A. "I AM come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive" (Jn. 5:43).
B. "I AM that bread of life" (Jn. 6:48).
C. "But I know Him: for I AM from Him, and He hath sent Me" (Jn. 7:29).
D. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I AM the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (Jn. 8:12).
E. "I AM one that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me beareth witness of Me" (Jn. 8:18).
F. "And He said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I AM from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world" (Jn. 8:23).
G. "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM He, ye shall die in your sins" (Jn. 8:24).
H. "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things" (Jn. 8:28).
I. "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM" (Jn. 8:58).
J. "And Jesus said, For judgment I AM come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind" (Jn. 9:39).
K. "I AM the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture" (Jn. 10:9).
L. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (Jn. 10:10).
M. "I AM the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (Jn. 10:11).
N. "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? (Jn. 10:36).
O. "Jesus said unto her, I AM the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (Jn. 11:25).
P. "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor" (Jn. 12:26).
Q. "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I AM" (Jn. 13:13).
R. "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I AM He" (Jn. 13:19).
S. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I AM, there ye may be also" Jn. 14:3).
T. "Jesus saith unto him, I AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (Jn 14:6).
U. "I AM the true vine, and My Father is the Husbandman" (Jn. 15:1).
V. "And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I AM glorified in them" (Jn. 17:10).
W. "They are not of the world, even as I AM not of the world" (Jn. 17:16).
X. "As soon then as He had said unto them, I AM He, they went backward, and fell to the ground" (Jn. 18:6).
Y. "Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that He said, I AM King of the Jews" (Jn. 19:21).
Z. "Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not; for I AM not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God" (Jn. 20:17).
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
THREE FEASTS, TWO ADVENTS, AND ONE LORD: JESUS!
The seven Feasts of the Lord were to be observed by the children of Israel, as instructed to do so by Moses in Leviticus chapter twenty-three. Three of these feasts occurred in the first month of the Jewish calendar (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits); one occurred fifty days later (Pentecost); and three occurred in Israel's seventh month (Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles). Today, Christians understand that the first three feasts were "pictures" of Christ's First Advent. Jesus is our Passover (1 Cor. 5:7), He is the unleavened (sinless - Heb. 4:15) Bread (Jn. 6:35, 48; 1 Cor. 11:23-28; etc.), and He is the first to be resurrected in His glorified body (1 Cor. 15:20-23).
We also recognize Pentecost, the mysterious single feast, alone and the only one to use leaven, as being the birth of the Church, a mystery to the Jews, even until this day (Acts 2:1-41; Eph. 5:32). Born again believers, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles, are those who constitute the membership of the Church, and we are far from sinless (Rom. 7:155-25; 1 Jn. 1:8-10; etc.)!
As with the first four Feasts of the Lord, many students of the Bible believe that the last three feasts are also pictures of Christ's Coming, but that they are "pictures" of His Second Advent. The Feast of Trumpets (Lev. 23:24) has two meanings: 1) there is a trumpet which accompanies the Rapture of the Church (1 Th. 4:16-17), and 2) the re-gathering of Israel (Num. 10:1-3) to begin the seven-year period know as Daniel's Seventieth Week (Dan. 9:27), the Time of Jacob's Trouble (Jer. 30:7), and Israel's Tribulation (Mt. 24:3-29; Rev. 6 - 18).
Once Israel has re-gathered in the land, apparently requiring only ten days (cp. Lev. 23:24 w/ v. 27), they are to focus on the atonement for their sins (Lev. 23:27). They will have three and a half years of preaching from God's two witnesses, but instead of repenting, they celebrate the execution of the two prophets of God (Rev. 11:1-12). It is then that God unleashes unholy trinity (Satan, The re-animated Antichrist, and the False Prophet - Rev. 13). For the next three and a half years, Israel will be on the run (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15-28; Rev. 13 - 18)!
Finally, seven years (approximately - we do not know how much time passes between the Rapture and the beginning of the Tribulation) after the Church has been taken up into heaven, the final Feast of Tabernacles; He will literally fulfill it! Jesus will fulfill it by living with His people Israel here on Earth. That is what the word "tabernacle," the Hebrew מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan), means, God dwelling with us (Mt. 1:23; 17:4). The 1000 year reign of Jesus on earth, is known as the Millennial Kingdom of Christ (Rev. 20:1-6)
We also recognize Pentecost, the mysterious single feast, alone and the only one to use leaven, as being the birth of the Church, a mystery to the Jews, even until this day (Acts 2:1-41; Eph. 5:32). Born again believers, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles, are those who constitute the membership of the Church, and we are far from sinless (Rom. 7:155-25; 1 Jn. 1:8-10; etc.)!
As with the first four Feasts of the Lord, many students of the Bible believe that the last three feasts are also pictures of Christ's Coming, but that they are "pictures" of His Second Advent. The Feast of Trumpets (Lev. 23:24) has two meanings: 1) there is a trumpet which accompanies the Rapture of the Church (1 Th. 4:16-17), and 2) the re-gathering of Israel (Num. 10:1-3) to begin the seven-year period know as Daniel's Seventieth Week (Dan. 9:27), the Time of Jacob's Trouble (Jer. 30:7), and Israel's Tribulation (Mt. 24:3-29; Rev. 6 - 18).
Once Israel has re-gathered in the land, apparently requiring only ten days (cp. Lev. 23:24 w/ v. 27), they are to focus on the atonement for their sins (Lev. 23:27). They will have three and a half years of preaching from God's two witnesses, but instead of repenting, they celebrate the execution of the two prophets of God (Rev. 11:1-12). It is then that God unleashes unholy trinity (Satan, The re-animated Antichrist, and the False Prophet - Rev. 13). For the next three and a half years, Israel will be on the run (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15-28; Rev. 13 - 18)!
Finally, seven years (approximately - we do not know how much time passes between the Rapture and the beginning of the Tribulation) after the Church has been taken up into heaven, the final Feast of Tabernacles; He will literally fulfill it! Jesus will fulfill it by living with His people Israel here on Earth. That is what the word "tabernacle," the Hebrew מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan), means, God dwelling with us (Mt. 1:23; 17:4). The 1000 year reign of Jesus on earth, is known as the Millennial Kingdom of Christ (Rev. 20:1-6)
Jesus WILL literally fulfill the Fall feasts! SOON!
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015
JUDGE NOT....WAIT, WHAT?
According to Jesus, Christians are supposed to be the light of the world, exposing those things which men love to do in the cloak of darkness (Mt. 5:14; Jn. 3:19-20). We are also to be the salt of the earth (Mt. 5:13). Salt is a preservative, and in the Bible, it is connected to God's covenant with man (Num. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5); it was to be used with offerings to Him (Lev. 2:13; Ezek. 43:24; Mk. 9:49); and it even had healing properties (2 Kg. 2:21). Therefore, I believe Christians are to acknowledge their relationship with God, we are to be seasoned with His character in our relationship with others(Col. 4:6), and that we can be use of God to be the instruments of healing to a sick and dying world.
If we are to be light to reveal sin, and we are to be salt to preserve what is good, then we are obviously meant to discern between that which is holy, and that which is sin: we are to judge! Here are just ten verses that tell believers to be judges:
1. "Judges and officers shalt thou make in all thy gates..." (Deut. 16:18).
2. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (Jn. 7:24).
3. "...mark them which cause divisions...and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17).
4. "But he that is spiritual judges all things..." (1 Cor. 2:15).
5. "...the saints shall judge the world..." (1 Cor. 6:2).
6. "...set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church" (1 Cor. 6:4).
7. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness..." (Eph. 5:11).
8. "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (1 Tim. 5:20).
9. "...rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith" (Titus 1:13).
10. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).
If we are to be light to reveal sin, and we are to be salt to preserve what is good, then we are obviously meant to discern between that which is holy, and that which is sin: we are to judge! Here are just ten verses that tell believers to be judges:
1. "Judges and officers shalt thou make in all thy gates..." (Deut. 16:18).
2. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (Jn. 7:24).
3. "...mark them which cause divisions...and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17).
4. "But he that is spiritual judges all things..." (1 Cor. 2:15).
5. "...the saints shall judge the world..." (1 Cor. 6:2).
6. "...set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church" (1 Cor. 6:4).
7. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness..." (Eph. 5:11).
8. "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (1 Tim. 5:20).
9. "...rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith" (Titus 1:13).
10. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).
You must judge if you are not to even eat with a brother
who you know is living in sin (1 Cor. 5:11).
Monday, April 27, 2015
HOW I SEE THE PARABLES OF THE CHURCH AGE
Yesterday, I gave a basic introduction to the seven Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven as found in Matthew 13:3-50. Today, I would like to take a closer look at these pictures of events during the Church Age.
The Parable of the Sower (13:3-9; 18-23) - The "Sower" is Jesus (v. 37) are faithful messengers who proclaim the Word, the "seed," which is the Gospel, the power of God to produce life (v. 19; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). Satan prevents some from hearing (v. 4, 19), so that "seed" produces no life. The rest of the "seed" actually springs to life: the "rocky soil" pictures persecution, and the Lord's messengers are silenced out of fear (v. 5-6, 20-21); the "thorny ground" pictures worldly pleasures which serve to distract, and so doing, they also silence His messengers (v. 7, 22); but the "good ground" represents those who, like their Savior, continue to sow the "seed" (v. 8, 23).
The Parable of the Tares (v. 24-30; 36-43) - Again, the "Sower" is Jesus (v. 24, 37); His "field" is the world (v. 24, 38); the "wheat" are born again believers (v. 27, 38); the "enemy" is Satan (v. 25, 39); and the "tares" are false believers, children of Satan, who infiltrate Christian assemblies (v. 26, 38).
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (v. 31-32) - Here, the visible church is described as growing so large that "birds" (Satan's children, see v. 4, 19) make their home within the "branches" (most likely the visible church's many denominations).
The Parable of the Leavened Bread (v. 33) - Unless this is the one exception, leaven always represents sin in the Bible (Mt. 16:6; 1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9; etc.). Leavening is the result of gases given off by dead organisms; it "pollutes" both breads and wines. Ironically, these are the two elements used in the Lord's Supper. The Church Age is represented as a mysterious feast, the middle of Israel's seven Feasts of the Lord (Lev. 23:15-21). It was the only feast that permitted the use of leaven. Because the birth of the Church occurred on the Feast of Pentecost, most Bible students see the two loaves as being the Church, a mystery to Israel (Eph. 5:32), made up of saved but imperfect Jews and Gentiles!
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (v. 44) and The Parable of the Great Pearl (v. 45-46) - Jesus gives His all for both. Here, there is treasure found in both the land and the sea. The land is Israel, hidden during the Church Age, and the pearl represents the Church which comes out of the sea (the Gentile nations - see Jer. 51:13; Rev. 17:15; etc.).
The Parable of the Net (v. 47-50) - Again, Jesus, the "Fisher of men" gathers out of the sea (Gentile nations), and His angels separate the "good" from the "bad." Since there is none good, in and of themselves (Mt. 19:17; Rom. 3:10), the "good" have to be those who accepted Christ's righteousness by faith in Him (2 Cor. 5:21)!
The Parable of the Sower (13:3-9; 18-23) - The "Sower" is Jesus (v. 37) are faithful messengers who proclaim the Word, the "seed," which is the Gospel, the power of God to produce life (v. 19; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). Satan prevents some from hearing (v. 4, 19), so that "seed" produces no life. The rest of the "seed" actually springs to life: the "rocky soil" pictures persecution, and the Lord's messengers are silenced out of fear (v. 5-6, 20-21); the "thorny ground" pictures worldly pleasures which serve to distract, and so doing, they also silence His messengers (v. 7, 22); but the "good ground" represents those who, like their Savior, continue to sow the "seed" (v. 8, 23).
The Parable of the Tares (v. 24-30; 36-43) - Again, the "Sower" is Jesus (v. 24, 37); His "field" is the world (v. 24, 38); the "wheat" are born again believers (v. 27, 38); the "enemy" is Satan (v. 25, 39); and the "tares" are false believers, children of Satan, who infiltrate Christian assemblies (v. 26, 38).
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (v. 31-32) - Here, the visible church is described as growing so large that "birds" (Satan's children, see v. 4, 19) make their home within the "branches" (most likely the visible church's many denominations).
The Parable of the Leavened Bread (v. 33) - Unless this is the one exception, leaven always represents sin in the Bible (Mt. 16:6; 1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9; etc.). Leavening is the result of gases given off by dead organisms; it "pollutes" both breads and wines. Ironically, these are the two elements used in the Lord's Supper. The Church Age is represented as a mysterious feast, the middle of Israel's seven Feasts of the Lord (Lev. 23:15-21). It was the only feast that permitted the use of leaven. Because the birth of the Church occurred on the Feast of Pentecost, most Bible students see the two loaves as being the Church, a mystery to Israel (Eph. 5:32), made up of saved but imperfect Jews and Gentiles!
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (v. 44) and The Parable of the Great Pearl (v. 45-46) - Jesus gives His all for both. Here, there is treasure found in both the land and the sea. The land is Israel, hidden during the Church Age, and the pearl represents the Church which comes out of the sea (the Gentile nations - see Jer. 51:13; Rev. 17:15; etc.).
The Parable of the Net (v. 47-50) - Again, Jesus, the "Fisher of men" gathers out of the sea (Gentile nations), and His angels separate the "good" from the "bad." Since there is none good, in and of themselves (Mt. 19:17; Rom. 3:10), the "good" have to be those who accepted Christ's righteousness by faith in Him (2 Cor. 5:21)!
The Church Age is about to get "all sorted out!" Come Lord Jesus!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
THE CHURCH AGE: CIRCA A.D. 30 TO "ANY DAY NOW!"
I may not be correct, but I truly believe that God has, by His grace, given "light" (understanding) to every man. The Apostle Paul stated that the very creation was a witness to God's glory (Rom. 1:18-22). Luke was more specific when he quoted Simeon as saying: "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation (the baby Jesus), which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel" (Lk. 2:30-32). The Apostle John wrote, "The same (John, the Baptizer) came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light (Jesus - Jn. 8:12), that all men through Him might believe. He (John) was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light (Jesus). That (Jesus) was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (Jn. 1:7-9).
In the Lord's explanation of why He taught in parables, He said,
"...Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath (faith in the light he has been given), to him (more light) shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not (faith in the light he has been given), from him shall be taken away even (what little light) that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear" (Mt. 13:11-16).
Jesus taught seven parables about the Church Age (Mt. 13):
The Sower: not everyone who hears the Gospel will believe.
The Tares: not everyone who says they believe the Gospel, actually does.
The Mustard Seed: the growth of the Church will allow unbelievers to "nest" in it.
The Leaven: the Church will be made up of imperfect Jews and Gentiles (Lev. 23:17).
The Buried Land Treasure: Israel is hidden during the Church Age (Israel - Ps. 135:4).
The Sea Pearl: the Church is an organic, multi-layered "gem" completed over time.
The Net: in the end, it will be God who both judges and rewards.
In the Lord's explanation of why He taught in parables, He said,
"...Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath (faith in the light he has been given), to him (more light) shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not (faith in the light he has been given), from him shall be taken away even (what little light) that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear" (Mt. 13:11-16).
Jesus taught seven parables about the Church Age (Mt. 13):
The Sower: not everyone who hears the Gospel will believe.
The Tares: not everyone who says they believe the Gospel, actually does.
The Mustard Seed: the growth of the Church will allow unbelievers to "nest" in it.
The Leaven: the Church will be made up of imperfect Jews and Gentiles (Lev. 23:17).
The Buried Land Treasure: Israel is hidden during the Church Age (Israel - Ps. 135:4).
The Sea Pearl: the Church is an organic, multi-layered "gem" completed over time.
The Net: in the end, it will be God who both judges and rewards.
The Church is an awesome testimony to what God can do with "junk!"
Saturday, April 25, 2015
ALL BIBLE PROPHECY THAT HAS BEEN FULFILLED, HAS BEEN FULFILLED LITERALLY!
Watching the news and looking at Facebook adds to the depression of getting old. There was a huge earthquake in Peru, a dormant volcano eruption, and today, tornado warnings all over the southern Midwest. Christians are being slaughtered by the thousands in Muslim countries by the so-called "religion of peace." America has stopped supporting Israel, and has instead, taken on the role of a "scolding parent," wanting its "child" to "share its stuff" with children who wish to kill her. Muslims can sue American businesses for expecting them to deliver alcohol on their delivery routes, and gays win huge amounts from courts that tell Christians they must bake a wedding cake for a same-sex wedding and must cater it with pizzas.
Babies are still being aborted at a rate of over a thousand a day, and now, some are demanding the right to kill babies born with some deformity, a mental deficiency, or for simply being less than perfect. Soon, like China, they will want to end the lives of babies of the "wrong" gender. Obama care even has the "not so secret hidden agenda" of letting seniors die rather than prolong their "drain on the American coffers." I had better not say too much or they will discover I'm seventy-two and without my meds, the Lord won't have to come get me - I will go to Him, that's for sure. LOL
Did you know China has a new missile that is called a "carrier-killer?" Yup, they say it skims along the top of the water and a single, almost undetectable missile can totally destroy an American Aircraft Carrier! Russian has sent anti-aircraft missiles to Iran to defend its nuclear facilities from Israel. Russia has been flying its Bear bombers off the coasts of several NATO nations, including ours. Wars and rumors of wars are daily news items. Racial tension is the worst I have seen since the sixties, and there is an open season on cops. There has even been some college thugs harassing and spitting on a disabled veteran and his American flag.
Thank God these are all signs that the Lord is due at any moment! The Word says that at the time of His return, it will be as bad as it was at the time of Noah, when God destroyed a world population. That was also the time He, by grace, lifted up eight souls in an ark before the flood came (Gen. 7:17); for the born again believer, our "ark" is known as the Rapture! And, just as Lot's family was escorted out, up into the mountains (Gen. 19:17), so that God could destroy Sodom, He has promised to remove us before "all hell breaks loose" on earth (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:48-55; 1 Th. 4:13-18)!
As our world becomes more and more evil, unlike those who have no hope in Christ, born again believers, those of us who trust totally in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, see these events as signs of our Lord's return for us! For those who do not believe in Him, they will not only face what the Bible calls the "wrath of God," but they will spend eternity regretting rejecting Him! Repent and turn to God while there is still a little time. He died for you and was raised to be King of kings, and Lord of lords!
Babies are still being aborted at a rate of over a thousand a day, and now, some are demanding the right to kill babies born with some deformity, a mental deficiency, or for simply being less than perfect. Soon, like China, they will want to end the lives of babies of the "wrong" gender. Obama care even has the "not so secret hidden agenda" of letting seniors die rather than prolong their "drain on the American coffers." I had better not say too much or they will discover I'm seventy-two and without my meds, the Lord won't have to come get me - I will go to Him, that's for sure. LOL
Did you know China has a new missile that is called a "carrier-killer?" Yup, they say it skims along the top of the water and a single, almost undetectable missile can totally destroy an American Aircraft Carrier! Russian has sent anti-aircraft missiles to Iran to defend its nuclear facilities from Israel. Russia has been flying its Bear bombers off the coasts of several NATO nations, including ours. Wars and rumors of wars are daily news items. Racial tension is the worst I have seen since the sixties, and there is an open season on cops. There has even been some college thugs harassing and spitting on a disabled veteran and his American flag.
Thank God these are all signs that the Lord is due at any moment! The Word says that at the time of His return, it will be as bad as it was at the time of Noah, when God destroyed a world population. That was also the time He, by grace, lifted up eight souls in an ark before the flood came (Gen. 7:17); for the born again believer, our "ark" is known as the Rapture! And, just as Lot's family was escorted out, up into the mountains (Gen. 19:17), so that God could destroy Sodom, He has promised to remove us before "all hell breaks loose" on earth (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:48-55; 1 Th. 4:13-18)!
As our world becomes more and more evil, unlike those who have no hope in Christ, born again believers, those of us who trust totally in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, see these events as signs of our Lord's return for us! For those who do not believe in Him, they will not only face what the Bible calls the "wrath of God," but they will spend eternity regretting rejecting Him! Repent and turn to God while there is still a little time. He died for you and was raised to be King of kings, and Lord of lords!
Believe it or not, the Word of God has a 100% record of being true!
Friday, April 24, 2015
GOD KNOWS!
There are two things a born again believer cannot do: we cannot surprise God, nor can we disappoint Him. That is because God is Omniscient! God knows what good things we will do for His glory, even before we do them, and likewise, He also knows those things we will do that are sinful, whether by committing sin, or failing to do what we know is His will for us (sins of commission - Rom. 14:23 and omission - Jam. 4:17).
Isaiah wrote: "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure" (46:10). So sure of the outcome of what takes place in time, God not only revealed future events to His prophets, but the Bible says He already has a book, written before time, with the names of all who would come to faith in His Son (Rev. 13:8; 17:8)!
"(Jesus), being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it" (Acts 2:23-24).
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied" (1 Pet. 1:1-2).
"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: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Eph. 1:4-6).
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:8-11).
Yes, God knows His children and He knows what it will take to make us like Jesus; He has begun that work, and it will only be completed when we see the Lord face-to-face (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 1:6; 1 Jn. 3:2)!
Isaiah wrote: "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure" (46:10). So sure of the outcome of what takes place in time, God not only revealed future events to His prophets, but the Bible says He already has a book, written before time, with the names of all who would come to faith in His Son (Rev. 13:8; 17:8)!
"(Jesus), being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it" (Acts 2:23-24).
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied" (1 Pet. 1:1-2).
"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: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Eph. 1:4-6).
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:8-11).
Yes, God knows His children and He knows what it will take to make us like Jesus; He has begun that work, and it will only be completed when we see the Lord face-to-face (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 1:6; 1 Jn. 3:2)!
One day soon, we shall know what God has always known!
For me, it cannot be soon enough!
Thursday, April 23, 2015
AN EXPLANATION OF WHY ISRAEL REJECTED JESUS
The Old Testament had much to say about the coming of the Messiah. O.T. believers knew that the Messiah (the Christ) would someday come into the world. Some of the passages described the Messiah as a glorious King who would rule over all the world. There were other passages that described the Messiah as One who would suffer and die. A person could get confused and think that these passages were describing two different Persons. Perhaps this will help clear up the confusion. The following is from Jesus Was A Jew, (p. 23-24), written by a Jewish Bible scholar, Arnold Fruchtenbaum, who also is a believer in Jesus as the Messiah:
Anyone who sets himself to the task of seeking to know what the Old Testament has to say about the coming of the Messiah soon finds himself involved with a seeming paradox. At times one even seems to be faced with an outright contradiction. For the Jewish prophets gave a two-fold picture of the Messiah who was to come.
On the one hand, the inquirer will find numerous predictions regarding the Messiah which portray him as one who is going to suffer humiliation, physical harm, and finally death in a violent manner. This death was stated by the Jewish prophets to be a substitutionary death for the sins of the Jewish people. On the other hand, he will find that the Jewish prophets also spoke of the Messiah coming as a conquering King who will destroy the enemies of Israel and set up the messianic kingdom of peace and prosperity. This is the two-fold picture the Jewish prophets gave of the Messiah. For centuries past, during the formulation of the Talmud, our rabbis made serious studies of messianic prophecies. They came up with this conclusion: the prophets spoke of two different Messiahs.
The Messiah who was to come, suffer and die was termed Messiah, the Son of Joseph (Mashiach ben Yoseph). The second Messiah who would then come following the first was termed Messiah, the Son of David (Mashiach ben David). This one would raise the first Messiah back to life, and establish the Messianic kingdom of peace on earth. That the Old Testament presents these two lines of Messianic prophecy was something that all the early rabbis recognized. The Old Testament never clearly states that there will be two Messiahs. In fact, many of the paradoxical descriptions are found side by side in the same passages, in which it seems that only one person is meant. But for the early rabbis the two-Messiah theory seemed to be the best answer. The New Testament resolves this "problem."
There is only one Messiah, but He "visits earth" twice:
once as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world;
and a second time as Israel's King, the Lion of the tribe of Judah!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK OF REVELATION
The very first thing a student of the Bible needs to know is that, while all previously fulfilled Bible prophecy has been fulfilled literally, it was not until the fulfillment that many of the prophecies made sense. For instance, Isaiah 7:14 declared the Messiah would be born of a virgin, and yet when it actually happened, He was accused of being "illegitimate" (John 8:41). Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, and Daniel 9:26 refer to Messiah being killed, and yet, until the Resurrection, even the Lord's disciples failed to comprehend Christ's two Advents (Luke 24:13-53; Acts 1:1-11; Zech. 14:4; etc.).
The same is true of the prophecies recorded in the Book of Revelation. While it is clear that we are able to comprehend much of what is written of John's vision, it is quite likely that we lack understanding of the majority of its "mysterious images." For instance, what do you suppose the writer saw when he described the "locusts" (Rev. 9:3-10)? We might guess, but is that really a good method of studying the Word of God? No.
Revelation 1:19 is the key to understanding the outline of the book. John wrote: "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." The past is described in chapter one; the present is described in chapters two and three; and the future is described in chapters four through twenty-two. John saw Jesus as He is. John saw the seven churches as they were in his day. And John saw what was in store for Israel once the Church was no longer in the picture - the seven year Tribulation (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:3-29; Rev. 6 - 18; etc.).
Notice also that the book is written in chronological order. The Church is not mentioned after chapter three. The seven year Tribulation period (a.k.a. Time of Jacob's Trouble - Jer. 30:7; and Daniel's Seventieth Week - Dan. 9:27) follows John's subtle description of the Rapture of the Church in Revelation 4:1. Chapters four and five are parenthetical events which occur in heaven, apart from earthly time. There are other examples of un-timed events, all occurring in heaven (Rev. 7:1-17; 10:1 - 11:14; 12:1 - 14:20; 16:13-16; 17:1 - 19-10). And of course, the last two chapters describe the new heaven and the new earth; I think it is fair to say that time is no longer an issue after Christ's one thousand year Millennial Reign as described in chapter twenty.
To summarize, the sequence of event which will occur on earth are: the Church Age (Ch. 2-3); the Rapture (Ch. 4:1); the Tribulation (Ch. 6 - 18); the Second Coming of Christ (Ch. 19); the Millennium (Ch. 20). Because God exists outside of time, those events described as taking place in heaven are not describing events in a chronological manner, as there is no chronology in timelessness.
The same is true of the prophecies recorded in the Book of Revelation. While it is clear that we are able to comprehend much of what is written of John's vision, it is quite likely that we lack understanding of the majority of its "mysterious images." For instance, what do you suppose the writer saw when he described the "locusts" (Rev. 9:3-10)? We might guess, but is that really a good method of studying the Word of God? No.
Revelation 1:19 is the key to understanding the outline of the book. John wrote: "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." The past is described in chapter one; the present is described in chapters two and three; and the future is described in chapters four through twenty-two. John saw Jesus as He is. John saw the seven churches as they were in his day. And John saw what was in store for Israel once the Church was no longer in the picture - the seven year Tribulation (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:3-29; Rev. 6 - 18; etc.).
Notice also that the book is written in chronological order. The Church is not mentioned after chapter three. The seven year Tribulation period (a.k.a. Time of Jacob's Trouble - Jer. 30:7; and Daniel's Seventieth Week - Dan. 9:27) follows John's subtle description of the Rapture of the Church in Revelation 4:1. Chapters four and five are parenthetical events which occur in heaven, apart from earthly time. There are other examples of un-timed events, all occurring in heaven (Rev. 7:1-17; 10:1 - 11:14; 12:1 - 14:20; 16:13-16; 17:1 - 19-10). And of course, the last two chapters describe the new heaven and the new earth; I think it is fair to say that time is no longer an issue after Christ's one thousand year Millennial Reign as described in chapter twenty.
To summarize, the sequence of event which will occur on earth are: the Church Age (Ch. 2-3); the Rapture (Ch. 4:1); the Tribulation (Ch. 6 - 18); the Second Coming of Christ (Ch. 19); the Millennium (Ch. 20). Because God exists outside of time, those events described as taking place in heaven are not describing events in a chronological manner, as there is no chronology in timelessness.
At least this is how I understand Revelation.
But you need to be Bereans and not take my word on it!
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
GOD'S DAYS ARE AS A THOUSAND YEARS
Isaiah 2:12 - "For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low."
Isaiah 13:6 - "Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty."
Isaiah 13:9 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it."
Jeremiah 46:10 - "For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that He may avenge Him of His adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates."
Ezekiel 13:5 - "Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD."
Ezekiel 30:3 - "For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen."
Joel 1:15 - "Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come."
Joel 2:1 - "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand."
Joel 2:11 - "And the LORD shall utter His voice before His army: for His camp is very great: for He is strong that executeth His Word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?"
Joel 3:14 - "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision."
Amos 5:18 - "Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! To what end is it for you? The day of the LORD is darkness, and not light."
Amos 5:20 - "Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? Even very dark, and no brightness in it?"
Obadiah 1:15 - "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Zephaniah 1:7 - "Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, He hath bid His guests."
Zephaniah 1:14 - "The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly."
Zechariah 14:1 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
1 Corinthians 5:5 - "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
2 Corinthians 1:14 - "As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:2 - "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
2 Peter 3:10 - "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
Isaiah 13:6 - "Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty."
Isaiah 13:9 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it."
Jeremiah 46:10 - "For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that He may avenge Him of His adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates."
Ezekiel 13:5 - "Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD."
Ezekiel 30:3 - "For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen."
Joel 1:15 - "Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come."
Joel 2:1 - "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand."
Joel 2:11 - "And the LORD shall utter His voice before His army: for His camp is very great: for He is strong that executeth His Word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?"
Joel 3:14 - "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision."
Amos 5:18 - "Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! To what end is it for you? The day of the LORD is darkness, and not light."
Amos 5:20 - "Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? Even very dark, and no brightness in it?"
Obadiah 1:15 - "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Zephaniah 1:7 - "Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, He hath bid His guests."
Zephaniah 1:14 - "The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly."
Zechariah 14:1 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
1 Corinthians 5:5 - "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
2 Corinthians 1:14 - "As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:2 - "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
2 Peter 3:10 - "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
The day of the LORD is not a single 24 hour day, but it is a day of reckoning!
Monday, April 20, 2015
EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS!
One need not be a Bible scholar to know that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ has to be getting close. All the pieces are falling into place. Israel is once again a great nation, able to intimidate more than a dozen states which have sworn to annihilate her. And, just as Daniel's prophecy had predicted, man's ability to communicate knowledge, and his ability to travel rapidly, has increased so much over the last hundred or so years, that we have gone from the Model-T to the Space Shuttle, and from newspapers to television, satellites, and even personal hand-held computer phones (Dan. 12:4).
Before Jesus' Ascension (Acts 1:9-11), He not only told His disciples of His pending death, burial, and resurrection (Mt. 17:22-23; Mk. 9:30-32; Lk. 9:21-27), He also described what the world would be like when He returned (Mt. 24:3-29; Mk. 13:3-26; Lk. 21:7-28). The Bible tells us that the world will be just like it was prior to God's wrath being poured out in the days of Noah (Mt. 24:37-44; Lk. 17:20-27). Moses wrote:
"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them" (Gen. 6:5-7).
Fortunately, Moses did not stop there; had he, we would all be terrified. Notice what the very next verse says: "BUT Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" (Gen. 6:8)! For those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ, being saved by God's grace (Eph. 2:8-9), He has given us our relationship to Him as His adopted children of God (Jn. 1:11-12; Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; 1 Jn. 3:2; etc.)! And, just as God "lifted" Noah and his family up over the destruction that was taking place below, so will the children of Almighty God be "lifted" above the chaos of the destruction which will involve the entire world (Rev. 6 - 19)! Our "ark" is known as the Rapture of the Church, and is described in John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-51; 1 Th. 4:16-17; Rev. 4:1; etc.!
Yes, the world news is horrific; Islamic Terrorism is spreading like a plague. Evil is called good, and good is viewed as evil. Our President has used our Constitution for his toilet paper, and he rules by executive order rather than by the rule of law. But fear not! Jesus is coming for us! Our redemption draweth nigh! Whether by the Rapture, or by death, we are soon "outa here!" Praise God!
Before Jesus' Ascension (Acts 1:9-11), He not only told His disciples of His pending death, burial, and resurrection (Mt. 17:22-23; Mk. 9:30-32; Lk. 9:21-27), He also described what the world would be like when He returned (Mt. 24:3-29; Mk. 13:3-26; Lk. 21:7-28). The Bible tells us that the world will be just like it was prior to God's wrath being poured out in the days of Noah (Mt. 24:37-44; Lk. 17:20-27). Moses wrote:
"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them" (Gen. 6:5-7).
Fortunately, Moses did not stop there; had he, we would all be terrified. Notice what the very next verse says: "BUT Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" (Gen. 6:8)! For those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ, being saved by God's grace (Eph. 2:8-9), He has given us our relationship to Him as His adopted children of God (Jn. 1:11-12; Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; 1 Jn. 3:2; etc.)! And, just as God "lifted" Noah and his family up over the destruction that was taking place below, so will the children of Almighty God be "lifted" above the chaos of the destruction which will involve the entire world (Rev. 6 - 19)! Our "ark" is known as the Rapture of the Church, and is described in John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-51; 1 Th. 4:16-17; Rev. 4:1; etc.!
Yes, the world news is horrific; Islamic Terrorism is spreading like a plague. Evil is called good, and good is viewed as evil. Our President has used our Constitution for his toilet paper, and he rules by executive order rather than by the rule of law. But fear not! Jesus is coming for us! Our redemption draweth nigh! Whether by the Rapture, or by death, we are soon "outa here!" Praise God!
Jesus wins!
Sunday, April 19, 2015
TRUTH IS REVEALED TO THOSE WHO ACCEPT JESUS
On that soon-coming day when mankind shall stand before the Creator (Rev. 20:11-15), I picture individuals, each pleading his or her case much like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden: Adam blaming his wife; Eve blaming the serpent (Gen. 3:12-13). And just as God refused to take their excuses then, He will not accept any excuses at the final judgment.
You see, throughout the time man has inhabited this orb, God has been making sure there will be no "escape clauses," or "legal loopholes" on judgment day; all of mankind will be found guilty of sin, and therefore deserving of death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23a)! Adam and Eve will not be able to blame their upbringing or their environment as a excuse, because their environment was perfect, and their "gene pool" will be a non-factor!
One result of Adam's sin, was that mankind acquired a conscience (Gen. 3:7-8). So for several generations, mankind knew they were evil, and they just did not care; Genesis 6:5 describes man thusly: "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." By grace, He saved eight souls from His wrath (1 Pet. 3:20). It was clear that there needed to be some form of restraint placed on humanity if there was to be any hope of its survival. So, following the fiasco at the "Tower of Babel," God created language groups which would develop into nations. And as nations, they "policed" themselves (poorly, but some government is better than anarchy).
After several generations, God chose one of the "nations" to be His messenger to the rest. He chose Israel, and through them, He revealed His definition of righteousness: the Law. Of course, even the best of men, epitomized by David (a man after God's own heart), was a hopeless failure at keeping the Law. In actuality, it was never capable of making man righteous; it merely served to teach man of his need for a Savior (Gal. 3:21-24)! And with the knowledge of the Savior, man is finally able to be considered righteous - Jesus gave His righteousness to all who will call upon Him for the forgiveness of sin (Rom. 10:9-10; 2 Cor. 5:21; etc.)! We who have believed the Gospel have the awesome privilege of understanding God's secrets, mysteries, and teachings cloaked in parables!
Matthew 13:34-35 "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."
Mark 4:11-12 "And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."
Romans 16:25-26 "Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith."
You see, throughout the time man has inhabited this orb, God has been making sure there will be no "escape clauses," or "legal loopholes" on judgment day; all of mankind will be found guilty of sin, and therefore deserving of death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23a)! Adam and Eve will not be able to blame their upbringing or their environment as a excuse, because their environment was perfect, and their "gene pool" will be a non-factor!
One result of Adam's sin, was that mankind acquired a conscience (Gen. 3:7-8). So for several generations, mankind knew they were evil, and they just did not care; Genesis 6:5 describes man thusly: "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." By grace, He saved eight souls from His wrath (1 Pet. 3:20). It was clear that there needed to be some form of restraint placed on humanity if there was to be any hope of its survival. So, following the fiasco at the "Tower of Babel," God created language groups which would develop into nations. And as nations, they "policed" themselves (poorly, but some government is better than anarchy).
After several generations, God chose one of the "nations" to be His messenger to the rest. He chose Israel, and through them, He revealed His definition of righteousness: the Law. Of course, even the best of men, epitomized by David (a man after God's own heart), was a hopeless failure at keeping the Law. In actuality, it was never capable of making man righteous; it merely served to teach man of his need for a Savior (Gal. 3:21-24)! And with the knowledge of the Savior, man is finally able to be considered righteous - Jesus gave His righteousness to all who will call upon Him for the forgiveness of sin (Rom. 10:9-10; 2 Cor. 5:21; etc.)! We who have believed the Gospel have the awesome privilege of understanding God's secrets, mysteries, and teachings cloaked in parables!
Matthew 13:34-35 "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."
Mark 4:11-12 "And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."
Romans 16:25-26 "Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith."
Saturday, April 18, 2015
WE ARE OVERCOMERS
YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN
John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto (Nicodemus), "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith unto (Jesus), "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.Romans 10:13-17 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?.... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD
1 John 5:1-13 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.... For (whosoever) is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life...."
Friday, April 17, 2015
GOOD NEWS FOR NON-JEWS
John 1:10-13 says, "He (Jesus) was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own (the Jews), and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
The Apostle Paul elaborated in Romans 11:1-11 and 11:25-29: "I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Know ye not what the Scripture saith of Elias? How he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them: let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."
The Apostle Paul elaborated in Romans 11:1-11 and 11:25-29: "I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Know ye not what the Scripture saith of Elias? How he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them: let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."
"Jesus saith unto him, I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life;
no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." - John 14:6
Thursday, April 16, 2015
EVIDENCE FROM JOHN'S GOSPEL
Most reference Bibles estimate that the Gospel of John was written somewhere between A.D. 80-95. I am not aware of the reasons for their belief it was penned that late in John's life; perhaps it is because John wrote the Book of Revelation in the A.D. 90's. I do not know. However, I would suggest that it was finished before A.D. 70, as John makes no mention of the destruction of the Jewish Temple. In fact, John mentions the Temple in seven chapters (2:14, 15, 19, 20, 21; 5:14; 7:14, 28; 8:2, 20, 59; 10:23; 11:56; and 18:20). In the last of these, had the Temple already been destroyed, you would think he might have mentioned it; he wrote, "Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the Temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing."
Another reason I believe it was written at an earlier date, is the fact that John is still appealing to the Jews. The Apostle Paul wrote that the Jews needed a sign in order to believe (1 Cor. 1:22). John presents seven signs or miracles prior to His Crucifixion, and one following His Resurrection:
John 2:1-11 - Turning water into wine - v. 11 "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him."
John 4:46-54 - Healing the nobleman's son - v. 54 "This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when He was come out of Judaea into Galilee."
John 5:1-47 - Healing the blind man - v. 36 "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me."
John 6:1-14 - Feeding the five thousand - v. 14 "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."
John 6:15-21 - Walking on the sea - v. 19 "So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid."
John 9:1-41 - Healing of the Blind Man - v. 38 "And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him."
John 11:1-45 - Raising Lazarus from the dead - v. 45 "Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him."
John 21:1-14 - Appearing following His Resurrection - v. 14 "This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, after that He was risen from the dead."
Another reason I believe it was written at an earlier date, is the fact that John is still appealing to the Jews. The Apostle Paul wrote that the Jews needed a sign in order to believe (1 Cor. 1:22). John presents seven signs or miracles prior to His Crucifixion, and one following His Resurrection:
John 2:1-11 - Turning water into wine - v. 11 "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him."
John 4:46-54 - Healing the nobleman's son - v. 54 "This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when He was come out of Judaea into Galilee."
John 5:1-47 - Healing the blind man - v. 36 "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me."
John 6:1-14 - Feeding the five thousand - v. 14 "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."
John 6:15-21 - Walking on the sea - v. 19 "So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid."
John 9:1-41 - Healing of the Blind Man - v. 38 "And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him."
John 11:1-45 - Raising Lazarus from the dead - v. 45 "Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him."
John 21:1-14 - Appearing following His Resurrection - v. 14 "This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, after that He was risen from the dead."
Regardless, John wrote his Gospel that all might believe in Jesus (20:30-31)!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
FIRST THESSALONIANS 4:13 - 5:11
There is coming a day, that dreadful "Day of the Lord," in which God will pour out His wrath on all those who reject Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Isa. 2:12; 13:6, 9; Jer. 46:10; Ezek. 13:5; 30:3; Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14; Amos 5:18, 20; Obad. 1:15; Zeph. 1:7, 14; Zech. 14:1 Mal. 4:5; Acts 2:20; 1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; 1 Th. 5:2; 1 Pet. 3:10)! Unbelievers will be totally caught off guard by His coming for His Church (the Rapture - Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-54; 1 Th. 4:13-18; Rev. 4:1; etc.), but as we read these verses below, believers will be aware and ready for their returning Lord!
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do!
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do!
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
THE WORK OF GOD IN YOU
One of the most difficult concepts for new believers to comprehend, is that the process of becoming like Jesus requires the same miraculous grace that he or she experienced the moment of salvation! We seem capable of understanding that we were sinners, totally unworthy of salvation when we came to faith in Christ; we know that salvation is a free gift offered to all from the very heart of God (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8; etc.). But then, we somehow believe that we are on our own when it comes to living the Christian life! That is a lie from Satan, who having lost us to God, endeavors to "guilt us" into believing we can either lose our salvation (can't happen!), or that we are worthless sinners, and that we must be perfect so that we can be used by God in spreading the Gospel to a lost world. Is there a single Bible student who actually believes Peter was perfect? No! Apparently no one teaches new believers that the Church is made up of "leavened" Jews and Gentiles (Lev. 23:17; Mt. 13:33; Rom. 7:15-25; 1 Jn. 1:8-10; etc.)! Here are some verses that should help you to trust in God to prepare us to see Jesus face-to-face (1 Jn. 3:2):
"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:1-3).
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified" (Rom. 8:28-30).
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (1 Pet. 5:10).
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 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 for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb. 13:20-21).
"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:1-3).
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified" (Rom. 8:28-30).
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (1 Pet. 5:10).
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 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 for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb. 13:20-21).
Religion says "work!" Our Father says "allow Me to do My work in you!"
Monday, April 13, 2015
COMPARING SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord (אֲדֹנָי 'Adonay) sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD (יְהֹוָה Yĕhovah) of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD (יְהֹוָה Yĕhovah) of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord (אֲדֹנָי 'Adonay), saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me" (Isa. 6:1-8).
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord (κύριος kyrios) God (θεός theos) Almighty (παντοκράτωρ pantokratōr), which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord (κύριος kyrios), to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:1-11).
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord (κύριος kyrios) God (θεός theos) Almighty (παντοκράτωρ pantokratōr), which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord (κύριος kyrios), to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:1-11).
Sunday, April 12, 2015
DANIEL'S SEVENTY WEEKS
FOUR HUNDRED NINETY TOTAL YEARS
[24] Seventy weeks (Hebrew: 70 periods of 7 each) are determined upon thy people (Israel)
and upon thy holy city (Jerusalem),
to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness (that which has been accomplished by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - note "not for Himself" because it was for us! see v. 26),
and to seal up the vision and prophecy (Dan. 12:4; Rom. 11:25; 16:25; Eph. 5:32 - that is, the mystery known as the Church Age - a 2000 year parenthetical period in which God has temporarily set aside His people Israel),
and to anoint the most Holy (the Second Coming of Christ as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, to establish His 1000 year Millennial Kingdom (Rev. 19:11 - 20:7).
FORTY-NINE YEARS TO REBUILD
unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR MORE YEARS UNTIL THE CRUCIFIXION
[26] And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself (Jesus, Himself sinless, died to pay for the sins of mankind - Heb. 4:15; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Jn. 2:2; etc.): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary (after Jesus ascended up into heaven, Rome destroyed the city and sanctuary in A.D. 70, so the "prince that shall come" will be the Roman Antichrist);
and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined (the end of the nation Israel UNTIL...).
SEVEN YEARS - THE TIME OF JACOB'S TROUBLE
[27] And he (the Antichrist - Rev. 12:9;13:1-10; 1 Jn. 2:18; 2 Th. 2:3-10; etc.) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (with the "new nation" of Israel for seven years - Mt. 24:3-14; Rev. 6 - 11; etc.):
and in the midst of the week (three and one half years as is shown by it being designated as "a time, times, and a half time" - Dan. 7:25; Rev. 12:14 - "forty-two months" - Rev. 11:2; 13:5 - "1260 days" - Rev. 12:6; 13:3)
he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate (Mt. 24:15; Rev. 13:1-18; etc.).
DANIEL'S SEVENTY WEEKS ENDS WITH THE SECOND COMING!
Saturday, April 11, 2015
BODE'S PROOF OF THE CREATOR
One of the greatest scientific "proofs" for the existence of the Creator is the miraculous discovery of Johann E. Bode (1747-1826). Keeping in mind that if it could be proven that God exists, there would be no reason for faith, and, after all is said and done, God's plan of salvation requires us to have faith. So the use of the word "proof" is a little misleading. "Evidence" would be a more reasonable term to use. First, I will present his Law in layman's terms, and then I will explain the miraculous part. Bode's Law is really a mathematical formula for the distances from the Sun in Astronomical Units of the first eight "planets" in our solar system.
Bodies--------Mercury----Venus----Earth----Mars----(?)----Jupiter----Saturn----Uranus
No. Assigned----0------------3---------6--------12------24-------48---------96---------192
Added Factor---4------------4---------4----------4-------4---------4----------4------------4
Subtotal----------4------------7--------10--------16-----28-------52-------100---------196
Divided by ten--.4-----------.7--------1.0-------1.6----2.8------5.2------10.0---------19.6
(the final numbers above represent Bode's estimate of the Astronomical Units)*
The actual distance from the Sun in Astronomical Units:
Units-------------.39----------.72-------1.0-------1.52---(**)-------5.2-------9.54--------19.2
The miracle of this formula is multi-faceted. First, why did he pick the numbers assigned? Why did he know to add four? Why did he know to divide by ten? Ironically, Bode lived at a time when only the first six planets were known. The asteroid belt and the planet Uranus were yet to be discovered. In fact, they both were discovered by scientists using Bode's Law to hypothesize where they should be. I believe he was divinely inspired to know these factors, and that God revealed them to him as a counter to the scientific stampede to believe in Evolution which is diametrically opposed to the Bible. Unfortunately, science is so myopic in its search to discredit God's Word, that they can't "see the forest for the trees." The Word of God says. "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20). You see, if there is a mathematical design, there has to be a Designer: guess who!
I believe that on the day of creation, every planet was exactly where Bode's formula says it should be. It is so close to his estimates that perhaps the planets were at the distance he presents within their orbits. At any rate, I am so glad the the Eighth Grade Science Text in the ABeka school curriculum presented Bode's wonderful testimony to the glory of God.
Notes:
* Astronomical Unit: Earth to the Sun is approximately 93,000,000 miles.
** The fifth column varies because represents the Asteroid Belt, and the asteroids are spread out in their orbits. They most likely are what is left of a planet.
Bodies--------Mercury----Venus----Earth----Mars----(?)----Jupiter----Saturn----Uranus
No. Assigned----0------------3---------6--------12------24-------48---------96---------192
Added Factor---4------------4---------4----------4-------4---------4----------4------------4
Subtotal----------4------------7--------10--------16-----28-------52-------100---------196
Divided by ten--.4-----------.7--------1.0-------1.6----2.8------5.2------10.0---------19.6
(the final numbers above represent Bode's estimate of the Astronomical Units)*
The actual distance from the Sun in Astronomical Units:
Units-------------.39----------.72-------1.0-------1.52---(**)-------5.2-------9.54--------19.2
The miracle of this formula is multi-faceted. First, why did he pick the numbers assigned? Why did he know to add four? Why did he know to divide by ten? Ironically, Bode lived at a time when only the first six planets were known. The asteroid belt and the planet Uranus were yet to be discovered. In fact, they both were discovered by scientists using Bode's Law to hypothesize where they should be. I believe he was divinely inspired to know these factors, and that God revealed them to him as a counter to the scientific stampede to believe in Evolution which is diametrically opposed to the Bible. Unfortunately, science is so myopic in its search to discredit God's Word, that they can't "see the forest for the trees." The Word of God says. "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20). You see, if there is a mathematical design, there has to be a Designer: guess who!
I believe that on the day of creation, every planet was exactly where Bode's formula says it should be. It is so close to his estimates that perhaps the planets were at the distance he presents within their orbits. At any rate, I am so glad the the Eighth Grade Science Text in the ABeka school curriculum presented Bode's wonderful testimony to the glory of God.
Notes:
* Astronomical Unit: Earth to the Sun is approximately 93,000,000 miles.
** The fifth column varies because represents the Asteroid Belt, and the asteroids are spread out in their orbits. They most likely are what is left of a planet.
Friday, April 10, 2015
HIS LIFE WAS IN HIS BLOOD - LEV. 17:11
"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Rom. 5:9).
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:14).
"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Heb. 9:12).
"And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" (Heb. 10:17-19).
"Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate" (Heb. 13:12).
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7).
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (Rev. 1:5).
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Rev. 5:9).
"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" (Rev. 7:14).
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Rev. 12:11).
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:14).
"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Heb. 9:12).
"And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" (Heb. 10:17-19).
"Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate" (Heb. 13:12).
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7).
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (Rev. 1:5).
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Rev. 5:9).
"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" (Rev. 7:14).
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Rev. 12:11).
"...without shedding of blood is no remission!" (Heb. 9:22)
Thursday, April 9, 2015
SECOND THESSALONIANS TWO (BASED ON THE NLT)
EVENTS THAT WILL OCCUR BEFORE CHRIST RETURNS
Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet Him. Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you? And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the One who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of His mouth and destroy him by the splendor of His coming.
This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.
BELIEVERS HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR
As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News (the Gospel - 1 Cor. 15:1-4); now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
COMPARE TITUS 3:3-11 & MATTHEW 5:3-12 (NLT)
NOT EVERYONE WILL AGREE WITH YOU
"Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace, He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them."
THE BEATITUDES ARE HOW WE SHOULD RESPOND
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
HERE'S WHY
11 God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE!
Born again believers are so concerned that someone would think they could earn their way to heaven, that they rarely ever speak of Jesus as Lord, of the Father having a will as to how His children act, and that believers often grieve and quench the Holy Spirit! We emphasize Ephesians 2:8-9 which reads, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Yes, "grace" is "unmerited favor," and yes, salvation is a gift and therefore cannot be earned by works, but at the moment one is born again, God becomes our Father! Children are to obey their father!
The Scriptures tell us that upon our accepting of God's Gift, Jesus, God begins transforming us into the likeness of the One who ALWAYS OBEYED HIS FATHER (Heb. 4:15)! Paul wrote that he was: "...confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6)! In the Book of Romans, Paul stated it this way: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:28-29).
Even the very clear message of how one receives salvation, states that it is acquired by calling upon name of Jesus, and His title indicates we understand we are to obey His will. Paul wrote: "...the Word of faith, which we preach; that IF thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Rom. 10:8-10, 13).
How often do believers, without giving the Lordship of Christ a second thought, carelessly pray "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (Mt. 6:9-13). When Jesus returns to establish His kingdom on earth, He will come as the "KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:16)! Do you really think we should wait until then to begin obeying Him?
The Scriptures tell us that upon our accepting of God's Gift, Jesus, God begins transforming us into the likeness of the One who ALWAYS OBEYED HIS FATHER (Heb. 4:15)! Paul wrote that he was: "...confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6)! In the Book of Romans, Paul stated it this way: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:28-29).
Even the very clear message of how one receives salvation, states that it is acquired by calling upon name of Jesus, and His title indicates we understand we are to obey His will. Paul wrote: "...the Word of faith, which we preach; that IF thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Rom. 10:8-10, 13).
How often do believers, without giving the Lordship of Christ a second thought, carelessly pray "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (Mt. 6:9-13). When Jesus returns to establish His kingdom on earth, He will come as the "KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:16)! Do you really think we should wait until then to begin obeying Him?
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10).
Monday, April 6, 2015
JOHN'S UNIQUE GOSPEL
Has it ever occurred to you that we know very little about Christ's life on earth? For instance, between the ages of one and twelve, there is nothing recorded, nor is there from the one mention at age twelve, to the age thirty! Basically, of the twenty-nine years prior to the Lord beginning His ministry, we know only of the twelve year old Jesus discussing Scripture with the theologians at the Temple (Lk. 2:40-52)! Amazing, don't you think?
In other words, the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, are mostly focused upon the three plus years in which Jesus prepared His disciples for their future task of telling the world about God's obedient Son. John's Gospel is focused upon God's love, as seen by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son for the sins of mankind! John's Gospel is unique, in that it focuses upon the true identity of Jesus Christ: He is the Word, God manifest in the flesh (Jn. 1:1-3, 14; etc.). This fact was also the testimony of the Apostle Paul, who wrote: "For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell" (Col. 1:19), and "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9)! And again in his letter to Timothy: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Tim. 3:16)!
To illustrate the difference between the two perspectives, the Synoptic Gospels record at least 150 events of which John makes no mention. Amazingly, these include:
* His genealogies.
* His temptation in the wilderness.
* Christ calming the storm.
* The choosing of the twelve.
* The Sermon on the Mount.
* Every parable except one (Jn. 10:1-6).
* The death of John the Baptist.
* The Transfiguration.
* The Lord's Supper.
* Christ's Ascension.
John tells us all we need to know to understand we are sinners; that we need a Savior; that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead to be that Savior; and that all one needs to do to be saved is to BELIEVE (a word that appears fifty-two times in forty-six verses in John's Gospel)! John had this to say about "his omissions":
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: 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" (Jn. 20:30-31).
"This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen" (Jn. 21:24-25).
In other words, the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, are mostly focused upon the three plus years in which Jesus prepared His disciples for their future task of telling the world about God's obedient Son. John's Gospel is focused upon God's love, as seen by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son for the sins of mankind! John's Gospel is unique, in that it focuses upon the true identity of Jesus Christ: He is the Word, God manifest in the flesh (Jn. 1:1-3, 14; etc.). This fact was also the testimony of the Apostle Paul, who wrote: "For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell" (Col. 1:19), and "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9)! And again in his letter to Timothy: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Tim. 3:16)!
To illustrate the difference between the two perspectives, the Synoptic Gospels record at least 150 events of which John makes no mention. Amazingly, these include:
* His genealogies.
* His temptation in the wilderness.
* Christ calming the storm.
* The choosing of the twelve.
* The Sermon on the Mount.
* Every parable except one (Jn. 10:1-6).
* The death of John the Baptist.
* The Transfiguration.
* The Lord's Supper.
* Christ's Ascension.
John tells us all we need to know to understand we are sinners; that we need a Savior; that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead to be that Savior; and that all one needs to do to be saved is to BELIEVE (a word that appears fifty-two times in forty-six verses in John's Gospel)! John had this to say about "his omissions":
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: 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" (Jn. 20:30-31).
"This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen" (Jn. 21:24-25).
Sunday, April 5, 2015
GENTILE CENTURIONS
It is obvious why the word "Centurion" does not appear in the Old Testament. The last book in the O.T. was written around 400 B.C. and the Roman Empire was yet future. To the best of my knowledge, no other army had Centurions. The word appears only in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the New Testament. John does not mention the Roman leader of one hundred soldiers in his Gospel or his letters. As Romans, they were viewed as enemies of Israel. However, Matthew speaks of two instances regarding Centurions: 1) "Jesus marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say to unto you, I have not found so great a faith, no, not in Israel" (Mt. 8:10). 2) "Truly, this was the Son of God" (Mt. 27:54).
Most scholars believe Matthew wrote his Gospel to the Hebrews. For him to paint a gentile soldier in a good light is amazing. Luke speaks of the same two instances in verse 7:9, and verse 23:47, but he is much more descriptive: He spoke of the Centurion: "...he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man." Mark speaks only of the crucifixion scene, and his quote is the same as that of Matthew.
The book of Acts, also written by Luke, he again presents Centurions in a very favorable light. In Acts 10:1-48, Cornelius, a Roman Centurion was the first Gentile to believe the Gospel and to be accepted as a member of the Body of Christ. In Acts 22:26, it is a Centurion that listens to Paul, and stops Paul's scourging. In Acts 23:17, another Centurion listens to Paul, and does what Paul asks. In Acts 27:3, Julius, a Centurion, treated Paul in a courteous manner. It took a storm and severe hunger for the Centurion in Acts 27:9-44 to listen, and even protect Paul from the other soldiers. Apparently, the Centurion rewarded Paul for his counsel by allowing him to stay a week with friends, and later, to have his own private "cell" where many of his friends could visit him (Acts 28:11-16).
The reason I believe that the Bible reveals the positive actions of Centurions during the early years of the Church, is because most of the readers were Hebrews, and as such, needed to lose "their attitude" against Gentiles. These passages clearly challenged this prejudice that was characteristic of the early Church. Maybe there is a lesson for us, in that, if God could use Roman soldiers to bless believers, it is very likely that members of other races, nationalities, religions, and yes, even political parties can be used of God to further His agenda. After all, God is no respecter of persons, so why are we?
Most scholars believe Matthew wrote his Gospel to the Hebrews. For him to paint a gentile soldier in a good light is amazing. Luke speaks of the same two instances in verse 7:9, and verse 23:47, but he is much more descriptive: He spoke of the Centurion: "...he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man." Mark speaks only of the crucifixion scene, and his quote is the same as that of Matthew.
The book of Acts, also written by Luke, he again presents Centurions in a very favorable light. In Acts 10:1-48, Cornelius, a Roman Centurion was the first Gentile to believe the Gospel and to be accepted as a member of the Body of Christ. In Acts 22:26, it is a Centurion that listens to Paul, and stops Paul's scourging. In Acts 23:17, another Centurion listens to Paul, and does what Paul asks. In Acts 27:3, Julius, a Centurion, treated Paul in a courteous manner. It took a storm and severe hunger for the Centurion in Acts 27:9-44 to listen, and even protect Paul from the other soldiers. Apparently, the Centurion rewarded Paul for his counsel by allowing him to stay a week with friends, and later, to have his own private "cell" where many of his friends could visit him (Acts 28:11-16).
The reason I believe that the Bible reveals the positive actions of Centurions during the early years of the Church, is because most of the readers were Hebrews, and as such, needed to lose "their attitude" against Gentiles. These passages clearly challenged this prejudice that was characteristic of the early Church. Maybe there is a lesson for us, in that, if God could use Roman soldiers to bless believers, it is very likely that members of other races, nationalities, religions, and yes, even political parties can be used of God to further His agenda. After all, God is no respecter of persons, so why are we?
God has made of one blood, all flesh! Racism is contrary to being a Christian!
Saturday, April 4, 2015
"SPOILER-ALERT"
Don't you just hate it when your are reading a book, or beginning a movie, or even when a re-run comes on TV, and someone blurts out the ending?! Even if they are kind enough to yell "spoiler-alert" before revealing the outcome, it just makes me feel like I am the last to learn of something; sadly, I must be "totally out of the loop!" I can only think of one exception: Bible Prophecy! In the case of "real life," it is very comforting to know how it is all going to end.
Understanding Bible Prophecy helps man in at least three areas:
1) The literal fulfillment of Bible Prophecies affirms that God is not only Omniscient, but because He is also Omnipotent, He is at work making sure that what He said would happen, actually comes to pass (Rom. 8:28-29; Phil. 1:6; etc.)! Take, for an example, the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. God said He would be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2; Mt. 2:6) to a descendant of King David (Ps. 132:11; Mt. 1:1), a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:20-25); He would be crucified (Ps. 22; Isa. 53; Mt. 26:2; 27:35); He would be buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:9; Mt. 27:57-60); and He would be raised from the grave the third day (Jon. 1:17; Mt. 12:39-41; Lk. 24:19-27)! God knows all, and ultimately, controls all!
2) The literal fulfillment of Bible Prophecies serves to verify and validate God's Word as truth. The Bible is both the Word of God, and it is truth (Ps. 33:4; Eccl.12:10; Jn. 17:17; 2 Cor. 6:7; Eph. 1:13; Col. 1:15; 2 Tim. 2:15; Jam. 1:18; etc.)!
3) Knowing that the Lord is in control, and that regardless of what we experience in this life, we are comforted in knowing that in the end, WE WIN!
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (Jn. 14:1-3).
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).
"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3).
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Th. 4:13-18).
Understanding Bible Prophecy helps man in at least three areas:
1) The literal fulfillment of Bible Prophecies affirms that God is not only Omniscient, but because He is also Omnipotent, He is at work making sure that what He said would happen, actually comes to pass (Rom. 8:28-29; Phil. 1:6; etc.)! Take, for an example, the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. God said He would be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2; Mt. 2:6) to a descendant of King David (Ps. 132:11; Mt. 1:1), a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:20-25); He would be crucified (Ps. 22; Isa. 53; Mt. 26:2; 27:35); He would be buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:9; Mt. 27:57-60); and He would be raised from the grave the third day (Jon. 1:17; Mt. 12:39-41; Lk. 24:19-27)! God knows all, and ultimately, controls all!
2) The literal fulfillment of Bible Prophecies serves to verify and validate God's Word as truth. The Bible is both the Word of God, and it is truth (Ps. 33:4; Eccl.12:10; Jn. 17:17; 2 Cor. 6:7; Eph. 1:13; Col. 1:15; 2 Tim. 2:15; Jam. 1:18; etc.)!
3) Knowing that the Lord is in control, and that regardless of what we experience in this life, we are comforted in knowing that in the end, WE WIN!
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (Jn. 14:1-3).
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).
"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3).
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Th. 4:13-18).
"Behold, I come quickly:
Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the Prophecy of this Book"
(Rev. 22:7)!
Friday, April 3, 2015
AN EMPTY ROOM AND AN EMPTY TOMB
THE EMPTY ROOM
"Set up this Tabernacle according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain. For the inside of the Tabernacle, make a special curtain of finely woven linen. Decorate it with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim. Hang this curtain on gold hooks attached to four posts of acacia wood. Overlay the posts with gold, and set them in four silver bases. Hang the inner curtain from clasps, and put the Ark of the Covenant in the room behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Then put the Ark’s cover, the place of atonement, on top of the Ark of the Covenant inside the Most Holy Place" (Ex. 26:30-34 NLT).The Word of God says this about the Crucifixion of Jesus: "And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent" (Mt. 27:51; see also Mk. 15:38; Lk. 23:45). Because of its massive size, only God could have torn the veil, and notice that the tearing of it was from the top to the bottom. With the veil being opened, all could see that the "Holy of Holies" was nothing but an empty room!
"The Ark of the Covenant disappeared off of the pages of history by the time of the Babylonian Captivity. Nothing in the Bible is said about the Ark in the Old Testament after the return from Babylon. Thus, the Holy of Holies in the Second Temple was an empty chamber, without the Ark of the Covenant. When the Roman General Pompey conquered Jerusalem around 63 B.C., he demanded the privilege of entering the Holy of Holies. When he did, he came out saying that he could not understand what all the interest was about the sanctuary, when it was only an empty room" (The Levitt Letter).Interestingly enough, there are hints of this in the Gospels. God calls the Temple "My house" up until it was clear to all that Jesus was rejected by His people (Mt. 12:4; Lk. 14:23), but then tells the Jews He no longer considers it His house, but theirs (Mt. 23:38; Lk. 13:35)!
THE EMPTY TOMB
"He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Mt. 28:6). "And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him" (Mk. 16:6).
"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus" (Lk. 24:3).
"And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith He to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (Jn. 20:26-29).
DO YOU BELIEVE?
Thursday, April 2, 2015
EVERYTHING IN ITS APPOINTED TIME
"But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, UNTIL that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom" (Mt. 26:29).
"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" (Mk. 12:36).
"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" (Lk. 13:35).
"And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, UNTIL the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled"
(Lk. 21:24).
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" (Rom. 11:25).
"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death TILL He come" (1 Cor. 11:26).
"(The Holy Spirit) is the earnest of our inheritance UNTIL the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory" (Eph. 1:14).
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it UNTIL the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).
"And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, UNTIL their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" (Rev. 6:11).
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:11-16).
"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" (Mk. 12:36).
"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" (Lk. 13:35).
"And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, UNTIL the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled"
(Lk. 21:24).
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" (Rom. 11:25).
"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death TILL He come" (1 Cor. 11:26).
"(The Holy Spirit) is the earnest of our inheritance UNTIL the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory" (Eph. 1:14).
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it UNTIL the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).
"And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, UNTIL their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" (Rev. 6:11).
~~~~~~ THEN ~~~~~~
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:11-16).
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