The word "hypocrite" has its source from the Greek word ὑποκρίτης (hypokrites), "actor, pretender." One dictionary defines "hypocrite" as someone feigning high character; that is, someone who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings but behaves otherwise. The symbol for modern theater pictures two masks, one frowning, and the other smiling. The origin of the symbol is said to be from the ancient Greek theater, where actors played characters by placing masks over their faces.
The word "hypocrites" appears three times in the Old Testament. Job speaks of the "congregation of hypocrites" being made desolate, with fire consuming their "tabernacles of bribery" (Job 15:34). Elihu, one of Job's "friends" says, "But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath..." (Job 36:13). It is interesting that both Job and his accuser use the term and declare its unpleasant reward (fire and wrath). Isaiah speaks of "the sinners in Zion," calling them hypocrites who fear the certain fire that awaits their treachery (Isa. 33:14).
"Hypocrites" is a term used seventeen times in the New Testament and all come from the mouth of Jesus. Matthew records fourteen of them, two which are repeated in the other Synoptic Gospels. In Mark 7:6 and Matthew 15:7-8. Jesus criticizes those who pretend to honor God but do not love Him. In Luke 12:56 and Matthew 16:3, Jesus questions how the religious leaders can discern the weather from physical signs, but they cannot recognize Him by His works. There is one use of the term that is unique to Luke (11:44), where He calls the Scribes and Pharisees open graves into which the unsuspecting fall. This reminds me of the cults, which present a "safe path," but are traps leading to hell.
In those verses unique to Matthew's Gospel, Jesus calls hypocrites those people who make a show of giving alms to look spiritual (6:2); those who pray for all to hear and see (6:5); those who fast for attention (6:16); those who tried to tempt Him to sin in order to trap Him (22:18); those who steal from widows and who make long prayers (23:14); those who search to find converts to their hypocritical ways (23:15); those who are dogmatically strict about the law but fail to practice it (23:23); those who "clean up" for the public, but who remain sinners inwardly (23:25, 27); those who show great respect for the tombs of the righteous and speak against those who killed them, and yet they will do the very same thing (23:29-36); and finally, Jesus proclaimed that those who mistreat their brethren will suffer the same end as will the hypocrites: weeping and gnashing of teeth (24:48-51).
To sum it up, a hypocrite is a person who pretends to love the Lord, but in actuality, hates Him. I believe it is impossible for a born-again child of God to be a hypocrite (1 Jn. 4:19). When we sin, we grieve because we have hurt God (Eph. 4:30), while hypocrites are inwardly joyful when they "put one over on the public."
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
WHERE IS THE KINGDOM TODAY?
As Christians, we know Jesus Christ is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, but did you know that the first person to formally present Him as Israel's King was Pilate? The wise men were seeking the King of the Jews, but when they found Him, instead of revealing Jesus as the long-awaited King, they "snuck out of town" (Matt. 2:1-12). John the Baptist presented Him as the sacrificial Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7). His disciples preached the Kingdom but not in the presence of the King. However, the first person to announce His royalty was the very man that turned Him over to the mob to be crucified. Pilate not only presented Him as King (Matt. 27:17; Mk. 15:9; Jn. 18:39), he had a sign placed above His head on the cross declaring Jesus as their King in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (Matt. 27:37; Mk. 15:26; Lk. 23:38; Jn. 19:19).
Some have suggested that the Church is the Kingdom of God, because Jesus said He was going to give Peter the keys to His Kingdom (Matt. 16:17-19). What on earth does that mean? The answer is found in a few passages in the book of Acts. Jesus told His disciples they were to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the rest of the world (Acts 1:8). This is extremely important, because there are only three kinds of people: Jews, Samaritans (part of Israel that differed from orthodox Jews), and Gentiles (everyone else). The Apostle Peter was present when each of these groups of people was accepted into the Church as followers of Christ (Acts 2, Acts 8, Acts 10). But the Church cannot be the Kingdom because Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world (Jn. 18:36).
There are a couple of other major reasons the Church is not the Kingdom. One, the King is not physically present during the Church Age (the time between the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Rapture - Acts 2; 1Thes. 5:13-18), and all of the prophecies concerning the reign of the Messiah referred to His ruling in the Land of Promise. Two, there is to be a specific period of one thousand years known as the Kingdom Age, nicknamed "The Millennium" (Rev. 20:1-7). It is true that the Church will play a significant role during the Millennial Reign of Christ, but it will be composed of saved Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles in their glorified bodies; we are to rule and reign with Him during His earthly Kingdom (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 5:10; 20:4, 6).
Had Israel heeded the call of John the Baptist to repent and acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah, the Kingdom could have begun. But they did not, and as a result, the Kingdom has been put on hold for almost two thousand years (Jn. 1:11-12). Where is the Kingdom today? It was among the Jews who rejected Him (Matt. 12:28; Lk. 10:9, 11; 11:20). It was at hand because He was there (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). But today, it is wherever the King is! For now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, waiting to come establish His Kingdom (Matt. 26:64; Lk. 22:69; Acts 7:55). All I can say is, "Come quickly Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20)!
Some have suggested that the Church is the Kingdom of God, because Jesus said He was going to give Peter the keys to His Kingdom (Matt. 16:17-19). What on earth does that mean? The answer is found in a few passages in the book of Acts. Jesus told His disciples they were to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the rest of the world (Acts 1:8). This is extremely important, because there are only three kinds of people: Jews, Samaritans (part of Israel that differed from orthodox Jews), and Gentiles (everyone else). The Apostle Peter was present when each of these groups of people was accepted into the Church as followers of Christ (Acts 2, Acts 8, Acts 10). But the Church cannot be the Kingdom because Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world (Jn. 18:36).
There are a couple of other major reasons the Church is not the Kingdom. One, the King is not physically present during the Church Age (the time between the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Rapture - Acts 2; 1Thes. 5:13-18), and all of the prophecies concerning the reign of the Messiah referred to His ruling in the Land of Promise. Two, there is to be a specific period of one thousand years known as the Kingdom Age, nicknamed "The Millennium" (Rev. 20:1-7). It is true that the Church will play a significant role during the Millennial Reign of Christ, but it will be composed of saved Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles in their glorified bodies; we are to rule and reign with Him during His earthly Kingdom (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 5:10; 20:4, 6).
Had Israel heeded the call of John the Baptist to repent and acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah, the Kingdom could have begun. But they did not, and as a result, the Kingdom has been put on hold for almost two thousand years (Jn. 1:11-12). Where is the Kingdom today? It was among the Jews who rejected Him (Matt. 12:28; Lk. 10:9, 11; 11:20). It was at hand because He was there (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). But today, it is wherever the King is! For now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, waiting to come establish His Kingdom (Matt. 26:64; Lk. 22:69; Acts 7:55). All I can say is, "Come quickly Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20)!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL A ROSE
I have heard that Christians were originally called "people of the way," so I checked the Internet to see what information I could find. I was amazed at the number of sites referenced; there were over 350,000,000! Needless to say, I did not avail myself of the vast resources available. The reason I felt inclined to delve into the subject was from something said in The Shack written by William P. Young. In it, Jesus tells Mack He did not come to start a religion, but that He came to reestablish a relationship between Himself and His creation. If that is true, and I certainly believe it is, then how did Christianity become a religion? To the world, Christianity is simply one of a myriad of human religions, and to most of its proponents, it has become "a religion" due to their ignorance of the Word of God.
"Christians," as a name for members of the Body of Christ, is found only three times in the New Testament. From the founding of the Church on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1, it took approximately ten years before someone in Antioch first called the disciples of Jesus "Christians" (Acts 11:26). Obviously it caught on, because both Luke and Peter refer to believers as "Christians" (Acts 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). However, the same two authors later in their writings, refer to the Church as "the way" (Acts 16:17; 18:25-26; 24:14; 2 Pet. 2:2, 15, 21).
Today's definition of the term "Christianity," means "the religion of the followers of Jesus Christ." But genuine Christianity is not a religion. A religion is a system of rules to follow so that one will find favor with a god and avoid incurring his or her wrath. The Bible teaches that by faith in the finished work of Jesus on our behalf, we become God's children (Rom. 8:16). When Jesus was crucified, was buried, and rose again according to the prophetic Scriptures, He removed the enmity between God and mankind (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Jam. 4:4). We can do nothing of ourselves to change our relationship with God; our salvation is a free gift (Eph. 2:8-9).
Picture yourself as an orphan living in an orphanage. You can do nothing to cause someone to come adopt you. However, you can reject an offer and refuse to be adopted. That is the way it is with us. We are offered an opportunity to become a child of Almighty God, and all we have to do is accept. An orphan cannot produce love in the heart of prospective parents; it is either there or it is not. God is love, and He loves us (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:8, 16). He wants to fill us with His Spirit and make us His heirs (Rom. 8:14-17).
So, whether we call ourselves "Christians," "believers," "disciples," "followers," "the way," etc., it doesn't matter; a rose is a rose. What really matters is that we have accepted His offer to be our God. Hopefully, those who have accepted God's offer will live their lives dedicated to loving and serving others, and will be seen as becoming more and more like the One the book, the Song of Solomon, calls "the Rose of Sharon" (2:1).
"Christians," as a name for members of the Body of Christ, is found only three times in the New Testament. From the founding of the Church on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1, it took approximately ten years before someone in Antioch first called the disciples of Jesus "Christians" (Acts 11:26). Obviously it caught on, because both Luke and Peter refer to believers as "Christians" (Acts 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). However, the same two authors later in their writings, refer to the Church as "the way" (Acts 16:17; 18:25-26; 24:14; 2 Pet. 2:2, 15, 21).
Today's definition of the term "Christianity," means "the religion of the followers of Jesus Christ." But genuine Christianity is not a religion. A religion is a system of rules to follow so that one will find favor with a god and avoid incurring his or her wrath. The Bible teaches that by faith in the finished work of Jesus on our behalf, we become God's children (Rom. 8:16). When Jesus was crucified, was buried, and rose again according to the prophetic Scriptures, He removed the enmity between God and mankind (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Jam. 4:4). We can do nothing of ourselves to change our relationship with God; our salvation is a free gift (Eph. 2:8-9).
Picture yourself as an orphan living in an orphanage. You can do nothing to cause someone to come adopt you. However, you can reject an offer and refuse to be adopted. That is the way it is with us. We are offered an opportunity to become a child of Almighty God, and all we have to do is accept. An orphan cannot produce love in the heart of prospective parents; it is either there or it is not. God is love, and He loves us (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:8, 16). He wants to fill us with His Spirit and make us His heirs (Rom. 8:14-17).
So, whether we call ourselves "Christians," "believers," "disciples," "followers," "the way," etc., it doesn't matter; a rose is a rose. What really matters is that we have accepted His offer to be our God. Hopefully, those who have accepted God's offer will live their lives dedicated to loving and serving others, and will be seen as becoming more and more like the One the book, the Song of Solomon, calls "the Rose of Sharon" (2:1).
Friday, February 25, 2011
ROSES AND THORNS
The Rose, as a metaphor for life, can be seen in the saying, "With the Rose, comes the thorns." It is much like the saying, "You have to take the bitter with the sweet." The Bible refers to a similar contrast in the Song of Solomon, "As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters" (2:2). The word "thorns" appears forty-seven times in Scripture, and if you are like me, you haven't paid much attention to it. I have just assumed that thorns are bad things, something undesirable, and something to be avoided.
The existence of thorns in our world is the direct result of man's sin. God punished Adam's transgression by removing him from a perfect Utopia, placing him in a world requiring hard work, and filled with challenges (Gen. 3:17-19). One of those negative consequences was the creation of thorns (Gen. 3:18).
Another negative use of thorns in the Bible refers to those who oppose the people of God in the Land of Promise. God told Israel to drive all non-Jews from their land, warning them that if they failed to do so, they would continually be a "thorn in their sides" (Num. 33:55; Josh. 23:13; Jud. 2:3). Thorns are also viewed in a negative light when in the Parable of the Sower, Jesus uses thorns as a metaphor for the "care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches" (Matt. 13:7, 22).
The Apostle Paul experienced a "thorn in the flesh," given him by God to keep him from being proud (2 Cor. 12:1-10). No one knows for certain what the "thorn" was, but some have speculated it had to do with his eyesight (Acts 13:11; Gal. 4:13-15; 6:11, 17). Then there is the ultimate negative use of thorns having to do with our Lord's crucifixion. Matthew, Mark, and John all record the torture of Jesus with a crown of thorns being driven into His scalp (Matt. 27:29; Mk. 15:17; Jn. 19:2). I cannot explain why Luke, the physician (Col. 4:14), would omit such a traumatic physical event, but he did.
The Bible also speaks of thorns as serving man in a positive way. In Hosea 2:6, God told Hosea that He would use a hedge of thorns to prevent his wife, Gomer, from leaving to commit adultery. And while the hedge God placed around Job may not have been made of thorns, it certainly served to protect him from Satan's desire to afflict him (Job 1:10). Hedges, presumably made of thorn bushes were used as a form of fortification against the enemies of Israel (1 Chron. 4:23; Ezek. 13:5; 22:30; Matt. 21:33; etc.). Ironically, both Job and Jeremiah complain because they viewed the hedge around them as a negative thing (Job. 3:23; Lam. 3:7).
The view one has of thorns has much to do with the purpose they are serving. If they protect the Rose from wildlife, they are a good thing. If they are a fortification against our enemy, they are good. If they are serving as a punishment, or as an impediment, then they are still good, because God has them there for a reason (Rom. 8:28). It is easy to thank God for the Rose, but the mature Christian can also thank Him for the thorns.
The existence of thorns in our world is the direct result of man's sin. God punished Adam's transgression by removing him from a perfect Utopia, placing him in a world requiring hard work, and filled with challenges (Gen. 3:17-19). One of those negative consequences was the creation of thorns (Gen. 3:18).
Another negative use of thorns in the Bible refers to those who oppose the people of God in the Land of Promise. God told Israel to drive all non-Jews from their land, warning them that if they failed to do so, they would continually be a "thorn in their sides" (Num. 33:55; Josh. 23:13; Jud. 2:3). Thorns are also viewed in a negative light when in the Parable of the Sower, Jesus uses thorns as a metaphor for the "care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches" (Matt. 13:7, 22).
The Apostle Paul experienced a "thorn in the flesh," given him by God to keep him from being proud (2 Cor. 12:1-10). No one knows for certain what the "thorn" was, but some have speculated it had to do with his eyesight (Acts 13:11; Gal. 4:13-15; 6:11, 17). Then there is the ultimate negative use of thorns having to do with our Lord's crucifixion. Matthew, Mark, and John all record the torture of Jesus with a crown of thorns being driven into His scalp (Matt. 27:29; Mk. 15:17; Jn. 19:2). I cannot explain why Luke, the physician (Col. 4:14), would omit such a traumatic physical event, but he did.
The Bible also speaks of thorns as serving man in a positive way. In Hosea 2:6, God told Hosea that He would use a hedge of thorns to prevent his wife, Gomer, from leaving to commit adultery. And while the hedge God placed around Job may not have been made of thorns, it certainly served to protect him from Satan's desire to afflict him (Job 1:10). Hedges, presumably made of thorn bushes were used as a form of fortification against the enemies of Israel (1 Chron. 4:23; Ezek. 13:5; 22:30; Matt. 21:33; etc.). Ironically, both Job and Jeremiah complain because they viewed the hedge around them as a negative thing (Job. 3:23; Lam. 3:7).
The view one has of thorns has much to do with the purpose they are serving. If they protect the Rose from wildlife, they are a good thing. If they are a fortification against our enemy, they are good. If they are serving as a punishment, or as an impediment, then they are still good, because God has them there for a reason (Rom. 8:28). It is easy to thank God for the Rose, but the mature Christian can also thank Him for the thorns.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
THE KINGDOM: THE SEVENTH DISPENSATION
Yesterday, I suggested that one of the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:3-12 has to be Elijah. Before the Christ of Israel comes to establish His Kingdom, the Scriptures say Elijah will set the stage for Him (Isa. 40:3; Mal. 4:4-6; Matt. 17:10-13; Lk. 1:17).
First, Elijah did not die (2 Kg. 2:11), and the two witnesses will be martyred (Rev. 11:7). In light of Hebrews 9:27, the only two Old Testament characters who qualify are Elijah and Enoch (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5). Enoch represents the Gentiles, and Elijah represents the Jews. The Church will have already been "caught up" in the Rapture (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 4:13-18).
Then there is the stoppage of rain by Elijah (1 Kg. 17:1; Lk. 4:25; Jam. 5:17); the two witnesses are able to stop the rain (Rev. 11:6). It is interesting that Elijah stopped the rain for three and a half years, the exact length of the second half of the Tribulation (Rev. 11:2-3; 12:6; 13:5). There is little doubt that one of the two must be Elijah.
The seven year Tribulation period precedes the Millennial Kingdom of Christ, and it is ended when Christ returns (Dan. 9:27; Rev. 19:11-21). Satan is temporarily bound for the thousand year reign of Christ upon the earth (Rev. 20:1-7). The Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of heaven, and the Millennial Kingdom are the same thing; they are the seventh dispensation or stewardship.
The kingdom Israel still awaits, and for which His disciples longed in Acts 1:6, will have come at last. It is the kingdom of which the prophets spoke (Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 33:14-22; Ezek. 37:24-25; Dan. 7:13-14; Hos. 3:4-5; Amos 9:11; Zech. 14:4-9; etc.). In it, all of the yet unfulfilled prophecies regarding the land, the Jews, and the Christ, will be fulfilled. Christ will rule by delegating responsibility, or stewardship, just as He did for the first six dispensations. This time, He will Tabernacle with mankind.
The seventh dispensation, the Millennium, might be described as:
Man's responsibility or stewardship: Obey Christ (Rev. 20:1-7)
Man's diet: Plants (Isa. 65:21-25; 66:3)
God's Command: Obey Christ and His chosen leaders (Rev. 19:15; 20:6)
Man's Response: Rebellion when Satan released (Rev. 20:7-9)
God's Judgment: Physical death and the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20: 9-15).
For a more in-depth look at dispensations, see my posts dated Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2010. God bless!
First, Elijah did not die (2 Kg. 2:11), and the two witnesses will be martyred (Rev. 11:7). In light of Hebrews 9:27, the only two Old Testament characters who qualify are Elijah and Enoch (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5). Enoch represents the Gentiles, and Elijah represents the Jews. The Church will have already been "caught up" in the Rapture (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 4:13-18).
Then there is the stoppage of rain by Elijah (1 Kg. 17:1; Lk. 4:25; Jam. 5:17); the two witnesses are able to stop the rain (Rev. 11:6). It is interesting that Elijah stopped the rain for three and a half years, the exact length of the second half of the Tribulation (Rev. 11:2-3; 12:6; 13:5). There is little doubt that one of the two must be Elijah.
The seven year Tribulation period precedes the Millennial Kingdom of Christ, and it is ended when Christ returns (Dan. 9:27; Rev. 19:11-21). Satan is temporarily bound for the thousand year reign of Christ upon the earth (Rev. 20:1-7). The Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of heaven, and the Millennial Kingdom are the same thing; they are the seventh dispensation or stewardship.
The kingdom Israel still awaits, and for which His disciples longed in Acts 1:6, will have come at last. It is the kingdom of which the prophets spoke (Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 33:14-22; Ezek. 37:24-25; Dan. 7:13-14; Hos. 3:4-5; Amos 9:11; Zech. 14:4-9; etc.). In it, all of the yet unfulfilled prophecies regarding the land, the Jews, and the Christ, will be fulfilled. Christ will rule by delegating responsibility, or stewardship, just as He did for the first six dispensations. This time, He will Tabernacle with mankind.
The seventh dispensation, the Millennium, might be described as:
Man's responsibility or stewardship: Obey Christ (Rev. 20:1-7)
Man's diet: Plants (Isa. 65:21-25; 66:3)
God's Command: Obey Christ and His chosen leaders (Rev. 19:15; 20:6)
Man's Response: Rebellion when Satan released (Rev. 20:7-9)
God's Judgment: Physical death and the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20: 9-15).
For a more in-depth look at dispensations, see my posts dated Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2010. God bless!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Yesterday, I said that the emphasis on the Kingdom of God almost disappeared after the Synoptic Gospels were written. Today's post is entitled "The Kingdom of Heaven," because the Gospel of Matthew presents the Kingdom as such thirty-two times. Either title is accurate, as twelve of the thirty-two are quoted in Mark and Luke, where the writers wrote "Kingdom of God."
Matthew, Mark, and Luke refer to the Kingdom a total of eighty-six times (ninety-three if you count the Book of Acts which was also written by Luke), John only three times (one in Revelation), and the rest of the New Testament writers a total of ten times. Fourteen books do not even mention the kingdom. It is my understanding that Jesus offered Himself to Israel, and when they rejected Him as their king, the earthly reign of Christ was postponed "until further notice." The evidence I gave for this was found in John 1:11-12, where the Apostle informs us that Israel's rejection of their Messiah opened the door for the Gentiles. God, knowing what would happen, included the Church in His plan. Paul's teaching on this is found in Romans, Chapters Nine - Eleven.
The Old Testament prophet Malachi said the prophet Elijah would return to set the stage for the Lord's coming: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD" (Mal. 4:1-5). "Elijah" is presented in Matthew 3:1-12. Jesus said that John (the Baptizer) came in the Spirit of Elijah: "And if ye will receive [Me], this is Elias (Greek for Elijah), which was for to come" (Matt. 11:14). Jesus had this to say about John's potential fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah's setting the stage for Him: "But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer of them" (Matt.17:12).
Even today, two thousand years later, the Jewish religious experts still await the second coming of Elijah. And every year at the Passover meal, Jewish mothers, in a time honored tradition, still set an extra place at the table for Elijah hoping that this will be the year when he finally returns to join them.
Because Elijah has to precede the coming of Israel's Messiah, the Christ, I believe one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3 must be Elijah. I believe the other is Enoch. Enoch and Elijah are seen as possibilities for the two witnesses, because they are the two individuals whom God has taken to heaven apart from experiencing death (Gen. 5:23; 2 Kg. 2:11). The fact that neither Enoch nor Elijah has experienced death seems to qualify them to experience death and resurrection, as the two witnesses experience (Rev. 11:7-12). Proponents of this view claim that Hebrews 9:27 (all men die once) disqualifies Moses from being one of the two witnesses, as Moses has died once already (Deut. 34:5).
More on this tomorrow, Lord willing. God bless.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke refer to the Kingdom a total of eighty-six times (ninety-three if you count the Book of Acts which was also written by Luke), John only three times (one in Revelation), and the rest of the New Testament writers a total of ten times. Fourteen books do not even mention the kingdom. It is my understanding that Jesus offered Himself to Israel, and when they rejected Him as their king, the earthly reign of Christ was postponed "until further notice." The evidence I gave for this was found in John 1:11-12, where the Apostle informs us that Israel's rejection of their Messiah opened the door for the Gentiles. God, knowing what would happen, included the Church in His plan. Paul's teaching on this is found in Romans, Chapters Nine - Eleven.
The Old Testament prophet Malachi said the prophet Elijah would return to set the stage for the Lord's coming: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD" (Mal. 4:1-5). "Elijah" is presented in Matthew 3:1-12. Jesus said that John (the Baptizer) came in the Spirit of Elijah: "And if ye will receive [Me], this is Elias (Greek for Elijah), which was for to come" (Matt. 11:14). Jesus had this to say about John's potential fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah's setting the stage for Him: "But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer of them" (Matt.17:12).
Even today, two thousand years later, the Jewish religious experts still await the second coming of Elijah. And every year at the Passover meal, Jewish mothers, in a time honored tradition, still set an extra place at the table for Elijah hoping that this will be the year when he finally returns to join them.
Because Elijah has to precede the coming of Israel's Messiah, the Christ, I believe one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3 must be Elijah. I believe the other is Enoch. Enoch and Elijah are seen as possibilities for the two witnesses, because they are the two individuals whom God has taken to heaven apart from experiencing death (Gen. 5:23; 2 Kg. 2:11). The fact that neither Enoch nor Elijah has experienced death seems to qualify them to experience death and resurrection, as the two witnesses experience (Rev. 11:7-12). Proponents of this view claim that Hebrews 9:27 (all men die once) disqualifies Moses from being one of the two witnesses, as Moses has died once already (Deut. 34:5).
More on this tomorrow, Lord willing. God bless.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The first king mentioned in the Bible was Nimrod, king over Babel (Gen. 10:10). Two chapters later, God chose Abraham to begin a nation that was to recognize God as its King (Gen. 12:2; 1 Sam. 8:7). Approximately one thousand years passed when Israel, which by then was governed by corrupt judges, complained to their prophet Samuel that they wanted to be ruled by a king like all of the other nations (1 Sam. 8:3-5). When Samuel approached God with their request, God told him that they were not rejecting him as their leader, they were rejecting Him, God (1 Sam. 8:7). The LORD warned them that a human king would cost them dearly (1 Sam. 8:9-17). They did not heed God's warning and Israel's kings proved to be "as advertised." They did not learn much, for nearly one thousand or so years later, they chose Barabbas over Jesus (Matt. 27:21). Israel rejected their One true King, again!
With the rejection of Jesus Christ, Israel opened the door for salvation to the Gentiles; prior to this, a Gentile had to become a Jew to be considered a child of Abraham (Jn. 1:11-12). Israel, who had long been waiting for their Messiah, their Christ, their King, having been without a king since Hoshea (who ruled until about 722 B.C. when the Assyrian Empire conquered them), failed to recognize Him when He came. As a result, their centuries of being without a king from the lineage of David continues until this day. It has been about twenty-seven hundred years, and they are still waiting for their king.
The good news is, their King will return to establish His one thousand year reign; the bad news is, they will have experienced persecution for at least two thousand years prior to His return, with the last seven years of persecution being the Tribulation [also know as the Time of Jacob's Trouble (Jer. 30:7), and Daniel's Seventieth Week (Dan. 9:24-27)]. And while His Millennial Kingdom will be ruled with total righteousness (Rev. 19:2, 8, 11), His reign is described as being with an "iron rod" (Rev. 19:15).
Some have suggested that the idea of an earthly reign by Christ is a metaphor for the age of the Church. They believe the Church will eventually win the world to Christ. Since the Church has had twice the time specified, and has been losing ground in its mission to evangelize the world, it is clear that either God made a mistake, or their interpretation of Scripture is wrong. The main reason these folks misunderstand is because they do not recognize the distinction between Israel and the Church. I would suggest that since the Synoptic Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) mention the kingdom eighty-six times, and the rest of the New Testament only twenty times, the kingdom offered Israel is "on hold" until after the Church Age. In Acts 1:2-8, Jesus indicated the kingdom was yet future. All references after that also speak of it as a future reign. I hope to continue on this subject tomorrow. But until then, remember, He wins!
Revelation 11:15 - And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
With the rejection of Jesus Christ, Israel opened the door for salvation to the Gentiles; prior to this, a Gentile had to become a Jew to be considered a child of Abraham (Jn. 1:11-12). Israel, who had long been waiting for their Messiah, their Christ, their King, having been without a king since Hoshea (who ruled until about 722 B.C. when the Assyrian Empire conquered them), failed to recognize Him when He came. As a result, their centuries of being without a king from the lineage of David continues until this day. It has been about twenty-seven hundred years, and they are still waiting for their king.
The good news is, their King will return to establish His one thousand year reign; the bad news is, they will have experienced persecution for at least two thousand years prior to His return, with the last seven years of persecution being the Tribulation [also know as the Time of Jacob's Trouble (Jer. 30:7), and Daniel's Seventieth Week (Dan. 9:24-27)]. And while His Millennial Kingdom will be ruled with total righteousness (Rev. 19:2, 8, 11), His reign is described as being with an "iron rod" (Rev. 19:15).
Some have suggested that the idea of an earthly reign by Christ is a metaphor for the age of the Church. They believe the Church will eventually win the world to Christ. Since the Church has had twice the time specified, and has been losing ground in its mission to evangelize the world, it is clear that either God made a mistake, or their interpretation of Scripture is wrong. The main reason these folks misunderstand is because they do not recognize the distinction between Israel and the Church. I would suggest that since the Synoptic Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) mention the kingdom eighty-six times, and the rest of the New Testament only twenty times, the kingdom offered Israel is "on hold" until after the Church Age. In Acts 1:2-8, Jesus indicated the kingdom was yet future. All references after that also speak of it as a future reign. I hope to continue on this subject tomorrow. But until then, remember, He wins!
Revelation 11:15 - And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
Monday, February 21, 2011
GUESS WHO IS WATCHING
Yesterday, I shared some thoughts on what some (those who come to church as spectators) might call an oxymoron: the worship service. I don't want to "beat a dead horse," but the idea that the congregation is the audience watching performances of those called to serve on the sanctuary platform is repugnant to me. It is made even more disgusting by the fact that I am often guilty of it myself. It would not be a stretch of the imagination to picture the congregation holding up numbers at the end of a song or the sermon, just like judges rating the performance between one and ten. To find out what they thought of the message, one would only need to add the numbers and divide by the number voting. Ludicrous, right? Maybe so, but when we "discuss" our opinions of the performances, aren't we doing that very thing?
The main point I was attempting to get across was that the congregation is not really the audience; it is supposed to be "performing" worship. Perhaps the reason it is so easy to fall into Satan's scheme of spreading discord among the brethren is because of the way the auditorium is laid out. The congregation is seated in a semi-circle facing the platform in the same way a movie theater, a classroom, or an orchestra concert would be. I wonder what would happen if the seating were a complete circle, and those who normally participated in the service were scattered among the rest of those attending? The preacher would simply stand where he was seated, as would the singers and musicians, sort of like the Quaker's worship service. Of course, instead of the Holy Spirit moving in their hearts to express their gifts according to God's time-table, the person in charge of the order of worship would make sure everything happened "in a professional way."
I can see another problem with my "seating arrangement." People tend to sit in groups of people they feel close to, and therefore, when the "audience" put up their numbers at the end of each "performance," those sitting closest to the "performer" would be biased toward him or her, giving a higher number. That would be unfair, right?
The fact that much of what I have said in these last two posts is sarcasm, should indicate my disdain for how I, and many of my fellow church goers, act. Unfortunately, sarcasm is a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt. The word comes from the late Greek σαρκαζμόσ (sarkazmos) taken from the word σαρκάζειν meaning 'to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, speak bitterly. By using sarcasm, I am also guilty of being judgmental and being unloving. I am slowly but surely discovering that I am not a very good Christian. For that, I apologize to my readers. But the point I am making is valid, and it is this: the audience at every worship service consists of God Almighty, His angels, and Satan. I ask you to decide which of these is most pleased with how you behave in church. If you are like me, I am afraid you owe God an apology too.
The main point I was attempting to get across was that the congregation is not really the audience; it is supposed to be "performing" worship. Perhaps the reason it is so easy to fall into Satan's scheme of spreading discord among the brethren is because of the way the auditorium is laid out. The congregation is seated in a semi-circle facing the platform in the same way a movie theater, a classroom, or an orchestra concert would be. I wonder what would happen if the seating were a complete circle, and those who normally participated in the service were scattered among the rest of those attending? The preacher would simply stand where he was seated, as would the singers and musicians, sort of like the Quaker's worship service. Of course, instead of the Holy Spirit moving in their hearts to express their gifts according to God's time-table, the person in charge of the order of worship would make sure everything happened "in a professional way."
I can see another problem with my "seating arrangement." People tend to sit in groups of people they feel close to, and therefore, when the "audience" put up their numbers at the end of each "performance," those sitting closest to the "performer" would be biased toward him or her, giving a higher number. That would be unfair, right?
The fact that much of what I have said in these last two posts is sarcasm, should indicate my disdain for how I, and many of my fellow church goers, act. Unfortunately, sarcasm is a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt. The word comes from the late Greek σαρκαζμόσ (sarkazmos) taken from the word σαρκάζειν meaning 'to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, speak bitterly. By using sarcasm, I am also guilty of being judgmental and being unloving. I am slowly but surely discovering that I am not a very good Christian. For that, I apologize to my readers. But the point I am making is valid, and it is this: the audience at every worship service consists of God Almighty, His angels, and Satan. I ask you to decide which of these is most pleased with how you behave in church. If you are like me, I am afraid you owe God an apology too.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
THE WORSHIP SERVICE
Have you ever given much thought to the concept of going to church to attend a worship service? There is a huge difference between attending a worship service, and going to worship the Lord. When we use the word "attend," we make it sound like we are going as spectators to watch others worship. Unfortunately, that is exactly what a very large percentage of church goers do. Instead of worshiping the Lord, most of us tend to act as critics, evaluating the performances of God's servants. We sit in our pews and observe the musicians, the singers, and the preacher. We say, "The music was too loud; they sang the wrong songs; the preacher went too long; they were asking for money again; etc." We evaluate their performances, and do not hesitate to tell others our opinions of our experience that day. We are supposed to be there to worship the Lord. God is supposed to be the audience! The worship of God does not just take place on the platform; every person there is supposed to be worshiping Him. You would think we were expecting to be entertained. We actually seem to think of ourselves as members of the "audience," and we have the right to expect quality music and preaching; after all, we do pay the salaries of our "employees," right?
Fortunately, there is a small percentage of folks who go to church to worship and praise Almighty God for His goodness, His mercy, His grace, His love, and His faithfulness toward us. They pray, sing, and show reverence for the One Who has proven His great love for us. They are thrilled to see volunteer musicians, and singers lead in praise to God, to see volunteers hand out bulletins, take up the offering, serve communion, take care of the young children, etc. They even look for opportunities to do their part in enabling others to worship the Lord.
The majority of church goers seem to view "worship" and "service," as an oxymoron. The term, "oxymoron," comes from the Greek ὀξύμωρον, meaning "sharp dull." It is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. Literary oxymorons are crafted to reveal a paradox. Some have jokingly viewed my Navy career in "Naval Intelligence" as an oxymoron. Another common example is "jumbo shrimp."
Webster's New World Dictionary defines "worship" as a religious homage, reverence, devotion, and veneration of one's God. The Bible states that worship is to be given to God, and to God alone (Ex. 20:2-5; Deut. 5:6-9; 6:12-15; Matt. 4:10; Lk. 4:8; Acts 10:26; 14:15; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9). Webster defines "service" as being the performance of work by a servant, whether a slave or a paid servant. Hence, a worship service is supposed to be working to honor God. If I am focusing upon God and worshiping Him, and if I am exercising my spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ, then it is a worship service. If I am evaluating the exercising of the spiritual gifts of others, I am neither worshiping nor am I serving.
Fortunately, there is a small percentage of folks who go to church to worship and praise Almighty God for His goodness, His mercy, His grace, His love, and His faithfulness toward us. They pray, sing, and show reverence for the One Who has proven His great love for us. They are thrilled to see volunteer musicians, and singers lead in praise to God, to see volunteers hand out bulletins, take up the offering, serve communion, take care of the young children, etc. They even look for opportunities to do their part in enabling others to worship the Lord.
The majority of church goers seem to view "worship" and "service," as an oxymoron. The term, "oxymoron," comes from the Greek ὀξύμωρον, meaning "sharp dull." It is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. Literary oxymorons are crafted to reveal a paradox. Some have jokingly viewed my Navy career in "Naval Intelligence" as an oxymoron. Another common example is "jumbo shrimp."
Webster's New World Dictionary defines "worship" as a religious homage, reverence, devotion, and veneration of one's God. The Bible states that worship is to be given to God, and to God alone (Ex. 20:2-5; Deut. 5:6-9; 6:12-15; Matt. 4:10; Lk. 4:8; Acts 10:26; 14:15; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9). Webster defines "service" as being the performance of work by a servant, whether a slave or a paid servant. Hence, a worship service is supposed to be working to honor God. If I am focusing upon God and worshiping Him, and if I am exercising my spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ, then it is a worship service. If I am evaluating the exercising of the spiritual gifts of others, I am neither worshiping nor am I serving.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
YOU KNOW WHAT WOULD BE NICE?
My last two posts have really taken their toll on me, both mentally and physically. I never realized how old age and being a "workman" (2 Tim. 2:15) could be so exhausting. One of the things that contributed to the fatigue was trying to discern what the word "God" meant in each passage I studied. "God" is such a generic term, and it being a title rather than a name, does not help. I have an idea that would simplify the process. There could be identifying letters placed after the words referring to "God" which would help the reader instantly understand the text. For instance, by placing (F) after the word, we would know the text was speaking of God the Father. On the occasions where "God" is referring to the Son of God, (J) could be used. And for the case of the Holy Spirit, (HS) would easily identify to Whom the writer was referring. When the Godhead, or the Trinity is meant, (T) could be used. Here are a few examples:
THE TRINITY: Matthew 28:19 - "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father (F), and of the Son (J), and of the Holy Spirit (HS)." This verse lists the three equal persons of the Trinity, also called the Godhead (T) in Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20, and Colossians 2:9.
THE FATHER: Genesis 32:30 - "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God (J) face to face, and my life is preserved." This would immediately clarify an apparent contradiction with Exodus 33:20 which says, "And He said, Thou canst not see My (F) face: for there shall no man see Me (F), and live."
THE SON: Jesus is called God (J) in John 20:28 - "And Thomas answered and said unto Him (J), 'My Lord (J) and my God (J).'"
Another example is in Matthew 2:11 - "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child (J) with Mary His (J) mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him (J)...." When one compares this with Matthew 4:10 ("...Thou shalt worship the Lord (T) thy God (T), and Him (T) only shalt thou serve."), it is saying Jesus is God (J). See also Matthew 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; and 28:9.
THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit is also called God (HS) in Acts 5:3-4 - "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit (HS), and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou has not lied unto men, but unto God (HS).'"
Being a realist, I sincerely doubt that anyone would consider using "my method" to simplify the understanding of God's (T) Word, but just in case someone does, you have my permission on one condition. You must give me a copy. God (T) bless all, especially the children of God (F)!
THE TRINITY: Matthew 28:19 - "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father (F), and of the Son (J), and of the Holy Spirit (HS)." This verse lists the three equal persons of the Trinity, also called the Godhead (T) in Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20, and Colossians 2:9.
THE FATHER: Genesis 32:30 - "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God (J) face to face, and my life is preserved." This would immediately clarify an apparent contradiction with Exodus 33:20 which says, "And He said, Thou canst not see My (F) face: for there shall no man see Me (F), and live."
THE SON: Jesus is called God (J) in John 20:28 - "And Thomas answered and said unto Him (J), 'My Lord (J) and my God (J).'"
Another example is in Matthew 2:11 - "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child (J) with Mary His (J) mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him (J)...." When one compares this with Matthew 4:10 ("...Thou shalt worship the Lord (T) thy God (T), and Him (T) only shalt thou serve."), it is saying Jesus is God (J). See also Matthew 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; and 28:9.
THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit is also called God (HS) in Acts 5:3-4 - "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit (HS), and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou has not lied unto men, but unto God (HS).'"
Being a realist, I sincerely doubt that anyone would consider using "my method" to simplify the understanding of God's (T) Word, but just in case someone does, you have my permission on one condition. You must give me a copy. God (T) bless all, especially the children of God (F)!
Friday, February 18, 2011
CLARIFICATION
Yesterday's posting took me about five hours to write, and some time after I had finished it, I realized that I had not done a very good job of connecting my thoughts. I do not believe anything I wrote was incorrect, but the four paragraphs almost seem to form an outline rather than the presentation of a single idea. Hopefully, this post will "connect some of the dots."
My ultimate goal was to present the view that the Old Testament Hebrew הוה (YHVH), which appears 6823 times, and which is translated "LORD" in most Bibles, is a reference to the pre-incarnate the Son of God. Various attempts have been made to write the name (Yahweh, Yah, Yehovah, Jehovah), but today, no one really knows the correct spelling or pronunciation. הוה is defined as "I Am that I Am," or "I Am" in Exodus 3:14. As I pointed out yesterday, Jesus identifies with the name, "I Am" several times in the Gospel of John.
I also pointed out the Hebrew הוה was κύριος in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament translated in about 200 B.C. In the Greek New Testament, κύριος is used as a title for Jesus (Lord) over six hundred fifty times. The writers of the New Testament must have known that they were using the same Greek word for the title of Jesus as was used for the name of God, because all four writers of the Gospels and the Apostle Paul quoted from the Septuagint. Therefore, they clearly identified הוה as Jesus.
The main reason it is important to understand that "LORD" does not refer to God the Father, or to God as a Trinity, is because if it did, then the Bible contradicts itself, and that is impossible. There are two Old Testament references to men saying they had seen God with their eyes (Gen. 32:30; Jud. 13:22), and yet, the Bible teaches that no man has ever seen God face to face (Jn. 1:18; 1 Jn. 4:12). It also says that to look upon God's face would result in sudden death (Ex. 33:20).
Before Christ came to teach us about God, man was not aware that the God of Israel was a Trinity composed of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). So when Jacob wrestled with this very special "man," he somehow thought it was the one true God. The "man" with Whom Jacob wrestled was God, but God the Son, not the Father or the Trinity. The same is true of Manoah who, seeing the Angel of the Lord, thought it was God. Perhaps on another occasion, I will attempt to show that the "Angel of the Lord" is another manifestation of Jesus in the Old Testament.
To sum up, הוה, κύριος, LORD, YHVH, I Am, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, and Jesus are all one and the same Person. I sure hope that all makes sense to you. God bless you as you serve Christ Jesus, our Lord!
My ultimate goal was to present the view that the Old Testament Hebrew הוה (YHVH), which appears 6823 times, and which is translated "LORD" in most Bibles, is a reference to the pre-incarnate the Son of God. Various attempts have been made to write the name (Yahweh, Yah, Yehovah, Jehovah), but today, no one really knows the correct spelling or pronunciation. הוה is defined as "I Am that I Am," or "I Am" in Exodus 3:14. As I pointed out yesterday, Jesus identifies with the name, "I Am" several times in the Gospel of John.
I also pointed out the Hebrew הוה was κύριος in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament translated in about 200 B.C. In the Greek New Testament, κύριος is used as a title for Jesus (Lord) over six hundred fifty times. The writers of the New Testament must have known that they were using the same Greek word for the title of Jesus as was used for the name of God, because all four writers of the Gospels and the Apostle Paul quoted from the Septuagint. Therefore, they clearly identified הוה as Jesus.
The main reason it is important to understand that "LORD" does not refer to God the Father, or to God as a Trinity, is because if it did, then the Bible contradicts itself, and that is impossible. There are two Old Testament references to men saying they had seen God with their eyes (Gen. 32:30; Jud. 13:22), and yet, the Bible teaches that no man has ever seen God face to face (Jn. 1:18; 1 Jn. 4:12). It also says that to look upon God's face would result in sudden death (Ex. 33:20).
Before Christ came to teach us about God, man was not aware that the God of Israel was a Trinity composed of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). So when Jacob wrestled with this very special "man," he somehow thought it was the one true God. The "man" with Whom Jacob wrestled was God, but God the Son, not the Father or the Trinity. The same is true of Manoah who, seeing the Angel of the Lord, thought it was God. Perhaps on another occasion, I will attempt to show that the "Angel of the Lord" is another manifestation of Jesus in the Old Testament.
To sum up, הוה, κύριος, LORD, YHVH, I Am, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, and Jesus are all one and the same Person. I sure hope that all makes sense to you. God bless you as you serve Christ Jesus, our Lord!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
JESUS IS "I AM"
Depending upon which version of the Bible you have, when reading the Old Testament, you may have noticed that the word, "LORD," is written in all caps. This is true for the KJV, NRSV, ESV, LB, NIV, NEB, NCV, and The Promise, to list just a few. The Jerusalem Bible uses the word, "Yahweh," and The Message simply has "GOD" in all caps. The primary reason for the use of "LORD" in place of God's Hebrew name is because the Hebrew Bible was written prior to the use of vowels, and the Jews, fearing they might mispronounce or misspell God's name, did not used it.
According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, the Tetragrammaton, YHVH (the Hebrew name God told Moses to use when speaking of Him to the Jews in Exodus 3:14), appears 6823 times in the Biblia Hebraica (the Hebrew Old Testament). With very few exceptions, YHVH is translated "LORD." Ironically, one of those exceptions is found in Exodus 3:14, where it is translated "I Am." Of the approximately 300 Old Testament quotes in the New Testament, about 2/3 of them came from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), where it is always translated Κυρίος (Lord). Κυρίος in the Greek New Testament is also translated "Lord," a title used for Jesus over six hundred and fifty times.
There are some very important reasons why the child of God needs to understand that Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. It explains why the Bible can say that "no man hath seen God and any time" (Jn. 1:18; 1 Jn. 4:12), and it also quotes two men as saying they had seen God (Gen. 32:30; Jud. 13:22). In the case of Jacob, he wrestled with "a man" (32:24), and in the case of Manoah, he had seen the Angel of the LORD (Jud. 13:23). Both men were mistaken.
Jesus said of himself:
"I AM the living bread that cometh down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" (Jn. 6:51). "Then spoke 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). "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). "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). "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I AM" (Jn. 8:58). "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). "I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (Jn. 10:11). "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). "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). "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). "I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser" (Jn 15:1). To be continued.
According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, the Tetragrammaton, YHVH (the Hebrew name God told Moses to use when speaking of Him to the Jews in Exodus 3:14), appears 6823 times in the Biblia Hebraica (the Hebrew Old Testament). With very few exceptions, YHVH is translated "LORD." Ironically, one of those exceptions is found in Exodus 3:14, where it is translated "I Am." Of the approximately 300 Old Testament quotes in the New Testament, about 2/3 of them came from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), where it is always translated Κυρίος (Lord). Κυρίος in the Greek New Testament is also translated "Lord," a title used for Jesus over six hundred and fifty times.
There are some very important reasons why the child of God needs to understand that Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. It explains why the Bible can say that "no man hath seen God and any time" (Jn. 1:18; 1 Jn. 4:12), and it also quotes two men as saying they had seen God (Gen. 32:30; Jud. 13:22). In the case of Jacob, he wrestled with "a man" (32:24), and in the case of Manoah, he had seen the Angel of the LORD (Jud. 13:23). Both men were mistaken.
Jesus said of himself:
"I AM the living bread that cometh down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" (Jn. 6:51). "Then spoke 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). "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). "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). "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I AM" (Jn. 8:58). "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). "I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (Jn. 10:11). "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). "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). "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). "I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser" (Jn 15:1). To be continued.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
WRITING A THEODICY
A Theodicy is the epitome of attempting to answer the greatest "why." It is a theological or philosophical study which attempts to justify the conflict between God’s intrinsic nature of omni-benevolence (all loving), omniscience (all knowing) and omnipotence (all powerful), with the fact that evil exists, which would otherwise stand to refute God's attributes. Some define the term as an attempt to explain or justify God's behavior in general. Simply put, it is an attempt to explain why God allows evil when He is quite capable of preventing it.
One of my seminary professors gave us an assignment to write a paper defending the character of God. He suggested that there cannot be contradictory truths; that God, with all His "omni's," could not be good since Satan appears to have a free reign in this world. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I believed that he was "playing the devil's advocate" (puns intended), knowing we would face that question in our ministries.
After thinking and praying about the assignment, I went to my professor and told him that I believed a man attempting to justify God was not only impossible, it was blasphemy. I supported my position using Isaiah 55:9 which says, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Also, Job 9:10 says, "Which (Who) doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number." I didn't think of it then, but an excellent passage defending my unwillingness to write such a paper would include the temptation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1-7). Satan suggested that God was not telling them the truth, and that He really wanted to prevent them from becoming His equal (v. 5). He was saying God is not good, nor does He need to be superior to man.
My professor accepted my recommendation that I be allowed to write a ten-page paper on the character of God instead of writing a theodicy. When I received my paper back, the grader had given me a "C" (he probably was told to do so by my professor), and he had written a scathing note saying he thought I was being foolish and immature, which was quite ironic since I was about twice his age at the time (I entered seminary at the age of forty-four).
As I mentioned yesterday, I detest "why" questions when they have to do with challenging the wisdom of those in authority. But for someone to suggest that God cannot be good because He allows evil to exist, is tantamount to denying the very existence of the God of the Bible. It seems absolutely ludicrous for Satan (or for man) to deny the superiority of God, when he so jealously covets His supremacy. When Darwinian "scientists," and the rest of the "great minds" of "so called science" (1 Tim. 6:20) challenge the authenticity of the Bible and the God presented therein, they are, perhaps unwittingly, serving Satan in his effort to bring God down to his level. After all, even when we as Christians become like Jesus (1 Jn. 3:2), He will still be God, and we will still be His creation. To God alone be the glory!
One of my seminary professors gave us an assignment to write a paper defending the character of God. He suggested that there cannot be contradictory truths; that God, with all His "omni's," could not be good since Satan appears to have a free reign in this world. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I believed that he was "playing the devil's advocate" (puns intended), knowing we would face that question in our ministries.
After thinking and praying about the assignment, I went to my professor and told him that I believed a man attempting to justify God was not only impossible, it was blasphemy. I supported my position using Isaiah 55:9 which says, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Also, Job 9:10 says, "Which (Who) doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number." I didn't think of it then, but an excellent passage defending my unwillingness to write such a paper would include the temptation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1-7). Satan suggested that God was not telling them the truth, and that He really wanted to prevent them from becoming His equal (v. 5). He was saying God is not good, nor does He need to be superior to man.
My professor accepted my recommendation that I be allowed to write a ten-page paper on the character of God instead of writing a theodicy. When I received my paper back, the grader had given me a "C" (he probably was told to do so by my professor), and he had written a scathing note saying he thought I was being foolish and immature, which was quite ironic since I was about twice his age at the time (I entered seminary at the age of forty-four).
As I mentioned yesterday, I detest "why" questions when they have to do with challenging the wisdom of those in authority. But for someone to suggest that God cannot be good because He allows evil to exist, is tantamount to denying the very existence of the God of the Bible. It seems absolutely ludicrous for Satan (or for man) to deny the superiority of God, when he so jealously covets His supremacy. When Darwinian "scientists," and the rest of the "great minds" of "so called science" (1 Tim. 6:20) challenge the authenticity of the Bible and the God presented therein, they are, perhaps unwittingly, serving Satan in his effort to bring God down to his level. After all, even when we as Christians become like Jesus (1 Jn. 3:2), He will still be God, and we will still be His creation. To God alone be the glory!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
WHY?
There are very few things more frustrating to me than having one of my children respond to my instructions by asking, "Why?" Perhaps it is because I spent twenty years in the Navy where I learned the saying, "It is not for me to reason why; it is for me but to do or die (trying)." Then again, it could have been my parents who made it clear that I was being disrespectful when I did so. When someone questions a person in authority, it is as though he needs to see the reasoning behind the decision before he will comply. In the Navy, questioning the reasonableness of an order was considered insubordination. The answer should be, "Because I said so!"
One thing even more frustrating to me was when I had told one of my children to do something, only to have my wife challenge my decision in front of the child. However, as I am growing older and am now reviewing my life, I realize those situations did not have to happen. The Bible does say that the husband is in authority over the wife and the children (Eph. 5:22; 6:1), but a wise husband will listen to the counsel of his wife before making an important decision (Prov. 31:26). I can recall times when the decision I made was wrong, and had I discussed it with her first, I could have avoided provoking my children (Eph. 6:4). Because I was so sure I knew what was best, and didn't need her advice, her only recourse was to question my instructions at the time they were given.
And as a child of God, I am guilty of the same thing; I have questioned my Father about His decisions. Why did He allow six million Jews to perish? Why does He allow abortion, the murder of children, to continue? Why are Christian missionaries martyred? Why do I have to go to someone whom I have offended, and also have to go to a person who has offended me? Why, if the Holy Spirit lives within me, doesn't He take over my whole life so that I will always be obedient and pleasing to Him? God knows I have asked for that hundreds of times! By asking these questions, am I not challenging His authority, His wisdom, His love? Lord, forgive me!
A man died and went to heaven. After touring the place, he was surprised to see some of those he was sure would spend eternity in hell. Then he was even more surprised when he began noticing the absence of some of his fellow church members whose deaths had preceded his. But the greatest shock came when he was ushered into the presence of God, with His Son seated at His right hand. As he looked into the eyes of Jesus, the only question racing through his mind was "Why am I here?" Perhaps that is the only time we will ever be justified in asking God why. However, I suspect we will know why. We know that God loves us (Jn. 3:16). We know that by graciously saving those who deserve to go to hell, He has shown mercy (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). And we will realize that by His limiting those who are permitted to dwell in His presence to those who have accepted His free offer of salvation, it is He that deserves all the glory and praise (Isa. 43:7). Don't ask why; just trust that everything He does, and that He requires, is motivated by His love! Amen!
One thing even more frustrating to me was when I had told one of my children to do something, only to have my wife challenge my decision in front of the child. However, as I am growing older and am now reviewing my life, I realize those situations did not have to happen. The Bible does say that the husband is in authority over the wife and the children (Eph. 5:22; 6:1), but a wise husband will listen to the counsel of his wife before making an important decision (Prov. 31:26). I can recall times when the decision I made was wrong, and had I discussed it with her first, I could have avoided provoking my children (Eph. 6:4). Because I was so sure I knew what was best, and didn't need her advice, her only recourse was to question my instructions at the time they were given.
And as a child of God, I am guilty of the same thing; I have questioned my Father about His decisions. Why did He allow six million Jews to perish? Why does He allow abortion, the murder of children, to continue? Why are Christian missionaries martyred? Why do I have to go to someone whom I have offended, and also have to go to a person who has offended me? Why, if the Holy Spirit lives within me, doesn't He take over my whole life so that I will always be obedient and pleasing to Him? God knows I have asked for that hundreds of times! By asking these questions, am I not challenging His authority, His wisdom, His love? Lord, forgive me!
A man died and went to heaven. After touring the place, he was surprised to see some of those he was sure would spend eternity in hell. Then he was even more surprised when he began noticing the absence of some of his fellow church members whose deaths had preceded his. But the greatest shock came when he was ushered into the presence of God, with His Son seated at His right hand. As he looked into the eyes of Jesus, the only question racing through his mind was "Why am I here?" Perhaps that is the only time we will ever be justified in asking God why. However, I suspect we will know why. We know that God loves us (Jn. 3:16). We know that by graciously saving those who deserve to go to hell, He has shown mercy (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). And we will realize that by His limiting those who are permitted to dwell in His presence to those who have accepted His free offer of salvation, it is He that deserves all the glory and praise (Isa. 43:7). Don't ask why; just trust that everything He does, and that He requires, is motivated by His love! Amen!
Monday, February 14, 2011
PERHAPS IT IS JUST ME
Yesterday, I mentioned that in church, I had a short discussion with a brother concerning his view that our citizens need to rise up "to take back our country." Many times over the forty years I have been a Christian, I have had mixed emotions about whether or not a Christian should participate in an armed revolt. My having spent twenty years in our military serving to protect this nation should be ample proof that I am not a pacifist, but there is a huge difference between fighting to protect what exists, and fighting to change it; one is loyalty, and the other is treason.
Through the years, some have asked me how I justified being in the military. My answer to them is based upon the verse that says, "...if any provide not for his own...he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (1 Tim. 5:8). A man's responsibility to his family includes their protection "from enemies foreign and domestic." When he asked me if I would defend myself, I told him I didn't believe a Christian should, but that we should "turn the other cheek" (Matt. 5:39). He made a valid point when he said, "If you do not protect yourself and you are killed, then who will protect your family?" To me, that seemed reasonable.
One of the comments he made had to do with the fact that America was founded by our revolution against British rule. He was suggesting that if it had not been for our founding fathers rising up in armed conflict, we would not exist as a free nation today. I cannot say how our history would have played out, but I know that there are several examples of independent nations today that peaceably gained their freedom from the British Empire: Canada, Australia, South Africa, and India, to name a few. Who knows whether or not God would have done the same for us?
He asked me if I would have fought for America's freedom. I told him that if I were a born-again, Bible-believing Christian back then, I would not have participated. He looked shocked. He asked me why. I told him that as a Christian, my allegiance was to the Lord, Who told His children to submit to the government (Matt. 22:17-21; Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). I do not know of any situation in which I would find it necessary to take up arms against my country. Jesus lived under the rule of Rome, and He did not advocate revolt. Gandhi lived under the British and he chose to "fight" for his nation's independence by means of a hunger strike. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood against racial segregation by peaceful marches. All of the Apostles were persecuted and except for John, all suffered a martyr's death under governmental authority. We cannot control what our government does, but in America we have a voice, and we have a vote. When politicians want to be re-elected, they listen. Christians need to let their voices be heard!
Through the years, some have asked me how I justified being in the military. My answer to them is based upon the verse that says, "...if any provide not for his own...he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (1 Tim. 5:8). A man's responsibility to his family includes their protection "from enemies foreign and domestic." When he asked me if I would defend myself, I told him I didn't believe a Christian should, but that we should "turn the other cheek" (Matt. 5:39). He made a valid point when he said, "If you do not protect yourself and you are killed, then who will protect your family?" To me, that seemed reasonable.
One of the comments he made had to do with the fact that America was founded by our revolution against British rule. He was suggesting that if it had not been for our founding fathers rising up in armed conflict, we would not exist as a free nation today. I cannot say how our history would have played out, but I know that there are several examples of independent nations today that peaceably gained their freedom from the British Empire: Canada, Australia, South Africa, and India, to name a few. Who knows whether or not God would have done the same for us?
He asked me if I would have fought for America's freedom. I told him that if I were a born-again, Bible-believing Christian back then, I would not have participated. He looked shocked. He asked me why. I told him that as a Christian, my allegiance was to the Lord, Who told His children to submit to the government (Matt. 22:17-21; Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). I do not know of any situation in which I would find it necessary to take up arms against my country. Jesus lived under the rule of Rome, and He did not advocate revolt. Gandhi lived under the British and he chose to "fight" for his nation's independence by means of a hunger strike. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood against racial segregation by peaceful marches. All of the Apostles were persecuted and except for John, all suffered a martyr's death under governmental authority. We cannot control what our government does, but in America we have a voice, and we have a vote. When politicians want to be re-elected, they listen. Christians need to let their voices be heard!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU PRAY
I have a difficult time praying. I am not exactly sure why, but perhaps it has something to do with not knowing the will of God. I have no trouble praying for the lost, because I know that God does not want any to perish, but that all should repent and be saved (2 Pet. 3:9). Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to know who is lost and who is living as a carnal Christian (a born-again believer whose life resembles the lives of the lost).
There are three Old Testament verses that speak of carnality, and all three have to do with sexual sin (Lev. 18:20; 19:20; Num. 5:13). The New Testament uses the word "carnal" twelve times, and it refers to all manner of sinful behavior. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Christians who walk after the flesh rather than in the Spirit are called "babes in Christ" (v. 1). Immature Christians are often guilty of envy, strife, and division within the Church (v. 3). Although carnality is not the only cause of division in the Church, apparently it is a major cause of denominationalism (v. 4). Perhaps in the future, I will be led to write about the unity of the Church, and sin within the camp. But today, I want to comment on my experience resulting from praying.
As I drove to church this morning, I felt led to pray to the Father, that is, to address Him as Father. Usually, I pray to God, but rarely do I personalize it by calling Him Father. I told Him how difficult it was for me to pray to someone Whom I could not comprehend; all that I know about the Father is limited to His relationship to His Son. I relate much better to Jesus because He lived as Man when He walked the earth. Even His disciples said, "Show us the Father" (Jn. 14:8). The Lord replied, "...he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father..." (v.9). I do not understand the Trinity, but the Word of God teaches it, so I believe it.
Anyway, I prayed that the Lord would show me if there was any sin in my life, and that He would cleanse me of it. Nothing came to mind that needed confessing, but I knew there was plenty of "garbage" in my life that did not belong there. Upon arriving at church, the first person I met was talking about the need for an uprising in America like the one in Egypt. He spoke of arming himself, and preparing to "take the government back if necessary." The first sin in me that God revealed was that I have a difficult time loving this brother. And although I held my tongue from blurting out my less than complimentary thoughts, inside, I wanted to tell him to grow up and live according to the Bible. Instead, I asked him to think about doing what Jesus did when He lived under Roman rule.
Then, I no sooner sat down for the worship service when the ladies behind me started criticizing the worship leader's choice of music. When I told them I liked praise and worship choruses, one said, "You know all liars go to hell." I told her I was serious. Her reply was, "Well, you see how attendance has dropped off lately." It was then that the Lord convicted me of being just like her on many occasions. I have complained about nearly everything going on in the church at one time or another, and God was showing me how I must have looked to others. I pray that I will have learned this lesson, once for all, but if past experience is an indicator, I will have to learn it over and over again. The good thing about being confronted by some of my sin is that at least I know God was listening to my prayer, and that His rebuke was both subtle and gentle, praise God! Friend, if you are not ready to face yourself in the mirror of God's Word, be careful when you pray.
There are three Old Testament verses that speak of carnality, and all three have to do with sexual sin (Lev. 18:20; 19:20; Num. 5:13). The New Testament uses the word "carnal" twelve times, and it refers to all manner of sinful behavior. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Christians who walk after the flesh rather than in the Spirit are called "babes in Christ" (v. 1). Immature Christians are often guilty of envy, strife, and division within the Church (v. 3). Although carnality is not the only cause of division in the Church, apparently it is a major cause of denominationalism (v. 4). Perhaps in the future, I will be led to write about the unity of the Church, and sin within the camp. But today, I want to comment on my experience resulting from praying.
As I drove to church this morning, I felt led to pray to the Father, that is, to address Him as Father. Usually, I pray to God, but rarely do I personalize it by calling Him Father. I told Him how difficult it was for me to pray to someone Whom I could not comprehend; all that I know about the Father is limited to His relationship to His Son. I relate much better to Jesus because He lived as Man when He walked the earth. Even His disciples said, "Show us the Father" (Jn. 14:8). The Lord replied, "...he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father..." (v.9). I do not understand the Trinity, but the Word of God teaches it, so I believe it.
Anyway, I prayed that the Lord would show me if there was any sin in my life, and that He would cleanse me of it. Nothing came to mind that needed confessing, but I knew there was plenty of "garbage" in my life that did not belong there. Upon arriving at church, the first person I met was talking about the need for an uprising in America like the one in Egypt. He spoke of arming himself, and preparing to "take the government back if necessary." The first sin in me that God revealed was that I have a difficult time loving this brother. And although I held my tongue from blurting out my less than complimentary thoughts, inside, I wanted to tell him to grow up and live according to the Bible. Instead, I asked him to think about doing what Jesus did when He lived under Roman rule.
Then, I no sooner sat down for the worship service when the ladies behind me started criticizing the worship leader's choice of music. When I told them I liked praise and worship choruses, one said, "You know all liars go to hell." I told her I was serious. Her reply was, "Well, you see how attendance has dropped off lately." It was then that the Lord convicted me of being just like her on many occasions. I have complained about nearly everything going on in the church at one time or another, and God was showing me how I must have looked to others. I pray that I will have learned this lesson, once for all, but if past experience is an indicator, I will have to learn it over and over again. The good thing about being confronted by some of my sin is that at least I know God was listening to my prayer, and that His rebuke was both subtle and gentle, praise God! Friend, if you are not ready to face yourself in the mirror of God's Word, be careful when you pray.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
THE ONLY NAME THAT REALLY COUNTS
"Centuries ago," I went out for the U.S. Navy Goshawks football team. One of the stars of a previous Cotton Bowl, Terry Haddock, had seen me play touch and flag football, and he said that I was definitely good enough to play college level ball. His encouragement moved me to begin training two months before the tryouts, because I wanted to be ready. I spent hours lifting weights, doing calisthenics, and running. When the time came, I can honestly say that I thought I was ready. One day while working out, the team quarterback, Roger Staubach, and the center were working on snap drills. The center, John Cato, would snap the ball and then go out for a pass from Roger. Of course, after a couple of runs, he, being a center, was out of breath. I asked John and Roger if it would be alright if I took turns with John so that he could get a breather in between runs. John hugged me.
Although bruised from elbow to shoulder, and from hip to neck by the "bullets" Roger threw, I really did well, rarely missing a catch. Unfortunately, a pair of new cleats literally removed the flesh from both heels, and I was in agony. After taping on a pair of show shoes, I attempted to continue going out for passes. My erratic "running" was throwing off Roger's timing, so I asked if he would prefer I stopped. I will never forget his reply. He said, "What do you want to do?" He cared more about me than how bad my "handicap" made him look. I continued to give John a needed break.
When the tryouts began, I was a lock for the team. I was physically ready. I had impressed Roger and the coach. And, I do not feel like it is bragging to say I was a good player. However, by the time our first week of practices was over, I had walked off the field and quit. I lacked the mental toughness to persevere. I will always regret not having stuck it out, because I will never know how good of a player I was. On the other hand, that lesson has kept me in life's "game" many, many times when I wanted to give up. It was worth it.
Of all the names that have crossed my path in my life of sixty-eight years, Roger Staubach's is by far the most famous. When Dallas won the Super Bowl, and Roger gave the glory to the Lord, I realized why he was such a humble man; Roger was a Christian. They won it a year after I accepted Christ, and I wrote Roger to congratulate him, and to invite him to speak at our church. Unfortunately, he was swamped with requests, but he wrote me a couple of nice letters.
However, for the past forty years, the name that far surpasses Roger's in my life is Jesus. He has saved me. He has sustained me. He has provided assurance of a glorious future with Him and the Father. There is no name more special than that of the Son of God. It is His name that saves us (Jn. 20:31; Acts 4:12). We are to be baptized in His name (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48;19:5; Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). And it is at His name, every knee shall bow (Phil. 2:10)! That is why I rarely speak about Roger, but my life is being spent proclaiming the glorious name of Jesus. His is the only name that really counts!
Although bruised from elbow to shoulder, and from hip to neck by the "bullets" Roger threw, I really did well, rarely missing a catch. Unfortunately, a pair of new cleats literally removed the flesh from both heels, and I was in agony. After taping on a pair of show shoes, I attempted to continue going out for passes. My erratic "running" was throwing off Roger's timing, so I asked if he would prefer I stopped. I will never forget his reply. He said, "What do you want to do?" He cared more about me than how bad my "handicap" made him look. I continued to give John a needed break.
When the tryouts began, I was a lock for the team. I was physically ready. I had impressed Roger and the coach. And, I do not feel like it is bragging to say I was a good player. However, by the time our first week of practices was over, I had walked off the field and quit. I lacked the mental toughness to persevere. I will always regret not having stuck it out, because I will never know how good of a player I was. On the other hand, that lesson has kept me in life's "game" many, many times when I wanted to give up. It was worth it.
Of all the names that have crossed my path in my life of sixty-eight years, Roger Staubach's is by far the most famous. When Dallas won the Super Bowl, and Roger gave the glory to the Lord, I realized why he was such a humble man; Roger was a Christian. They won it a year after I accepted Christ, and I wrote Roger to congratulate him, and to invite him to speak at our church. Unfortunately, he was swamped with requests, but he wrote me a couple of nice letters.
However, for the past forty years, the name that far surpasses Roger's in my life is Jesus. He has saved me. He has sustained me. He has provided assurance of a glorious future with Him and the Father. There is no name more special than that of the Son of God. It is His name that saves us (Jn. 20:31; Acts 4:12). We are to be baptized in His name (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48;19:5; Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). And it is at His name, every knee shall bow (Phil. 2:10)! That is why I rarely speak about Roger, but my life is being spent proclaiming the glorious name of Jesus. His is the only name that really counts!
Friday, February 11, 2011
WHAT'S IN A NAME: PART FOUR
We often assign names to people based upon what they do for a living. The senior officer on a ship is called "Captain." Our nation's chief executive is often called "Mr. President." Today, we sometimes call the Apostle Paul "the Tent Maker" (Acts 18:3), and the Apostle Peter "the Big Fisherman" (Lk. 5:1-11). Jesus was known as "The Carpenter" (Mk. 6:3), and "the Carpenter's Son (Matt. 13:55).
People are also known by their relationship to a person. To my daughters, I am "Dad." To the members of Bethany Baptist Church where I was "Pastor," and to the faculty and students at Victory Christian Academy where I taught for nine years, I am "Brother Paul." At Bethany, the two year old daughter of my Youth Minister, being unable to say "brother," called me "Brudder Paul." When the youth group had tee-shirts made with their names on them, they gave me one with "Brudder Paul" on it. I cherished it.
We also know Jesus by many titles, all of which describe our relationship with Him. He is "God" (Jn. 1:1), "The Son of God" (Mk. 1:1), "Lord" (Jn. 13:13), "Master" (Matt. 8:19), "Savior" (Jn. 4:42), "Lamb of God" (Jn. 1:29), "Our Passover" (1 Cor. 5:7), "The Word" (Jn. 1:1), and "The Messiah" (Jn. 4:25-26). He is called "Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9:6. Jesus is "Emmanuel" (Matt. 1:23), "Alpha and Omega" (Rev. 1:8), "Our Advocate" (1 Jn. 2:1), "The Mediator" (1 Tim. 2:5), "Our High Priest" (Heb. 2:17), "The Resurrection and The Life" (Jn. 11:25), "The Door" (Jn. 10:9), and "The Way, The Truth, and The Life" (Jn. 14:6). He is "The Light" (Jn. 9:5), "The Bread of Life" (Jn. 6:35), and "Author and Finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). This list of names for the One we worship is just the beginning; there are dozens more.
I mentioned yesterday that a man's name is only as good as his reputation. And one's reputation develops from those who observe his actions. Nearly all of the writers of the New Testament spent a great deal of time with Jesus. They saw that His life matched His words. None of His disciples challenged Him when He told them He was the "I Am" of Exodus (Ex. 3:14; Jn. 8:58), but the unbelieving Jews were ready to stone Him to death for blasphemy (Jn. 8:59). They would not have called Jesus "The Lamb of God" if He had not died on the cross for us. When we read the names His disciples called Him, in their eyes, it is clear that He had earned them. That is why they proclaimed the resurrected Lord to the whole world. Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth" (Acts 1:8).
Do you honestly believe that they would willingly give their lives, rather than deny Him? We know Stephen did (Acts 7:59; 22:20), and James did (Acts 12:2). Let me ask you, "Do you believe what the Bible writers called Jesus? How much do you believe it? Do you believe it enough to willingly give up your life for Him?" Millions take the name "Christian" for themselves, but how many take the name Jesus to the lost world? If you are a child of God, "ye shall be witnesses unto Me!"
People are also known by their relationship to a person. To my daughters, I am "Dad." To the members of Bethany Baptist Church where I was "Pastor," and to the faculty and students at Victory Christian Academy where I taught for nine years, I am "Brother Paul." At Bethany, the two year old daughter of my Youth Minister, being unable to say "brother," called me "Brudder Paul." When the youth group had tee-shirts made with their names on them, they gave me one with "Brudder Paul" on it. I cherished it.
We also know Jesus by many titles, all of which describe our relationship with Him. He is "God" (Jn. 1:1), "The Son of God" (Mk. 1:1), "Lord" (Jn. 13:13), "Master" (Matt. 8:19), "Savior" (Jn. 4:42), "Lamb of God" (Jn. 1:29), "Our Passover" (1 Cor. 5:7), "The Word" (Jn. 1:1), and "The Messiah" (Jn. 4:25-26). He is called "Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9:6. Jesus is "Emmanuel" (Matt. 1:23), "Alpha and Omega" (Rev. 1:8), "Our Advocate" (1 Jn. 2:1), "The Mediator" (1 Tim. 2:5), "Our High Priest" (Heb. 2:17), "The Resurrection and The Life" (Jn. 11:25), "The Door" (Jn. 10:9), and "The Way, The Truth, and The Life" (Jn. 14:6). He is "The Light" (Jn. 9:5), "The Bread of Life" (Jn. 6:35), and "Author and Finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). This list of names for the One we worship is just the beginning; there are dozens more.
I mentioned yesterday that a man's name is only as good as his reputation. And one's reputation develops from those who observe his actions. Nearly all of the writers of the New Testament spent a great deal of time with Jesus. They saw that His life matched His words. None of His disciples challenged Him when He told them He was the "I Am" of Exodus (Ex. 3:14; Jn. 8:58), but the unbelieving Jews were ready to stone Him to death for blasphemy (Jn. 8:59). They would not have called Jesus "The Lamb of God" if He had not died on the cross for us. When we read the names His disciples called Him, in their eyes, it is clear that He had earned them. That is why they proclaimed the resurrected Lord to the whole world. Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth" (Acts 1:8).
Do you honestly believe that they would willingly give their lives, rather than deny Him? We know Stephen did (Acts 7:59; 22:20), and James did (Acts 12:2). Let me ask you, "Do you believe what the Bible writers called Jesus? How much do you believe it? Do you believe it enough to willingly give up your life for Him?" Millions take the name "Christian" for themselves, but how many take the name Jesus to the lost world? If you are a child of God, "ye shall be witnesses unto Me!"
Thursday, February 10, 2011
WHAT'S IN A NAME: PART THREE
When I hear a familiar name, there is an emotional and a cognitive response. If the person is not a friend, or God forbid, an enemy, all sorts of memories of past experiences and emotions flood my mind. Anger, fear, sadness, regret, etc. show my lack of forgiveness, as well as making me realize I need to reconcile with the person if possible. Their names sort of open a "negative file." If the person has been a blessing in my life, the opposite emotions and thoughts arise. Often there is even a smile that comes when thinking of family and friends. Their "files" are filled with good memories.
A person's name carries with it their reputation. There is an old saying that says "a man is only as good as his word." In other words, his name is associated with his integrity. We all know people who make promises and then, for some strange reason, repeatedly fail to keep them. Perhaps that is why James warned against making promises, because no one knows what their future holds: "For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." (Jam. 4:15). Failure to fulfill promises is one sure way of provoking one's children (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).
When the disciples of John came to Jesus asking if He was the promised Messiah, He told them to tell John what they saw Him do (Matt. 11:2-7). Many false Messiahs have come, and many more will in the future; the way one can tell the Genuine from the false is by their works (Matt. 7:16, 20). God told us that He values His Word above His name, because when it comes right down to it, His name is only as good as His Word (Ps. 138:2). It is impossible to separate one's name from one's works.
Israel was instructed to behave in such a way as to do no harm to the name of God. There are several verses in the Old Testament that speak of actions done for "His name's sake" (2 Chron. 6:32; Ps. 23:3; Isa. 48:11; etc.). The Jews and the Church are told to act in such a way that the Father's name is glorified (Matt. 5:16). There are also verses in the New Testament that have to do with living in such a way as to bring honor to the name of Christ; most of them have to do with how we are to react to persecution because we believe in Christ (Matt. 24:9; Lk. 21:12; Jn. 15:21; Acts 9:16; etc.).
There is power in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:16). There is authority in His name (Acts 9:27). There is healing in His name (Acts 3:6). Demons leave at the name of Jesus (Acts 16:18). Salvation is found only in His name (Acts 4:12). Most importantly, humility is produced to all who confess His name (Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10). What's in a name? The name identifies us, our reputation is tied to it, and if we are born-again Christians, our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 13:8). Praise God!
A person's name carries with it their reputation. There is an old saying that says "a man is only as good as his word." In other words, his name is associated with his integrity. We all know people who make promises and then, for some strange reason, repeatedly fail to keep them. Perhaps that is why James warned against making promises, because no one knows what their future holds: "For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." (Jam. 4:15). Failure to fulfill promises is one sure way of provoking one's children (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).
When the disciples of John came to Jesus asking if He was the promised Messiah, He told them to tell John what they saw Him do (Matt. 11:2-7). Many false Messiahs have come, and many more will in the future; the way one can tell the Genuine from the false is by their works (Matt. 7:16, 20). God told us that He values His Word above His name, because when it comes right down to it, His name is only as good as His Word (Ps. 138:2). It is impossible to separate one's name from one's works.
Israel was instructed to behave in such a way as to do no harm to the name of God. There are several verses in the Old Testament that speak of actions done for "His name's sake" (2 Chron. 6:32; Ps. 23:3; Isa. 48:11; etc.). The Jews and the Church are told to act in such a way that the Father's name is glorified (Matt. 5:16). There are also verses in the New Testament that have to do with living in such a way as to bring honor to the name of Christ; most of them have to do with how we are to react to persecution because we believe in Christ (Matt. 24:9; Lk. 21:12; Jn. 15:21; Acts 9:16; etc.).
There is power in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:16). There is authority in His name (Acts 9:27). There is healing in His name (Acts 3:6). Demons leave at the name of Jesus (Acts 16:18). Salvation is found only in His name (Acts 4:12). Most importantly, humility is produced to all who confess His name (Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10). What's in a name? The name identifies us, our reputation is tied to it, and if we are born-again Christians, our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 13:8). Praise God!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
WHAT'S IN A NAME: PART TWO
As I mentioned yesterday, names often carry meaning and while I do not believe God is at work when every child is named, it is clear from the names in the Bible that He often inspired parents to choose a specific name. I provided the examples of Adam, Joshua, David, and Jesus as evidence. On the other hand, it is unlikely that God would pre-ordain children who would turn out as complete opposites to have the same name For example, the actor, John Wayne, had the same name as the serial killer John Wayne Gacey. A biblical example of contrast is two of the women named Mary; Mary, out of whom Jesus was born, had the same name as Mary Magdalene, out of whom came seven demons (Matt. 1:16; Mark 16:9).
Methuselah (Hebrew: מְתוּשֶׁלַח / מְתוּשָׁלַח) means "when he dies, it shall be sent." If one did not know who he was, his name would be considered strange, if not bizarre, but his name was extremely providential. Extra-biblical tradition records that he died in 1656 (Anno Mundi, after Creation), at the age of 969, seven days before the beginning of the Great Flood. According to Shlomo Yitzhaki (1040 – 1105), better known by the acronym Rashi (RAbbi SHlomo Itzhaki), Genesis 7:4 should be understood to mean "the Holy One delayed the Flood specifically because of the seven days of mourning in honor of the righteous Methuselah.
Melchizedek (Hebrew מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק malḵ-i ṣédeq) means "king of righteousness." In Genesis 14:18-20, he is introduced as the king of Salem ("King of Peace"), and priest of El Elyon ("God Most High"). He gave Abraham bread and wine, blessed him, and received tithes from him. The writer of Hebrews confirmed this in Hebrews 7:1-2, and he added that Melchizedek had neither a human father or mother (v. 7:3 - neither did Jesus until He was born of Mary about two thousand years later). He also wrote, "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made as high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 6:20).
Peter was another example of a Bible character whose name had a special meaning. His birth name was Simon, son of Jona, but his nickname was Peter; Peter is from the Greek petros meaning a small stone, such as those used to stone someone (he was obviously very hard-headed - Matt. 16:22-23). In John 1:42, Jesus named him Cephas (again, a small stone). There is some confusion caused by Matthew 16:18, because the KJV appears to say that Peter (petros) is the rock (petra) upon whom He would build His Church. Petra means a boulder-sized rock, such as is recommended for the foundation for a man's home (Matt. 7:24-27). More on the importance of names tomorrow, Lord willing.
Methuselah (Hebrew: מְתוּשֶׁלַח / מְתוּשָׁלַח) means "when he dies, it shall be sent." If one did not know who he was, his name would be considered strange, if not bizarre, but his name was extremely providential. Extra-biblical tradition records that he died in 1656 (Anno Mundi, after Creation), at the age of 969, seven days before the beginning of the Great Flood. According to Shlomo Yitzhaki (1040 – 1105), better known by the acronym Rashi (RAbbi SHlomo Itzhaki), Genesis 7:4 should be understood to mean "the Holy One delayed the Flood specifically because of the seven days of mourning in honor of the righteous Methuselah.
Melchizedek (Hebrew מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק malḵ-i ṣédeq) means "king of righteousness." In Genesis 14:18-20, he is introduced as the king of Salem ("King of Peace"), and priest of El Elyon ("God Most High"). He gave Abraham bread and wine, blessed him, and received tithes from him. The writer of Hebrews confirmed this in Hebrews 7:1-2, and he added that Melchizedek had neither a human father or mother (v. 7:3 - neither did Jesus until He was born of Mary about two thousand years later). He also wrote, "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made as high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 6:20).
Peter was another example of a Bible character whose name had a special meaning. His birth name was Simon, son of Jona, but his nickname was Peter; Peter is from the Greek petros meaning a small stone, such as those used to stone someone (he was obviously very hard-headed - Matt. 16:22-23). In John 1:42, Jesus named him Cephas (again, a small stone). There is some confusion caused by Matthew 16:18, because the KJV appears to say that Peter (petros) is the rock (petra) upon whom He would build His Church. Petra means a boulder-sized rock, such as is recommended for the foundation for a man's home (Matt. 7:24-27). More on the importance of names tomorrow, Lord willing.
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