She will chase her lovers, But not overtake them; Yes, she will seek them, but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, For then it was better for me than now.’ (Hosea 2:7); “And it shall be, in that day,” Says the Lord, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’... (Hosea 2:16)
Biblical Truth
God instructed the prophet Hosea to marry a known prostitute, so that he could experience in his married relationship and be a witness to the Children of Isreal how they had behaved as prostitutes towards Him, their God: When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the Lord.” (Hosea 1:2)
The kings during Hosea's phrophetic life were Uzziah, Jothan, Ahaz and Hezekiah of Judah, and Jeroboam of Isreal. The king of Isreal lead the people of Isreal into all kinds of abominable behavior, false gods worship, and adulterous behavior, by following beliefs and customs of pagan nations around them. Hosea and his wife had a son, whom God instructed Hosea to name "Jezreel", meaning: And the Lord said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel. And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel, in the valley of Jezreel. (Hosea 1:4-5)
The kings of Judah were hit-and-miss, not all were obedient to God, but not all disobedient. Some lead the people into idol worship, but by the time Hezekiah reigned, ...he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done. (II Kings 18:1-3) Hosea and his wife also had a daughter, whom God told him to name "Lo-ruhamah", meaning: “Call her name Lo-Ruhamah, For I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, But I will utterly take them away. Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, Will save them by the Lord their God,... (Hosea 1:6-7)
Hosea's wife left him and went back to being a prostitute. God said Isreal had done the same towards Him by following after other Gods and the customs of the other nations, but in time they would realize the futility in it all: "She will chase her lovers, But not overtake them; Yes, she will seek them, but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, For then it was better for me than now.’ "(Hosea 2:7)
Just as God paid a price, through the death of His Son to redeem us from sin (Romans 8:1-4), God instructs Hosea to do the same, by going to get his wife back: So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley. And I said to her, “You shall stay with me many days; you shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man—so, too, will I be toward you.” For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim. Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days. (Hosea 3:2-5)
True to the prophetic Word of God, Isreal continued to rebel and worship false gods. (Hosea 4 - 10) Inspite of all they were doing, God still loved them and would keep the promise he made to their forefathers (Genesis 22:15-19; Genesis 32:9-12; Hosea 1:10-11): “When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. ... “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror. “They shall walk after the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, Then His sons shall come trembling from the west; They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, Like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses,” Says the Lord. (Hosea 11)
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Twelve Minor Prophets!
The twelve minor prophet books of the Bible are: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. They are considered minor prophet books because of their size, but their content holds major truth and information.
Over the next few weeks, we will be studying each of these books. There may not be a daily post because it takes time to study and cross reference. Our goal is to present the Word of God accurately, so that we may be able to apply what we learn to our daily lives, as we grow in our faith and understanding: Blessed is the man ... [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2); Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
The study begins with the book of Hosea... And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms:... (Hosea 1:2) WHAT???
Over the next few weeks, we will be studying each of these books. There may not be a daily post because it takes time to study and cross reference. Our goal is to present the Word of God accurately, so that we may be able to apply what we learn to our daily lives, as we grow in our faith and understanding: Blessed is the man ... [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2); Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
The study begins with the book of Hosea... And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms:... (Hosea 1:2) WHAT???
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Books of the Bible!
The Bible consists of 66 books, written by the Spirit of God and the hand of 40 men, over a period of 4,100 years. (II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 3:16-17) These books were included in the Bible because:
1 - God clearly reveals Himself in these books
2 - God reveals the coming of Christ, whether specifically or implied in these books
3 - The accuracy of these books geologically, historically and prophetically has been proven beyond doubt
4 - God validates the writings, either by Christ, prophets, and apostles cross-referencing the books so accurately
If for no other reason, the fact that over 2/3 of the prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled exactly as phophecied is miraculous and gives the book undeniable credibility. The remaining 1/3 time has not come yet. Only a supernatural and divine entity could do that - His name is God, the Creator of all things! Consider reading "Reasons to Believe: Fulfilled Prophecy: Evidence for the Reliability of the Bible".
There are many other reasons, but these are some of the main reasons why these books of the Bible were chosen. The next several weeks, we will go over at least three key points from each book of the Bible, starting with the twelve minor prophet books: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Hopefully this will help us have a clear, well-rounded picture and idea of why this Book is so important. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)
There are 13 books that were not included in the Bible, referred to as The Apocryphal Books. Consider reading more detailed information about why these books were not included with the 66 books that were included in the Bible: http://bible-truth.org/Apocrypha.html . Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) Let the study begin!
1 - God clearly reveals Himself in these books
2 - God reveals the coming of Christ, whether specifically or implied in these books
3 - The accuracy of these books geologically, historically and prophetically has been proven beyond doubt
4 - God validates the writings, either by Christ, prophets, and apostles cross-referencing the books so accurately
If for no other reason, the fact that over 2/3 of the prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled exactly as phophecied is miraculous and gives the book undeniable credibility. The remaining 1/3 time has not come yet. Only a supernatural and divine entity could do that - His name is God, the Creator of all things! Consider reading "Reasons to Believe: Fulfilled Prophecy: Evidence for the Reliability of the Bible".
There are many other reasons, but these are some of the main reasons why these books of the Bible were chosen. The next several weeks, we will go over at least three key points from each book of the Bible, starting with the twelve minor prophet books: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Hopefully this will help us have a clear, well-rounded picture and idea of why this Book is so important. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)
There are 13 books that were not included in the Bible, referred to as The Apocryphal Books. Consider reading more detailed information about why these books were not included with the 66 books that were included in the Bible: http://bible-truth.org/Apocrypha.html . Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) Let the study begin!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Dealing With "Haters"!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? ... And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? ... Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
For each of us who has a desire to do good, there is probably someone who hopes we fail or won't succeed. Should that matter to us? NO! Whatever we do, we must have the right motivation for doing it: And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:23-25)
Once we have our motivation right, then we must have our purpose right: And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples ... For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, ...in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. ...how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (I Thessalonians 1:6-10)
Whatever we do and however we do it, our purpose should always be to represent Christ, regardless of how others may feel about us or treat us. We must remember that God made everyone and everything, ...do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) ...we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;... (I Thessalonians 4:1)
So we're back to how to deal with "haters"? And the answer is the same Christ gave above: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. ... Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36) Remember love is not feeling, love is action! (I Corinthians 13) So therefore let our actions be such that we Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21; Proverbs 25:21-22)
For each of us who has a desire to do good, there is probably someone who hopes we fail or won't succeed. Should that matter to us? NO! Whatever we do, we must have the right motivation for doing it: And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:23-25)
Once we have our motivation right, then we must have our purpose right: And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples ... For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, ...in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. ...how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (I Thessalonians 1:6-10)
Whatever we do and however we do it, our purpose should always be to represent Christ, regardless of how others may feel about us or treat us. We must remember that God made everyone and everything, ...do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) ...we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;... (I Thessalonians 4:1)
So we're back to how to deal with "haters"? And the answer is the same Christ gave above: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. ... Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36) Remember love is not feeling, love is action! (I Corinthians 13) So therefore let our actions be such that we Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21; Proverbs 25:21-22)
Thursday, July 26, 2012
We Share, God Saves!
I [Apostle Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. (I Corinthians 3:6)
Sometimes we as Christians get discouraged when we share the Word of God with people, but it seems as if they don't want to hear it or believe it. We should not take it personally: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. (Hebrews 12:1-4)
No matter how people may reject the Word of God, we have not suffered to the point that Jesus did. Yes many people have died for their faith, and in many countries people are still murdered for their faith. This is nothing new. But for the many who have died, a multitude more of us are alive and free to share the Truth. Let's regain our spiritual posture and be bold witnesses for God: Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; (Hebrews 12:12-15) So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6) ...and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,...; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Our job is not to save anyone, we couldn't even save ourselves. Our job is to lead others to Christ by sharing the Word of God, and God will take care of the rest: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” [Isaiah 52:7] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” [Isaiah 53:1] So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:14-17) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.(Matthew 28:18-20)
Sometimes we as Christians get discouraged when we share the Word of God with people, but it seems as if they don't want to hear it or believe it. We should not take it personally: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. (Hebrews 12:1-4)
No matter how people may reject the Word of God, we have not suffered to the point that Jesus did. Yes many people have died for their faith, and in many countries people are still murdered for their faith. This is nothing new. But for the many who have died, a multitude more of us are alive and free to share the Truth. Let's regain our spiritual posture and be bold witnesses for God: Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; (Hebrews 12:12-15) So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6) ...and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,...; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Our job is not to save anyone, we couldn't even save ourselves. Our job is to lead others to Christ by sharing the Word of God, and God will take care of the rest: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” [Isaiah 52:7] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” [Isaiah 53:1] So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:14-17) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.(Matthew 28:18-20)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Why Do Bad Things Happen - 2 of 2?
“You [Satan] were in Eden, the garden of God; You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; ... You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. ... You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones. “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground,... (Ezekiel 28:13-17) So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelations 12:9)
Why do bad things happen? We can't possibly go over every possibility, but we will focus on the third specific reason based on the Word of God, in this conclusion:
III. This World
- ... Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:5-7); So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. (Genesis 7:23); The "rainbow": It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. (Genesis 9:14-15)
- ... [man's] "heart is hard" - therefore the earth suffers: contaminated water supplies, plagues of insects and rodents, famine and drought, physical and bodily difficulties, storms and disasters, and death (Exodus 7-12)
- ... These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you, ... In the world you will have tribulation;... And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. (John 16:33; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Daniel 11-12; Revelations 2:18-29)
The conclusion of the matter is this - whoever teaches that life will be or should be perfect on this side of eternity is a deceiver. God never taught that! From the very beginning, God commanded man to obey Him, and He would take care of them. Man disobeyed and continues to disobey, and we have to live with and deal with the consequences. But God is so merciful, in that He has made a guaranteed promise to each of us who believes His Word, the Lord Jesus Christ: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18) For here [on earth] we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. [Revelations 21] Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.... Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen! (Hebrews 13:14-21)
Why do bad things happen? We can't possibly go over every possibility, but we will focus on the third specific reason based on the Word of God, in this conclusion:
III. This World
- ... Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:5-7); So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. (Genesis 7:23); The "rainbow": It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. (Genesis 9:14-15)
- ... [man's] "heart is hard" - therefore the earth suffers: contaminated water supplies, plagues of insects and rodents, famine and drought, physical and bodily difficulties, storms and disasters, and death (Exodus 7-12)
- ... These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you, ... In the world you will have tribulation;... And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. (John 16:33; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Daniel 11-12; Revelations 2:18-29)
The conclusion of the matter is this - whoever teaches that life will be or should be perfect on this side of eternity is a deceiver. God never taught that! From the very beginning, God commanded man to obey Him, and He would take care of them. Man disobeyed and continues to disobey, and we have to live with and deal with the consequences. But God is so merciful, in that He has made a guaranteed promise to each of us who believes His Word, the Lord Jesus Christ: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18) For here [on earth] we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. [Revelations 21] Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.... Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen! (Hebrews 13:14-21)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Why Do Bad Things Happen - 1 of 2?
The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17) Now the serpent [Satan] was more cunning than any beast [angel] of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. ... Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. (Genesis 3:1-6, 22-23) “You [Satan] were in Eden, the garden of God; You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; ... You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. ... You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones. “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground,... (Ezekiel 28:13-17) So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelations 12:9)
Why do bad things happen? We can't possibly go over every possibility, but we will focus on three specific reasons based on the Word of God:
I. Satan
- ... father the devil, ... He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44)
- ... who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)
- ... your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8)
II. Sin Nature
- ... So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6; Hosea 10:13); the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (I Timothy 2:14)
- ... Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5); What is man, that he could be pure? And he who is born of a woman, that he could be righteous? (Job 15:14)
- ... Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:13-15)
- ... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,... because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)
What's the resolution to dealing with Satan and overcoming our sinful nature, those of us who offend and those of us who have been offended: For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:14-21)
Why do bad things happen? We can't possibly go over every possibility, but we will focus on three specific reasons based on the Word of God:
I. Satan
- ... father the devil, ... He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44)
- ... who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)
- ... your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8)
II. Sin Nature
- ... So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6; Hosea 10:13); the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (I Timothy 2:14)
- ... Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5); What is man, that he could be pure? And he who is born of a woman, that he could be righteous? (Job 15:14)
- ... Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:13-15)
- ... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,... because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)
What's the resolution to dealing with Satan and overcoming our sinful nature, those of us who offend and those of us who have been offended: For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:14-21)
Monday, July 23, 2012
To Do, or Not To Do!
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:14-25)
All of us can relate to what the Apostle Paul says in the above scripture. When we become Christians, we have a new desire to please God, but we're still dealing with the desires of our flesh that want to commit sin. We could even state the above a little differently: We don't want to do what we should do, and we want to do the things we shouldn't do! As we mature in Christ, then we start thinking more clearly: We want to do what we should do but we don't, and we don't want to do the things we shouldn't do but we still do them! Sounds similar but there is a difference. Before we became Christians, our desire was to please ourselves, but after we became Christians, our desire is to please God: Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, ..., but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:5-11)
When we become Christians we have the desire to obey God, but we are unable to on our own. God is so merciful - He would never ask us to do anything without equipping us with the power to do it. That's why He has filled us with His Holy Spirit: “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ... But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 14:15-17, 26)
Through our faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we all have the desire, will, ability and power to do what pleases God: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ... But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:1-11) Let's thank God for not requiring more from us than we could do, but giving us all we need through Christ and the Holy Spirit to do as we should!
All of us can relate to what the Apostle Paul says in the above scripture. When we become Christians, we have a new desire to please God, but we're still dealing with the desires of our flesh that want to commit sin. We could even state the above a little differently: We don't want to do what we should do, and we want to do the things we shouldn't do! As we mature in Christ, then we start thinking more clearly: We want to do what we should do but we don't, and we don't want to do the things we shouldn't do but we still do them! Sounds similar but there is a difference. Before we became Christians, our desire was to please ourselves, but after we became Christians, our desire is to please God: Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, ..., but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:5-11)
When we become Christians we have the desire to obey God, but we are unable to on our own. God is so merciful - He would never ask us to do anything without equipping us with the power to do it. That's why He has filled us with His Holy Spirit: “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ... But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 14:15-17, 26)
Through our faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we all have the desire, will, ability and power to do what pleases God: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ... But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:1-11) Let's thank God for not requiring more from us than we could do, but giving us all we need through Christ and the Holy Spirit to do as we should!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Creator, or Father - 2 or 2!
... Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”... Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’... (John 3:1-21)
Father
We understand that God is the Creator of all things and all people, wherever they exist: But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)
Now we need to understand that God desires to have a more intimate and personal relationship with us, His most unique creation: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;... (Genesis 1:26) God wants to be our Father, Abba which Jesus and Paul used to address God as their Father, in a relationship of personal intimacy: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32) For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. ... (Mark 14:36) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)
We are able to have this same intimate relationship with God through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through our faith in Jesus, we become his "brothers and sisters", therefore God receives us as His chidren: Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:1-6)
What's the benefit of being a part of the family of God? Well, the inheritance - a promise of protection and provision for us during this life, and the best for us throughout eternity: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:3-5) Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior today, and let God take care of you throughout eternity!
Father
We understand that God is the Creator of all things and all people, wherever they exist: But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)
Now we need to understand that God desires to have a more intimate and personal relationship with us, His most unique creation: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;... (Genesis 1:26) God wants to be our Father, Abba which Jesus and Paul used to address God as their Father, in a relationship of personal intimacy: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32) For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. ... (Mark 14:36) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)
We are able to have this same intimate relationship with God through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through our faith in Jesus, we become his "brothers and sisters", therefore God receives us as His chidren: Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:1-6)
What's the benefit of being a part of the family of God? Well, the inheritance - a promise of protection and provision for us during this life, and the best for us throughout eternity: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:3-5) Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior today, and let God take care of you throughout eternity!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Creator, or Father - 1 of 2!
... Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”... Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’... (John 3:1-21)
Creator
First we must understand that God is the Creator of all things: In the beginning God created ... Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. ... (Genesis 1) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
As the creator of all things, God has the right to do whatever He wants with His creation, based on how it turns out. In other words, everything God made was good, but not everything God made will choose good (review "Freewill Within Limitations!" blog): Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, And their works are in the dark; They say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who knows us?” Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? (Isaiah 29:15-16) Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? (Romans 9:21)
Anyone who chooses the bad over the good, God is very clear who they belong to and the real condition of their lives: You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44) Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—... Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. (Romans 1:22-25)
God desires to be our Father, but we have to see Him for who He is. He is the Creator of all things with power over His creation. We have to submit our lives to His authority - we have to submit our lives to Jesus. Failing to do so will only lead to God having to treat us like a created thing, instead of beloved child: But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:33) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)
Creator
First we must understand that God is the Creator of all things: In the beginning God created ... Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. ... (Genesis 1) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
As the creator of all things, God has the right to do whatever He wants with His creation, based on how it turns out. In other words, everything God made was good, but not everything God made will choose good (review "Freewill Within Limitations!" blog): Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, And their works are in the dark; They say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who knows us?” Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? (Isaiah 29:15-16) Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? (Romans 9:21)
Anyone who chooses the bad over the good, God is very clear who they belong to and the real condition of their lives: You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44) Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—... Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. (Romans 1:22-25)
God desires to be our Father, but we have to see Him for who He is. He is the Creator of all things with power over His creation. We have to submit our lives to His authority - we have to submit our lives to Jesus. Failing to do so will only lead to God having to treat us like a created thing, instead of beloved child: But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:33) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Christ Fulfills The Commandments!
Do not think that I [Jesus] came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)
I. So he [Jesus] answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.’” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27)
The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God
(Exodus 20:1-11; Deuteronomy 5:1-15):
1. “You shall have no other gods before Me. [Matthew 6:19-21]
2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. [Matthew 6:24]
3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. [Matthew 5:33-37]
4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. [Mark 2:23-28]
II. [Jesus said] And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27)
The remaining six commandments deal with our relationship with eachother
(Exodus 20:12-17; Deuteronomy 5:16-21; Romans 13:9):
5. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. [Ephesians 6:1-4]
6. “You shall not murder. [Matthew 5:21-26]
7. “You shall not commit adultery. [Matthew 5:27-32]
8. “You shall not steal. [John 10:10]
9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. [Matthew 18:16; II Corinthians 13:1]
10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” [Luke 12:15]
Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 12:28) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4) No one can obey the commandments of God perfectly, but Christ. Christ has made us free, through His death on the cross for our sins - accept Him as your Lord and Savior today!
I. So he [Jesus] answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.’” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27)
The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God
(Exodus 20:1-11; Deuteronomy 5:1-15):
1. “You shall have no other gods before Me. [Matthew 6:19-21]
2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. [Matthew 6:24]
3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. [Matthew 5:33-37]
4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. [Mark 2:23-28]
II. [Jesus said] And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27)
The remaining six commandments deal with our relationship with eachother
(Exodus 20:12-17; Deuteronomy 5:16-21; Romans 13:9):
5. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. [Ephesians 6:1-4]
6. “You shall not murder. [Matthew 5:21-26]
7. “You shall not commit adultery. [Matthew 5:27-32]
8. “You shall not steal. [John 10:10]
9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. [Matthew 18:16; II Corinthians 13:1]
10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” [Luke 12:15]
Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 12:28) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4) No one can obey the commandments of God perfectly, but Christ. Christ has made us free, through His death on the cross for our sins - accept Him as your Lord and Savior today!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Thoughts vs. Sin!
The LORD knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile. (Psalm 94:11)
The above scripture should be reassuring to each of us. Many people believe that every unrighteous thought they have is sin, but God doesn't see it that way. God knows some of the thoughts we have are just futile, which means incapable of producing any result. We see many images on tv and computers or hear all kinds of things on the radio and from other people. Most of that stuff we don't remember, "it goes in one ear and out the other". Thoughts become sin when they go in our minds and stay there, leading us to contemplate how to bring that desire to fruition. Jesus explains this very well regarding adultery: You have heard that it was said to those of old,‘You shall not commit adultery.’ [Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18] But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
God gave the ten commandments. The first four deal with our relationship with God. The remaining six deal with our relationship with eachother. The 10th commandment is very interesting: You shall not covet... (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21) Covet means to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others. Coveting is sin because it leads to jealousy and envy, actually wanting what someone else has, not just wanting something similar as someone else's but wanting theirs. We all see other people with things we may desire to have also, and having the thought is fine, but when it becomes more and turns into coveting, that's sin: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
All kinds of thought and ideas come into our mind. Let's just be mindful of what we allow to stay in our hearts, and what actions we allow those thoughts and ideas to lead to: When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” ... Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, ...” (Matthews 15:10,15-20)
The above scripture should be reassuring to each of us. Many people believe that every unrighteous thought they have is sin, but God doesn't see it that way. God knows some of the thoughts we have are just futile, which means incapable of producing any result. We see many images on tv and computers or hear all kinds of things on the radio and from other people. Most of that stuff we don't remember, "it goes in one ear and out the other". Thoughts become sin when they go in our minds and stay there, leading us to contemplate how to bring that desire to fruition. Jesus explains this very well regarding adultery: You have heard that it was said to those of old,‘You shall not commit adultery.’ [Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18] But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
God gave the ten commandments. The first four deal with our relationship with God. The remaining six deal with our relationship with eachother. The 10th commandment is very interesting: You shall not covet... (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21) Covet means to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others. Coveting is sin because it leads to jealousy and envy, actually wanting what someone else has, not just wanting something similar as someone else's but wanting theirs. We all see other people with things we may desire to have also, and having the thought is fine, but when it becomes more and turns into coveting, that's sin: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
All kinds of thought and ideas come into our mind. Let's just be mindful of what we allow to stay in our hearts, and what actions we allow those thoughts and ideas to lead to: When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” ... Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, ...” (Matthews 15:10,15-20)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Other Piece of The Puzzle!
And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” ... Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. (Genesis 2:18,22)
Many of us have met, are in the process of meeting, or are hoping to meet someone we can marry and spend the rest of our earthly lives with. God's requirements for marriage are a lot different than the world's appears to be:
1. God created marriage to be between a man and a woman: I will make him a helper comparable to him. (Genesis 2:18); So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; (Genesis 1:27-28)
2. God will send the right person: He brought her to the man. (Genesis 2:22); Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? ... Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? (II Corinthians 6:14-16)
3. God commands that the two be faithful to each other: You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18); Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. (Proverbs 6:32)
4. God intends for marriage to last until death: Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18); But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (I Corinthians 7:11); For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. (Romans 7:2)
If we notice in scripture, very seldom does a couple marry because they are "in love" or because they are "attracted" to eachother. Probably because looks and feelings change, but at the core of the relationship must be God. God's guidelines lead to lifelong commitment and contentment:
1. God does not want us to have inappropriate sexual relationships:
- we are not to have sexual relationships with close relatives: None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him, to uncover his nakedness: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:6); "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!" (I Corinthians 5:1)
- we are not to have sexual relationships with someone of the same sex: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22); For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:26-27)
- we are not to have sexual relationships with animals: Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is perversion. (Leviticus 18:23)
2. God prefers we marry if we can not control our sexual desires: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. (I Corinthians 7:1-2); But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. (I Corinthians 7:32-33)
3. God does not want us to be in a relationship that causes us to be afraid and hurt: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (I John 4:18); But God has called us to peace. (I Corinthians 7:15)
People marry for all kinds of reasons, most of which aren't the reasons that will lead to the marriage lasting. The divorce rate in America as of 2011 was 50%, half of all marriages ending in divorce. Based on what we've reviewed so far, it's clear to see why the statisic is so high. This is not what God desires for marriage. The final key to making sure we have or will have a successful marriage is this: But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. (I Corinthians 11:3) In other word's, men and women, we must make sure God is first in our life; believe in His Son, Jesus Christ; and women, if you put a man inbetween you and God, make sure that man believes in Jesus Christ also!
Many of us have met, are in the process of meeting, or are hoping to meet someone we can marry and spend the rest of our earthly lives with. God's requirements for marriage are a lot different than the world's appears to be:
1. God created marriage to be between a man and a woman: I will make him a helper comparable to him. (Genesis 2:18); So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; (Genesis 1:27-28)
2. God will send the right person: He brought her to the man. (Genesis 2:22); Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? ... Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? (II Corinthians 6:14-16)
3. God commands that the two be faithful to each other: You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18); Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. (Proverbs 6:32)
4. God intends for marriage to last until death: Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18); But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (I Corinthians 7:11); For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. (Romans 7:2)
If we notice in scripture, very seldom does a couple marry because they are "in love" or because they are "attracted" to eachother. Probably because looks and feelings change, but at the core of the relationship must be God. God's guidelines lead to lifelong commitment and contentment:
1. God does not want us to have inappropriate sexual relationships:
- we are not to have sexual relationships with close relatives: None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him, to uncover his nakedness: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:6); "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!" (I Corinthians 5:1)
- we are not to have sexual relationships with someone of the same sex: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22); For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:26-27)
- we are not to have sexual relationships with animals: Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is perversion. (Leviticus 18:23)
2. God prefers we marry if we can not control our sexual desires: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. (I Corinthians 7:1-2); But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. (I Corinthians 7:32-33)
3. God does not want us to be in a relationship that causes us to be afraid and hurt: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (I John 4:18); But God has called us to peace. (I Corinthians 7:15)
People marry for all kinds of reasons, most of which aren't the reasons that will lead to the marriage lasting. The divorce rate in America as of 2011 was 50%, half of all marriages ending in divorce. Based on what we've reviewed so far, it's clear to see why the statisic is so high. This is not what God desires for marriage. The final key to making sure we have or will have a successful marriage is this: But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. (I Corinthians 11:3) In other word's, men and women, we must make sure God is first in our life; believe in His Son, Jesus Christ; and women, if you put a man inbetween you and God, make sure that man believes in Jesus Christ also!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Religious Does Not Equal Christian!
"For I [Jesus] say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20)
The above statement was made by Jesus during his very first public sermon, in Galilee before his newly called twelve disciples and a great multitude of people. (Matthew 4:23-25, 5) What a shocking statement for Jesus to make to the Jews, especially referencing the religious leaders of the Jews in such a way. Scribes were the professional interpreters of the Law of God, like human copier machines. This was a very important job, to get what would have been the Old Testament books at that time "copied", in order to be shared with as many religious leaders as possible, to teach it in as many synogogues as they could. Pharisees were a fairly young politico-religious sect, that developed within the Jewish community after they were exiled and under Roman control. They promoted a belief of being superior over all other nationalities and taught the Jews to separate themselves from all other peoples, and to live by the "letter of the law". Their counterparts, the Sadduccees were a politico-priestly sect, who denied most of the spiritual teachings of the Word of God. Jesus warned the Jews, "...to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but [to beware] of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:1-12)
The religious leaders taught that the people had to earn their way into heaven, by doing "works". Yes, God did give the Jews specific commandments, because He chose to demonstrate His divine power and provision through them to all the people of the earth. (Genesis 15, 17) The Apostle Paul explains very clearly in his testimony what the Jews "religious" beliefs were, and how he was a leader among the Pharisees, persecuting anyone who taught in the name of Jesus: Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: ... “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities." (Acts 26:1-11)
Contrary to the religious leaders, Jesus taught that not by doing works but through "faith" in Him, the Word of God was the only way any of us would enter into heaven. (John 3:1-21) The conclusion to Paul's testimony should give us all hope, that no matter how far off the religions of this world may lead people, God Himself will reach us and get us on track, any of us who sincerely seek after Him: “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:12-23)
The above statement was made by Jesus during his very first public sermon, in Galilee before his newly called twelve disciples and a great multitude of people. (Matthew 4:23-25, 5) What a shocking statement for Jesus to make to the Jews, especially referencing the religious leaders of the Jews in such a way. Scribes were the professional interpreters of the Law of God, like human copier machines. This was a very important job, to get what would have been the Old Testament books at that time "copied", in order to be shared with as many religious leaders as possible, to teach it in as many synogogues as they could. Pharisees were a fairly young politico-religious sect, that developed within the Jewish community after they were exiled and under Roman control. They promoted a belief of being superior over all other nationalities and taught the Jews to separate themselves from all other peoples, and to live by the "letter of the law". Their counterparts, the Sadduccees were a politico-priestly sect, who denied most of the spiritual teachings of the Word of God. Jesus warned the Jews, "...to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but [to beware] of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:1-12)
The religious leaders taught that the people had to earn their way into heaven, by doing "works". Yes, God did give the Jews specific commandments, because He chose to demonstrate His divine power and provision through them to all the people of the earth. (Genesis 15, 17) The Apostle Paul explains very clearly in his testimony what the Jews "religious" beliefs were, and how he was a leader among the Pharisees, persecuting anyone who taught in the name of Jesus: Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: ... “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities." (Acts 26:1-11)
Contrary to the religious leaders, Jesus taught that not by doing works but through "faith" in Him, the Word of God was the only way any of us would enter into heaven. (John 3:1-21) The conclusion to Paul's testimony should give us all hope, that no matter how far off the religions of this world may lead people, God Himself will reach us and get us on track, any of us who sincerely seek after Him: “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:12-23)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
World Being Prepared for The Deception - 2 of 2!
“When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)
God warned the children of Isreal not to follow after the beliefs and customs of the people in the land they were going to live in, for these people believed in and worshiped false gods and idols. He was very clear about them not falling into the trap of entertaining people who speak to "spirits". We must understand some key things about spirits: 1. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24); 2. "...the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [Jesus], He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 14:26); 3. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit [breath of life, Genesis 2:7] will return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) 4. "Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:31)
The word "spirit" is used throughout the Word of God, but it's not always speaking about the same thing. That's the limitations of the english translation, there's not always an english word that best translates the original hebrew or greek word, but that limitation does not take away from the true meaning or interpretation. As long as the scripture is kept in context, we can all come to the correct interpretation, through the Holy Spirit: These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (I Corinthians 2:13)
One day, all of this will be over, the good and the bad, and all that will be left is the best, eternal life with God, in the "New Heaven and New Earth"! (Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; II Peter 3:13; Revelations 21:1) Please choose God today, so that your eternal end won't be the same as the "deceiver": The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelations 20:10) AMEN!
God warned the children of Isreal not to follow after the beliefs and customs of the people in the land they were going to live in, for these people believed in and worshiped false gods and idols. He was very clear about them not falling into the trap of entertaining people who speak to "spirits". We must understand some key things about spirits: 1. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24); 2. "...the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [Jesus], He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 14:26); 3. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit [breath of life, Genesis 2:7] will return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) 4. "Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:31)
The word "spirit" is used throughout the Word of God, but it's not always speaking about the same thing. That's the limitations of the english translation, there's not always an english word that best translates the original hebrew or greek word, but that limitation does not take away from the true meaning or interpretation. As long as the scripture is kept in context, we can all come to the correct interpretation, through the Holy Spirit: These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (I Corinthians 2:13)
One day, all of this will be over, the good and the bad, and all that will be left is the best, eternal life with God, in the "New Heaven and New Earth"! (Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; II Peter 3:13; Revelations 21:1) Please choose God today, so that your eternal end won't be the same as the "deceiver": The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelations 20:10) AMEN!
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