will happen.
REV 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into GREAT TRIBULATION, except they repent of their deeds
This one is talking about the great Whore that rides on one of the three (wild) Beasts of the Revelation, as it was given to John.
How come she is a whore? What does it mean to be a scriptural whore? It means to have a divided allegiance-- both to the God of the universe, and to the god of this world . Jesus said we CAN NOT serve two masters.
The word "kosmos" is used to denote the World. Its root means "an orderly arrangement", and is definitely referring to secular rulership, (government) which we are all under today if we are a citizen of any country.
TIT 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
The Word teaches us that our CITZENSHIP is in Heaven.
PHI 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
We are given instructions about the relationship we should have toward the affairs of government while we inhabit the earth.
Jesus said for us to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. We get into trouble when we try to mix the two.
Yet, we should maintain an attitude of being pilgrims and strangers in the world. We are citizens of the "city" that Abraham was looking for.
HEB 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Another mention of GREAT TRIBULATION (Rev 7:1-14) refers to a "great multitude which no man could number" standing before the Throne and giving Glory to God. An angel asked John who they were, and where they came from.
REV 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Again, I submit that I do not have all of the answers, but it would seem to me that GREAT TRIBULATION is an essential element in our Spiritual Development, and is an integral part of becoming an OVERCOMER.
I am of the opinion that the person/s who, for whatever reason, changed the interpretation of the Scriptures, made a mistake.
The Church has seen many periods of intense persecution. But there is ONE such persecution/tribulation which the Word indicates as being the GRAND DADDY TRIBULATION.
That one was identified by Jesus as being what happened at 70 AD., when the Temple was burned. The gold overlay melted and ran into the cracks between the stones. Every stone was separated from all others to retrieve the melted gold.
It indicated that the Law of Ordinances was finished.
Faith in Jesus Christ is all that remains. There simply IS NO OTHER WAY TO APPROACH GOD.
Perhaps in a later issue we will discuss the other two facets of the question asked by the Disciples on the Mount of Olives. "The sign of Thy coming, and the end of the world.
MAT 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Jesus had just finished pronouncing desolation to the nation of Judah, when He made the above declaration to them or about them.
Here is what follows that episode.
MAT 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to [him] for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
MAT 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Those words of Jesus set the stage for a much longer discourse at a later time.
MAT 24:3 ¶ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
The primary concern of Jesus as He talked to them on the Mount of Olives was a warning about letting men deceive them.
MAT 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
THAT IS STILL HIS MAIN CONCERN. It should also be ours.
Let's take a good look at what the Disciples asked Jesus that day.
Tell us, when shall these things be? That was the first portion of a three-part question. They, being men and not possessing Spiritual knowledge, THOUGHT they were asking only one question.
The last thing He had told them was about the Temple buildings-- that they would be completely demolished. He DID NOT tell them WHEN it would happen, nor WHY it would happen.
40 years would roll by before the prophecy of Jesus would be fulfilled. It would be accomplished by the Roman general Titus in 70 AD. But Jesus gave them no date.
He only said, "Take heed that no man deceive you." He then related some conditions whereby they might have an idea of what was about to happen.
MAT 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
MAT 24:16-21 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For THEN shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
I readily admit that I do not have all the answers, but I believe I have SOME OF THEM. I also have to admit that I have serious doubts about the validity of most of the answers that are floating around today.
Sounds like Jesus was telling His disciples that the sacking of Jerusalem in 70 AD would be the time of what is called THE GREAT TRIBULATION. (Remember that Jesus was talking about Jerusalem and the Temple when He mentioned the term "GREAT TRIBULATION"
Now, if this be correct (and I am convinced that it is), how in the world did the GREAT TRIBULATION get shoved clear down into what is considered the LAST DAYS? Who did it, and why?
There are a couple of other scriptures where the words "GREAT TRIBULATION" are found. But neither scripture mentions the fact that it will be the worst that has ever happened, or ever will happen.
REV 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into GREAT TRIBULATION, except they repent of their deeds
This one is talking about the great Whore that rides on one of the three (wild) Beasts of the Revelation, as it was given to John.
How come she is a whore? What does it mean to be a scriptural whore? It means to have a divided allegiance-- both to the God of the universe, and to the god of this world . Jesus said we CAN NOT serve two masters.
The word "kosmos" is used to denote the World. Its root means "an orderly arrangement", and is definitely referring to secular rulership, (government) which we are all under today if we are a citizen of any country.
TIT 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
The Word teaches us that our CITZENSHIP is in Heaven.
PHI 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
We are given instructions about the relationship we should have toward the affairs of government while we inhabit the earth.
Jesus said for us to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. We get into trouble when we try to mix the two.
Yet, we should maintain an attitude of being pilgrims and strangers in the world. We are citizens of the "city" that Abraham was looking for.
HEB 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Another mention of GREAT TRIBULATION (Rev 7:1-14) refers to a "great multitude which no man could number" standing before the Throne and giving Glory to God. An angel asked John who they were, and where they came from.
REV 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Again, I submit that I do not have all of the answers, but it would seem to me that GREAT TRIBULATION is an essential element in our Spiritual Development, and is an integral part of becoming an OVERCOMER.
I am of the opinion that the person/s who, for whatever reason, changed the interpretation of the Scriptures, made a mistake.
The Church has seen many periods of intense persecution. But there is ONE such persecution/tribulation which the Word indicates as being the GRAND DADDY TRIBULATION.
That one was identified by Jesus as being what happened at 70 AD., when the Temple was burned. The gold overlay melted and ran into the cracks between the stones. Every stone was separated from all others to retrieve the melted gold.
It indicated that the Law of Ordinances was finished.
Faith in Jesus Christ is all that remains. There simply IS NO OTHER WAY TO APPROACH GOD.
Perhaps in a later issue we will discuss the other two facets of the question asked by the Disciples on the Mount of Olives. "The sign of Thy coming, and the end of the world.
VALLEY OF DECISION
THE VALLEY OF DECISION
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one which the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what is, I believe, more in line with His plan for humanity.
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its historical sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage.
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: Consulted) one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that FEARED the LORD, and that THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name.
Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who joyfully bask in the sunshine of His Forgiveness, and neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit [as] a REFINER and PURIFIER of silver: and he shall PURIFY the SONS OF LEVI, and PURGE them as gold and silver, THAT THEY MAY OFFER UNTO THE LORD AN OFFERING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
God bless!
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one which the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what is, I believe, more in line with His plan for humanity.
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its historical sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage.
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: Consulted) one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that FEARED the LORD, and that THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name.
Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who joyfully bask in the sunshine of His Forgiveness, and neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit [as] a REFINER and PURIFIER of silver: and he shall PURIFY the SONS OF LEVI, and PURGE them as gold and silver, THAT THEY MAY OFFER UNTO THE LORD AN OFFERING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
God bless!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
ACONSUMINGFIRE
OUR GOD IS A COMSUMING FIRE
One evening, a few nights ago, Pearl and I were in a service at the church, when, as clear as a bell, the words came to me, "For our God [is] a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:29
I do not remember the circumstances that might have prompted me to think of that scripture, but I have learned that these things do not just happen without a purpose. It seems that something I had unwittingly said in another public service had made such an impact on one or more individuals as to drastically change the course of their thinking-- for their good. I had not known about it until much later. But, it had re-enforced the conviction that we can do so much more good when we allow the Spirit to "prompt" us in speaking what we are given for any particular situation. That occasion had been one of those times, and I had forgotten about it altogether. Other people had not forgotten, for it had impacted their lives.
The statement, "Our God is a Consuming Fire" comes near the end of the letter written to the Hebrew people, and seems to be the summation of the entire letter. It was written to a people who were enduring much severe persecution for their faith in Jesus, rather than the ceremonies and restrictions of the Law of Moses-- especially the "modern" interpretations of the Law. The persecution was so severe as to cause some of the Hebrew Christians to turn back and return to the Law and traditions of the elders. It involved a ceremony in which they publicly denounced the Blood of Jesus and the Grace of God.
The writer of the epistle called that ceremony Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Then, a couple of verses down, he writes, Hebrews 10:31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
In other words, "Be very careful what you do when in times of stress or distress, for-- Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Moses used the term "Consuming Fire" in Deut 4:21-24 when urging the Hebrews to be very careful in their walk with the Lord. In fact, the Lord used His Glory (which was like a Devouring fire Ex 24:17) to subdue rebellion and anarchy in the camp of Israel in the wilderness. See Numbers 14:10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. Numbers 16:19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. Numbers 16:42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
In the Hebrews letter, they are urged to listen carefully to what God is saying to them, for it is dangerous to let his voice fall on Spiritually deaf ears.
Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God [is] a consuming fire.
One evening, a few nights ago, Pearl and I were in a service at the church, when, as clear as a bell, the words came to me, "For our God [is] a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:29
I do not remember the circumstances that might have prompted me to think of that scripture, but I have learned that these things do not just happen without a purpose. It seems that something I had unwittingly said in another public service had made such an impact on one or more individuals as to drastically change the course of their thinking-- for their good. I had not known about it until much later. But, it had re-enforced the conviction that we can do so much more good when we allow the Spirit to "prompt" us in speaking what we are given for any particular situation. That occasion had been one of those times, and I had forgotten about it altogether. Other people had not forgotten, for it had impacted their lives.
The statement, "Our God is a Consuming Fire" comes near the end of the letter written to the Hebrew people, and seems to be the summation of the entire letter. It was written to a people who were enduring much severe persecution for their faith in Jesus, rather than the ceremonies and restrictions of the Law of Moses-- especially the "modern" interpretations of the Law. The persecution was so severe as to cause some of the Hebrew Christians to turn back and return to the Law and traditions of the elders. It involved a ceremony in which they publicly denounced the Blood of Jesus and the Grace of God.
The writer of the epistle called that ceremony Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Then, a couple of verses down, he writes, Hebrews 10:31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
In other words, "Be very careful what you do when in times of stress or distress, for-- Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Moses used the term "Consuming Fire" in Deut 4:21-24 when urging the Hebrews to be very careful in their walk with the Lord. In fact, the Lord used His Glory (which was like a Devouring fire Ex 24:17) to subdue rebellion and anarchy in the camp of Israel in the wilderness. See Numbers 14:10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. Numbers 16:19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. Numbers 16:42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
In the Hebrews letter, they are urged to listen carefully to what God is saying to them, for it is dangerous to let his voice fall on Spiritually deaf ears.
Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God [is] a consuming fire.
ALTARS
ALTARS
Abraham has been called the Altar Builder. He built at least three of them in his recorded life time.
The first one was in RESPONSE TO GOD WHO APPEARED TO HIM. He had left his father, Terah, in Haran, and was in the land of Canaan. We have no record of him ever seeing his father again, although Terah lived until after the birth of Isaac.
This was one of the many "SEPARATIONS" of the life of Abraham.
Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
The second recorded altar was built when Abraham called upon the Name of the Lord. It was a form of worship to God.
Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, [having] Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
Abraham found it good to return to his former places of worship, and again "call on the Name of the Lord."
Genesis 13:4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Abraham's last recorded altar became a "life altering altar". His life would never be the same again.
Genesis 22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
Abraham was in deep trauma as he built this last altar. God had asked for what he valued most dearly-- Isaac, his only son by Sarah. He was the "Son of Promise."
God had put him to an acid test of obedience, and though bleeding emotionally, Abraham had passed the test.
He was about to hear God's "Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not witheld..."
At no time did God promise to shield us from difficult situations and hard choices. In fact, He initiates most of them in order to assist us in our maturing process. We naively blame the devil for them.
Richard Reneau tells us that we do not use altars of earth and stone now, because we have Jesus Christ. But he says that we do figuratively build them and use them in our walk today.
OLD TESTAMENT ALTARS WERE SHADOWS OF NEW TESTAMENT REALITY.
There are crises in our lives which need to be brought to our "altars" like our fathers did theirs. There are disappointments and painful and confusing experiences. We can, and should, make "altars" out of the "dirt-y" things which beset us.
Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
We should also make "altars" out of the hard things (stones) of our lives.
Exodus 20:25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Don't try to "shape" things with tools. (counselling) Bring them just like they are. Bro. Reneau says that if we don't turn the dirt and stones (hard things) into altars, they will turn us into stone.
They left the altar where they made the sacrifice-- they went on.
We lay our burdens-- dirt and hard things, before Him. Then we walk away from them-- before bitterness and hardness sets in.
It is not easy to build altars. We carry dirt and hard things until we wear ourselves out before we make them into altars-- and go on.
Small, frequent altars diminish the need for large ones.
Take the cross daily-- keep them small.
Accumulated dirt and hard things can become traumatic, and leave us, like Jacob, with a lifetime limp.
Abraham has been called the Altar Builder. He built at least three of them in his recorded life time.
The first one was in RESPONSE TO GOD WHO APPEARED TO HIM. He had left his father, Terah, in Haran, and was in the land of Canaan. We have no record of him ever seeing his father again, although Terah lived until after the birth of Isaac.
This was one of the many "SEPARATIONS" of the life of Abraham.
Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
The second recorded altar was built when Abraham called upon the Name of the Lord. It was a form of worship to God.
Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, [having] Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
Abraham found it good to return to his former places of worship, and again "call on the Name of the Lord."
Genesis 13:4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Abraham's last recorded altar became a "life altering altar". His life would never be the same again.
Genesis 22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
Abraham was in deep trauma as he built this last altar. God had asked for what he valued most dearly-- Isaac, his only son by Sarah. He was the "Son of Promise."
God had put him to an acid test of obedience, and though bleeding emotionally, Abraham had passed the test.
He was about to hear God's "Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not witheld..."
At no time did God promise to shield us from difficult situations and hard choices. In fact, He initiates most of them in order to assist us in our maturing process. We naively blame the devil for them.
Richard Reneau tells us that we do not use altars of earth and stone now, because we have Jesus Christ. But he says that we do figuratively build them and use them in our walk today.
OLD TESTAMENT ALTARS WERE SHADOWS OF NEW TESTAMENT REALITY.
There are crises in our lives which need to be brought to our "altars" like our fathers did theirs. There are disappointments and painful and confusing experiences. We can, and should, make "altars" out of the "dirt-y" things which beset us.
Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
We should also make "altars" out of the hard things (stones) of our lives.
Exodus 20:25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Don't try to "shape" things with tools. (counselling) Bring them just like they are. Bro. Reneau says that if we don't turn the dirt and stones (hard things) into altars, they will turn us into stone.
They left the altar where they made the sacrifice-- they went on.
We lay our burdens-- dirt and hard things, before Him. Then we walk away from them-- before bitterness and hardness sets in.
It is not easy to build altars. We carry dirt and hard things until we wear ourselves out before we make them into altars-- and go on.
Small, frequent altars diminish the need for large ones.
Take the cross daily-- keep them small.
Accumulated dirt and hard things can become traumatic, and leave us, like Jacob, with a lifetime limp.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
MYSISTERMYSPOUSE
MY SISTER, MY SPOUSE
Four times in the Song, Solomon refers to his Beloved as "My Sister, My Spouse."
Most of us know that in Bible times, an "Engagement" was as binding as the "Wedding", and couples were often spoken of as being a spouse before they came together as husband and wife.
Song of Solomon 4:9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.
Song of Solomon 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
Song of Solomon 4:12 A garden enclosed [is] my sister, [my] spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
Song of Solomon 5:1 I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
In our modern "rush-a-day" world, we might have a tendency to forget some important principles of the marriage relationship.
While we were serving as Pastors (and we did for over 30 years) we had ample opportunity to observe differences in the way spouses treated one another while in the Church house-- compared to how they did after they left and went their way. Often times there was a BIG difference.
To combat the trend, I would often use an illustration, and tell the folks that my wife, whom I called "Sister" while in public, was NO LESS my "sister" when we got safely within our four walls.
Too many times, when the door is locked for the night, a man becomes a brute beast, or a woman becomes a shrew, and a battle is joined. Often, the children become the confused audience. "These things ought not so to be."
Sometimes, in times of stress, we tend to lose sight of the fact that God's Word has something to say about the most sacred relationship we humans can have.
Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.
I Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Four times in the Song, Solomon refers to his Beloved as "My Sister, My Spouse."
Most of us know that in Bible times, an "Engagement" was as binding as the "Wedding", and couples were often spoken of as being a spouse before they came together as husband and wife.
Song of Solomon 4:9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.
Song of Solomon 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
Song of Solomon 4:12 A garden enclosed [is] my sister, [my] spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
Song of Solomon 5:1 I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
In our modern "rush-a-day" world, we might have a tendency to forget some important principles of the marriage relationship.
While we were serving as Pastors (and we did for over 30 years) we had ample opportunity to observe differences in the way spouses treated one another while in the Church house-- compared to how they did after they left and went their way. Often times there was a BIG difference.
To combat the trend, I would often use an illustration, and tell the folks that my wife, whom I called "Sister" while in public, was NO LESS my "sister" when we got safely within our four walls.
Too many times, when the door is locked for the night, a man becomes a brute beast, or a woman becomes a shrew, and a battle is joined. Often, the children become the confused audience. "These things ought not so to be."
Sometimes, in times of stress, we tend to lose sight of the fact that God's Word has something to say about the most sacred relationship we humans can have.
Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.
I Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
ABRAHAM'SCITY
ABRAHAM'S CITY
According to present day prophetic teachers, Jerusalem in the land of Palestine is the focus of much speculative teaching about what is destined to happen in the last days.
Right now, we are hearing a great deal about a certain red heifer, and the role intended for her to fulfill in the plans of the Israeli people.
We also hear rumors of the plans for a new temple, either on the old site or on a new site-- it doesn't make much difference.
If people are making a mistake, it doesn't matter too much whether it is a big mistake or a small one. Either one will miss the intended goal.
I think, sometimes, that the prople who lived when Jesus lived, and rejected Him because of a lack of proper teaching and understanding, were not much worse off, if any, than our Bible teachers of today. The believers today are apt to miss the true events of God as badly as those who crucified Jesus. Our "guns" are pointing the wrong direction.
Abraham, 4,000 years ago, may have known more than we do today. He didn't have the "benefit" of Bible commentators-- he had to depend upon what God told him. Any way, Abraham was looking for a City. Not an earthly city, but one which has "foundations."
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.
If Abraham knew enough to keep his eyes off of an earthly city, shouldn't we also know as much? Do we have any right to be looking at what God considers "last year's bird nest"?
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
May I submit to you that no earthly city will ever figure into God's Eternal Plan. We need to let those people in Palestine worry about their city-- it will never be accepted of God. MEN ARE BUILDING IT.
God is building His own City-- right now. You and I are a part of it. We fit into it in some manner-- walls, foundations, gates. We are there NOW!
WE are the City not made with hands-- the City Foursquare-- out of Heaven-- the Spirit of God.
Our City has no need of the sun, for the Lamb is the light.
Hey! I don't have all the answers yet. But I believe I have heard from God on the matter. I can't tell you all about the streets of Gold-- the wall of Jasper, etc. etc.. But I do believe they represent Christians with certain characteristics which cause them to be classified as "wall" or "street" or some other part. I am sure God knows where each one of us fits.
Have you ever wondered why you are like you are-- why you do what you do? Has God made you that way by His Spirit, so you can perform a function in His Celestial City?
Consider what I say!
According to present day prophetic teachers, Jerusalem in the land of Palestine is the focus of much speculative teaching about what is destined to happen in the last days.
Right now, we are hearing a great deal about a certain red heifer, and the role intended for her to fulfill in the plans of the Israeli people.
We also hear rumors of the plans for a new temple, either on the old site or on a new site-- it doesn't make much difference.
If people are making a mistake, it doesn't matter too much whether it is a big mistake or a small one. Either one will miss the intended goal.
I think, sometimes, that the prople who lived when Jesus lived, and rejected Him because of a lack of proper teaching and understanding, were not much worse off, if any, than our Bible teachers of today. The believers today are apt to miss the true events of God as badly as those who crucified Jesus. Our "guns" are pointing the wrong direction.
Abraham, 4,000 years ago, may have known more than we do today. He didn't have the "benefit" of Bible commentators-- he had to depend upon what God told him. Any way, Abraham was looking for a City. Not an earthly city, but one which has "foundations."
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.
If Abraham knew enough to keep his eyes off of an earthly city, shouldn't we also know as much? Do we have any right to be looking at what God considers "last year's bird nest"?
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
May I submit to you that no earthly city will ever figure into God's Eternal Plan. We need to let those people in Palestine worry about their city-- it will never be accepted of God. MEN ARE BUILDING IT.
God is building His own City-- right now. You and I are a part of it. We fit into it in some manner-- walls, foundations, gates. We are there NOW!
WE are the City not made with hands-- the City Foursquare-- out of Heaven-- the Spirit of God.
Our City has no need of the sun, for the Lamb is the light.
Hey! I don't have all the answers yet. But I believe I have heard from God on the matter. I can't tell you all about the streets of Gold-- the wall of Jasper, etc. etc.. But I do believe they represent Christians with certain characteristics which cause them to be classified as "wall" or "street" or some other part. I am sure God knows where each one of us fits.
Have you ever wondered why you are like you are-- why you do what you do? Has God made you that way by His Spirit, so you can perform a function in His Celestial City?
Consider what I say!
A न्यू CREATURE
A NEW CREATURE
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is A NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, WORKING IN YOU THAT WHICH IS WELLPLEASING IN HIS SIGHT, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Eph 2:10 FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, WHO HATH MADE BOTH ONE, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 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;
Eph 2:16 And that he MIGHT RECONCILE BOTH UNTO GOD IN ONE BODY BY THE CROSS, having slain the enmity thereby:
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus NEITHER CIRCUMCISION AVAILETH ANY THING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION, but A NEW CREATURE.
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I WILL PUT MY LAW IN THEIR INWARD PARTS, AND WRITE IT IN THEIR HEARTS; AND WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
Eze 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
Eze 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Phi 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is A NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, WORKING IN YOU THAT WHICH IS WELLPLEASING IN HIS SIGHT, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Eph 2:10 FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, WHO HATH MADE BOTH ONE, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 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;
Eph 2:16 And that he MIGHT RECONCILE BOTH UNTO GOD IN ONE BODY BY THE CROSS, having slain the enmity thereby:
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus NEITHER CIRCUMCISION AVAILETH ANY THING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION, but A NEW CREATURE.
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I WILL PUT MY LAW IN THEIR INWARD PARTS, AND WRITE IT IN THEIR HEARTS; AND WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
Eze 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
Eze 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Phi 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Monday, June 07, 2010
SENDMEAMAN
SEND ME A MAN
Many years ago I knew a man who lived about five miles
south east of Weiser, Idaho. Down on Buttermilk Slough, to be
exact.
This man and his wife had knelt in their living room, along
with his brother and his wife, and given their hearts to the Lord
when both couples lived in Midvale, about 25 miles to the north
of Weiser. Dr. Charles E. Fuller was giving his altar call over
the radio, and both couples responded.
Both couples were grieving over baby boys they had each
lost to infant disease.
The men had been noted for their "wild west" demeanor in
the past, and a very real change had taken place in their lives.
They had joined a church in their little hamlet, but they
were not taught water baptism.
As Floyd was studying his Bible, he became convicted that
he should be baptized. But not just any baptism would do. He
felt that he should be baptized in the same manner that all of the
people of the New Testament time were recorded to have been
baptized.
He could not find a man in the area of Weiser who would
do the job like he thought it should be done.
So he talked to the Lord about it. Surely there was some-
one somewhere who would be willing to baptize him that way.
He said to the Lord, "If this is as important to You as it is
to me, Send me a man."
In a few days, a man from Naches, Washington, about 350
miles away, knocked on Floyd's door.
The house sat at the end of a long driveway, off a side
road from the highway. Highway 30, that is.
The man's name was Bill A. I knew him also. He related
to Floyd that the Lord had told him there was a man wanting to be
baptized, and had directed him to that house. Was it true that he
was ready to go to the water?
It was true, and the water was close by. "So, what doth
hinder-- ?"
"If ye be willing, and obedient--."
Many years ago I knew a man who lived about five miles
south east of Weiser, Idaho. Down on Buttermilk Slough, to be
exact.
This man and his wife had knelt in their living room, along
with his brother and his wife, and given their hearts to the Lord
when both couples lived in Midvale, about 25 miles to the north
of Weiser. Dr. Charles E. Fuller was giving his altar call over
the radio, and both couples responded.
Both couples were grieving over baby boys they had each
lost to infant disease.
The men had been noted for their "wild west" demeanor in
the past, and a very real change had taken place in their lives.
They had joined a church in their little hamlet, but they
were not taught water baptism.
As Floyd was studying his Bible, he became convicted that
he should be baptized. But not just any baptism would do. He
felt that he should be baptized in the same manner that all of the
people of the New Testament time were recorded to have been
baptized.
He could not find a man in the area of Weiser who would
do the job like he thought it should be done.
So he talked to the Lord about it. Surely there was some-
one somewhere who would be willing to baptize him that way.
He said to the Lord, "If this is as important to You as it is
to me, Send me a man."
In a few days, a man from Naches, Washington, about 350
miles away, knocked on Floyd's door.
The house sat at the end of a long driveway, off a side
road from the highway. Highway 30, that is.
The man's name was Bill A. I knew him also. He related
to Floyd that the Lord had told him there was a man wanting to be
baptized, and had directed him to that house. Was it true that he
was ready to go to the water?
It was true, and the water was close by. "So, what doth
hinder-- ?"
"If ye be willing, and obedient--."
THEGOODFIGHT
THE GOOD FIGHT
II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
Faith is sometimes described as something similar to a pry bar, by which we can procure things from God, such as a new car, a better job, or more finances. The list would be endless.
The real meaning of faith is "Dedication", or "Commitment to God".
Peter and James each referred to the "trial" or "trying" of our faith. These words equal our modern word for a "sworn statement"-- "Documenting".
The crucial part of the Christian life is that of maintaining our "commitment" or "dedication" to God.
Getting a new car, a better job, or any of those things are not essential to our life in Jesus.
MAINTAINING TRUST IN, AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS VERY ESSENTIAL.
When trusting Jesus for the well being of your soul becomes difficult, don't pray for less trials-- pray for more strength from Him.
Fight the good fight of Faith (Commitment to God)
II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
Faith is sometimes described as something similar to a pry bar, by which we can procure things from God, such as a new car, a better job, or more finances. The list would be endless.
The real meaning of faith is "Dedication", or "Commitment to God".
Peter and James each referred to the "trial" or "trying" of our faith. These words equal our modern word for a "sworn statement"-- "Documenting".
The crucial part of the Christian life is that of maintaining our "commitment" or "dedication" to God.
Getting a new car, a better job, or any of those things are not essential to our life in Jesus.
MAINTAINING TRUST IN, AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS VERY ESSENTIAL.
When trusting Jesus for the well being of your soul becomes difficult, don't pray for less trials-- pray for more strength from Him.
Fight the good fight of Faith (Commitment to God)
TIMESOFCRISIS
TIMES OF CRISIS
Great occasions do not make us heroes or cowards. Times of testing serve as a barometer of our Spiritual condition. They simply show us what we have been making of ourselves.
Each day, we are either growing stronger or we are getting weaker. We DO NOT REMAIN STATIC.
God's purpose in sending winds of adversity is NOT that we should FAIL and become DISCOURAGED-- No, No, No! Rather, they are HIS MESSENGERS to cause us to develop STRENGTH in THE FAITH, and walk in VICTORY.
VICTORY doesn't mean that WE WIN EVERY TIME.
The essence of VICTORY is the refusal to let circumstances deter or discourage us in our walk with JESUS.
We MUST, at any cost, maintain the commitment of our souls to the care of the Lord Jesus Christ.
TO HAVE FAITH means that we maintain our CONFIDENCE in the INTEGRITY OF GOD.
THAT IS THE "GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH"
Great occasions do not make us heroes or cowards. Times of testing serve as a barometer of our Spiritual condition. They simply show us what we have been making of ourselves.
Each day, we are either growing stronger or we are getting weaker. We DO NOT REMAIN STATIC.
God's purpose in sending winds of adversity is NOT that we should FAIL and become DISCOURAGED-- No, No, No! Rather, they are HIS MESSENGERS to cause us to develop STRENGTH in THE FAITH, and walk in VICTORY.
VICTORY doesn't mean that WE WIN EVERY TIME.
The essence of VICTORY is the refusal to let circumstances deter or discourage us in our walk with JESUS.
We MUST, at any cost, maintain the commitment of our souls to the care of the Lord Jesus Christ.
TO HAVE FAITH means that we maintain our CONFIDENCE in the INTEGRITY OF GOD.
THAT IS THE "GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH"
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