WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM

A new offering from Middletown Bible Church is called "Our Lord's Resurrection Body."  Born again believers, not only recognize the fact that Jesus rose bodily from the grave, just as He predicted He would, but that, in doing so, He was showing us what awaits those of us who trust in Him.  Romans 6:5 says, "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection."  And 1 John 3:2 says, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is."  Here is a description of what our resurrected body will be like:

1.   We will be missing from our grave (Mk. 16:6; Jn. 20:2-12).
2.   We will be visible to others (Mt. 28:10-17; Acts 1:3).
3.   We will be able to speak (Mk. 16:15; Jn. 20:18).
4.   We will have hands and feet (Mt. 28:9; Lk. 24:39-50).
5.   We will be able to stand and walk (Lk. 24:14-15; Jn. 20:9; 21:4).
6.   We will be able to breathe (Jn. 20:22).
7.   We will be able to do work (Jn. 21:9-13).
8.   We will have flesh and bones (Lk. 24:39).
9.   We will be touchable by others (Mt. 28:9; Jn. 20:17).
10. We will be able to prepare food (Lk. 24:30; Jn. 21:13).
11. We will be able to eat (Lk. 24:41-43).
12. We will still have wounds and scars (Jn. 20:27).
13. We will be able to vanish out of sight (Lk. 24:31).
14. We will be able to pass through material things (Mt. 27:62-66; Jn. 20:6-8).
15. We will be able to ascend to heaven (Mk. 16:19; Acts 1:9).
16. We will be able to return to the new Earth (Acts 1:11; Rev. 20:4).

For those of us who have these sure promises from our Creator, Savior, Lord, and God, we have joy is knowing this world is not our home, "we're just passin' through!"  We know that, while we are hardly like Jesus now, we will be like Him for eternity!  We will no longer be subject to temptation and sin.  We will no longer be ignorant of the things of God.  We will no longer be subjected to those who would do us harm. 

I cannot wait!  Come, Lord Jesus!  We groan for our change! 

26 REASONS TO TRUST JESUS TO BE YOUR LORD

Here are just twenty-six of the Old Testament prophecies Jesus fulfilled at His First Coming.  Since every one was fulfilled literally, it does not require much faith to believe that He will literally fulfill all prophecies concerning His Second Coming!  His First Coming:

A.   Isaiah 7:14                     Born of a virgin                                           Luke 1:26-53.
B.   Micah 5:2                      Born in Bethlehem                                      Matthew 2:1.
C.   Hosea 11:1                    Taken to Egypt                                            Matthew 2:14.
D.   Jeremiah 31:15             Saved from Herod's infanticide                   Matthew 2:16.
E.   Genesis 49:10               Born of the Tribe of Judah                           Luke 3:33.
F.   Isaiah 7:14                    Called Immanuel                                          Matthew 1:23.
G.  Isaiah 9:1-2                   Ministry in Galilee                                       Matthew 4:12-16.
H.  Zechariah 9:9                Triumphal entry into Jerusalem                   Matthew 21:1-11.
I.   Psalm 41:9                     Betrayal by a "friend"                                  Matthew 26:20-25.
J.   Zechariah 11:12             Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver                   Matthew 26:15.
K.  Zechariah 11:13             Money used to buy Potter's field                 Matthew 27:6-7.
L.  Isaiah 53:3                      Rejected by the Jews                                    John 1:11.
M. Psalm 35:11                    Falsely accused                                            Matthew 26:59-68.
N.  Isaiah 53:7                      Silent before His accusers                           Matthew 27:12-14.
O.  Isaiah 53:6                      Smitten and spat upon                                 Mark 14:65.
P.  Isaiah 53:4-5                   Suffered vicariously (in our stead)              Matthew 8:16-17.
Q.  Isaiah 53:12                    Crucified with criminals                              Matthew 27:38.
R.  Psalm 22:16                    Hands and feet pierced                                 John 20:25.
S.  Psalm 34:20                    No bones were broken                                  John 19:33.
T.  Psalm 22:18                    Lots cast for His clothing                             John 19:23-24.
U.  Psalm 22:15                    Thirsted while on the cross                          John 19:28.
V.  Psalm 69:21                    Given vinegar to drink                                 John 19:29.
W. Psalm 22:1                      "My God, My God, why...."                         Matthew 27:46.
X.  Isaiah 53:9                      Buried in rich man's tomb                             Matthew 27:57-61.
Y.  Psalm 16:10                    His Resurrection from the dead                    Matthew 28:9; etc.
Z.  Psalm 68:18                    His Ascension into heaven                            Luke 24:50-51.

He came as a Lamb; He is coming again as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! 

HEY KIDS, WHAT TIME IS IT?

The very first television show I can remember seeing, began with the words, "Hey kids, what time is it?"  The "Peanut Gallery," that is, the studio audience mostly made up of pre-teen kids, would reply, "It's Howdy Doody Time."  Buffalo Bob, Clarabell, Dilly Dolly, Flub-a-Dub, Phineas T. Bluster, and the rest of the show's characters, entertained while teaching good Christian morals. 

Today, I would like to ask you, "What time do you think it is?"  According to the Mayans, St. Malachy, Nostradamus, and hundreds of other "prophets," the end of the world, as we know it, could occur at any moment.  Ironically, for perhaps the only time in human history, the false prophets may actually be right.  All the signs are there; the Bible describes, in detail, what the world will be like when Jesus returns.  Bible prophecies, such as those of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, the teaching of Jesus, and the vision of the Apostle John, etc., pretty much describe the world as being like it was when God destroyed it the first time (Gen. 6:5-13; Mt. 24:37-38; etc.).  The Bible speaks of appointed times (Ezra 10:14; Job 7:1; Isa. 14:31; Jer. 8:7, etc.) and the "fullness of time" (Mk. 13:33; Lk. 9:51; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:10, etc.).  It also tells us that things occur "in due season" (Lev. 26:4; Prov. 15:23; Gal 6:9; etc.).  Here is what Solomon wrote about time in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

Jesus told us that He would return "as a thief in the night," meaning when the lost least expect Him (Mt. 24:42-44; 1 Thes. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15; etc.).  His first Advent was right on schedule; He died on the Feast of Passover (1 Cor. 5:7), and rose on the Feast of First Fruits (1 Cor. 15:22); His second Advent will also be on the Feasts of the Lord (Rapture - the Feast of Trumpets - 1 Thes. 4:16; Millennial Kingdom - the Feast of Tabernacles - Rev. 19:11-20:9)! 

 

What time is it?  Today is the day of salvation!  Look up...your Redeemer is coming! 

 

I AM SAID, "YOU ARE TO BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Matthew thirteen is a chapter which is filled with parables.  Jesus was asked by His disciples, "Why speakest Thou unto them in parables?" (v. 10); "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath" (v. 11-12).  In other words, those who have enough faith to become born again believers, their faith will grow; but those whose faith is too small, and is insufficient enough to produce salvation, even the faith they do have, will disappear.

Ironically, in a chapter of parables meant to disguise His message from those who opposed Him, the word "understand" appears five times:  

[13]  "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
[14]  "And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive."
[15]  "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
[19]  "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side."
[23]  "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

In all five instances, the word in the Greek is συνίημι (syniēmi), which means "to comprehend or believe."  Notice, in verse 15, Jesus indicates that to understand with the heart, is what produces one's conversion (experience being born again).  This idea is best illustrated in the first parable, The Parable of the Sower (13:3-9 w/ 18-23).  Satan takes the "light" one gains from the Gospel, and "clouds the truth" (Gen. 3:1-5; Rom. 1:15-22; 2 Cor. 4:3-4; etc.).  Note especially 2 Corinthians 4:4 which says, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."  We either work for Satan, or we work for Jesus - it is our choice!

Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (Jn. 9:5).  And again, "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 finally, "Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 5:14-16).

THE REAL QUESTION IS: DO YOU KNOW?

My all-time favorite song is "Mary Did You Know," written by the Christian comedian, Mark Lowry.  It is a musical question concerning Mary's comprehension of the magnitude of her pregnancy.  Obviously she knew she was carrying Israel's Messiah, but did she understand that He was so much more than just the King who would deliver Israel from its enemies?  The answer is, of course, yes; the Angel Gabriel told her the Child, to whom she would give birth, was the very Son of God (Lk. 1:26-38)!  And yet, Mary pondered the angel's and the shepherd's sayings (Lk. 2:19).  As can be seen by these references, the song is clearly based upon the Word of God! 

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water? (Mt. 1:16; 14:25).
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? (2 Cor. 6:18).
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? (2 Cor. 5:17).
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you. (Lk. 1:47).

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man? (Jn. 9:1-38).
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand? (Mk. 4:39).
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? (Mt. 13:41).
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God. (Jn. 1:1, 14).

Oh Mary did you know:
The blind will see, (Mt. 9:27-31).
The deaf will hear, (Mk. 7:32-37).
The dead will live again. (Mk. 5:35-43; Lk. 7:12-15; Jn. 11:1-44).
The lame will leap, (Jn. 5:5-9; Acts 3:1-16).
The dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb! (Mt. 9:32-33; Acts 3:8-9).

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? (Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16).
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations? (Rev. 19:15).
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? (1 Pet. 1:19).
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM! (Jn. 5:43; 6:35; 7:29; 8:12; 8:58; 9:5; 10:36; 11:25; 13:13; 14:6; 15:1; 18:5-6; etc.).

And, He died and was raised from the dead to prove it!  Do you believe?

THE TRINITY IN US

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure" (1 Jn. 3:1-3).

Some observations:

*  Faith in the Lord Jesus assures us that we are the children of God (Gal. 3:26):
       - Ti. 1:2 - the Father cannot lie.
       - Jn. 14:17 - the Spirit of truth dwells in us.
       - Jn. 14:6 - the Son IS the truth.

*  Hope is patiently waiting for what we know will occur (Rom. 8:29):
       - Rom. 5:2 - our hope is in the Word of the Father.
       - Col. 1:27 - it is the Son in us that gives us hope.
       - Gal. 5:5 - the Spirit within gives us hope.

*  Love motivated the Father to adopt all who would trust in the Lord Jesus (Jn. 1:12):
       - Rom. 8:15 - we have the Spirit of adoption.
       - Gal. 4:5 - the Son has redeemed us so we could be adopted.
       - Eph. 1:5 - the Father wanted us to become His adopted children.

*  We will be in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27):
       - Phil. 1:6 - the Father is at work making us like His Son.
       - Heb. 1:3 - the Son is the express image of His Father.
       - Jn. 3:6 - the Spirit within makes us spiritual beings.

Faith, Hope, and Love

The greatest of these motivated God to have a relationship with His children!

NOT UNTIL AFTER THE MILLENNIUM

There are many things in the Bible which mean more than one thing.  For instance, Jesus is called "the Lamb of God (who) taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29, 36).  He, like the Passover Lamb, shed His blood to prevent the judgment of God falling upon those who place their trust in Him (Ex. 12:1-51; Jn. 1:29, 36; 1 Cor. 5:7; etc.).  Another example is found in comparing the evil working of Antiochus Epiphanes and that of the Beast, the Antichrist (Dan. 9:27; 11:21-35; 12:11; Rev. 13:1-18; etc.).

The use of time can also be used as a picture of something else.  In Daniel 9:24-27, the prophet speaks of "seventy weeks," and yet, it is clear from many other passages of Scripture, that he meant groups of seven years.  It was 483 years (69 weeks of years) from the beginning of his prophecy, until the death of the Messiah.  The last "week" (seven years), is clearly described as being divided in half, with each half being 42 months (Rev. 11:2; 13:5), 1260 days (Rev.11:3; 12:6); and "a time, times, and half (a time)" (three and one half years - Dan. 12:7).

In 2 Peter 3:8, we read, "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."  I believe that Creation occurred approximately 6000 years ago.  I believe the Lord is returning very soon to establish His 1000 year Millennial Kingdom on Earth, perhaps as soon as seven years from today (Mt. 24:1-29; Rev. 20:1-7).  If we look at the 7000 years as being the length of time this planet will exist, before there is a new Heaven and new Earth (Rev. 21:1), there are some interesting divisions:  the first 2000 years consisted of a world populated by only Gentiles; the second 2000 years consisted of both Gentiles and Jews; the third 2000 years consists of Gentiles, Judaism, and Christianity.  That there were equal periods of time in which there was no Law, when the Law was in effect, and after the Law was fulfilled by Christ, it seems to me that God has given mankind the three possible options in which he can be entrusted in his relationship with God:  Conscience, the Law, and Grace.  Since all three failed to establish a world in which man loved Him and each other, the seventh 1000 years will be ruled by Jesus, Himself, so that man can realize what God's will looks like when it is lived out.

Unfortunately, fallen man is incapable of being Christ-like while still living in the flesh.  The failure of the Millennium to establish paradise on Earth, proves it!  Paul wrote that in order for us to be what God intended us to be, we need to be changed from being carnal beings, to being spiritual beings, and from being mortal beings, to being immortal beings (1 Cor. 15:42-58)!

Until one sees Jesus, face-to-face, a person will not be what God wants him to be (1 Jn. 3:2)!

Come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20)!

SHOW, TELL, AND BE SOMEBODY (IN MY WORDS)

TRUST JESUS!

 

"...Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:31)!

 

TELL SOMEBODY!

"Let those who have trusted in the LORD, say so...." (Ps. 107:2)!

SHOW SOMEBODY!

"... the Lord knows those who are His, so let every one that calls himself a Christian, depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2:19)!

BE HIS BODY!

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and each is important to the others" (1 Cor. 12:27).

"And He gave...pastors and teachers for the instruction of believers, that we might do the work of the ministry, by encouraging and enlarging of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:11-12)!

"Therefore, do not lie, but speak the truth to others:  for we are members one of another.  Do not be angry, and do not sin: deal with conflict right away:  do not let the devil divide you.  Do not steal: but perform honest labor to earn, so that you will have enough to give to those in need.  Speak only those things which encourage and build up others, that you become a blessing to all who hear you.  Be pleasing to the Holy Spirit of God, who lives within you, sealing you unto God, until the day of redemption.  Rid yourself of bitterness, wrath, anger, rowdiness, and negative talk about others, and be without malice:  be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you" (Eph. 4:25-32).

THE DAY OF THE LORD

The Day of the LORD is mentioned twenty-six times in the Bible; twenty-two are in the Old Testament, and just four can be found in the New Testament.  Here is a summary of what that "day" will be like:

     *  The proud shall be brought low - Isa. 2:12.
     *  It shall come as destruction from the Almighty - Isa. 13:6; Joel 1:15.
     *  It will be a day of God's wrath and fierce anger - Isa. 13:9.
     *  It will be a day of the LORD'S vengeance - Isa. 34:8; Jer. 46:10.
     *  It will be a solemn day of terrors - Lam. 2:22.
     *  Israel will have no hedge of protection in that day - Ezek. 13:5.
     *  It will be in the times of the heathen (Gentiles) - Ezek. 30:3; Obed. 1:15.
     *  Israel is to blow a trumpet of warning - Joel 2:1.
     *  It will be a day of great and terrible wrath - Joel 2:11.
     *  It will culminate in the Valley of Decision - Joel 3:14.
     *  Israel is to be silent in that day - Zeph. 1:7.
     *  It will be a day of the LORD'S sacrifice - Zeph. 1:8.
     *  The mighty men will cry - Zeph. 1:14.
     *  The LORD will not be stayed by bribery - Zeph. 1:18.
     *  It will be a day when God's anger will be displayed - Zeph. 2:2.
     *  Those who meekly seek righteousness may be hidden - Zeph. 2:3.
     *  The wealth of Israel will become spoil - Zech. 14:1.
     *  In the final judgment, a believer's soul will be saved - 1 Cor. 5:5.
     *  While this is going on here, Christians will be rejoicing in heaven - 2 Cor. 1:14.
     *  The removal of Christians prior to the day, is unknown - 1 Thes. 5:2.
     *  At the end of "the Day," Earth will be burned and replaced - 2 Pet. 3:10.

The Day of the LORD will begin following the Rapture of the Church (Jn. 14:1-6; 1 Thes. 4:13-18).  It will include Daniel's Seventieth Week, a period of seven years (a.k.a. The Tribulation and the Time of Jacob's Trouble - Jer. 30:7; Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:3-29; Rev. 6 - 18).  The Tribulation will end with the Second Coming of Christ to establish His 1000 year reign on Earth (Rev. 20:1-10).  Following the end of the Millennium, Satan will be judged, and God will judge mankind at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).  The Day of the LORD will be complete.

Only those who accept the free gift of salvation, paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus,

will escape the awful years which God Himself calls the day of His terrible wrath! 

HUSBANDS AND WIVES

Perhaps the most despised message, preached from the Bible in the Church today, concerns the marriage relationship between a husband and wife.  In fact, Pastors are more comfortable preaching on the topics of hell, or tithing, than they are preaching on marriage.  The marriage relationship, so enthusiastically entered into by young folks in love, is so difficult, that its complexity is often the fodder which propels many popular sit-coms, such as "Everybody Loves Raymond."  In addition to the roller-coaster love/hate relationship between Ray and Debra Romano, Ray's parents, Frank and Marie, living across the street, contribute zingy one-liners at each other on every show.

While the show is hilarious, the topic of difficulty within Christian marriages is not!  And, believe it or not, 99% of all marriage problems are caused by Christian husbands!  That's right, I am betraying my brothers, and taking the side of my Christian sisters!  Hear me out.  The Bible tells women to submit to their husbands in three different epistles:
 
*  Eph. 5:22 says, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
*  Col. 3:18 says, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord."
*  1 Pet. 3:1 says, "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands...."
*  1 Pet. 3:5 adds, "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands."

And while husbands are quick to point out those verses to their wives, they somehow neglect to read what the Word has to say about their responsibility in the marriage relationship!  Here are some of the verses the same writers had to say to the husbands:

*  Eph. 5:25 reads, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it."
*  Col. 3:19 says, "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them."
*  1 Pet. 3:7 reads, "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

It has been my observation that when I treat my wife with a self-sacrificing love, similar to that of Christ willingly going to the cross for me, she has absolutely no difficulty submitting to me.  For, if I act like Him, she will want to follow my lead; if I act like Paul Mutschler, I should not expect her to do anything but detest me.  Thank God, for He is making born again husbands into the likeness of His Son (Phil. 1:6)!  The only problem is, we will not be fully like Him until we are present with Him (1 Jn. 3:2)!

So, until then, both husbands and wives need to practice forgiveness, and understand why their mate is still human; both males and females often have motes in their eyes at times (Mt. 7:3-5)!

THE FEASTS OF THE LORD

I know I have written extensively on the subject of the "Feast of Israel," but I recently heard a preacher point out that they are not the "Feasts of Israel"; they are actually the "Feast of the LORD."  When I looked it up, I found that the words "Feast of Israel" do not appear anywhere in the Bible.  However, the "Feast of the LORD" appears eight times (Leviticus 23:2, 4, 37, 44; Judges 21:19; 2 Chronicles 2:4; Ezra 3:5; Hosea 9:5).  While that may not seem significant to many of you, I find it to be extremely important; they belong to God, and are not the exclusive "property" of Israel. 

Because the feasts belong to God, then they are not meant to simply commemorate events in Israel's history, but they are also closely related to the events involving the Church.  They are a pictures of Christ's First Advent, the Church Age, and Christ's Second Advent. 

In the Spring Feasts, we find the Gospel clearly presented (1 Cor. 15:1-4)!  Passover pictures Christ's death for the sins of the world (1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Jn. 2:2; etc.).  The Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures the Bread of Life being sinless (Jn. 6:48; Heb. 4:15; etc.).  The Feast of First Fruits pictures Christ's Resurrection from the grave (Acts 26:23; 1 Cor. 15:20, 23; etc.). 

The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, obviously applies to the Church, in that, the Church began its existence with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit on that day (Jn. 14:17; Acts 2:1-4; etc.).  Many students of Bible prophecy, believe that when the "Restrainer" is removed (2 Thes. 2:6-10), the Church will cease to be present on Earth; we will have been taken up into heaven via the Rapture (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 4:16-17; etc.).

The Fall Feasts also have to do with the Church Age.  For one thing, the Feast of Trumpets (plural) signifies two events:  the Rapture of the Church (1 Cor. 15:52 - the last the Church hears; 1 Thes. 4:16; etc.); and the call to Israel to assemble in the Promised Land (Joel 2:1-16; etc.)!  Joel says the trumpets are to warn Israel that the "Day of the LORD" is coming.  That is also known as the "Day of Atonement" (Lev. 23:27-28), and is referred to as the Tribulation (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:21, 29; Rev. 6 - 18).  The last of the seven Feasts of the LORD, Tabernacles, will be the Second Coming of Jesus, accompanied by His Church (1 Thes. 3:13; Rev. 19:14; etc.)!

They are His feasts, and all born again believers are invited!  

HIS BIRTHDAY VERSES HIS CORONATION

Today, as we celebrate the Virgin Birth (Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:23) of the Creator of the Universe (Jn. 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1-2; etc.), it might be wise to remember that He is due to return at any time (Jn. 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; etc.) , and this time, He won't be an infant; He will be the King of kings, and the Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14; 19:11-16)! 

At His Second Coming, He will no longer be seen as the "Passover Lamb of God" (Jn. 1:29, 36; 1 Cor. 5:7), for He will be returning as the Son of David, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 3:7; 5:5; 22:16)!  Instead of coming as the Word of God Incarnate (Jn. 1:1-3, 14), He will be returning as the Son of God, speaking the Word of God at His enemies (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 19:15; etc.)!

At His First Coming, He was heralded by an angel (Lk. 2:9-12), and by one witness who prepared the way for His ministry (Mt. 3:1-3).  Had John's message been received, he would have fulfilled the prophecy that Elijah would return to prepare Christ's way, but he was not (Mal. 4:5-6; Mt. 11:12-14). 

At His Second Coming, He will have been heralded by two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-7), and by an angel that flew "in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6).  I believe the two witnesses are Enoch and Elijah, in that neither died physically, and according to Hebrews 9:27, all men living prior to Christ coming to Rapture His Church (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 4:16-17; etc.), must die; as the two witnesses, they will, according to Revelation 11:7!

The two Comings or Advents of Christ are pictured in Psalm 126:6, which says, "He that goeth forth and weepeth (Jn. 11:35), bearing precious seed (Mt. 13:37), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing (Rev. 19:4-7), bringing His sheaves with Him" (Mt. 13:38; 1 Thes. 3:13).

First Coming - fulfilled literally; Second Coming - ditto!

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UNENDING

THE GOOD NEWS:  As our sick world becomes more like that of Noah's day (Gen. 6:5; Mt. 24:37-38), born again believers, those who have been saved by the gift of God's grace (Jn. 3:3-8; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:23), those who understand the Bible's teaching about the Rapture of the Church, are growing more and more excited about our ascension to meet the Lord in the air (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 4:16-17), just prior to the Tribulation and the Second Coming of the Lord (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:1-51).  Like children who get excited about celebrating Christmas (His First Coming; His Incarnation), we get excited thinking about our ascension to meet our Ascended Lord, and our return with Him at His Coronation (Acts 1:9; Rev. 19:1-18)!

THE BAD NEWS:  Many professing believers in Christ, those who believe their works for Him will earn them "a spot in heaven," are going to be left behind at the Rapture of the Church.  Jesus spoke of them in Matthew 7:21-23: 

"Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name; and in Thy name have cast out devils; and in Thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." 

The difference between professing Christians, and born again believers, can be seen by comparing the Churches of Philadelphia and Laodicea in Revelation 3:7-22.

THE UNENDING RESULTS:  Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, will spend eternity with Him (Jn. 3:15; 10:23; 1 Thes. 4:17; 1 Jn. 2:25; 5:13; etc.); we have been adopted by God (Rom. 8:15, 23; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; etc.), and will inherit everlasting life (Jn. 3:16; 6:40, 47; etc.).  Those who attempt to work their way to heaven through some religion, even some claiming to be of a Christian religion, are destined to spend eternity separated from Him; they remain of their father, the devil (Jn. 8:44), and will suffer everlasting torment (Mt. 7:21-23; 18:8; 25:41, 46; etc.).

It is not too late to "fix" your eternal destination!  Turn to Jesus today!   

POPE SAYS, "WHO AM I TO JUDGE?"

Pope Francis, also known as Time's Person of the Year and Twitter's #bestpopeever, has to be one of the most popular Popes of all time.  His rebuke of clerics who fail to live according to their oaths of poverty, his own refusal to live in opulence, his habit of using public transportation, etc., have found favor with Catholics and non-Catholics alike.  And it certainly did not hurt his popularity when, during an interview given during his flight from Brazil to Rome, in response to a question of his position on the subject of homosexuality, he said, "Who am I to judge?"  Who indeed!

The answer, while not popular or politically correct, is that he is exactly the one to judge!  His role as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is to know the Word of God, to teach the Word of God, and to discipline those within his flock who fail to live according to the Word of God!  It is true that Jesus made the statement, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Mt. 7:1).  However, He also said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (Jn. 7:24).

So, why the difference?  Context, it is all about context.  His statement recorded in Matthew 7:1 is followed by "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" (7:2).  In other words, be careful not to hold others to a standard you are not willing to live up to yourselves.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Church at Corinth, rebuked the leaders for failing to deal with "sin in the camp."  In 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, it is clear that those who profess faith in Christ, are to live according to the teachings of God's Word; when they fail to do so, they are to be confronted, and unless they repent, they are to be "shunned" by the congregation!  Ironically, the sin mentioned in the chapter is a sexual sin.

The Word of God is the standard we are to use to determine the appropriateness of behavior.  We are to use that standard because it is the standard He will use when He judges mankind on Judgment Day (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:12; etc.).  Even Pilate (Jn. 18:31), and Ananias, the Chief Priest (Acts 24:1-6), understood the Word of God is the basis for righteous judgment!  Paul said, in 1 Corinthians 6:3,

 "Know ye not that we shall judge angels? 

How much more things that pertain to this life?"

SAME JESUS - DIFFERENT REACTIONS

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just as it had been prophesied concerning the Messiah, 700 years earlier (Mic. 5:2).  His birth would be miraculous in that His mother would be a virgin (Isa. 7:14).  He would be from the lineage of Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David (Gen. 3:15; 12:3; 17:19; Num. 24:17; Gen. 49:10; Jer. 23:5).  There is little doubt that Jesus was Israel's long-awaited Messiah!

And if the Old Testament prophecies were not enough to show His true identity, we have the reaction of those involved with Him the first eight days of His life.  The following examples all come from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke.

*  The Angels of the Lord at the announcement of Christ's birth to lowly shepherds:  "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (2:13-14).

*   The shepherds, after seeing the Christ child:  "And when they had seen [Him], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child" (2:17).

*  Mary, the mother of Jesus, the Christ:  "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (2:19).

*  Simeon, who had been promised by God that he would not die until he had seen Israel's Messiah:  "Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word:  for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation" (2:29-30).  And he prophesied concerning Mary's future grief (2:34-35).

*  Anna, a prophetess, reacted as well, for the Word says, "And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (2:38).

As can be seen from these five examples, not everyone reacts the same.  But they all have one thing in common:  from the moment they meet Him, He becomes the center of our thoughts and their conversations!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE GOSPEL: HIS BLOOD AND OUR REPENTANCE

When born again believers share the Gospel, we are not only following our Lord's command (Mk. 16:15), but we are also wanting to rescue those who are condemned without faith in Christ (Jn. 3:15-16).  After all, it is when they believe the Gospel, the Good News that Jesus died for their sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again from the dead according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4), that they are saved!  It is the Gospel that has the power to tear down their defenses, and soften their rock-hard hearts; only the Gospel has the power to save the souls of the lost (Rom. 1:16)! 

Once believed, the response is two-fold:  the individual recognizes that he is living a life of sin, and, perhaps for the first time, it repulses him!  He wants to be forgiven, and to be given a fresh, clean start; that is called repentance.  At the same time, because he believes that Jesus died for his sins, he responds with gratitude and love for his Savior.  It is a two-sided coin.  That is why Jesus told His disciples to preach repentance AND remission of sins (Lk. 24:47)!  Repentance is man's response when he believes what Jesus did for him on the cross, and remission describes what Jesus did on the cross!

Jesus said, "For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Mt. 26:28).  And the writer of the Book of Hebrews, explained the price Jesus paid for our remission:  "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission" (Heb. 9:22).  The reason he said "almost," is because there is one sin that a man can commit, that is not covered in the shed blood of Christ:  the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost.  Jesus said, "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.  Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men" (Mt. 12:28, 31).

The Holy Spirit provided the evidence that was necessary for the Pharisees to believe in Jesus; when they rejected it, in so doing, they rejected Him; they were, for all practical purposes, calling the Holy Spirit a liar!  They refused to repent and accept Jesus as their Lord.  Therefore, they died in their sins (Jn. 8:24)! 

 Only the sin of denying Jesus is unforgivable.

CHRIST'S BIRTH, AS I UNDERSTAND IT

A virgin named Mary, who was engaged to a man named Joseph, was pregnant with the Son of God, which was the result of the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit.  When Joseph, to whom she was engaged, found out, he, being a just man and not wanting her to be stoned to death for having committed adultery, was trying to think of how he could quietly break off their engagement. 

But while he was thinking about it, he fell asleep, and the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, of the family of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife.  The Child she is carrying is a miracle, conceived of the Holy Spirit.  And she shall bring forth a Son, and you are to call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." 

Now all this was done that Isaiah 7:14 might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His title, "Emmanuel," which means "God with us."  [Note:  Mary's pregnancy, like all pregnancies, involved a child, not a fetus, not an embryo, not even a fertilized egg; she was with Child!]

When Joseph woke up, he did as the Angel of the Lord had told him, and he married Mary.  And Mary remained a virgin until she gave birth to her firstborn Son: and Joseph called His name JESUS" (Mt. 1:18-25).

And there were, in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And suddenly, the Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord surrounded them: and they were so afraid.  And the Angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring great news, which shall be a blessing to all people.  Just as the Word of God promised, your Messiah, Christ the Lord, has been born today in Bethlehem, the City of David."  

And this is how you will recognize Him; you will find the Baby wrapped in a receiving blanket, lying in an animal's feed trough.  And suddenly, there was with the Angel, a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in heaven, and on earth, peace and good will to all men."  And it came to pass, after the angels were gone, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us go and see this thing which has happened, this thing which the Lord hath made known unto us."

And when they arrived in Bethlehem, they found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby was lying in an animal's food trough, just as they had been told. And when they had seen Him, they told everyone what they had been told concerning the Child, Israel's Messiah (Lk. 2:8-17).

NICODEMUS: FROM COWARDICE TO COURAGE

In John 3:1-21, Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader (v. 1, 10), came to Jesus under the cover of darkness, probably to find out if Jesus was Israel's long-awaited Messiah.  He dare not approach the Lord by day, or he would be put out of the synagogue for even entertaining the thought Jesus might be Messiah.  [Later on, he would speak up for Jesus (Jn. 7:45-52), and openly care for His body (Jn. 19:38-42)].  But before he had a chance to ask Jesus anything, Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (v. 3). 

Before I attempt to explain the meaning of "born again," I would like to address what Jesus meant by "see the kingdom of God."  The Greek εἴδω (eidō), which is here translated "see," is translated as such 314 times.  The same Greek word is also translated "know" 281 times in the New Testament.  In other words, εἴδω means to "experience something for oneself, to recognize and understand it."  If Nicodemus was to ever to recognize the King of the Messianic Kingdom, he needed to be born again.

The phrase "born again," is translated from two Greek words that mean "born," γεννάω (gennaō), and "again," ἄνωθεν (anōthen), however, Strong's Concordance, a book known for its circular reasoning, suggests that ἄνωθεν means "from above."  It bases that on the context of this passage, and not upon the Greek, itself.  Circular reasoning!

In reality, "again" means "something repeated."  I often carries with it the idea of a teacher telling his piano student to "play it again."  It implies an improvement over the first attempt.  The same goes for one being "born again."  We are born the first time, physically, out of a water-filled womb, into a world no purer than we are.  The new birth, or second birth, is a spiritual birth.  Instead of being born into a physical realm, the new birth results in a life into the spiritual realm.  Look at the passage, and see if this is not clearly taught! 

The physical birth is from one's mother (v. 4), while the spiritual birth is from  the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit (v. 5-8).  These verses say, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

We know the King, because the Holy Spirit has given us eyes to recognize Him!

          

WHO RULES YOUR LIFE; CHRIST OR ANTICHRIST?

Is there a difference between the antichrist, mentioned in two of John's three Epistles, and the Beast in John's Book of Revelation?  Are they two different individuals?  I believe not.  This individual denies Jesus was the Christ, so that he, himself, will be accepted by Israel as her Messiah.    

The Greek word translated "antichrist" is ἀντίχριστος (antichristos), which can either be understood to mean "one opposed to Christ"; it can mean "one who claims to be Christ"; and as it is in this case, both.  In John's Epistles, the antichrist denies the Gospel message that Jesus is the Christ, that He is the Son of God, and that Jesus has already come in the flesh.  In that sense, he is opposed to the true Christ.  His motive is clear; he wants Israel to believe he is their Messiah.  The four verses which mention the antichrist are:  1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7.

The antichrist, according to Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:3-15, presents himself as Israel's Christ, promising he will protect them from their enemies, according to a seven-year peace covenant.  But something very dramatic changes him.  We are told that he suffers a mortal head wound, and in the following verses, we are told that he is healed and empowered by Satan.  It is then that he becomes known as "the beast," and it is then that he demands that he be worshipped as god (Rev. 13:1-10).  Much like Judas Iscariot, who became known to Jesus as the "son of perdition" when he was indwelt by Satan (Jn. 13:27; 17:12), the antichrist appears to become the "son of perdition" when he also experiences a similar indwelling (2 Thes. 2:3; Rev. 13:4).

The identity of the actual man known as the antichrist or the beast of Revelation, is unknown, and will only be revealed when he commits the "abomination of desolation" (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15; Rev. 13:6).  But I have a question for you.  Are you an antichrist?  John wrote that "even now are there many antichrists" (1 Jn. 2:18); and they "denieth that Jesus is the Christ" (1 Jn. 2:22)!

Christ is the Son of God; Christ died and rose again; Christ will return soon as King of kings and Lord of lords:  are you longing for Him to come, or are you dreading that day?  You are either a Christian, or you are an antichrist!  

WE ARE SAVED TO SERVE THE LORD

Much has been written about salvation being a free gift, offered to mankind by God, and received whenever an individual places their faith in the truth of the Gospel (Rom. 1:16; 10:8-17; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-9; etc.).  Clearly, it is a gift; it cannot be earned, or it would not be a gift, but wages or payment for service (Rom. 6:23).  And all of this is true!  However, equally clear is the fact that God's born again children are going to be led of the Holy Spirit to be servants of God (Mt. 4:10; 6:24; Lk. 1:74; 4:8; 16:13; Acts 7:7; Rom. 7:6; 16:18; 1 Thes. 1:9; Heb. 9:14; 12:28; Rev. 22:3; etc.)!

Yes, I know Jesus told His disciples He would no longer call them servants, because they were His friends (Jn. 15:15), but let's look at the verse closely:  "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."  Believers in Christ are His friends because He chooses to reveal God's truth to us.  That does not mean, as His friend, I am equal to Him.  It does not mean, as His friend, I no longer am expected to do His will.  The Ephesian passage that best proves that salvation is a gift from God to all who will believe in Jesus (2:8-9), is followed by this verse:  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (2:10).

Yes, I know that the Apostle Paul wrote that believers are no longer servants of the Law, but are adopted children of God (Gal. 4:1-7).  But notice in the passage, a child is treated as a servant until the Father determines he is mature enough to live on his own.  Born again believers are somewhere on a continuum of spiritual maturity, from being "babes in Christ" (Mt. 11:25; 1 Cor. 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:2), to being "like Him" (which, according to 1 Jn. 3:2, only occurs following our looking upon Him face-to-face).  God began the process (Jn. 3:3-8; Phil. 1:6), and He continues to mold and shape us into His Son's image and likeness (Rom. 8:28-30)!

The greatest joy a believer can have, is knowing he is in the will of Almighty God!