Luk 17:3-4 LITV
(3) Take heed to yourselves. And if your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
(4) And if seven times of the day he sins against you, and seven times of the day turns to you saying, I repent, you shall forgive him.
Have we ever done this? Most of us have been offended. How do we tend to handle it? As for me, my tendency would be to just bury it. After all, maybe the offending party didn't mean what they said. Or maybe they misspoke. Or maybe I heard wrong.
Part of our problem with relationships within the church is that we do not follow instructions. These are very simple, but the intent is to keep division out of the church - a problem running rampant in today's congregations.
The definition of 'rebuke' is to reprimand or reprove sharply. Basically, you have to get on somebody's case. We always want to be the good guy, though, which is something that Jesus wasn't so concerned with. We need to buck up.
The penalty for not doing this is very Pavlovian: we get into vicious patters that gradually degrade our fellowships into non-fellowships. We become squabbling, dis-functional families at best - Satan's plan to remove the allure of the body of Christ.
Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Pre-Christianity Fail
Often I hear people talking about pre-Christianity. Typically they are referring to writings or traditions that 'supposedly' date to times before Jesus, and yes... much was written before 1 a.d. However, John the apostle wrote:
Joh 1:1 ESV
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
When we realize that Jesus IS the Word, and in the beginning was the Word, it's difficult to date any of your stuff prior to that point. This was a sticky point even to the Jews of Jesus' time, to which Jesus stated:
Joh 5:39 ESV
(39) You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,
When speaking to His followers on the Road to Emmaus, Jesus showed them how He had been the one that all of scripture had been written about.
Luk 24:27 ESV
(27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Some would argue that even the writings of Moses were pre-dated by other writings. These same people first argued that Moses could not have written what he wrote because there was no established written language during his time. Once science disproved this, they adopted the idea that older writings existed. Perhaps.
But since we are limited to what we have faith in - what we believe - then I must state that I do not believe there is 'anything' that pre-dates Christianity. Jesus was the anointed one, and He was there in the 'beginning'. Gen 1:1 says "In the beginning, God..." Why is God plural?
Joh 1:1 ESV
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
When we realize that Jesus IS the Word, and in the beginning was the Word, it's difficult to date any of your stuff prior to that point. This was a sticky point even to the Jews of Jesus' time, to which Jesus stated:
Joh 5:39 ESV
(39) You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,
When speaking to His followers on the Road to Emmaus, Jesus showed them how He had been the one that all of scripture had been written about.
Luk 24:27 ESV
(27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Some would argue that even the writings of Moses were pre-dated by other writings. These same people first argued that Moses could not have written what he wrote because there was no established written language during his time. Once science disproved this, they adopted the idea that older writings existed. Perhaps.
But since we are limited to what we have faith in - what we believe - then I must state that I do not believe there is 'anything' that pre-dates Christianity. Jesus was the anointed one, and He was there in the 'beginning'. Gen 1:1 says "In the beginning, God..." Why is God plural?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
That Which Is Hidden...
Luke 8:17 HNV
(17) For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light.
It can be difficult to get away from the obvious implication of this verse. The first thing that comes to mind is all the things I don't want revealed in my own life. It's a scary verse if we harbor sin, or guilt, or embarrassment (things Christians should have given away long ago). But what about hidden talent? Hidden skills? Hidden resources? Hidden or missed opportunities?
What about knowledge and mysteries - good things?
Luke 10:21 HNV
(21) In that same hour Yeshua rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight."
What about the Living Word Himself - Messiah?
Colossians 1:26-27 HNV
(26) the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his holy ones,
(27) to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Messiah in you, the hope of glory;
That which is spiritual must also be signified in the physical. There must be a physical representation of this in God's creation.
Genesis 1:10-11 HNV
(10) God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters he called Seas. God saw that it was good.
(11) God said, "Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with its seed in it, on the earth;" and it was so.
Sure enough - once the waters were gathered together, the land which had hidden seed was immediately able to bear fruit. The earth 'put forth' grass - from seed that was hidden.
When a mother is about to give birth, what always happens before that which was hidden - the baby - is revealed? The 'water' breaks.
Romans 8:19 LITV
(19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God.
I suggest to you that it will take the waters of the Holy Spirit, breaking over 'all flesh', that will reveal the Sons of God.
(17) For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light.
It can be difficult to get away from the obvious implication of this verse. The first thing that comes to mind is all the things I don't want revealed in my own life. It's a scary verse if we harbor sin, or guilt, or embarrassment (things Christians should have given away long ago). But what about hidden talent? Hidden skills? Hidden resources? Hidden or missed opportunities?
What about knowledge and mysteries - good things?
Luke 10:21 HNV
(21) In that same hour Yeshua rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight."
What about the Living Word Himself - Messiah?
Colossians 1:26-27 HNV
(26) the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his holy ones,
(27) to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Messiah in you, the hope of glory;
That which is spiritual must also be signified in the physical. There must be a physical representation of this in God's creation.
Genesis 1:10-11 HNV
(10) God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters he called Seas. God saw that it was good.
(11) God said, "Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with its seed in it, on the earth;" and it was so.
Sure enough - once the waters were gathered together, the land which had hidden seed was immediately able to bear fruit. The earth 'put forth' grass - from seed that was hidden.
When a mother is about to give birth, what always happens before that which was hidden - the baby - is revealed? The 'water' breaks.
Romans 8:19 LITV
(19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God.
I suggest to you that it will take the waters of the Holy Spirit, breaking over 'all flesh', that will reveal the Sons of God.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Days of Vengeancee
Luke 21:16-22 And you shall be betrayed also by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends. And they will cause some of you to be put to death. (17) And you shall be hated by all for My name's sake. (18) But there shall not a hair of your head perish. (19) By your patience you will gain your souls. (20) And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its destruction has come. (21) And let those in Judea flee to the mountains. And those in its midst, let them go out. And those in the open spaces, let them not go into her. (22) For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Reading a passage like this gets my attention. Jesus was speaking prophetically of Jerusalem, but as in so many cases He wasn't giving away much information. Looking at this passage, we might think this has already happened. After all, in 70AD Jerusalem was sacked and burned by the Romans and many Jews died. If I had to guess, I would say that was a direct fulfillment of verse 20. However, we then get to verse 27:
Luke 21:27 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Somewhere in the passage... we took a time leap. Confusing. But not totally out of place within scripture. Very often the prophetic message had a early and latter fulfillment. Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation which did occur by Antiochus Epiphenes. But the real fulfillment he spoke of will be done - again - by the antichrist. Duel fulfillment. Still confusing.
Reading again verse 27, we see that this is a reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Why is it the second coming and not the rapture? Because the rapture is a secretive gathering of the saints in the clouds. People will not 'see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory' during the rapture event. However, the second coming will be just this way - public and spectacular.
But to me, this might imply a 'hint' somewhere in the text. If the rapture is a hidden event, is there a hint of it in this text?
Jesus is specific about circumstances. When you have to run for it, and you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that these are Days of Vengeance. See, that is an odd description. It's a title...
Is it used anywhere else? I looked.
Hosea 9:5-7 What will you do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah? (6) For lo, they have left because of destruction. Egypt shall gather them up; Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver; thorns shall be in their tents. (7) The days of her judgment have come; the days of vengeance have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and the great hatred.
This is the only other place I found the phrase "Days of Vengeance" used. If I look at this passage as a divine link to Luke 21 (oh... and I do!) then this makes an interesting statement.
What will I be doing during the Great Tribulation - Jacob's time of trouble? According to Revelation, I will be at a Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What does Hosea ask? "What will I do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah?" "For lo, they have left because of destruction." Who has left? Well... me... for one. "Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver." What else happens when millions of people disappear? They leave their riches behind. Why? Because the days of vengeance have come.
It's an interesting cross-reference. Can we be dogmatic about any of it? Probably not, but it's worth discussing.
Reading a passage like this gets my attention. Jesus was speaking prophetically of Jerusalem, but as in so many cases He wasn't giving away much information. Looking at this passage, we might think this has already happened. After all, in 70AD Jerusalem was sacked and burned by the Romans and many Jews died. If I had to guess, I would say that was a direct fulfillment of verse 20. However, we then get to verse 27:
Luke 21:27 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Somewhere in the passage... we took a time leap. Confusing. But not totally out of place within scripture. Very often the prophetic message had a early and latter fulfillment. Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation which did occur by Antiochus Epiphenes. But the real fulfillment he spoke of will be done - again - by the antichrist. Duel fulfillment. Still confusing.
Reading again verse 27, we see that this is a reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Why is it the second coming and not the rapture? Because the rapture is a secretive gathering of the saints in the clouds. People will not 'see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory' during the rapture event. However, the second coming will be just this way - public and spectacular.
But to me, this might imply a 'hint' somewhere in the text. If the rapture is a hidden event, is there a hint of it in this text?
Jesus is specific about circumstances. When you have to run for it, and you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that these are Days of Vengeance. See, that is an odd description. It's a title...
Is it used anywhere else? I looked.
Hosea 9:5-7 What will you do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah? (6) For lo, they have left because of destruction. Egypt shall gather them up; Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver; thorns shall be in their tents. (7) The days of her judgment have come; the days of vengeance have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and the great hatred.
This is the only other place I found the phrase "Days of Vengeance" used. If I look at this passage as a divine link to Luke 21 (oh... and I do!) then this makes an interesting statement.
What will I be doing during the Great Tribulation - Jacob's time of trouble? According to Revelation, I will be at a Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What does Hosea ask? "What will I do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah?" "For lo, they have left because of destruction." Who has left? Well... me... for one. "Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver." What else happens when millions of people disappear? They leave their riches behind. Why? Because the days of vengeance have come.
It's an interesting cross-reference. Can we be dogmatic about any of it? Probably not, but it's worth discussing.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Great Tribulation
The end times present some scary scenarios. If taken out of context, the scriptures can be desparaging. If the Tribulation period is right around the corner (or have we turned that corner already?) what does that mean for Christians? Will Christians have to go through that horrific time?
Just to clarify, what is the Tribulation? The Tribulation is another word for Daniel's 70th week. In Daniel chapter 9, the angel Gabriel gives Daniel a prophetic timeline for just how the end-time scenario is laid out.
Dan 9:24-27 MKJV
(24) Seventy weeks are decreed as to your people and as to your holy city, to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
(25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going out of the command to restore and to build Jerusalem, to Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in times of affliction.
(26) And after sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself. And the people of the ruler who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. And the end of it shall be with the flood, and ruins are determined, until the end shall be war.
(27) And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and on a corner of the altar desolating abominations, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured on the desolator.
Seventy weeks are decreed that Israel owes God. That's right. Israel. It's all about Israel. That's why this time is also known as the time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). These aren't just weeks of days... they are weeks of years. This 490 year period is divided up into 62 weeks (434 years) and 7 weeks (49 years) and finally in verse 27 comes the last week (7 years). From the information Gabriel gave, we know, historically, exactly when the edict was signed to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and what to add to that date in order to find out when the streets and walls were rebuilt, and then when Jesus was crucified 434 years later. Messiah 'was' cut off (crucified), but not for Himself (then for whom?). He was killed for 'us'.
Verse 27 talks about the final week which begins with a 7-year 'covenant' with Israel. Mid-way through this 7-year period this leader (the antichrist) violates his covenant and causes the sacrifice and offering to cease in the Jewish temple. This is his effort to change the Jewish customs.
Dan 7:25 MKJV
(25) And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and plot to change times and laws. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and one-half time.
Notice, they shall be given unto the hand of the antichrist for 3.5 years. This is the last half of the Tribulation period known as the Great Tribulation. Regarding the Great Tribulation (last 3.5 years of the Tribulation) Jesus said this:
Mat 24:20-21 MKJV
(20) But pray that your flight is not in the winter, nor on the sabbath day;
(21) for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be.
Lets start with what we know. There will be saved people during the Great Tribulation. That seems obvious from the above verses. The antichrist will 'wear out the saints of the Most High'. Also, the book of Revelation mentions the tribulation saints:
Rev 7:14 MKJV
(14) And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes, and have whitened them in the blood of the Lamb.
Dan 7:21 MKJV
(21) I watched, and that horn made war with the saints and overcame them
Rev 13:7 MKJV
(7) And it was given to it to war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and tongue and nation.
Ahh it seems hopeless! We are destined to endure horrible things! Indeed... many of us are enduring horrible things every day. Followers of Jesus are imprisoned, tortured, and killed daily because of their testomonies. These are our brothers and sisters. But this is not the Tribulation, for even in the day of Jesus, men such as Steven were stoned because of his witness. Jesus, again, said "then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be."
It will be worse. But there is good news for the church.
1Th 1:10 MKJV
(10) and to wait for His Son from Heaven (whom He raised from the dead), Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Th 5:9-10 MKJV
(9) For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) who died for us, so that whether we watch or sleep we should live together with Him.
The church is not appointed unto wrath. Or perhaps we should ask this: at what point does anyone or anything - antichrist included - prevail over the church? At NO point!
Mat 16:18 MKJV
(18) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Isa 54:17 MKJV
(17) No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah.
So these saints spoken of in Daniel and Revelation are those truly blessed individuals who take advantage of their last chance to receive Jesus. Are they a part of the bride of Christ, the Church? No. The bride makes herself spotless and without blemish 'now', not later.
For those of us who are God-hungry Jesus-followers, we have a duty regarding the time of the end. We must be about the Father's business of winning souls and showing the love of Jesus. But we have a prayer duty as well:
Luk 21:36 MKJV
(36) Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man.
Zep 2:3 DRB
(3) Seek the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, you that have wrought his judgment: seek the just, seek the meek: if by any means you may be hid in the day of the Lord's indignation.
Just to clarify, what is the Tribulation? The Tribulation is another word for Daniel's 70th week. In Daniel chapter 9, the angel Gabriel gives Daniel a prophetic timeline for just how the end-time scenario is laid out.
Dan 9:24-27 MKJV
(24) Seventy weeks are decreed as to your people and as to your holy city, to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
(25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going out of the command to restore and to build Jerusalem, to Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in times of affliction.
(26) And after sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself. And the people of the ruler who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. And the end of it shall be with the flood, and ruins are determined, until the end shall be war.
(27) And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and on a corner of the altar desolating abominations, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured on the desolator.
Seventy weeks are decreed that Israel owes God. That's right. Israel. It's all about Israel. That's why this time is also known as the time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). These aren't just weeks of days... they are weeks of years. This 490 year period is divided up into 62 weeks (434 years) and 7 weeks (49 years) and finally in verse 27 comes the last week (7 years). From the information Gabriel gave, we know, historically, exactly when the edict was signed to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and what to add to that date in order to find out when the streets and walls were rebuilt, and then when Jesus was crucified 434 years later. Messiah 'was' cut off (crucified), but not for Himself (then for whom?). He was killed for 'us'.
Verse 27 talks about the final week which begins with a 7-year 'covenant' with Israel. Mid-way through this 7-year period this leader (the antichrist) violates his covenant and causes the sacrifice and offering to cease in the Jewish temple. This is his effort to change the Jewish customs.
Dan 7:25 MKJV
(25) And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and plot to change times and laws. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and one-half time.
Notice, they shall be given unto the hand of the antichrist for 3.5 years. This is the last half of the Tribulation period known as the Great Tribulation. Regarding the Great Tribulation (last 3.5 years of the Tribulation) Jesus said this:
Mat 24:20-21 MKJV
(20) But pray that your flight is not in the winter, nor on the sabbath day;
(21) for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be.
Lets start with what we know. There will be saved people during the Great Tribulation. That seems obvious from the above verses. The antichrist will 'wear out the saints of the Most High'. Also, the book of Revelation mentions the tribulation saints:
Rev 7:14 MKJV
(14) And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes, and have whitened them in the blood of the Lamb.
Dan 7:21 MKJV
(21) I watched, and that horn made war with the saints and overcame them
Rev 13:7 MKJV
(7) And it was given to it to war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and tongue and nation.
Ahh it seems hopeless! We are destined to endure horrible things! Indeed... many of us are enduring horrible things every day. Followers of Jesus are imprisoned, tortured, and killed daily because of their testomonies. These are our brothers and sisters. But this is not the Tribulation, for even in the day of Jesus, men such as Steven were stoned because of his witness. Jesus, again, said "then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be."
It will be worse. But there is good news for the church.
1Th 1:10 MKJV
(10) and to wait for His Son from Heaven (whom He raised from the dead), Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Th 5:9-10 MKJV
(9) For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) who died for us, so that whether we watch or sleep we should live together with Him.
The church is not appointed unto wrath. Or perhaps we should ask this: at what point does anyone or anything - antichrist included - prevail over the church? At NO point!
Mat 16:18 MKJV
(18) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Isa 54:17 MKJV
(17) No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah.
So these saints spoken of in Daniel and Revelation are those truly blessed individuals who take advantage of their last chance to receive Jesus. Are they a part of the bride of Christ, the Church? No. The bride makes herself spotless and without blemish 'now', not later.
For those of us who are God-hungry Jesus-followers, we have a duty regarding the time of the end. We must be about the Father's business of winning souls and showing the love of Jesus. But we have a prayer duty as well:
Luk 21:36 MKJV
(36) Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man.
Zep 2:3 DRB
(3) Seek the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, you that have wrought his judgment: seek the just, seek the meek: if by any means you may be hid in the day of the Lord's indignation.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Worrying For Nothing
There are many people concerned about world peace right now. It falls right in line with what Luke wrote about the status quo in the last days:
Luk 21:25-26 LITV
(25) And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf,
(26) men fainting from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
This is the beginning of a great 'shaking'. Truly, it does feel as though things have been shaken up greatly since the 90's. The 90's seem like 50 years ago, don't they?
The world is worried - for good reason. Those who aren't tend to be those in denial or the totally naive. Or there is the group that knows what the Bible says about it all.
One of the focal points of all this unrest is the tiny nation of Israel. Several times this week I have seen news or opinion writers portray Israel in a precarious position. I would like to address this briefly. Israel, the land, the people, the temple, the mosque, the mountain, the goats, the oranges... everything... belongs to the God of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). He made certain promises regarding His land, about His plans for it, about who would live in it temporarily and permanently, and about when all this would happen.
Something should be understood amongst Christians and Jews alike. Israel's existence is in no danger. She will never again be a non-entity. Israel, as a nation, is as sure as God Himself. She is infinitely more sure than the United States, Russia, and Iran. Is there danger to the Jewish people? Sadly, yes. These are an oppressed people, but that is what it is - oppression. Will they survive? Yes. Will there be sad times? Absolutely.
One of the mightiest angels in God's heaven stands as protector of the nation of Israel - Michael.
Dan 12:1 LITV
(1) And at that time, Michael shall stand up, the great ruler who stands for the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of distress, such as has not been from the being of a nation until that time. And at that time, your people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the Book.
Satan has warred with Michael over the body of Moses. Michael prevailed. If Satan himself cannot prevail over the protector of Israel, we should all realize that Israel is not going anywhere. That is not to say that God's word alone isn't protection enough.
We can muse and distress over the events of the Middle East, but it is in vain. Those who threaten God's chosen people are cursed from the beginning, according to Gen 27:29. Have you ever observed the actions of the cursed? Nothing goes their way. Even small victories are hollow and temporary. They are never fulfilled, and their rage drives them to their next defeat. This is the path of the enemies of God and His people.
Psa 2:1-12 ASV
(1) Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
(5) Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
(6) Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
Luk 21:25-26 LITV
(25) And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf,
(26) men fainting from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
This is the beginning of a great 'shaking'. Truly, it does feel as though things have been shaken up greatly since the 90's. The 90's seem like 50 years ago, don't they?
The world is worried - for good reason. Those who aren't tend to be those in denial or the totally naive. Or there is the group that knows what the Bible says about it all.
One of the focal points of all this unrest is the tiny nation of Israel. Several times this week I have seen news or opinion writers portray Israel in a precarious position. I would like to address this briefly. Israel, the land, the people, the temple, the mosque, the mountain, the goats, the oranges... everything... belongs to the God of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). He made certain promises regarding His land, about His plans for it, about who would live in it temporarily and permanently, and about when all this would happen.
Something should be understood amongst Christians and Jews alike. Israel's existence is in no danger. She will never again be a non-entity. Israel, as a nation, is as sure as God Himself. She is infinitely more sure than the United States, Russia, and Iran. Is there danger to the Jewish people? Sadly, yes. These are an oppressed people, but that is what it is - oppression. Will they survive? Yes. Will there be sad times? Absolutely.
One of the mightiest angels in God's heaven stands as protector of the nation of Israel - Michael.
Dan 12:1 LITV
(1) And at that time, Michael shall stand up, the great ruler who stands for the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of distress, such as has not been from the being of a nation until that time. And at that time, your people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the Book.
Satan has warred with Michael over the body of Moses. Michael prevailed. If Satan himself cannot prevail over the protector of Israel, we should all realize that Israel is not going anywhere. That is not to say that God's word alone isn't protection enough.
We can muse and distress over the events of the Middle East, but it is in vain. Those who threaten God's chosen people are cursed from the beginning, according to Gen 27:29. Have you ever observed the actions of the cursed? Nothing goes their way. Even small victories are hollow and temporary. They are never fulfilled, and their rage drives them to their next defeat. This is the path of the enemies of God and His people.
Psa 2:1-12 ASV
(1) Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
(5) Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
(6) Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Laborers Are Few
Luk 10:1-2 GNB
(1) After this the Lord chose another seventy-two men and sent them out two by two, to go ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go.
(2) He said to them, "There is a large harvest, but few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest.
Have you noticed this passage before? Notice it says... pray for workers to be sent out. Why? Because it's the workers that determine the harvest. Jesus never says here - pray for the harvest. He says to pray that workers will be sent out. If we lack harvest, it will be because the work was not done - not that it couldn't be done.
Luk 10:8-9 GNB
(8) Whenever you go into a town and are made welcome, eat what is set before you,
(9) heal the sick in that town, and say to the people there, 'The Kingdom of God has come near you.'
I've heard it also said by people whom I respect that it's not God's will to heal everyone. I contend that the moment God tells His people - who are called by His name and are indwelt by His Spirit - to go out and heal anyone who is sick, that it became a matter of OUR will, not His. His will was made known - "heal the sick". If the sick aren't healed, why not? Because it wasn't His will? If it wasn't His will, why did He give that choice to someone else? It's a thinker. These weren't 'just his disciples' either. These were 72 followers, many of which still carried around some really screwed-up theology. Having it all together was never a requirement. Being obedient is.
The Harvest IS great and the laborers are few. We must teach that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
(1) After this the Lord chose another seventy-two men and sent them out two by two, to go ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go.
(2) He said to them, "There is a large harvest, but few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest.
Have you noticed this passage before? Notice it says... pray for workers to be sent out. Why? Because it's the workers that determine the harvest. Jesus never says here - pray for the harvest. He says to pray that workers will be sent out. If we lack harvest, it will be because the work was not done - not that it couldn't be done.
Luk 10:8-9 GNB
(8) Whenever you go into a town and are made welcome, eat what is set before you,
(9) heal the sick in that town, and say to the people there, 'The Kingdom of God has come near you.'
I've heard it also said by people whom I respect that it's not God's will to heal everyone. I contend that the moment God tells His people - who are called by His name and are indwelt by His Spirit - to go out and heal anyone who is sick, that it became a matter of OUR will, not His. His will was made known - "heal the sick". If the sick aren't healed, why not? Because it wasn't His will? If it wasn't His will, why did He give that choice to someone else? It's a thinker. These weren't 'just his disciples' either. These were 72 followers, many of which still carried around some really screwed-up theology. Having it all together was never a requirement. Being obedient is.
The Harvest IS great and the laborers are few. We must teach that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Backing Up
I've not been writing much lately. It's not that I've been dry, but the word in my head has been so strong that I really didn't want to see it written. It sometimes even offends my own spirit.
With going full bore into Kingdom stuff for a while, it's easy to get pulled into the immense scope and responsibility of walking as Jesus walked. But there are some fundamentals that require attention.
The Kingdom is about giving what you have. "Silver and gold have I not, but what I have I give..." If you have no peace, you cannot impart peace. If you have no hope, then all you can impart is hopelessness.
Love is the fire that fuels the Kingdom and all Kingdom work. Without love, we are what? Perhaps the reason many have nothing to give is that they do not realize what they have been given. Not only do you have to have the gift, you must realize you have the gift.
It's like having a checking account and a bunch of checks. It's difficult to write checks to people if you do not know how much money you have in the bank.
As Christians, we've been shown much love. Scripture says:
1Jn 4:19 HNV(19) We love Him, because he first loved us.
I can write checks, because dad first wrote me one.
God has deposited something in our checking accounts and therefore we can write MANY checks. It's about giving away what we have. We tend to wander aimlessly, giving nothing, because we lose sight of what we have been given.
Does this tie in to forgiveness? I can't forgive because I've lost sight of what God has forgiven me?
Jesus said this of the harlot:Luk 7:47 HNV(47) Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
Those who have need of little (a fallacy) receive little, and therefore give little away. This is 'not' Kingdom living.
With going full bore into Kingdom stuff for a while, it's easy to get pulled into the immense scope and responsibility of walking as Jesus walked. But there are some fundamentals that require attention.
The Kingdom is about giving what you have. "Silver and gold have I not, but what I have I give..." If you have no peace, you cannot impart peace. If you have no hope, then all you can impart is hopelessness.
Love is the fire that fuels the Kingdom and all Kingdom work. Without love, we are what? Perhaps the reason many have nothing to give is that they do not realize what they have been given. Not only do you have to have the gift, you must realize you have the gift.
It's like having a checking account and a bunch of checks. It's difficult to write checks to people if you do not know how much money you have in the bank.
As Christians, we've been shown much love. Scripture says:
1Jn 4:19 HNV(19) We love Him, because he first loved us.
I can write checks, because dad first wrote me one.
God has deposited something in our checking accounts and therefore we can write MANY checks. It's about giving away what we have. We tend to wander aimlessly, giving nothing, because we lose sight of what we have been given.
Does this tie in to forgiveness? I can't forgive because I've lost sight of what God has forgiven me?
Jesus said this of the harlot:Luk 7:47 HNV(47) Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
Those who have need of little (a fallacy) receive little, and therefore give little away. This is 'not' Kingdom living.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Children of the Kingdom - Pt2
Mat 8:5-12 KJVR
(5) And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
(6) And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
(7) And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
(8) The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
(9) For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
(10) When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
(11) And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
(12) But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(13) And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
But what about this passage in verse 12? The children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness. What? Why? Who are the children of the kingdom?
Let's look further. The phrase 'children of the kingdom' is only used one other time by Jesus:
Mat 13:37-38 KJVR
(37) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
(38) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
The good seed is the children of the kingdom, but a good seed that does not sprout and bear fruit – which apparently is VERY possible – is tossed out. All good seed 'is expected' to sprout into a tree that produces fruit.
If we do not produce fruit, we will be cast into the fire. That's offensive in many ways, but John said it, and then Jesus said it. That's twice, and by the testimony of two or more shall a matter be decided.
Mat 7:19 KJVR(19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Why did Jesus say this? Scare tactics? Should this be personally frightening to anyone seeking the will of God for their life? No, but we should be motivated to bear good fruit.
Let's finish with this parable:
Luk 13:6-9 MKJV
(6) He also spoke this parable: A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard. And he came and sought fruit on it, and found none.
(7) And he said to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none. Cut it down, why does it encumber the ground?
(8) And answering, he said to him, Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and throw manure.
(9) And if it bears fruit, well; and if not, then after that you shall cut it down.
See, God is patient with us and our fruit-bearing. He intends for us to 'get around to it', but sometimes we are too stubborn. And we wonder why we have so much 'crap' in our lives. Maybe it's a last-ditch effort to get us to bear fruit.
(5) And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
(6) And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
(7) And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
(8) The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
(9) For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
(10) When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
(11) And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
(12) But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(13) And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
But what about this passage in verse 12? The children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness. What? Why? Who are the children of the kingdom?
Let's look further. The phrase 'children of the kingdom' is only used one other time by Jesus:
Mat 13:37-38 KJVR
(37) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
(38) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
The good seed is the children of the kingdom, but a good seed that does not sprout and bear fruit – which apparently is VERY possible – is tossed out. All good seed 'is expected' to sprout into a tree that produces fruit.
If we do not produce fruit, we will be cast into the fire. That's offensive in many ways, but John said it, and then Jesus said it. That's twice, and by the testimony of two or more shall a matter be decided.
Mat 7:19 KJVR(19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Why did Jesus say this? Scare tactics? Should this be personally frightening to anyone seeking the will of God for their life? No, but we should be motivated to bear good fruit.
Let's finish with this parable:
Luk 13:6-9 MKJV
(6) He also spoke this parable: A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard. And he came and sought fruit on it, and found none.
(7) And he said to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none. Cut it down, why does it encumber the ground?
(8) And answering, he said to him, Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and throw manure.
(9) And if it bears fruit, well; and if not, then after that you shall cut it down.
See, God is patient with us and our fruit-bearing. He intends for us to 'get around to it', but sometimes we are too stubborn. And we wonder why we have so much 'crap' in our lives. Maybe it's a last-ditch effort to get us to bear fruit.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Burned
Once upon a time there was a powerful judge who was very unhappy at home. One day he was on official business out of town and decided to make a stop at the home of a prostitute, even though prostitution was illegal. The prostitute's price was not a sum of money, but rather a small used car. The judge was unprepared to pay the price, naturally, but promised that in return for her services he would have the car sent. She agreed only if the judge would leave some colateral, for which he left his driver's license and credit card (judges aren't always that smart). The judge tries to have the car sent to the prostitute in order to retrieve his driver's license and credit card, but the prostitute is gone.
A few weeks later, the very same unwed woman shows up in the judge's court, pregnant, being accused of prostitution. The judge does not recognize the woman at all but sentences her to death. At this point, the woman produces the credit card and drivers license and announces that the owner is also the father.
Burned.
This exact scenario took place in scripture. It happened to Judah, the son of Israel from whom the Messiah would emerge. The story is in Genesis 38 and it describes Judah being framed by his daughter-in-law, Tamar, whom he should be giving to his son in marriage. However, Judah doesn't like her at all and wont give her the go-ahead to marry. So Tamar sees Judah preparing to go out of town and she dresses up like a prostitute, seduces him for the price of a goat (there's a joke there, I know it...) and takes his signet, cord, and staff as colateral. When Tamar showed up pregnant, Judah very quickly suggests she be burned to death - which solves his marriage problem. But, Tamar produces the staff and signet...
Judah was not smart. He trades one form of immorality (unlawfully denying Tamar the right to his son) with another kind of immorality (sleeping with her) with yet another - extreme hypocrisy. It's called sin management, and it doesn't work.
God said this: Luk 12:2-3(2) For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor anything hidden that shall not be known.(3) Therefore whatever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light. And that which you have spoken in the ear in secret rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
A few weeks later, the very same unwed woman shows up in the judge's court, pregnant, being accused of prostitution. The judge does not recognize the woman at all but sentences her to death. At this point, the woman produces the credit card and drivers license and announces that the owner is also the father.
Burned.
This exact scenario took place in scripture. It happened to Judah, the son of Israel from whom the Messiah would emerge. The story is in Genesis 38 and it describes Judah being framed by his daughter-in-law, Tamar, whom he should be giving to his son in marriage. However, Judah doesn't like her at all and wont give her the go-ahead to marry. So Tamar sees Judah preparing to go out of town and she dresses up like a prostitute, seduces him for the price of a goat (there's a joke there, I know it...) and takes his signet, cord, and staff as colateral. When Tamar showed up pregnant, Judah very quickly suggests she be burned to death - which solves his marriage problem. But, Tamar produces the staff and signet...
Judah was not smart. He trades one form of immorality (unlawfully denying Tamar the right to his son) with another kind of immorality (sleeping with her) with yet another - extreme hypocrisy. It's called sin management, and it doesn't work.
God said this: Luk 12:2-3(2) For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor anything hidden that shall not be known.(3) Therefore whatever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light. And that which you have spoken in the ear in secret rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
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