Important Lessons From Samson's Marriage. Sabbath Afternoon. 09/13/2014

There are certain delicate situations that often develop when it comes to the marriage of a son or daughter, who chooses an unbeliever as a spouse, thereby forcing god-fearing parents to make some pretty difficult decisions, as to what should be done in such circumstances. God has given to each of us the freedom to choose, and whenever a child reaches the legal age of adulthood as mandated by the state, Christian parents should be aware of the extent to which parental authority can be exercised, and we should also be willing to let our children choose for themselves, after we have laid out the Christian principles before them, so that they can make informed choices.

In the case of Samson, there was a settled decision made by him to marry a philistine woman, primarily on the basis of external beauty and pleasurable fulfillment, without regards to the weightier matters of character, upbringing, and religious affiliation, factors which could have very serious impacts and consequences after the marriage vow has been entered into. Let’s read:

Judges 14:1   And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. 

  14:2   And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. 

That’s why his parents sought to save him from unnecessary hardship and heartache by reminding him of the cautions given by God through His prophets, concerning the very ill-advised move he was about to make. Let’s read:

Judges 14:3   Then his father and his mother said unto him, [Is there] never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well. 

This remonstrance on the part of his parents brings us to the responsibilities which devolve upon the heads of those fathers and mothers who have to deal with similar situations, where a son or daughter insists on linking up their life interests with a person who does not know God, someone who has been instructed from childhood in a belief system that is contrary to Christianity.

(1) Parents are required to lay out in clear terms what the will of God is in such matters. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 6:14   Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

  6:15   And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 

  6:16   And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

  6:17   Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, 

  6:18   And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 Deuteronomy 7:3   Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 

  7:4   For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

A striking example of what The Lord is here speaking about can be found in the experience of

king Solomon who chose several hundred pagan women as wives and concubines, in flagrant violation of the plainest scriptural instructions on this very point. The indulgence in a wrong course of action always has a cascading effect, and before Solomon could come to himself, he was trapped in a vicious cycle of lust, and disappointed hopes and expectations, through which his manhood and his character became stained with conscious sin. These things were recorded for future generations so that every rational thinking person could reason soberly from cause to effect, and thereby avoid one of the most fearful snares of the devil. Let’s read:

 1st Kings 11:1   But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites; 

  11:2   Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 

  11:3   And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 

  11:4   For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father. 

  11:5   For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 

  11:6   And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as [did] David his father. 

  11:7   Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that [is] before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 

11:8   And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. 

  11:9   And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,    11:10   And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.

(2) Parents are to state clearly what the consequences of being unequally yoked together with an unbeliever will be, and they should also state that the marriage cannot be afterward dissolved for any reason other than adultery, for if divorce is sought because of religious or other issues, the parties will then be guilty of a double sin, and could only be reinstated to the favor of God through confession and repentance. This point must be reinforced to the mind of the believing one, by their parents, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear. Let’s read:

Matthew 19:3   The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

19:4   And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female, 

  19:5   And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 

  19:6   Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 

  19:9   And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

There are many options available in our day through the secular laws of the land, by which a divorce can be obtained for very frivolous reasons, and many Christians have inadvertently jumped on the bandwagon, hoping that the laws of the land will overshadow what God has plainly spoken. But what is often permitted by the laws of the state are often definitely forbidden by the laws of God, and for this reason, many who are legally divorced by the laws of Caesar are still considered married in the sight of God. This sobering fact will one day cause a very rude awakening, when the day of final accounts is completed.

However there are other issues that must be addressed as it pertains to the marriage of an unbeliever with a Christian. The question often arises whether or not the parents should attend the wedding, seeing that their son or daughter did not adhere to their advice or the instructions of God. The answer to this question is “Yes”, they should attend the wedding ceremony and the reception, for they have already done what they could to avert future perils, and as such should be content to let their son or daughter choose for themselves. God respects each person’s choice either for good or for evil, and we should too. The presence of the parents at such a union is in support of the sacred institution of marriage between the two parties, not necessarily support for the choices made, even though as Christians we should always wish our children well, even when they go contrary to God’s revealed will. Let’s read:

Joshua 24:15   And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

1st Kings  18:21   And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 

And so, in the spirit of goodwill, with all the evidences to the contrary, Samson’s parents attended the wedding ceremony as well as the reception, hoping for the best outcome of what was obviously an unwise choice. This has been written for our admonition and instruction so that we may have guidance from the Lord in similar matters. Let’s read:

Judges  14:5   Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him. 

It is ironical that on the way to this festive occasion, that of all animals, a lion should roar against him, for it may have been an omen of impending danger, of what was soon to follow. Often when we insist on having our own way, the Lord permits signs to cross our pathway, with the hope that we will view them as harbingers of turbulence, but it is often the case that these signs are read in a completely different manner, and we continue on in the path that we have chosen. Let’s read:

1st Peter 5:8   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

When as Christians we walk contrary to what God has plainly stated as it pertains to marriage, it is usually only a matter of time before the union starts to unravel or suffer tremendous turbulence, for the simple reason that God never blesses disobedience, even though there are preachers who would have us believe otherwise. And that’s why, not long after Samson united himself with the philistine, that serious trouble began to loom on the horizon, culminating in the death of his wife and her father. Let’s read:

Judges 14:12   And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find [it] out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments: 

  14:13   But if ye cannot declare [it] me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it. 

  14:14   And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle. 

  14:15   And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? [is it] not [so]? 

14:20   But Samson's wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend. 

Judges 15:3   And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.    15:4   And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails. 

  15:5   And when he had set the brands on fire, he let [them] go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards [and] olives. 

  15:6   Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire.

The rest of Samson’s life is history, for he never recovered from the snare he had deliberately placed his feet in, for he went on to become involved with prostitutes and other women, until his last female acquaintance, Delilah, seduced him into revealing the secret of his great strength, then his eyes were gouged out by the philistines, and he was taken to prison, where he died prematurely, full of infamy. Thus the word that God had spoken before, warning of these very results was fulfilled to the letter, and Samson’s bright future was destroyed by the enemies of God.

 These things were written in the Bible for a specific purpose, so that those who are inexperienced in the matters of marriage, may reason from cause to effect, and thus make intelligent choices that are in harmony with God’s good purposes for His children. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10:11   Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 

  10:12   Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 

  10:13   There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. 

  10:14   Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

In our day there are many who make similar mistakes and thereby bring upon themselves untold evils and trials that could have been avoided if the counsel of God was diligently sought out. However, we do serve a merciful God who takes no delight in the troubles and difficulties of anyone, and therefore, if we have found ourselves in a less than ideal situation due to a marriage with an unbeliever, the Lord teaches us that we should try by His grace and through much prayer to make the most of it, instead of dissolving the union because of religious affiliation and belief, for God can work also in difficult situations, to change hearts and minds for the better if we so choose.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to seek God before making any life-changing decision pertaining to marriage, and if we do, He will be more than willing and able to lead us into right paths for His glory, and for our sanity and well-being. Let’s read:

Isaiah 30:19   For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. 

  30:21   And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word, for the instructions given in the Bible are intended for our best good and the welfare of our children and families. God bless!

The Sin Of Ignorance. Sabbath Afternoon. 09/06/2014.

There is much to be understood concerning the sin of ignorance which occurs when a person commits sin unknowingly, and the scriptures shed much light on the way it is dealt with, both from a legal and merciful perspective, as far as God is concerned. Some people are ignorant of the fact that certain actions constitute sin, and others are ignorant of the consequences of sin. However, the Bible is clear on this issue, and thus it’s very important to understand what the sin of ignorance is, what are the responsibilities and liabilities that go along with it, and most of all, how we can find pardon, and avoid it as far as possible.

The Bible states that in the times of ignorance, God winks, and this text is often quoted to excuse one’s self from the liabilities that arise as a result of committing this sin inadvertently. Therefore it’s necessary that we understand certain parameters pertaining to it. (1) Ignorance does not legally absolve a person of guilt. The Bible states that sin is the transgression of the law, and this statement of fact does not take into consideration good motive, intention, ignorance, or knowledge.

These added considerations must be decided by an intelligent judge who will determine the validity of good motives, intentions and ignorance in a court of law. Satan knows this, and therefore often tempts us to sin when a good motive is presented, but a good motive in and of itself does not justify or absolve us from sin and its consequences. Let’s read:

Leviticus 4:13  And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which should not be done, and are guilty; 

  4:14   When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation. 

It is of the utmost importance for us to thoroughly understand this first point, for many people erroneously believe that guilt is a feeling. Guilt is a state, not an emotion, and it is incurred whenever sin is committed either ignorantly or deliberately.

 There was a certain gang of thieves operating out of the Miami area, and one notorious member by the name of Lorenzo had planned to steal several generators from Home Depot, to sell them on the internet at bargain prices.

 On the day in question, he entered the store and was just about to exit with the equipment when he was seen on surveillance cameras, and was then promptly arrested by a Metro-Dade police officer. But then something quite unusual happened, for as Lorenzo was being hurried out of the store in handcuffs, the surveillance cameras also picked up another middle-aged man, hurriedly walking out with another generator without paying.

This older gentleman by the name Mr. Morris, was a high school teacher in the district, and was well loved and respected by both his peers and students, for he had always lived an honorable and honest life. The problem is that whilst he was just about to pay for the generator, he got distracted by an emergency call, informing him that his wife had just gotten a stroke, and was being rushed to the area hospital, and so in the heat of the moment, he honestly forgot to continue the transaction, and headed out the door in a hurry with the item rolling behind him.

The same Metro Dade officer then rushed over to

 where Mr. Morris was hurrying away, and promptly arrested him, charging him with shoplifting, a charge that the respected teacher adamantly denied, explaining that it was never his intent to leave the store without paying, and that he had ignorantly forgotten to finish the transaction.

But the officer then explained that he could not free him on those grounds, for then Mr. Lorenzo, who was now watching the proceedings from the back seat of the squad car, could also claim that he was unaware that he had not first paid for his generator, and now the officer would be at a loss to determine who was really ignorant, or who had deliberately planned to steal. So just to be on the safe side, he took both of them down to the county jail and booked them both for shoplifting, leaving the legal matters for an intelligent judge to decide in a court of law. Now, although this story is allegorical in nature, it does demonstrate the fact that ignorance does not absolve a person of guilt, which leads us to the second important point to note on this subject.

(2) Ignorance and good motive are never ever to be determined by the one committing the sin, for every person will inevitably justify themselves on these grounds whenever sin is committed. The fact that one does not know that a certain action is sinful must of necessity be determined by God in a court of law, but never by the individual. Let’s read:

 Numbers 35:10   Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; 

  35:11   Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. 

  35:12   And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.

35:15   These six cities shall be a refuge, [both] for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither. 

35:22   But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, 

  35:23   Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing [him] not, and cast [it] upon him, that he die, and [was] not his enemy, neither sought his harm: 

  35:24   Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments.

A person may claim self-defense or ignorance, but these claims must first be proven in a court of law before the guilty one can be exonerated, which leads us to the third very important point for our consideration. 

 (3) Ignorance and good intention does not change the definition of any committed sin. It may change the description but never the definition. For instance, in our legal system we have various descriptions for the act of slaying another person. We have first and second degree murder, and then we have manslaughter and also involuntary manslaughter, all of which describe variations of motive, intent, deliberation and ignorance, but the basic fact remains the same, that a human being was killed by another, and therefore must be addressed from a legal perspective.

In the slaying of Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman claimed to have been protecting himself, from a supposedly would be attacker, however, the state prosecutor did not charge him with making a mistake, but with manslaughter, for in the real world, that is what had actually taken place, a man had been slaughtered. Let’s read:

Leviticus 5:17   And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. 

  5:18   And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not, and it shall be forgiven him. 

According to the above passage, forgiveness can be granted by God in every situation, once confession is made and the blood of the sacrifice is applied, and here’s where the beauty of our salvation through Christ shines forth radiantly, for His sacrifice covers both deliberate and ignorant sins that are past when we give our lives entirely to Him. As a matter of fact, many Christians actually sin ignorantly in some form or fashion every day, and when we ask God to forgive us our sins, He also includes those errors that we are completely unaware of. This sacred truth is borne out by the apostle John when he writes about all types of sin. Let’s read:

1st John 1:8   If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

  1:9   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

  1:10   If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

That’s one of the reasons why a supposedly good person who trusts in their own goodness and righteousness can never enter heaven without first accepting Christ’s sacrifice, for there are always sins and wrongs being committed that we are not even cognizant of. Furthermore, intention or good motive in no way changes the definition of something that is wrong. One day many years ago, a customer of mine gave us the go ahead to do some work on a red Geo metro motor vehicle, including the timing belt and some other repairs that would have taken some time to complete.

But somehow we got the address all mixed up and went to the opposite end of the street, where, believe it or not, a red Geo metro, of the same exact year, make, and model, was parked in the front yard of someone’s house. And so with the best of intentions, we “Ignorantly” disassembled the vehicle, and sat waiting confidently for the parts to arrive. In the meanwhile a conversation was struck with the man’s neighbor who asked concerning the repairs that were being done, to which the reply was given that we had authorization from the owner to do the specified work.

The answer, though given in ignorance and with the best of intentions actually calmed the neighbor’s nerves, and having spoken so confidently, he proceeded to bring out cold water so that my assistant’s thirst could be quenched. But with the passing of a few hours it was discovered that we had made a very serious yet genuine mistake, and it’s only because of the grace of God, why the owner did not come home to find his vehicle all disassembled, because I’m not certain whether good intentions or ignorance would have been sufficient to save us from bullets of wrath.

 Which then leads us to the fourth point on the issue of the sin of ignorance.

 (4) Ignorance in committing any sin by which another person suffers any kind of loss, carries with it the responsibility of restitution, because any damages that are incurred due to a lack of knowledge on our part, must of necessity be

addressed for the sake of justice. God is merciful, but He is also just, and therefore, in His stipulations pertaining to the handling of sins of ignorance, He makes provision that the wronged or wounded person will be properly compensated.

Psalms 89:13   Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, [and] high is thy right hand. 

  89:14   Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. 

Leviticus 5:15   If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: 

  5:16   And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest.

One day as I was reversing my vehicle, I ignorantly

 crushed the bumper, fender and hood of a Toyota

Corolla, and the owner who was standing about twenty feet away ran towards his vehicle to inspect the damage. Our insurance company was later billed not only for damages to the man’s vehicle, but also for neck and back injuries together with several visits to the “Chiropractor”. Restitution or amends are required whenever the sin of ignorance causes damage or harm.

(5) And last but not least, willful ignorance makes a person responsible for what they could or should have known, not merely for what they actually know. A trooper stops a Caribbean man who is seen driving for miles on the right side of the street, instead of the left side, because in the Caribbean that’s what we do, for it’s the law across there. The trooper then asks the man why he was thus driving, to which the man replies that he firmly believed he was doing the right thing, for that’s how people drive in the islands.

The trooper then asks the man how long he has been in the United States of America, to which the man replies, thirty years, and so, because of his answer the trooper writes him a series of tickets, even though the Caribbean man was “Ignorant”. The same is true when it comes to the law of God that has been around since time immemorial.  At the times of ignorance God “Winks” for there were instances in the Bible narrative where individuals sinned inadvertently, and God overlooked the fact, although He did not change the definition. One such notable case took place with Abimelech, who ignorantly took Sarah to wife, because of deceptions practiced by both Abraham and herself. Let’s read:

Genesis 20:2   And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She [is] my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. 

  20:3   But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man's wife.

20:4   But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? 

  20:5   Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister? and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. 

  20:6   And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. 

  20:7   Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine. 

  20:8   Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

20:9   Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

But when we have opportunity to know what is truth through the providences of God, by which He has caused Bibles to be within the reach of most households in America, then we are left without excuse, for it is the personal and sacred responsibility of every individual to search for truth, and in seeking we are guaranteed to find answers, for God has promised. Let’s read:

Acts  17:22   Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 

  17:23   For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

  17:24   God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 

17:28   For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 

  17:29   Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 

  17:30   And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

Romans 1:18   For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 

  1:19   Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed [it] unto them. 

  1:20   For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

For many years now the investigative judgment has been taking place in the heavenly sanctuary, and millions of Christians are being judged on what they know and should have known. The question for us is are we living in deliberate ignorance, in order to

 justify a wrong course of action, and are we keeping our heads in the sand, whilst bright rays of truth and duty shine all around us in a concentrated blaze. God is now calling on all honest-hearted people everywhere to search the scriptures for ourselves so we can be familiar with truth and duty, for in the final analysis we will be left without excuse.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that encourages us not to live in ignorance anymore, especially when it come to the validity of God’s law, and the sacredness of the seventh day Sabbath, for we will be held accountable for what we could have known, not merely what we do know. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 5:10   For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. 

May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God bless!

The Problem Of Interpretation. Sabbath Afternoon 08/30/2014

The correct interpretation of scripture and the prophecies contained therein, is of the utmost importance to every person, for we need to know where we are in the stream of time. The Bible warns us of private interpretations, meaning that whatsoever conclusions we draw should be in line with what God originally intended, and the only way for us to make these deductions, is for us to first follow all the scriptural guidelines given for proper interpretation and exegesis.

There are several stipulations that must of necessity be followed and before we get into the study for this afternoon, we would like to innumerate them, so that we may understand why certain conclusions are arrived at. (1) Any interpretation of the Bible must be preceded by prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide us as we study. The reason for this is because all scripture was given by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and therefore we have to go back to Him in order for us to be guided in right paths. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 1:19   We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 

  1:20   Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 

  1:21   For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. 

(2) The entire canon of scripture must be used in arriving at correct conclusions, for there is currently a tendency to believe that certain portions of scripture were not inspired, while others were. This line of reasoning goes directly against what the scriptures teach, for the entire Bible represents the inspired word of God. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 3:16   All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:    3:17   That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

(3) The line upon line method of interpretation must at all times be applied when studying the Bible, for if this method is disregarded, the door is opened for any and every type of false doctrine and interpretation to spring into life. In other words, we should never take one text out of its original context, and build a doctrine or an interpretation, without stacking several other passages of scripture together, that deal with the same subject matter. Let’s read:

Isaiah 28:9   Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts. 

  28:10   For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little.

It is critically important when studying the prophecies of the Bible to implement this line upon line method, the reason being that many Biblical prophecies are written in highly symbolic language and imagery, and if a person suffers from a vivid and agitated imagination that’s not controlled by The Holy Spirit, then the symbolic representations can be taken to extremes, and any and every meaning can be put on the plainest utterances.

For instance many people right here in America got all riled up over the Mayan calendar and the so-called prophecies which pointed to something cataclysmic in the year 2012 and 2013. The consequent agitation got several reviews from the National geographic channel, Fox news, and also CNN, in addition to which there was a buying frenzy, where many people began buying and building doomsday bunkers, and stock piling large quantities of food, water and ammunition in order to survive whatever was expected.

Now although the Bible teaches us that we are

 indeed living in the twilight of earth’s history, yet

 The Lord makes it abundantly clear that the overwhelming majority of people across the entire globe, would not be expecting the end of all things when it does occur, for the world in general would have been lulled into a state of carnal security. Let’s read:

1st Thessalonians 5:2   For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 

  5:3   For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Mark 13:35   Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 

  13:36   Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 

  13:37   And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. 

Again the necessity for using line upon line in the interpretation of scripture is urged upon on Bible students, for its so easy to take a passage of scripture, separated from its original context, and thus arrive at very extreme views. For instance, the following passage has often been misinterpreted, because other scriptures pertaining to the same subject matter were not adequately researched, or in some instances never read. Let’s read:

Luke 14:16   Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 

  14:17   And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 

14:23   And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

A literal interpretation of the word “Compel” means

to use force, but the Bible is not here authorizing

Christians to go out and strangle unbelievers in forcing them to accept the gospel. As a matter of fact, the genius of true Christianity is that it allows every person to choose whether or not to serve God, and if anyone chooses not to, we are not to eagerly look forward to their destruction, but should rather wish them well, by praying for their conversion.

 But under no circumstances is the Bible condoning the use of force in the dissemination of the gospel. We arrived at our conclusion by using the line upon line method of stacking several passages of scripture in order to get the real picture. Let’s read:

Joshua 24:15   And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Isaiah   56: For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose [the things] that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 

  56:5   Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 

  56:6   Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 

  56:7   Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 

(4) Another very important instruction to observe when interpreting prophecy, is that we should always kook for the historical precedent, if there are any, for the Bible teaches us that history repeats itself, and therefore we can read in the past experiences of those who have gone before, what our own experiences, both present and future will be, based on our decisions. The world runs in cycles of sevens, and what took place already is just waiting its turn for a repetition to be made. Let’s read:

Revelation 20:1   And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 

  20:2   And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 

  20:3   And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 

20:5   But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. 

  20:6   Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 

  20:7   And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.

Question: Why does the scripture stipulate the exact number of one thousand years? Why not 981 or, 776 or even 687? Why exactly one thousand? In order to answer this question correctly we would have to go back to the scriptures and observe the historical precedents, for in this way we can avoid the snare of private interpretations, by allowing the Bible to explain itself. Let’s read:

Exodus 21:2   If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

Exodus  23:10   And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: 

  23:11   But the seventh [year] thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, [and] with thy oliveyard. 

  23:12   Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. 

Leviticus 25:3   Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 

  25:4   But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

It is apparent that the cycle of sevens is beginning to take shape, but let’s continue to be absolutely certain. Let’s read:

Leviticus 25: 25:3   Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 

  25:4   But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. 

  25:5   That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: [for] it is a year of rest unto the land. 

  25:6   And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee, 

8   And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. 

  25:9   Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. 

Leviticus 26:33   And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste. 

  26:34   Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye [be] in your enemies' land; [even] then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths. 

Now according to this scripture, a period of

desolation and judgments proceed the Sabbatical rest here spoken of, and the next verse confirms that conclusion. Let’s read:

Leviticus 26:35   As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

And then we go to the literal historical precedent given in the Bible, describing the literal experience of the Hebrews after they had desecrated the Sabbath rest for many years. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 36:15   And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: 

  36:16   But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy. 

  36:17   Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand. 

36:19   And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. 

  36:20   And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: 

  36:21   To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. 

It is evident that a period of destruction immediately preceded the seventy years of Sabbatical rest that was due. Now let’s go back and observe carefully what is written in Revelation chapter nineteen and twenty, to see if the same historical pattern will emerge again. Let’s read:

Revelation 19:11   And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 

    19:13   And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 

  19:14   And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 

  19:15   And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

  19:16   And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 

  19:17   And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 

  19:18   That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great. 

19:19   And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 

  19:20   And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 

  19:21   And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. 

It sounds as if this is a prophecy of impending judgments in which those who have rejected salvation would be slain, and we’re probably wondering what comes next. Let’s read:

Revelation 20:1   And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 

  20:2   And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

20:5   But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. 

  20:6   Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 

  20:7   And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 

  20:8   And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea. 

And so the reason why the exact number of one thousand years is given is because the earth is only about six thousand years old, and therefore if the land is required to have one year of Sabbatical rest for every six years of work, then six thousand years of incessant labor will automatically call for one thousand years of rest. This sacred truth utterly refutes the claims of evolution and the “Big Bang theory, which mistakenly calculate the age of our planet to be millions and millions of years old, a theory that will come to naught when Christ shall appear in power and great glory.

And that’s why it’s so very important for us to also include any historical precedents when interpreting the scriptures and any Biblical prophecies, for the cycle of repetition is often made evident in all of the experiences of the human family. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 1:9   The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun. 

  1:10   Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. 

And so we now turn to the scriptures for a practical example of how we should go about arriving at the correct interpretation of prophecies. Let’s begin with the transfiguration, in which Christ was transformed gloriously before three of His disciples. Let’s read:

Matthew 17:1   And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 

  17:2   And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

17:3   And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 

  17:5   While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 

  17:6   And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 

  17:7   And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 

  17:8   And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

This experience absolutely stunned the three disciples, for here they saw Elijah alive and well, talking with Moses and Christ yet Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the one sent from God. This apparent conflict of the sequence of prophetic events greatly disturbed the disciples and consequently prompted them to ask Jesus the following question. Let’s read:

Matthew 17:10   And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

This meant, why do the scribes say that Elijah must first come before the appearance of the Messiah, and this deduction they had correctly derived from the scriptures. Let’s read:

Malachi 3:1   Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Malachi  4:5   Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 

  4:6   And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. 

Isaiah 40:3   The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 

  40:4   Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 

  40:5   And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]. 

So it was a valid concern that the disciples expressed, and in order to set the record straight, Jesus saw it fit to answer their question, and we also should pay very close attention to His answer, for it tells us of things to come. Let’s read:

 Matthew 17:11   And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 

  17:12   But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. 

  17:13   Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

According to Christ’s answer, Elijah the prophet must make three appearances, the one on Mt Carmel, The one via John the Baptist, and the third one just prior to the second coming of Christ. The problem why the disciples and the scribes and Pharisees did not discern the second appearance of Elijah is because of the method of interpretation that was employed back then, for it is obvious that they knew who was to come, but the problem was recognizing him. The irony of the whole situation is that the second Elijah had actually baptized some of Christ disciples, and had died and been buried, yet the disciples knew him not.

In order for the correct interpretation to be arrived at, they would have had to go back and examine carefully any historical precedents, pointing to the work of the first Elijah, and not merely looking for only external features, although in some instances these can play a minor role, for in the final analysis, spiritual things are always spiritually discerned.

1st Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 

  2:13   Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

  2:14   But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 

And so we will compare scripture with scripture, as the Bible says we must do. Let’s read:

  1st Kings 18:17   And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel? 

  18:18   And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. 

It is obvious that the commandments of God took center stage in the great national revival that was about to take place, for the first Elijah explicitly stated that the departure from God’s known laws was the cause of the nation’s woes, and so we can safely expect the second Elijah to walk in the same shoes, by uplifting the down-trodden law of God. Let’s read:

Luke 3:2   Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 

  3:3   And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 

3:10   And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 

  3:13   And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 

  3:14   And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your wages. 

In our day the prophet Elijah is to again make an appearance before Christ’s appearing, and we can safely expect that God’s forgotten law, especially the one that starts with the word remember, will also take center stage, for just as it was in the days of the first and second Elijah, the world will be saddled with irreconcilable difficulties and troubles, and the cause is a none other than a national and individual departure from the written and revealed laws of God. Let’s read:

Revelation12:17   And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 14:6   And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 

  14:7   Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 

14:12   Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The issue for us in our day, both individually and on a national level, is whether or not we will recognize the work of the third Elijah when he begins to sound across the globe with a loud voice. Would he be translated to heaven without seeing death as the first Elijah was, or will he be beheaded like the second one. It is worthy of note that in the experience of the first Elijah, is was a woman,

namely Jezebel that called for the execution of the prophet, and also in the experience of the second Elijah, it was a woman again who called for the death of John the Baptist, and in both instances their trump card was the commandments of God.

Let’s read:

1st Kings 19:1   And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 

  19:2   Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 

  19:3   And when he saw [that], he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which [belongeth] to Judah, and left his servant there.

Matthew 14:6   But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 

  14:7   Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 

  14:8   And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. 

  14:9   And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded [it] to be given [her]. 

  14:10   And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. 

  14:11   And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought [it] to her mother. 

  14:12   And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. 

Could it then be, that according to the line upon line method of interpretation, and the use of the historical precedents, that another woman will again seek the death of the third Elijah, when the commandments of God are again proclaimed across the globe?  Let’s first observe carefully what a woman represents in scripture. Let’s read:

Ephesians 5:22   Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 

  5:23   For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 

  5:24   Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.

 5:31   For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 

  5:32   This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 

So it’s obvious that a pure woman represents the true church of God, but sadly, there is also another profligate woman or church, brought to view in the scriptures, who wages relentless war against the kingdom of Christ and His saints, including the three Elijahs who preach the everlasting gospel, inclusive of the Ten Commandments. Let’s read:

Revelation 17:1   And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 

  17:2   With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 

  17:3   So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 

  17:4   And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 

  17:5   And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 

  17:6   And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.

It then becomes necessary for us to let the Bible speak for itself, and be its own interpreter, when it comes to the issue of correct interpretation of prophecy, so that we would not be moved by the myriads of false doctrines and private interpretations which now abound in Christendom. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which calls for a renewed study of God’s word, without bias or preconceived ideas, so that the sacred oracles of holy writ can be ours for time and for eternity. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 2:15   Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

  2:16   But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

May God bless the study and doing of His every  word. God bless!

The Interfacing Of Human And Omnipotent Power. Sabbath Afternoon 08/23/2014

It is of the utmost importance for us to study carefully the way God works in His interactions with His earth-born children, and it is even more important for us to be guided by what the scriptures teach, as it pertains to the everyday circumstances of life. God is very practical in His instructions, and we need to understand clearly, when omnipotence can be requested, and when it can’t.

As a general rule of thumb, God does not do for the human agent, that which He has already given us the ability to perform, and there is a fine, but distinct line that is drawn between the exercise of human power and God’s supernatural power. It is therefore imperative that we study very closely His movements as we look to Him in faith, believing that he can do all things.

Whenever we find it necessary to utilize proven human methods that do not contradict what is written in the Bible, we should do so, knowing that this does not translate to a lack of faith on our part. On the contrary, faith in God is exercised when we utilize all known and God given resources and methodologies, trusting in God every step of the way, and depending on Him when all that the human agent can do is totally exhausted.

This is how intelligent faith is exercised in our individual experiences, and thus it becomes necessary to observe very carefully how the human and the Divine are interfaced in different situations. There are several instances in the Bible which clearly illustrate what is being referred to, and if we are humble enough to learn at Jesus’ feet, He would be more than willing to enlighten our hearts and minds as to the right course to pursue in the different circumstances we often find ourselves in.

Let’s start with the father of the faithful, Abraham.

When Abraham was called by God to leave his

 native land of the Chaldees, he was told to go to a

place that God would show him, and in obedience to that command, he uprooted from his hometown and traveled until he came to the land of Canaan. But not long after his arrival, a grievous famine came upon the land, which threatened his camp with starvation. Now, mere human, and logical reasoning will likely conclude that since Abraham landed in Canaan on the instructions of the Almighty, that he could therefore expect food to be supplied supernaturally by an Omnipotent God who could call loaves and fishes out of thin air, and thereby supply all of their needs.

While it is true that God can actually perform a miracle like this, He usually does not choose to go that route except all available resources have been exhausted, and therefore, if Abraham could find food in Egypt, God expects him to make the journey, pay for his food, until there is no more food to be found anywhere, and then after all known sources have been wiped out, Abraham can then confidently look to heaven for bread. This action taken by Abraham would then represent a profound manifestation of faith in God. Let’s read:

Genesis 12:1   Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: 

  12:2   And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

12:9   And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. 

  12:10   And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine [was] grievous in the land.

The same principle of utilizing all known and available God-given methods and resources was made manifest when Christ fed the multitude with five barley loaves and two fishes. Jesus could have then have called out of thin air, curry goat and dumplings by the tons, with a side order of grilled tofu and salad, but He does not choose to do this, for it is not His customary manner of working. And therefore, true to His consistent ways, He first searches for any available resources.

After careful inquiry He finds a lad whose mother had packed him lunch and Jesus then requests that the boy offer his food so that He could do what only God can do. He then miraculously multiplies the food so that everyone ate to the full, and then He orders his disciples to gather up the fragments, so that no natural resources are wasted. Let’s read:

John 6:5   When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

6:8   One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 

  6:9   There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 

    6:11   And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 

  6:12   When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 

The same pattern of operation is seen in the experience of the Hebrews when God fed them miraculously for forty years. They were at that time wandering in the desert, where they obviously could not grow any crops, and so God’s supernatural power was engaged in their behalf, by raining manna from heaven every morning, for four decades. But let’s observe what takes place as they stand on the borders of Canaan, which flows with milk and honey. Let’s read:

Exodus 16:35   And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.

Now that there are grocery stores like Wal-mart and Publix right across the border in plain sight, there is no need for supernatural power to continue supplying food supernaturally, and so the manna which has fallen consistently for forty years suddenly comes to a halt, so that the available human resources which God has provided, can now take up the slack where omnipotence has left off.

Here again is the same manner of operation in the life of Christ Himself, after He was born. Herod is seeking to kill Him, and Mary and Joseph are warned in a dream by God to run for their lives, because Herod is bent on murdering the young child. God does not send a chariot of fire, as He did with Elijah, nor does He send one of those mighty Seraphim who excel in strength. Instead He allows Joseph and his family to escape on a donkey at midnight, for that mode of transport was available, and therefore omnipotence is not to be summoned to do what the human agent has the capacity to do. Let’s read:

Matthew 2:13   And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 

  2:14   When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 

However, in instances where nothing else can be done to protect Himself, and Christ is walking in obedience to the Father’s command, the Seraphim are certainly going to take over where the human agent has exhausted its capabilities, and the omnipotent power of God will surely stand as a bulwark against all foes. Let’s read:

Luke 4:28   And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 

  4:29   And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 

  4:30   But he passing through the midst of them went his way.

Again the same pattern of operation is made clear in the interfacing of the human and the Divine, when Lazarus is to be raised from the dead. Let’s follow the Master closely, for if we were to understand this one important aspect of our relationship with the Lord, we can be saved from making very grievous mistakes in the future. Christ is only going to do what the human agent can’t, and nothing else, so He begins this episode with the

request that the stone be rolled away by human hands. Let’s read:

John 11:38   Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 

  11:39   Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been [dead] four days.

Christ could have commanded the stone to be removed, and angels could have moved it effortlessly, as they did on another occasion. Let’s read:

Matthew 28:1   In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 

  28:2   And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 

  28:3   His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 

  28:4   And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men]. 

But with the raising of Lazarus, there are muscular men who have been training at Gold’s gym, and so no Seraphim is going to show up to do what these men can obviously do. After the stone is rolled away by human hands, then it is now time for the human and divine to be interfaced, and so Christ proceeds to do what we cannot do for ourselves. Let’s read:

John 11:43   And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 

  11:44   And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 

Again we see that the loosening and freeing of Lazarus devolves upon the human agent, because Christ only uses supernatural power when it is absolutely necessary. However, in modern Christianity, the devil offers a counterfeit to this pattern which has been firmly established by God, in that many preachers and televangelists are now teaching by precept and example, that God’s omnipotent power is to be at the disposal of the human agent, to be invoked at the beck and call of millions, without the human agent doing their part.

As a result we now have many pseudo faith healings, where the human agent makes no effort to stop smoking, but shows up at a stadium healing meeting, for God to supposedly exercise His supernatural power in their behalf.

Others are being erroneously taught that God is bound by His own word to heal, deliver and restore to health, because He has promised to do so. Yet the people are not taught of God’s methods of working, nor are they being made aware of the conditions that are laid down in the Bible, and as a result multitudes have subscribed to satan’s version of subjective omnipotence in our behalf, a doctrine and practice which constitutes one of the greater deceptions of our day. In order for God’s supernatural power to be displayed when it is requested, one must first adhere to, or at least be willing to follow the conditions that are stipulated in the Bible. Anything short of this represents a counterfeit method which is neither recognized, nor endorsed in the word of God. Let’s read:

Exodus 15:23   And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they [were] bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 

  15:24   And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 

  15:25   And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD showed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, 

  15:26   And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

The same basic teaching is echoed in the New Testament, where the apostle James describes the conditions that must be fulfilled by the Christian, in order that the power of omnipotence be displayed in their restoration. Let’s read:

James 5:14   Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 

  5:15   And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 

  5:16   Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Now it is true that at times God has manifested His power in a person without their first asking. These rare instances fall under the domain of God’s prerogative to do His good pleasure at any time, and in any place, and for anyone He chooses. Let’s read:

 John 5:5   And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 

  5:6   When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 

  5:7   The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 

  5:8   Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

But when it comes to our expectation in making requests for Divine power to be engaged in our behalf, the conditions and methods given in God’s word must be fulfilled, and when they are adhered to, the same God who delivered Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, will come through in marked ways for the deliverance of His people.

There is one more issue that must be dealt with as it pertains to the interfacing of divine and human power, and that is the issue of ignorance, where a Christian may not be aware of how the two work

 together. This is a problem that must be addressed, for satan can tempt and harm us on what we do not know, hence the reason why the majority of his efforts are concentrated in getting us to neglect a study of God’s word, for he is acquainted with the scripture which says “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge”.

The following statement taken from the book of Acts is often quoted out of context, or otherwise misunderstood to mean that the natural results of a course of action would be reversed by God, if a person does not know. Let’s read:

Acts 17:29   Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

17:30   And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

Now it is true that a person is only held responsible for what they could have known, but this fact does absolutely nothing to reverse the natural law of cause and effect, furthermore, the apostle Paul is here speaking in the context of people ignorantly worshipping idols, and has no relation whatsoever to the spiritual law of sowing and reaping. For instance there are many people who ignorantly eat the blood of animals in the form of rare steak, or pudding, which is a breaded product made with the blood of cattle or pigs.

And there are many more who eat the fat that is located between the sinews of animals. Their ignorance of what the Bible has to say on these matters, does absolutely nothing to forestall the natural, negative results which would inevitably accrue, when those items are ingested. Let’s read:

Leviticus 7:23   Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat. 

  7:24   And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it. 

  7:26   Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, [whether it be] of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. 

  7:27   Whatsoever soul [it be] that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people. 

If for any reason a person were to ignorantly violate these dietary laws, the omnipotent power of God shouldn’t be expected to reverse the naturally occurring results, for this would nullify that which God Himself has spoken, and if He were to deliver everyone who is ignorant of the truths He has given, then no one will take His word seriously, and we would ultimately come to lightly regard everything He has said.

The reason why this issue of the interfacing of the Divine and the human is so critically important, is because the deceptions in our day will so closely resemble the genuine, that even the elect need to be very careful, lest they get swept away by the specious reasons of our mortal foe. This danger Christ has repeatedly warned us of. Let’s read:

Mark 13:22   For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect. 

  13:23   But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which by implication, encourages us to seek for a greater and yet greater knowledge of The Most High God, so that we do not fall a prey to deceptions of the last days in which we are currently living. Let’s read:

2nd Thessalonians 2:8   And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 

  2:9   [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 

  2:10   And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.

Let us therefore live soberly, knowing that God will stand up for those who accept and understand His revealed truths and methods. God bless!

Our Redemption Draws Near. Sabbath Afternoon 08/16/2014

The current and deteriorating state of affairs in the world and here at home should appeal to the intelligence of every living person, that something cataclysmic is about to take place, for the world as we know it just cannot continue the way it is. The incessant bloodshed taking place daily, together with the unrest in many nations are omens of things to come, and therefore it behooves every rational thinking person to wake up and discern the times in which we live, so that the appropriate choices which will determine our eternal destiny can be made without delay.

In order for us to understand where we are in the stream of time, it is necessary for us to first observe what is written in the Bible, as it pertains to our day, for God has not left us in darkness as to what will transpire across the globe during the last days of this earth’s history. These prophecies were written in several places in the Bible so that the honest

seeker for truth may study them closely, and thus find shelter in Christ, before probation closes on this world. Let’s read:

Jeremiah  4:31   For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, [and] the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, [that] bewaileth herself, [that] spreadeth her hands, [saying], Woe [is] me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.  

Even though the prophet is here writing in the context of what was to befall ancient Jerusalem, yet we are assured in the scriptures that there will certainly be a repetition of what took place, only it will me much worse than it was back then, for there is nothing new under the sun, and history repeats itself. So says the word. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 1:9   The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun. 

  1:10   Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

And so the prophet continues the saga of our final history in words of solemn pathos. Let’s read:

Jeremiah 6:22   Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth. 

  6:23   They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they [are] cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion. 

  6:24   We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail. 

  6:25   Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy [and] fear [is] on every side. 

The same words and predictions are echoed in the New Testament, where Paul describes the rapid increase of earth’s perplexities as a woman in

travail, yearning to be delivered of her child. Let’s read:

Romans 8:22   For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 

  8:23   And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

These prophecies and solemn statements should be understood in the context of the way in which a woman gives birth. Before a woman goes into labor at the end of her pregnancy, she begins to experience painful contractions that occur few and far between, but as the time for her delivery draws near, her labor pains are greatly increased, both in frequency and severity, until she can no longer retain her child, and thus her baby is born.

The very same pattern of occurrences is true of the many woes that are coming upon the earth, and increasing in frequency and severity, a fact that cannot be disputed, even by the casual observer,

or the unbelieving atheist. In order for us to have a better sense of what is taking place, it is necessary for us to observe the timeline of a series of dire and disturbing events which have occurred over the last few months of the year 2014.

It was March 8th 2014 when the Malaysian jet liner, flight 370 disappeared from radar without a trace, with 239 people on board, triggering a massive multinational search for the missing plane, but five months later, no one has a clue as to where it may or may not be. That same month saw the beginning of the social unrest in Ukraine, resulting in the annexation of Crimea, which has then led to a deepening stand-off between Russia and the West. 

A little over a month later, the terrorist group, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 school girls at midnight, triggering a global outcry against the brutal tactics used by the group. The following month there was another mass shooting in California where several people were gunned down in indiscriminate carnage. The next month saw the downing of a Malaysian jet filled with almost three hundred innocent persons, by pro-Russian activists, which then led to numerous sanctions against the Communist state. 

But as if that weren’t enough, Israel and Hamas went to war the in following month of July, in which over 1800 people have been killed so far, and before any resolution could be forged, Isis, the terror group has invaded Iraq, and is currently slaughtering thousands upon thousands of innocent civilians and Christians, who will not subscribe to their philosophies. In addition to all of these woes, here comes the deadly Ebola virus, for which there is no proven cure, and the threat of a world-wide epidemic looms on the horizon. 

It sounds as if those labor pains which the Bible refers to are increasing in frequency and intensity, and the rapidity with which each deadly occurrence is taking place has caused the issue of the missing Malaysian jet to fade into obscurity, so that the incident is not even mentioned anymore. As a result, individuals and nations are gradually being desensitized to the increasing violence and bloodshed, to the point where the tragic loss of human life is now looked upon with increasing indifference.

Many people are making the mistake of blaming politicians and world leaders for the ever-increasing problems, but they themselves do not have the answers to our perplexities. Very many American presidents, political leaders and ambassadors have tried on several occasions to resolve the disputes between the Palestinians and Israel, but with no success, and the same result will be made manifest after efforts made to resolve the other global disturbances have failed miserably.

 The reason for these failures is because, although we may have good intentions of peace and security, we do not have the remedies or the cure for the world’s problems, for the real disturbance is located within the human heart, and as such it constitutes a spiritual problem, which only a spiritual God can ultimately solve. It’s important then for us to turn to the Bible for both the diagnosis and the remedy to all of life’s difficulties. Let’s start with the cause.

Question: What is the root cause of all the problems we are now saddled with? The answer is given in clear, unmistakable lines from the pen of inspiration. Let’s read:

Isaiah 24:3   The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. 

  24:4   The earth mourneth [and] fadeth away, the world languisheth [and] fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. 

  24:5   The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 

  24:6   Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. 

Question: What laws are being referred to by the prophet Isaiah?

Answer: The Ten Commandments which have been given to us by God as the rule and guide of life. For instance the Bible tells us that sin is the

transgression of the law, and the wages of sin is death, so then, the multitudinous dangers that are coming upon the world must be as a direct result of sin.

Lance Armstrong had a brilliant career in the world of cycling, and was well respected in high and low circles for his achievements. But after many illustrious years, it was suspected that he was using performance enhancing drugs and blood doping to win the many titles and victories he had accrued.

 These charges and questions were vehemently denied by him on several different occasions, until just recently it was proven beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he was indeed using the forbidden products and methods, and as a result, the fame and fortune that attended him throughout his career, started to disintegrate at an alarming pace, for the many sponsors and corporations that had sponsored him, began pulling their public and financial support. His demise can be directly attributed to a violation of the ninth commandment which reads as follows:

Exodus 20:16   Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 

Tiger Woods was well respected by everyone, and was looked up to by many as a father figure worth emulating, since to all appearances he had the perfect family. That was until it was discovered that he had several illicit lovers, and since that time he has never been able to regain control of the golfing world. His retrogression can be directly linked to the violation of the seventh commandment which reads as follows:

Exodus 20:14   Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Yesterday, August the 15th, Boko Haram kidnapped several dozen boys and men from a remote village in northeast Nigeria, in addition to the two hundred plus girls who were taken in April, and who still remain missing. Their misdeeds are directly linked to a blatant violation of the law of God which reads as follows:

Exodus 20:15   Thou shalt not steal. 

And Isis has slaughtered, and continues to behead thousands upon thousands of innocent civilians and Christians, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the sixth commandment which reads as follows:

Exodus 20:13   Thou shalt not kill.

But on the wider stage, there are the morbid results which inevitably follow the violation of the fourth commandment, which reads as follows:

Exodus 20:8   Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 

  20:9   Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 

  20:10   But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: 

  20:11   For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 

Some may be wondering how the violation of the sacred day of rest is related in any way to the turmoil that is transpiring across the earth. For answers we do not have to look far, for the sacred history recounts in detail what was the result of continual, deliberate Sabbath-breaking. Let’s read:

 2nd Chronicles 36:19   And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. 

  36:20   And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: 

  36:21   To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

 Leviticus 26:34   Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye [be] in your enemies' land; [even] then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths. 

  26:35   As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it. 

It is because of the constant violation of God’s law why the current problems of this earth, and those pestilences and disturbances that are already on the way, cannot be averted, resolved or prevented, unless this core issue of the validity of God’s law is addressed both individually and globally, for the law of sowing and reaping will continue as long as time will last. Let’s read:

 Galations 6:7   Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 

  6:8   For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

It is of critical importance for us to know what the remedy to all of these issues really is, for we have tried in vain to find solutions outside of God, only to come up empty-handed, and worst off than where we started. Man’s way of dealing with the problem

of sin is to apply external remedies to an internal and spiritual problem. For instance, if a person is arrested for stealing, and is convicted, we send him or her to jail for a period of time, with the hope that they will learn honesty. 

But incarceration only prevents them from actually stealing, but it does not address the internal problem of thinking like a thief, and so, when they are released, the sinful thoughts which drove the actions in the first place are reignited again, once opportunity presents itself, and they usually relapse into their former activities, only to be jailed again and again, and so the futile cycle continues without end.

Similarly with the national and global problem of terrorism, which has come as a plague upon the earth. Drones and missiles cannot shoot down sin, and as much as we may bomb and kill the terrorists, we are incapable of bombing their mindset, which, as history has proven, only resurfaces in a more deadly form.

The problem is an internal one, and therefore the solution must of necessity be internal also, and that’s why God presents us with the only remedy that works, even Christ, who brings us a permanent change of heart, so that the destructive behaviors we indulge in are brought to a halt as The Holy Spirit takes up residence in our minds, thus changing us from the inside out.

As David pondered the evil he had done in killing one of his most faithful soldiers to have his wife, he was alarmed and startled to know just how far a human being will go in order to materialize, the evil thoughts which otherwise lie dormant within the precincts of the human heart, and as he beheld his own wretchedness and utter inability do change himself, he then cried out to God, not to send drones or troops with hell-fire missiles, but to change his heart from the inside, and it was in this frame of mind that he penned the following sacred words. Let’s read:

Psalms 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according

to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude

of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 

  51:2   Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 

  51:5   Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 

  51:6   Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 

  51:7   Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

  51:10   Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 

  51:11   Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 

As we see the fulfillment of prophecy before our eyes, God cautions us not to try to remedy the situation by using any external measures. He cautions us not to purchase any doomsday bunkers, and He does not say to stop work or school in order to move into the Everglades, where there are many uninvited “Guests”! What He does say to all is to look up, for our redemption draws nigh, and as many as desire to escape all these things that are coming upon the earth in fast and furious fashion, He says, take refuge in Christ while we have opportunity to do so, for Jesus died to save us, not in our sins but from our sins.

We therefore end with two passages of scripture which point us to Christ as the only solution to all of life’s problems, and it is the will of God that His internal remedy be applied across the entire spectrum of the human experience. Let’s read:

Isaiah 55:6   Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 

  55:7   Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

 55:12   For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands. 

  55:13   Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.  

Revelation 22:17   And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 

May the Grace of God and the fellowship of The Holy Spirit, rest and abide in our hearts until Christ returns to make all things new. God bless!

A Scriptural Understanding Of Justification and Sanctification Sabbath Afternoon 08/10/2014

One of the greatest deceptions of our day has to do with the misinterpretation of what justification and sanctification mean, as they pertain to godly living. To begin with, it is important for us to have a clear knowledge of what the two words mean. To “Justify” means to acquit of wrong doing, and to “Sanctify” means to make holy, or to consecrate for holiness.

We must be very careful not to let Hollywood put its own spin on what exactly took place at Calvary, for if we subscribe to their version of Christ’s sacrifice in our behalf, we will end up feeling sorry for Jesus, a reaction that was never intended by God. God does not desire anyone to feel sorry for Christ, but instead He would have us understand first, why we deserve what we deserve, and secondarily to appreciate what our acquittal cost. 

When our focus is removed from the deeper issues involved at the cross, then our understanding of the great sacrifice made in our behalf becomes emotionally charged, and we will consequently serve God from an emotional perspective, which is essentially fluid in nature, instead of with the clear understanding of the value and necessity of His great sacrifice. That’s why in order for us to have an intelligent understanding of God’s grace, we must study law, for both concepts are inseparably intertwined, hence the reason why the psalmist David penned the following words. Let’s read:

Psalms 119:18   Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

119:41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, [even] thy salvation, according to thy word. 

  119:42   So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.  

In any court of law, a person can only be acquitted of wrong if evidence to the contrary has been clearly established and presented. But the Bible makes it very clear that we have no evidence in and of ourselves to present, in order that we may be absolved of wrong doing. This statement of fact also includes the many “Good deeds” we may have done or continue to do. 

For instance, Bernie Madoff was a prominent philanthropist who gave away millions of dollars to worthy, charitable causes. Yet when he was arraigned on charges of fraud, embezzlement, and the running of the largest Ponzi scheme in history, his good deeds could not be brought into the equation as a means whereby his evil deeds could be off-set. Doing good in some areas does not atone for wrongs committed in other areas, hence the reason why the Bible states unequivocally, that no person can be acquitted by doing good, for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Let’s read:

Romans 3:20   Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. 

  3:23   For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. 

It follows logically then, that in order for us to be acquitted of sin, some perfect form of evidence must be presented in our behalf, and that evidence can only be found in Christ, who has no sinful history to tarnish his innocence, as we have. The question then for us to understand at this point is how can it be legally acceptable in a court of law, to present evidence belonging to an innocent person in behalf of a guilty person? In attempting to understand this question we should remember that whatever God does is done in truth and righteousness and is perfect as far as justice is concerned. This sacred truth is firmly established in the Bible. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 32:3   Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 

  32:4   [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he. 

The reason why this action of acquittal through the transference of the innocence and righteousness of Christ is legal, is because the guilt of another person was transferred to all of us by inheritance, without our consent or input, and that’s what makes the transference of righteousness to us, fair and balanced. Let’s read again:

Galatians 3:11   But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  

The phrases “No flesh” and “All have sinned” as used in Romans 3:22& 23 are all inclusive, meaning that every person that is born, or will be born is not acquitted by doing right or good charitable deeds. It is very important for us to understand what the apostle Paul is stating, for an incorrect interpretation of these passages can lead to self-righteousness. When we refer to our justification or acquittal, as accomplished for us by Christ, we often look back at our personal lives to see exactly where our feet stumbled, and in many cases we can indeed point to a plethora of sinful thoughts, actions, habits, and indulgences, which deserve the retribution that was meted out to Christ at Calvary.

Yes, we did commit adultery on several occasions, and yes, we did shack up before getting married, and yes, we did have children out of wedlock, and yes, we did smoke our spliff filled with ganga and other forbidden herbs, and yes, we did drink a whole lot of fire water, and yes we did curse out several people on different occasions, and yes, we did go to jail for punching someone in the face, and yes, we do deserve the punishment that Christ received in our stead.

However, this aspect of our guilt and subsequent acquittal by Christ is the easy part, for we can clearly see where we have done wrong. But this aspect does not address the deeper issue of acquittal on the part of someone who did not commit any of these sins, and therefore, in order for us to understand the other aspect of justification, we will now take a journey into the interior province of Punjab Pakistan, where a little girl by the name of Chandra was born a few months ago, to God-fearing Christian parents.

As Chandra was being delivered, the umbilical cord somehow got wrapped around her neck and thus choked off much needed oxygen to her brain, and as a result she was born partially brain dead. However the doctors were able to stabilize her and kept her alive for some time. But after a while she suddenly began to deteriorate and she finally expired after only three short weeks. 

Chandra did not smoke any spliff, neither did she commit adultery, or punch anyone in the face, yet, if God decides to save her, she also would have to be acquitted, since the Bible clearly states that all have sinned. Guilt is a state not a feeling, and since Chandra was born into a state of guilt because of Adam’s sin, therefore she is just as in need of Christ’s perfect innocence and righteousness, as is Bernie Madoff. Let’s read:

Romans 5:12   Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  

5:14   Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 

There are also some other issues pertaining to acquittal, that we should all be cognizant of, for there is a doctrine now being circulated in modern Christendom which says “Once saved, always saved, and many sincere Christians have chosen to hang their salvation hat upon this unscriptural peg. Acquittal only becomes permanent as we continue to live and walk in the sunshine of Christ’s innocence and righteousness, for it is very possible that after our acquittal, that we can be again be found guilty of the original charge of sin, and that’s why the doctrine which teaches that our justification is forever sealed for eternity, cannot have weight in the heavenly courts, neither can it be upheld in earthly courts.

O.J Simpson was once acquitted on the charge of slaying his wife and friend, much to the chagrin of millions of people who watched the court proceedings with deep interest. However he was later found guilty of other crimes, and is now sitting in state penitentiary, even though he was formerly acquitted. The same is true of those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Our acquittal becomes permanent if we choose not to return to a life of sin.

Sanctification however, is the other aspect of the salvation process that needs to be urgently addressed, for God’s ultimate purpose in instituting the plan of salvation, was not only to justify us, but more so to sanctify us, by the removal of every evil trait of character, and clothing us with the robe of Christ’s righteousness, a process that takes a lifetime. Let’s read:

1st Thessalonians 4:3   For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 

  4:4   That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 

  4:5   Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 

  4:7  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Many of us as Christians, stop at the point of justification and do not advance to the stage of sanctification, and because of this, inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil are left to run riot, whilst we number themselves as the followers of Christ.

Justification is just the beginning phase, and therefore God desires to continue the work of sanctification in our hearts, by uprooting every un-Christ-like trait of character, and replacing them with His own robe of Righteousness, which not only covers our sins, but also saturates us with His goodness, so that our Christian experience would not be superficial in nature, but rather deep and enduring. The apostle refers to this second phase as moving on to perfection. Let’s read:

Hebrews 6:1   Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 

  6:2   Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 

If we were to ask a five year old to show us what he has learned in math, he would probably say that two and two is equal to four. But if thirty years later, we were to meet the same person, and were to ask him to show us what he has learned in Math over the years, we would be very surprised if he still said two and two is equal to four. The same is true of the growth in grace that God desires to accomplish in us, for it is an ongoing developmental process, with an upward trajectory, hence the reason why the apostle Peter encourages us to participate in the work of sanctification. Let’s read:

  2nd Peter 1:3   According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 

  1:4   Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

  1:5   And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 

  1:6   And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 

  1:7   And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 

  1:8   For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In our day and in our own experiences we need to make certain that we do not stop at the acquittal phase, but let us rather move forward into the sanctification stage, so that our lives may bear testimony as to the realities of salvation, as God originally intended. Many of the ancient Hebrews fell into the snare of a superficial, external form of religion that does not touch the heart, nor change old habits, and as a direct result of this, they were lost for eternity. We ourselves are counseled in the Bible to learn from their experiences, by not being satisfied with mere justification, but also to cooperate with God throughout the entire salvation process which is done on an everyday basis. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10:1   Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 

  10:2   And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 

  10:3   And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 

  10:4   And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 

  10:5   But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 

  10:6   Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 

  10:7   Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 

  10:8   Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 

  10:9   Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 

  10:10   Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 

10:11   Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 

  10:12   Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 

  10:13   There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. 

  10:14   Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 

May the Lord add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God bless!

The Dwarf And The Giant. Sabbath Afternoon 07/19/2014

The exercise of a living faith in God is our most valuable asset, especially in these turbulent times in which we live. The Bible teaches us that the just shall live by faith, and our expectations are directly linked to our understanding and our belief in God, and the fact that He is all-powerful.

Faith in God is becoming more and more a rare commodity, for many different reasons, one of which is the fact that we are immersed in manmade devices that are subject to failure, subject to limitations, and prone to hacking, and as a result we live with a level of uncertainty that often robs us of the ability to exercise that faith in God that can withstand trial and temptations, that can overcome all hurdles, that can see the unseen, and that can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

The faith in God that the Bible is referring to must be developed to the point where it can withstand hunger, thirst, and tiredness, a living faith that can prevent the advance of zoonotic and other diseases, a faith that will hold at bay the various epidemics that are going to appear across the world, a faith that cannot be detected by radar, and cannot be discovered by satellites a faith that cannot be interrupted, searched out, or destroyed by drones, a faith that can withstand bullets, and will not shrink even though it is severely tried.

This is the kind of faith that was exercised by David when he faced the prospect of defeating the giant. The children of Israel had fled before the face and threats of Goliath, who was the star of the Philistine army, and day by day he would come out to curse them to their face, and to make a mockery of The living God, while the hosts of Israel with their king Saul, cowered in fear and trembled at the sight of him. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:2   And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. 

  17:3   And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and [there was] a valley between them. 

  17:4   And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span. 

  17:5   And [he had] an helmet of brass upon his head, and he [was] armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat [was] five thousand shekels of brass. 

  17:6   And [he had] greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. 

  17:7   And the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head [weighed] six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. 

  17:8   And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set [your] battle in array? [am] not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. 

  17:9   If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. 

  17:10   And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. 

17:11   When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. 

This Goliath, who was obviously on steroids, had defied the armies of Israel by making a mockery of their faith in God, and yet, throughout the vast hosts of Israel there was not one man who would stand up for Jesus, and by the grace of God, send the giant back into never-land. However, in the hills of Bethlehem of Judah, there was one young man, David by name who came forward, who showed no fear of the philistine and asked for the golden opportunity to slay the giant.

We use the phrase “Golden opportunity” in contrast with the fear and trembling that was invoked by the same dire situation in the minds and hearts of the other Israelites, for nothing had changed except that where Saul and his soldiers saw only defeat and failure, David with the eye of faith saw only success and triumph. They were both faced with a very daunting and dangerous situation, but what made all the difference in the world was their mindset, the disposition to be overwhelmed by negatives, by dwelling on all the bad things that could happen if they were to take on Goliath, while David dwelt entirely on the fact that God is able to do all things through those that exercise a living faith in Him, and it was from this perspective that he got the sturdy confidence to move forward in his purpose to slay the giant. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:22   And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. 

  17:23   And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard [them]. 

  17:24   And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. 

  17:25   And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, [that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. 

  17:26   And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

When David observed what was taking place he became very upset for two main reasons, one, that the gun toting philistine should have the audacity to defy The living God in such a disrespectful and daring manner, and two, because the entire army, together with Saul should flee because of Goliaths threats and curses. But it is worthy of note that David did not just happen to come in possession of the faith he displayed by chance, but day by day, as difficulties and challenges presented themselves, David used them as opportunities to hone and perfect his faith in God, so that when he was faced with the giant, he had the confidence and assurance that was needed, both through knowledge and practice. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:32   And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 

  17:33   And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 

  17:34   And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 

  17:35   And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 

  17:36   Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 

  17:37   David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

It’s critically important for us to note that David knew exactly where his strength came from, for he did not depend upon the arm of flesh, but instead acknowledged the fact that it was God who delivered him in those prior instances, and therefore, because of these personal, undeniable testimonies of his, he was now able to move forward in faith, knowing that The same God who came through for him in times past, will now do it again.

 But there was one problem that Saul still saw as an obstacle to complete victory, for David did not have any armor wherewith to fight, and so Saul did the best that he could do, by offering his own armor and sword to David. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:38   And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 

  17:39   And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved [it]. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved [them]. And David put them off him. 

This armor of Saul would have been a major hindrance to the victory God was about to give to His servant David, for it represented manmade inventions, schemes, and methods that are often used in overcoming hurdles and difficulties. Saul’s armor consisted of logic, finite reasoning, limits, common sense, and all of the other elements that we often use, that are really impediments to the exercise of living faith. So instead of taking Saul’s spear, David took the sword of the Spirit. Instead of Saul’s shield, he took the shield of faith, and instead of Saul’s helmet, David took the helmet of salvation, and with these three God-ordained pieces of spiritual armor, David pressed on in haste to meet and defeat the giant. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:40   And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling [was] in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 

  17:41   And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield [went] before him. 

  17:42   And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was [but] a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 

1st Samuel 17:40   And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling [was] in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 

  17:41   And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield [went] before him. 

  17:42   And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was [but] a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 

  17:46   This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 

  17:47   And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.

17:48   And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 

  17:49   And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 

  17:50   So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David. 

  17:51   Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. 

This experience of David and Goliath, the dwarf and the giant, is fraught with instruction for us who are living in the twenty-first century, where, in the spiritual battles we face we are prone to use manmade “guns”, and “roses”, and many other humanistic inventions and schemes that are of no use to us or to God, and that’s one of the main reasons why we sometimes suffer defeat at the hands of our enemies.

Furthermore, it’s important for us to know that this incident is not a mere story, but represents on a wider stage, the battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil that were played out on the desert stage in the life and victories of Christ. As was stated over and over again in previous Bible studies, The Lord often uses incidents in the physical realm to portray great truths in the spiritual realm, and vice-versa, a system which we often refer to as the two-pronged method of interpreting the scriptures. This is confirmed by the following texts which are stacked line upon line. Let’s read:

1st Samuel17:16   And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 

Luke 4:1   And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 

  4:2   Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

4:8   And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

  4:14   And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

1st Samuel 17:49   And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

That rock that smote into Goliath’s forehead represented Christ. Let’s read:

Genesis 3:14   And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 

  3:15   And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Daniel 2:34   Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 

  2:35   Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

The same attitude that was displayed by Saul and the hosts of Israel, was formerly seen in the disposition exhibited by the Israelites, when faced with the giants in the land of Canaan. As the twelve spies returned from searching out the land, ten of them deliberately chose to dwell on the negative aspects of their adventure, instead of dwelling on the positives, and by so doing they reasoned themselves out of the hand of God, so that He was literally prevented from doing great things for them. Let’s read:

Numbers 13:26   And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 

  13:27   And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this [is] the fruit of it. 

  13:28   Nevertheless the people [be] strong that dwell in the land, and the cities [are] walled, [and] very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 

  13:29   The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. 

  13:30   And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 

  13:31   But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they [are] stronger than we. 

  13:32   And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, [is] a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it [are] men of a great stature. 

13:33   And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. 

Numbers 14:1   And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 

  14:2   And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 

  14:3   And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 

  14:4   And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. 

14:5   Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. 

  14:6   And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: 

  14:7   And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, [is] an exceeding good land. 

  14:8   If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 

  14:9   Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not. 

  14:10   But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. 

  14:11   And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them?

This tendency of allowing negatives to consume our thoughts is not good, and should be resolutely put away, for it effectively stifles faith and literally ties the hands of God, so that the mighty things He intends to do for us, lay idle on the back-burner. While faith does not ignore negative possibilities, yet it is not inhibited by daunting circumstances, and is thus enabled to rise above the maze of man’s logical reasonings and limits, to soar to new heights of victories and discoveries.

Some Christians allow negative possibilities to prevent them from stepping out in faith, to do that which seems impossible to mortal eyes. For instance, some people would not move to Florida, because they are afraid of hurricanes, but they also wouldn’t move to California, for there they might meet with earthquakes. Oklahoma and the Midwest is not even given consideration by them because of tornadoes, and Chicago is too cold for comfort. And so they reason and reason and dwell continually on the negatives to the point where they end up homeless.

Others are scared to have children, because we are living in an evil world, while others put their  education and personal advancement on hold because Jesus is coming soon. And many others are afraid to build or to renovate because of fear of the time of trouble, and so it is that many of us live our entire lives in a cramped spiritual cubicle, while many opportunities, adventures and possibilities pass us by daily.

I remember clearly the time when we were purchasing our home. As we sat at the closing table, the realtors seemed to be ill at ease, for the mortgage payment was pretty high, and so they watched nervously as we signed all the closing documents. I will never forget what took place right after everything was signed, for one of the realtors asked me a direct question with a cynical look on his face. He asked us how are we going to pay for the house, to which I responded, I don’t know. He then laughed it off with a half smile that savored of doubt and skepticism.

A few years later, after the great recession had hit America, he called to find out how we were doing and if we were still living in the same house to which I quickly responded that God had seen us through and we were all alive and doing well. His company had gone out of business, while those who trusted in God were doing just fine.

As Christians, we need to remember at all times and in all places, that we are not supposed to operate or live by the same standards and methods that are used by the world, and where the unbeliever only sees dark and rainy days ahead, we should see sunshine, because the God whom we serve is in control of both the sun and the rain, and He has plainly told us that all things will work together for the good of those who love God.

We therefore should consider a passage of scripture that presents both prospects of darkness and light, and the disposition we harbor will directly affect the way in which our future experiences will be handled. Let’s read:

Isaiah 21:11   The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? 

  21:12   The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.

Our attitude will determine which of the two we will experience, either the morning experience or the night experience, it all has to do with the battles between the dwarf and the giant, as they unfold in our day to day experiences. May God help us to exercise that living faith in Him that will enable us to vanquish all external and internal foes, as we read our last passage of scripture for this afternoon. Let’s read:

  Ephesians 6:10   Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

  6:11   Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

  6:12   For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 

  6:13   Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

  6:14   Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

  6:15   And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

  6:16   Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

  6:17   And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

  6:18   Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

Overcoming Inherited And Cultivated Tendencies To Evil. Sabbath Afternoon 07/12/2014

Before we begin to study this very important topic for today, there are some fundamental truths pertaining to the human experience that we should fully understand. All human beings are born with fallen natures and natural tendencies to do evil, regardless of our upbringing, indoctrination in the truth, culture, race, education, or social standing. When we use the term “Fallen nature” we are referring to those natural desires that we were originally made with, that were severely compromised after Adam and Eve chose to sin.

For instance, the acute pangs of hunger we sometimes suffer, would never have reached those extremes in a perfect world, with a fine tuned body. The drowsiness and fatigue we experience after working, was not the result God originally intended. Then again, those acute sexual impulses which sometimes threaten our sanity, were not originally intended to have such a dramatic effect on our physical bodies, so as to push us into irrational behaviors.

The well-balanced human body with its finely tuned organs, nerves, cells, and all that pertains to it, was originally designed by God to be a harmonious and perfect whole, being governed by an intelligent and rational thinking mind, that was in harmony with both God’s natural and physical laws. However when sin entered our world, the whole human frame was thrown out of equilibrium, and was now governed by impulse, feelings, emotions and cravings, often with no regard for law, or the rights of others, or even for our own well-being.

The abnormal tendencies of ours which crave good things in excess, like food, drink and sex, and evil things such as alcohol, drugs, and polygamy without restrictions, are what we are referring to as evil propensities. These evil biases also have their spiritual counterparts in the form of pride, revenge, covetousness, anger, greed, self-preservation, malice and general animosity towards God. Let’s read:

 Psalms 14:2   The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.

  14:3   They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

Another point to consider as we move forward, is that both Adam and Eve sinned through the decision making process of free choice. Eve’s decision to sin was based on deceptions presented to her, but Adam’s decision was based on conscious knowledge of wrong doing, and therefore the propensity to sin was deeply etched into the human conscience through his sin, and thus it was passed on to all future generations as a genetic and hereditary problem. Let’s read:

 1st Timothy 2:13   For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 

  2:14   And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

That’s why the phrase “Sins of the fathers” are mentioned or referred to several times in the scriptures, whereas the phrase “Sins of the mothers” are not mentioned even once, not merely because it may have been a chauvinistic society back then, but rather because it is a genetic and scientific fact, that all children inherit the propensity to sin from their fathers, not from their mothers. This profound truth should serve the purpose of restraining fathers from indulging and knowingly cultivating sin, for then we will pass on the genetic tendencies to our children as a legacy. We are going to confirm this sobering truth from several places in the Bible. Let’s read:

Exodus 34:6   And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 

  34:7   Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Nehemiah 9:2   And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

Isaiah 65:7   Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.

Lamentations   5:7   Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.

Daniel 9:16   O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people [are become] a reproach to all [that are] about us.

  Psalms 106:6   We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 

  106:7   Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked [him] at the sea, [even] at the Red sea.

 Jeremiah 14:20   We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, [and] the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

Ezekiel 18:20   The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

And for those who might still be sitting on the fence as it pertains to this truth, we will now carefully observe what the scriptures say about Jezebel, a notoriously evil woman who influenced, and almost bullied her husband Ahab into doing evil. Let’s read:

 1st kings  18:4   For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

 1st Kings 19:1   And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 

  19:2   Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 

  19:3   And when he saw [that], he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which [belongeth] to Judah, and left his servant there.

1st kings 21:25   But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 

  21:26   And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all [things] as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

1st Kings 22:51   Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel. 

  22:52   And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin: 

  22:53   For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.

It’s not that the sins of mothers do not have a negative impact on their offspring, they do, but what the Bible is saying is that the propensity or the “Drive” to sin is perpetuated by the fathers. We inherit our fallen nature from both our parents, but the biased tendency to do evil inevitably comes from the fathers alone, and that’s why we should be extremely careful when quoting or studying the following texts.

Hebrews  2:17   Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 

  2:18   For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 4:15   For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. 

  4:16   Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

There was absolutely no bent or bias to sin in Christ, for even though He got his fallen nature from Mary, yet God was His father, and therefore it was impossible for Him to be born with any natural tendency to do evil as we are. However, the Bible states explicitly that Jesus was severely tempted, and suffered through these temptations, because they were tailor-made to address the acute cravings of our fallen nature such as hunger and thirst etc, but we must also remember that there is nothing that is intrinsically wrong with being hungry. The sin on appetite occurs when we fulfill these severe cravings in a way that is contrary to God’s written or revealed will.

Let’s observe the following scriptures very carefully, line upon line, before we proceed. Let’s read:

Colossians 2:8   Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 

  2:9   For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

John 1:1   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

  1:2   The same was in the beginning with God. 

  1:3   All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 

  1:4   In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

These passages of scripture teach us beyond all doubt that Jesus is fully God. Now let’s see what the scriptures say about God, as it pertains to the issue of evil or sinful tendencies. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 32:3   Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 

  32:4   [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he. 

James 1:13   Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.

In order for us to understand this verse in context, we need to observe the process that leads to sin as it occurs in fallen man. Let’s read:

James 1:14   But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 

  1:15   Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Many people, even amongst Christians, erroneously believe that the temptations presented to Christ, were a breeze for Him to overcome, because of the fact that there was to tendency to evil in Him. Nothing could be further from the truth, as a matter of fact, we will never ever be tempted as fiercely as Jesus was, for God has plainly stated in His word that he places a limit on satan to prevent him from tempting us too harshly, so that we fall. There was no such limit on the temptations of Christ, for the devil was permitted to pull out all the stops, by taking Jesus to the very edge of resistance, if by any means he could cause Him to sin. Let’s read:

Hebrews 12:2   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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

  12:3   For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 

  12:4   Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Men generally have a much more difficult time resisting sexual sins than women, yet we have never ever heard or read of any man resisting adultery until he starts to bleed. Let’s read again:

Hebrews 2:18   For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. 

Question: So how was Christ “Severely tempted”?

In order for us to better understand the nature of Christ’s sufferings under temptation we are going to present an allegory of Jesus and a man by the name of John, whose father and grandfather were very heavy drinkers, and thus they passed on to him an inherited propensity to drink alcohol.

Jesus, whose main trade is carpentry sets out early one morning with John to complete a project they had started in one of the neighborhood homes in the vicinity of Nazareth. The place is about thirty miles walking distance from where they are, and so they leave quite early to arrive at around 9:30 am.

Upon arrival they immediately set about working, cutting and fitting the heavy wood that the job required. At last, the job is completed and they set out on their long journey home, even though they have not drank any water or liquids for the entire day.

They travel about fifteen miles when they begin to feel the effects of dehydration. Their lips are dried and parched from the sweltering summer sun, and their footsteps are now slow and faltering, yet they press on, hoping to find some local shop or neighborhood grocery where they can procure the fluids they so desperately need. Christ suffers severely and John suffers severely, yet they must keep on moving, lest they give up hope and go into shock as a result.

Finally in the distance, they see what seems to be a seven eleven store, and so they try to hasten their footsteps, but upon arriving, they discover that the store only has Pepsi and Bud light in the huge refrigerator. John who has a naturally tendency to drink alcohol, eagerly reaches for the cold Bud light to quench his thirst, while Jesus searches in vain for some zephyr hills water, or at least some fruit juice.

Finding none, He then searches for the next best option, some soy milk, but the local store does not carry that product either. John looks on intently to see what Jesus would do to alleviate his intense suffering, but to his dismay, watches as Christ slowly closes the refrigerator and walks away in utter disappointment.

They continue on their journey in the twilight hours, but John is now gravely concerned for Jesus’ well being, as he knows that He could not continue on like that for much longer. Suddenly, without warning, Christ’s steps falter, and He falls to the ground suffering from extreme heat exhaustion and dehydration, yet He refuses to have one of the cold six packs, which John had purchased. His eyes are now dim and He begins to hallucinate, as he struggles to maintain consciousness, but by and by, Christ’s voice goes silent as He slips into unconsciousness, because he refuses to satisfy His acute thirst with a product that’s forbidden in the word of God. Let’s read the word again:

You {“John”} have not resisted unto blood striving against sin, and you and I will never suffer like Christ suffered, because of the limitations which God has placed on satan. What the devil often does is to push us to the edge of the precipice, and then offer us an alternative way out of our predicaments, using methods, products, and devices that are forbidden in God’s word, hence the reason why Christ suffered so violently under the determined assaults of the evil one. Let’s read:

John 19:28   After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

Matthew 27:33   And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 

  27:34   They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink.

We are to overcome sin and evil tendencies just like Jesus did, through the power of the Holy Spirit, working through our freedom of choice, and it begins in the little things. The next time we open the  refrigerator, and we are faced with a choice of Heinekin or orange juice, let us choose the good instead of the evil, and if there are no good options available, as in the allegory with Christ, then we must determine beforehand that we will not venture out of the parameters which God has set, by defiling ourselves with what He has condemned.

These little choices for righteousness on a day to day basis, then sets up a pattern of behavior that becomes a habit, and when habit is fully developed, it becomes an integral part of the fabric of our characters.

Now it’s very important for us to know that the devil has no interest in one-time sins that do not cause real long-term damage. His steadfast purpose is to get us to open the doors of sinful indulgence through which he can tempt, annoy and harass us for very many years. For instance, in Genesis we read of one door that was opened up by Abraham, acting on the advice of his wife Sarah, through which the devil was then able to tempt, and make life almost unbearable for their household for many years. Not only did he make their lives miserable, but the after effects of that one bad choice has continued on for thousands of generations, even to the twenty-first century, in which Abraham’s descendents continue to “duke it out”, with no permanent resolution in sight. Let’s read:

Genesis 16:1   Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name [was] Hagar. 

  16:2  And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. 

  16:3  And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. 

  16:4   And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. 

  16:5   And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong [be] upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee. 

These bad choices that are cultivated through our own choice, decisions, and sinful indulgence, are usually the most difficult to overcome, for some of them continue to plague us even after we have given our lives to Christ. So here comes Jesus, who then makes a series of very profound promises in helping us to live victoriously. Let’s read:

1st John 1:7   But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

    1:9   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

2nd Corinthians 5:17   Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ezekiel 36:26   A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 

  36:27   And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

So the question is why do we continue to struggle with some of those old inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil? Why doesn’t God just snap His fingers, work a miracle, and cause them to disappear permanently, as He obviously can?

In answering this very important question we must state unequivocally, that God is able to reverse instantly and permanently, all genetic and cherished propensities to evil, but He must of necessity leave some of them in place for a while so that we can deliberately choose to serve Him, by deciding in favor of righteousness over evil.

Otherwise, if God were to miraculously take away every sinful tendency from us at the time of our conversion, we would be then made into spiritual robots, having no valid, ongoing choice in the matter of free and willing service. But the habit and pattern of deliberate right-doing must be set up by us as free moral agents, to which God then adds His omnipotent power to make effectual, the good we have chosen.

However, this process of decision and consequent cleansing does take time. It took time for sinful behaviors to be entrenched into our characters through habitual choice, and it will take time for some of them to be uprooted, and in their place, righteousness be etched into our consciences. It all takes time, effort, deliberate, consistent choice, and omnipotent power working in and for us, through much prayer, grace and faith in God. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 10:3   For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 

  10:4   (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 

  10:5   Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Galatians 2:20   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

1st Timothy 6:12   Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1st Corinthians 9:25   And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 

  9:26   I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 

  9:27   But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Colossians 3:5   Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Ephesians  6:16   Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

  6:17   And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

  6:18   Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

We therefore turn to a passage of scripture which encapsulates in précis form, the process of gaining the victory over inherited and cultivated tendencies. It is taken from the Old Testament, and it is written in dark sentences, but spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and therefore the sacred truths contained therein would be made plain to the eye of the beholder. Let’s read:   

 Joshua 10:14   And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. 

  10:15   And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. 

  10:16   But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. 

  10:17   And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah. 

  10:18   And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them: 

  10:19   And stay ye not, [but] pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand. 

  10:21   And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. 

  10:22   Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave. 

10:23   And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, [and] the king of Eglon. 

  10:24   And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

These five kings or sins here represented, must be eradicated by Joshua in conjunction with the heirs of salvation, for all spiritual victories are won in cooperation with God, that’s why He calls his chosen ones ISRAEL. Ish, the Hebrew word for man, Ra, the Hebrew word for evil, and El, the Hebrew word for God, but observe where Ra is placed, and then let’s look at the next passage. Let’s read:

Isaiah 59:1   Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 

  59:2   But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. 

  59:3   For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. 

Joshua  10:25   And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. 

  10:26   And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.

May we be found faithful in waging war against those inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil, for God is one day going to grant us the entire victory, if we cooperate with Him in uprooting these “five kings”. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to keep pressing forward in the name and strength of Christ, for in due time we will reap if we faint not. Let’s read:

Philippians1:6   Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God bless!

God's Foreknowledge And Our Freedom To Choose. Sabbath Afternoon 07/05/2014

      Much theological debate has raged over the issue of our freedom of choice, and how it relates to God’s ability to know and predict the future accurately. Many theories have thus surfaced, some of which range from random predestination, to the belief that it does not matter whether a person desires to be saved or not, since each person’s destiny has already been decided by God. These unfounded theories and suppositions have led to a gross misinterpretation of the character of God, and have led some people to give up hope altogether.

The scripture alone can explain these truths so that none need err in regards to our eternal destiny, for God has clearly stated that a way of escape has been opened up for every member of the human family. No one is preferred above another because of race, class, social standing, church, reputation, history, upbringing, or even genetic and hereditary factors. The ground at the cross is level, and therefore all men stand as equals before God, being born in sin and shapen in iniquity, and because of this, all are in dire need of His grace and mercy.

It is true that God extends mercies to the generations of the righteous, but this is not to the exclusion of those who do not know Him personally, for He has plainly stated that provision has been made for the stranger who desires to serve and honor Him. Let’s read:

Isaiah 56:3   Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree. 

  56:4   For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose [the things] that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 

  56:5   Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 

  56:6   Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 

  56:7   Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

The prophet Hosea echoes the same sentiment, for the plan of salvation was designed to be applicable and to be restorative to all who are willing, with no bias or preferences whatsoever on the part of God. Let’s read:

Hosea 1:10   Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.

However, there are some fundamentals about the power of God that we should first understand, before trying to study our freedom of choice as it relates to God’s foreknowledge. For starters, God accurately sees and knows the end from the beginning, and therefore is able to predict with unerring accuracy what each of us will or won’t do. This fact is clearly stated and demonstrated in the scriptures in several different places. Let’s read:

Isaiah 46:9   Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me, 

  46:10   Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.

For instance, in the case of pharaoh, The Lord accurately predicted the stubbornness with which the Egyptian king would meet the requests of Moses and Aaron. Let’s read:

 Exodus 3:14   And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 

3:19   And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. 

  3:20   And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

This singular ability is often misconstrued to mean that because of this, God then manipulates situations so that His predictions may come to pass. This erroneous and gross misinterpretation of how God uses His power must of necessity be refuted at the outset, so that the way can be paved for a rational and reasonable study of the bigger issue of freedom of choice. In the experience of pharaoh, many people have incorrectly concluded that, because of the way the scriptural passages relative to this incident were written, that God deliberately hardened pharaoh’s heart in order that the prophecy of his stubbornness might be fulfilled. Let’s read:

Exodus  4:21   And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. 

This passage of scripture, removed from the many other verses to the contrary has become a major stumbling block for many people, even Christians, and as a result, some have passed over the other Biblical evidences about pharaoh’s naturally stubborn disposition. Let’s read:

Exodus 8:13   And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. 

  8:15   But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 8:19   Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. 

Exodus 8:31   And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms [of flies] from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one. 

  8:32   And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

Exodus 9:33   And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth. 

  9:34   And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 

Exodus 10:7   And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

10:16   Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. 

  10:17   Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and entreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

What we are observing in these passages is a deliberate effort to ignore all factual evidences, that would show pharaoh beyond the shadow of a doubt, that there is an intelligent, all-wise God at work in the miracles being displayed in behalf of his people. But Pharaoh will not listen to God, neither to Moses, neither to his own magicians, when they make a public complaint against his irrational behavior. The same sun that melts butter hardens concrete, and with every new evidence of the power of God, displayed in a factual, non-disputed way, we are free to believe or to harden our own hearts.

In the case of king Nebuchadnezzar, we have a totally different reaction, when he was brought face to face with the undeniable interposition of God in behalf of the three Hebrews. The same pride as in pharaoh, the same manifestation of God’s power, and just as in Egypt, God’s people are caught in the cross hairs. But with the king Nebuchadnezzar, an entirely different response emerges, in that he humbles himself before The mighty God, and as a result, he will walk right through the pearly gates with a crown on his head, sitting right next to Daniel, Abraham, Job, and the three Hebrew boys he once tried to barbecue. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:13   Then Nebuchadnezzar in [his] rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 

  3:14   Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, [Is it] true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 

3:15   Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

The rulers in that part of the world now known as Iraq, have always been very radical in their religious beliefs, and have been historically violent in their opposition to anyone who dared to question their authority. Beheadings in that part of the world have occurred for centuries, over minor misdemeanors, such as cooking the wrong food. Let’s read:

Daniel1:10   And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king.

So when these three Hebrews who were brought to Babylon as captives, stood up to the king and respectfully defied his laws which were coercing them into idolatry, Nebuchadnezzar was stung with rage and pride, and so he decided to turn up the heat, seven times hotter than it usually was. Let’s read:

 Daniel 3:19   Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 

  3:20   And he commanded the most mighty men that [were] in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, [and] to cast [them] into the burning fiery furnace. 

  3:21   Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their [other] garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 

  3:22   Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

  3:23   And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

But with a new and vivid manifestation of the power of The eternal God, a completely different attitude surfaces in Nebuchadnezzar, unlike what we saw in the history of Pharaoh who persisted in blind stubbornness and

unreasoning rebellion. Let’s read:

  Daniel 3:24   Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, [and] spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 

  3:25   He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 

3:26   Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, [and] spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come [hither]. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 

  3:28   [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 

  3:29   Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 

The same evil spirit that was manifested in pharaoh was also displayed by many of the Hebrews, who after seeing with their own two eyes, the irrefutable miracles of Christ, decided not to believe, regardless of the factual evidences given. In the raising of Lazarus from the dead, those who were present that day got the clearest evidence that the power operating in Christ was of God, yet in their blind stubbornness, their reaction was to try and kill the evidence, rather than submit to what was obviously a direct appeal from God to their intelligence.

 After Lazarus was raised from the grave where he had been buried for four days, the Jews then had opportunity to inspect him, to chat with him, to touch and handle him, to make certain that he was not a ghost. But like pharaoh, a deliberate decision was then made by many of them not to believe, and in this way their hearts were hardened. God supplied the required evidence, just like with pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, and they hardened their own hearts. Let’s read:

John 11:14   Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is

 dead.   11:15   And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 

11:43   And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 

  11:44   And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 

11:46   But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 

  11:47   Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 

  11:48   If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 

  11:49   And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 

  11:50   Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

 11:53   Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

John 12:9   Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 

  12:10   But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death. 

And so it is, that because the scriptures explain the fact that we are free moral agents, that we are now ready to study our topic for today, God’s foreknowledge and our freedom of choice. When Christ was about to be crucified, several players came upon the stage of action of their own free will, including Judas, Peter, the mob, the other disciples, the cock that crew, the soldiers who parted His garments, and a host of related incidents and activities which were all accurately predicted hundreds of years before, based on what God saw in His omniscience.

No one was coerced to act their part, and God did not set in motion situations that would force the choices and decisions of any. They all acted their part unprovoked, and un-coerced, not because God made them do it, but because He previously saw them doing it. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:14   Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 

  26:15   And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 

Matthew 27:3   Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 

  27:4   Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that]. 

  27:5   And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 

  27:6   And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 

  27:7   And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 

  27:8   Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 

  27:9   Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 

  27:10   And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

Here is the prophecy that predicted what took place between Judas and the priests, several hundred years before any of the actors were born, and long before their great grand-parents started dating. Let’s read:

Zechariah 11:12   And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver. 

  11:13   And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. 

John 13:18   I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

  13:21   When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

13:22   Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 

    13:26   Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.

This action by Judas was also accurately predicted by God hundreds of years before, yet no coercion and no forcing of the will is being used to implement what God has seen in ages past. Let’s read:

Psalms 41:9   Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

The word “Friend” is critically important to the issue we are studying, as it pertains to this particular prophecy. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:47   And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 

  26:49   And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 

  26:50   And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 

Again we read of the accuracy of God’s all-seeing power, and His consequent ability to accurately predict the future actions of individuals, animals, and even nations, without interfering with their freedom of choice in order to force a fulfillment of His prophecies. Let’s read:

Mark 14:27   And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 

  14:28   But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 

  14:29   But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet [will] not I.

  14:30   And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, [even] in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 

  14:31   But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. 

But not long after, all of the actors came upon the stage of action and played the exact role that was predicted and specified by God. The cock is in place at the exact distance, so that his crowing will be heard by Peter, and Peter’s seat at the fireside is vacant, waiting to be filled by one and only one person. Let’s read:

Mark 14:66   And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: 

  14:67   And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. 

  14:68   But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

That’s one down and two more to go, but according to

Christ’s accurate and specific prediction, the cock is going to wait patiently for three denials from Peter, before he crows again, and so he sits perched in the darkness, in his favorite tree, waiting for the third denial, and here it comes. Let’s read:

Mark 14:69   And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is [one] of them. 

  14:70   And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art [one] of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth [thereto]. 

  14:71   But he began to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not this man of whom ye speak. 

  14:72   And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

As a matter of fact, there were instances when God challenged the human agent on His ability to accurately predict the future, by actually discouraging certain players from acting their predicted parts. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:24   The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 

  26:25   Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Luke 22:31   And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: 

  22:32   But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 

  22:33   And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 

  22:34   And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. 

Some of us may be wondering what all of these things mean, and what bearing does it have on our eternal salvation. The fact is that we are the arbiters of our own destiny, regardless of what God knows, and therefore we can live in faith and full assurance of eternal life, based on what He has promised and stipulated in His word. Let’s read:

Titus 2:11   For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 

  2:12   Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

  2:13   Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

  2:14   Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Whosoever reads this passage of scripture can have the full assurance of salvation, if we are willing to submit to the purifying process of salvation. It means that any catholic, any Anglican, any Methodist, any Jehovah’s witness, any shepherd’s rod, any Adventist, any evangelical, any Muslim, any Taliban, any Buddhist, any atheist, and any individual from any background, can come to Christ to be saved eternally, and to all who choose to serve Him with a willing mind and free choice, an abundant entrance into God’s kingdom is guaranteed. This fact about the plan of salvation is made very clear throughout the scriptures. Let’s read:

Acts 10:34   Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 

  10:35   But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

It is of critical importance therefore for us to have a clear understanding of the conditions laid down for receiving immortality, so that we can look forward to Jesus second coming with joyful expectation. The word of God is crystal clear when it comes to eternal life and the means whereby it can be obtained. Let’s read:

Matthew 19:16   And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 

  19:17   And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 

Romans  8:1   [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

  8:2   For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

  8:4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

Revelation 22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 And then the method by which God’s commandments are kept on a continual basis is also given in the plainest language possible. Let’s read:

John 15:4   Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 

  15:5   I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

These conditions are not given in parable form, but are made plain, so that even a child can read and understand them. If we desire to have eternal life, which only God can give, we will need to keep His commandments, through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, and the indwelling Christ. It’s that simple. Of all the world’s almost seven billion people, Christians and others included, God already knows who amongst them will be saved, however, His foreknowledge does not prevent anyone in any way, from exercising their freedom to choose either life or death.

 It’s all up to us individually, and if by the grace of God we choose life by choosing Christ, then we can rest assured that when Jesus comes, we will be saved in His kingdom. This is the essence of the good news of salvation, which God sent and certified through His Son Jesus Christ. Let’s read:

John 10:27   My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 

  10:28   And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. 

  10:29   My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. 

  10:30   I and [my] Father are one.

We therefore end with two passages of scripture that call on us to use our freedom of choice to choose life, for God stands ready and waiting to accept every member of the human family, who submits to Christ and His every word. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 30:19   I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 

  30:20   That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. 

Revelation 22:16   I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. 

  22:17   And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 

22:21   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.   

 May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God bless!  

Dangers Of Substitute Worship. Sabbath Afternoon 06/28/2014

Many people have concluded that any kind of worship is acceptable to God, once praise and prayers are offered, and because of this we now have a wide variety of worship styles, that are actively being practiced and promulgated, ranging from disco to rock, from serpent handling to meetings that only cater to deliverance.

In order for any worship to be acceptable to God, it must be done in spirit and in truth, in spirit meaning that it is done with sincerity from the heart, and in truth, meaning that it must follow the criteria given in the scriptures. When worship is done based on emotion, convenience, popularity or erroneous ideas, then it becomes vain in nature, and therefore cannot be accepted by God.

This is what king Saul tried to do after he came back from the battle with the Amalekites. He was given a specific command not to take any of the spoils of the war, but in his own mind he saw an opportunity where he could possibly enhance the worship of God through disobedience, by substituting the stipulations of God with a plan of his own devising. At the time it seemed like a good, plausible idea, for a worthy and upright cause, but he later found out that his actions in saving the cattle for sacrifice, would inevitably cause him to be dethroned. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 15:9   But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. 

  15:10   Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, 

  15:11   It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. 

  15:12   And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 

  15:13   And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 

  15:14   And Samuel said, What [meaneth] then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 

15:15   And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 

This excuse thus given by Saul may seem to have weight when viewed in the context of the sacrificial offerings which were ordained of God, but the scriptures teach us that in all of our efforts and eargerness to worship God, the instructions He has given to do so must be followed to the letter. The action of king Saul drew a strong response from God and His servant Samuel, and the entire experience contains very important lessons for us living in the twenty-first century. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 15:16   Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. 

  15:22   And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. 

  15:23   For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. 

There are very important lessons regarding the worship of God that should be deduced from this story, and incorporated into our own experience, for in our day there is seen a very great departure from the plain teachings of God’s word as it pertains to true worship. For this reason we are going to study six sacred truths that pertain to the worship of our Creator, and it is the will of God that everyone should learn from the errors of those who have gone before to avoid the snare of vain worship.

Truth # (1) Sincerity or good intentions do not make a wrong course of action right nor acceptable with God. It is true that in the times of ignorance God winks, but His “Winking” should not be construed as a sign of approval, nor should it be a license for any one to continue in a course of action that is contrary to His revealed will.

When a person worships God in sincerity, but contrary to His instructions, God accepts the sincerity, but never the error, for if He were to do this, then everyone would be justified and confirmed in adopting their own ideas of worship, which would then create a state of confusion for believers and non-christians alike. The broad road that leads to Neverland is often paved with good intentions, however, when the light of truth shines distinctly on our pathway, God then requires that we make the necessary changes so that we can worship in truth.

This fact was made plain when some of the disciples of John were baptized without a knowledge of the work of the Holy Ghost. They were sincere in their actions but they needed to comply with the conditions given by God. Let’s read:

 Acts 19:1   And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 

  19:2   He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 

  19:3   And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 

  19:4   Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 

  19:5   When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The same sacred truth was reiterated in the experience of Cornelius who was sincere in His worship of God. According to the scriptures, this man who was a centurion of the Italian band was devout, meaning that he had a deep spiritual commitment to God, he gave much alms to the people, meaning that he manifested that benevolence which is born of God, he prayed always, unlike many modern day Christians do, and he feared God with all of his house, meaning that he and his entire family were living in accordance with all they knew to be right.

 However, one very important component was missing, and although God accepted all that he did in sincerity, yet that one missing link must be put in place in order that his worship be done in spirit and in truth. Let’s read:

Acts 10:1   There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band], 

  10:2   [A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 

  10:3   He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 

  10:4   And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 

  10:5   And now send men to Joppa, and call for [one] Simon, whose surname is Peter: 

  10:6   He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Truth # (2) If God has to choose between praise and obedience, He always chooses obedience, for this is an integral part of worship. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 15:22   And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. 

The same truth was confirmed by Christ when He observed the oblations and sacrifices of the multitudes. They offered much praise but their hearts were far removed from Him through the erroneous teachings they had adopted. Let’s read:

Matthew 15:8   This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. 

  15:9   But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. 

Truth # (3) Praise minus obedience is equal to flattery, in cases where a deliberate disregard or disdain for the commandments of God is harbored. There is a saying that has become quite popular in Christian circles, which carries with it a vague and misleading meaning that many sincere people have subscribed to. It says “When the praises go up the blessings come down”.

This saying reminds us of Santa Claus, who in response to the songs and jingle bells that are rendered in his favor, responds with gifts and toys for everyone. God is not Santa Claus, neither does he have to be bribed or praised into blessing anyone. In fact, the blessings of God come upon the heads of the righteous and the disobedient alike, regardless of whether praise and gratitude is offered. Let’s read:

Matthew 5:44   But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 

  5:45   That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

5:48   Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Psalms 68:18   Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, [for] the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell [among them]. 

 The appropriate response to God’s blessings is not only praise and thanksgiving, but obedience to His every word, which is of much greater importance to Him. This truth He has plainly stated in His word in several different passages of scripture. Let’s read:

Micah 6:6   Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 

  6:7   Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, [or] with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn [for] my transgression, the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul? 

  6:8   He hath showed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

As Christians, we should be very careful not to flatter God, by saying what He likes to hear, or by telling Him sweet little lies, without the required, corresponding works of obedience from a willing heart, for this is what the relationship with God had deteriorated into with the Hebrews. Their voices were heard in loud praises, while their personal lives were in direct opposition to what God had required. Praise and thanksgiving should be given in conjunction with a life that lives up to all the truth which one has heard and understood. Let’s read:

Psalms 78:1 Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 

  78:2   I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: 

  78:3   Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 

  78:4   We will not hide [them] from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. 

  78:5   For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 

  78:6   That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children: 

And then the valid reasons are given. Let’s read:

  Psalms 78:7   That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 

  78:8   And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. 

    78:10   They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; 

  78:11   And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had showed them. 

78:36   Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. 

  78:37   For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. 

Truth # (4) Wrong does not become right with the passage of time, nor are we at liberty to make the truths of God’s word adaptable to our own modern ideas and standards of right and wrong. The truths and principles of the Bible are eternal in nature, and will stand the test of time in any generation.

Some of the practices and indulgences now taking place under the garb of Christianity would make the apostles turn in their graves, for we have now come to an era where there seems to be no absolute truth anymore, and millions are holding the scriptures as being subjective instead of objectively.

As a direct result we have now have the popular theology of relativism, where millions are doing what is right in their own eyes, without any regard to what the Bible teaches on this very point Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 12:32   What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. 

 Proverbs 30:5   Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 

  30:6   Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Psalms 119:89   Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalms 19:7   The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. 

  19:8   The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes. 

  19:9   The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. 

  19:10   More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 

  19:11   Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.

Truth # (5) If the only way to do good is by using and evil or unscriptural method, then we should not utilize that method at all, for very great danger will accrue as a result. This is one of the errors made by the Hebrews as they endeavored to worship God using material representations of The Deity,

a practice which God has specifically prohibited. Let’s read:

Exodus 32:3   And all the people brake off the golden earrings which [were] in their ears, and brought [them] unto Aaron. 

  32:4   And he received [them] at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 

  32:5   And when Aaron saw [it], he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow [is] a feast to the LORD. 

  32:6   And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

The worship service here described was advertised not as an oblation to pagan gods, but rather as a feast to the Lord, so that if anyone asked about the day’s proceedings, the assuring answer would be given, that they were involved in church services.

That’s why it’s very important for us to observe God’s take on the same matter. Let’s read:

Exodus 32:7   And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted [themselves]: 

  32:9   And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

  32:30   And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. 

  32:31   And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 

  32:32   Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 

  32:33   And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

This leads us to the sixth and final sacred truth regarding the dangers of substitute forms of worship.

Truth # (6) When many people are doing something wrong, that fact does not make it right. The worship of the true God is not based on popular opinion, and anyone desiring to worship in spirit and truth cannot be swayed by rulers, politicians, governors, news media, or what the majority of the populace votes for. As a general rule of thumb, when the majority of people approve of an agenda regarding worship, it is usually wrong and in direct opposition to that God has stated in His word. Jesus alluded to this fact as He described the broad and the narrow way. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:13   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 

  7:14   Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

This scripture found fulfillment in the experience of king Jeroboam who instituted a substitute day and form of worship to cater to the majority of the Hebrews, after the kingdom of Israel was divided, following the death of king Solomon. In an effort to sustain the spirituality and loyalty of the people, he made two calves of gold, something that would gain instant and popular appeal, and through this action, he subverted the worship of the true God by leading His people into idolatry of the darkest hue. Let’s read:

1st kings 12:26   And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 

  12:27   If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 

  12:28   Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 

  12:29   And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 

  12:30   And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan. 

  12:31   And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. 

  12:32   And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that [is] in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. 

  12:33   So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, [even] in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense. 

In our day the very same error has been repeated in the form of a substitute day of worship, namely Sunday, for which there is no scriptural authority. There are also substitute priests and ministers who have been ordained by the various theological seminaries across the land, many of which lead “alternative” lifestyles that are in flagrant violation of God’s will and His law. There are also many “High places” that have sprung up in the form of mega-churches, that teach a gospel which God neither recognizes no ordained.

Yet within many of these congregations there are millions of Christians who, like Cornelius, and the disciples of John whom Paul met, are serving God to the best of their knowledge, giving much alms to the wrong people, and praying to God always, with their households. Like Cornelius, many of them have the fear of the Lord before their faces, and their benevolence and sincerity has come up as a memorial before God.

However, there is one main component to the relationship with God that’s still missing, which is the element of truth, as it pertains to the God-ordained Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and this last, but crucial aspect must be addressed and corrected, in order for the worship that is offered, to be done in spirit and in truth. Let’s read:

Exodus 20:8   Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

20:9   Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 

  20:10   But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: 

  20:11   For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Exodus  31:16   Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant. 

  31:17   It [is] a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 

  31:18   And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

The word “Perpetual” is very important, for the same word is used when speaking of the rainbow. Let’s read:

 Genesis 9:12   And God said, This [is] the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that [is] with you, for perpetual generations: 

  9:13   I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. 

  9:14   And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 

  9:15   And I will remember my covenant, which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 

  9:16   And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth.

That’s why a promise is made to all the Corneliuses out there in Christendom, who are sincere in their worship of God, but out of harmony with what he  requires. Let’s read:

Isaiah 58:12   And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. 

  58:13   If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: 

  58:14   Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]. 

God is now calling all sincere people and Christians everywhere to read and understand what He has specified in the fourth commandment, as being essential to filling out the entire picture of a well-rounded relationship with Him. Some may be sincere, and others may be sincerely wrong, but God who is rich in mercy is calling the world back to the original and only Sabbath, even Saturday, for it is the day of rest given to us for time and for eternity.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth to all who are sincere and honest-hearted. Let’s read:

 Isaiah 66:22   For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. 

  66:23   And it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God bless! 

The Preponderance Of Instructions. Sabbath Afternoon 06/21/2014

The bulk of the Bible is made up of the old Testament and the greater portion of every book in the Bible consists of instructions. For every situation we may come across in life, from marriage to salvation, to health and finances, and many other topics too numerous to mention, there is a law, a principle, a statute or an instruction. The great commission when fulfilled correctly, begins with instruction, and after people are baptized, the instructions continue throughout our Christian experiences. Let’s read:

Matthew 28:19   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

  28:20   Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world.

And it goes on and on and on. Even in the last book of the Bible, which is slated as the revelation of Jesus Christ, the majority of the book has to do with instructions, both prophetic and practical in nature. As a matter of fact the “Revelation” of Jesus Christ only mentions His sacrifice but a few times, which is ironic, for Calvary is the centerpiece in the great plan of salvation. However, after a brief introduction, The Lord goes into detailed instructions for the seven churches which span the entire spectrum of Christianity. Let’s read:

Revelation 1:1   The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:

    1:5   And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

Revelation 2:1   Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 

  2:2   I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 

  2:3   And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 

  2:4   Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 

  2:5   Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 

 Revelation  2:8   And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 

  2:10   Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 

  2:11   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

 That’s why the Bible makes a profound statement about our attitude towards instruction, because the way in which we receive it has a direct bearing on our eternal destiny. Let’s read:

 Proverbs 6:23   For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life.

Note well that the definite article is used, for it does not say “A way of life” but “The way of life, meaning that this is the only safe and righteous way to live. As human beings we are all born in sin and shapen in iniquity, and so we have to win the battle of life through the blood and merits of our crucified and risen Savior. But our attitude towards Biblical instructions and reproofs determine to a great extent whether or not the Lord can work with us.

The Jews of old had a problem with selective hearing, in that they would only receive that which was palatable to the carnal ear, and thus when the prophets of God came speaking the plain truths, the Israelites rose up and slew many of them, while others were cast into prison, and many more were exiled or ostracized from society, family, and friends

The general disposition thus manifested is echoed in the words of Christ as He tried in vain to get them to listen to God’s unadulterated word. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:15   For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

That’s why the Bible cautions us not to repeat the mistakes of the past by resisting the instructions of God when they are presented to us from His word, for God has given them to us in wisdom so that we can avoid making bad choices or grievous mistakes in life. Let’s read:

Proverbs 15:32  He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 

  15:33   The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

Proverbs 12:1   Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.

Proverbs 15:10   Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die. 

It is very important for us to understand that the carnal heart would not be in agreement with all of the instructions that are given in God’s word, for we are inherently fallen in nature, and thus the laws of God often go against our natural grain. For this reason we are going to study three instructions given in the Bible that we might not necessarily agree with, but they are given in infinite wisdom with the hope that we will be patient and humble enough to surrender our own ideas in favor of what the scriptures say. Let’s read:

(1) One of the best times to give is when we’re broken or poor. The natural human tendency when things get tight is to squeeze as much as possible, but in so doing many people squeeze until they suffocate themselves. Many people try and save meticulously for the rainy day, but try as they might they just don’t seem to get ahead. The reason may be that they are saving too much. Let’s read:

Proverbs 11:24   There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty. 

  11:25   The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

The way that God estimates giving has nothing to do with amounts, but rather with the spirit and the sacrifice that attend the good work. There are many millionaires and billionaires in this world who have major charities and foundations in operation, yet in many cases these organizations were put in place as a way to write off taxes, and in many cases their charitable works were implemented only after all of their personal needs, wants, and desires were met.

Then after they have spent until they could spend no more, a charity is formed, and therefore touted by the media as being a major benevolent work, worthy of praise and the adoration of all men.

Now while these charitable organizations and activities are not to be condemned, yet we should understand that in the eyes of God, true charity and benevolence is measured by completely different standards. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 9:6   But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 

  9:7   Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Mark 12:41   And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 

  12:42   And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 

  12:43   And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 

  12:44   For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living. 

A striking example of the kind of giving The Lord approves of is given in the book of first kings, in which the story is told of a woman who had been brought to the brink of extinction on account of a deadly famine that lasted for three and a half years. After one year had expired, The Lord sent His servant Elijah to this widow woman so that she could provide him with food for the rest of the drought.

Now why would God choose one of the poorest persons in the land to supply Elijah’s needs? One of the reasons is because the Christian’s life is filled with paradoxes that are inherently opposed to logical thinking, and where we see an extremity, God sees an opportunity.  That’s why in our Christian experience, they way that we live victoriously is diabolically opposed to the norms of survival espoused by secular society.

For instance, we live by dying, we save by losing, we conquer by surrendering, we become rich by being poor, we receive by giving, and we overcome evil by doing good. And so Elijah approaches one of the poorest persons in the land so that one of the many paradoxes can be fulfilled, through which both he and the woman would cross a major milestone in their experience with God, and would thereby be enabled to penetrate new frontiers. Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:10   So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman [was] there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 

  17:11   And as she was going to fetch [it], he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. 

  17:12   And she said, [As] the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I [am] gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. 

  17:13   And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go [and] do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring [it] unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. 

  17:14   For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day [that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. 

  17:15   And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat [many] days.

(2) Avoid hasty moves and flee from speculation and presumption. Hastiness in any decision making process is ill-advised and is not to be encouraged. The principle of careful deliberate thought in the affairs of life is of critical importance if we are to avoid as far as possible, making serious mistakes, which we will regret later on in life. This instruction coming from God covers the entire spectrum of the Christian’s experience, ranging from hasty marriages, hasty loans and mortgages, hasty speech, hasty vows, hasty words, and even hasty conversions.

 In the parable of the Sower, the seed that fell on stony ground sprung up quickly, and the hearers thus represented are the only ones in the parable, of whom it is stated that they received the word with “Joy”. But after some time had elapsed during which the rubber meets the road, they are shown to become offended by the difficulties that appeared in the way, and the reason for this is that they obviously did not weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing themselves to the gospel. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:3   And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 

  13:4   And when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 

  13:5   Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 

Then Christ goes on to explain the mindset of the stony ground hearers. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:20   But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 

  13:21   Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

The true gospel does not offer, or guarantee to its adherents, freedom from difficulties, problems, anxieties, perplexities, or harassment. During the recent financial meltdown of the “Seven lean years”, several Christians lost their jobs and their homes, and no one is to say why or why not. What we do know is that Jesus also lost His home, He lost many friends, and finally He lost His life, and to all who would follow Him he says, do not believe that the Christian’s life is a bed of roses, in which we can sleep all day with “The Comforter” without ever being molested or disturbed by the devil and His agents.

 Any Christian who subscribes to the popular and contemporary health/wealth/deliverance gospel is sadly deluded, and will be in for a very rude awakening whenever serious difficulties arise. What the true gospel does is to offer solutions through Christ, and obedience to His every word, as the only means by which the fiery darts of the enemy can be successfully deflected. This sacred truth is clearly stated in the Bible. Let’s read:

Isaiah 43:2   When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 

This is why the Bible gives us profound instructions and statements regarding the making of any hasty moves or decisions, or drawing hasty conclusions, for the Scriptures teach us to be sober and prudent in all of our ways. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 5:2   Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

5:3   For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words.

5:7   For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.

A prominent example of what is being referred to here can be found in the experience of Jephthah, who on the spur of the moment, made a very serious vow to God, if he were granted deliverance from the invading Ammonites. Let’s read:

Judges 11:30   And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, 

  11:31   Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. 

Jephthah obviously did not take the time to weigh the pros and cons of such a vow, for he used the word “Whatsoever” which means that anything that first comes out to greet him after his victory, will be earmarked for a burnt offering. “Whatsoever” could then be a lizard, a spider, a sheep, a parrot, a puppy, or the family’s favorite pet. And if he lived in the Everglades it might be even an alligator or a Burmese python. But on a more serious note, the sacred vow could also include his wife and children, for the word “Whatsoever” means whatsoever and nothing else. Let’s read:

Judges 11:34   And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she [was his] only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter. 

  11:35   And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.

As Christians we should always allow time to think things through thoroughly before committing ourselves, whether it be a church office, a marriage, a divorce, a job, a mortgage, an investment or anything that is of consequence. It is true that there are unforeseen circumstances and variables that appear only after we have committed to a vow, however we should at all times avoid the common temptation to make hasty decisions on the spur of the moment without prayer and meditation, and when unforeseen circumstances do appear, we should go to God in faith, knowing that we had done our due diligence.

(3) The final instruction that we will research this evening is that of avoiding hasty words, a very common problem even amongst Christians. Words can be used to bring comfort, cheer, goodwill, hope and healing, but they can also be used to start forest fires that even the bravest and most experienced firemen cannot put out. Words are so important that they are the measure used in the Bible for either justification or condemnation, and thus it is necessary for us to fully understand their importance in the Christian’s life. Let’s read:

Matthew 12:36   But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 

  12:37   For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. 

The apostle James also reiterates the importance of our words, for they can be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. Let’s read:

James  3:5   Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 

  3:6   And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 

  3:8   But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 

  3:9   Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 

  3:10   Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

One of the main causes of misunderstandings and alienation between friends, families, and brethren, is the haste in which conclusions about others are often drawn. It is often the case that we incorrectly read someone’s motive, and thus make statements about a person’s intentions and character, without carefully weighing the factual evidences, or hearing both sides of the story. Every story has two sides, and we should be extremely careful in our foregone conclusions regarding motives, which only God can accurately read and evaluate.

A striking example of this common scenario can be found in the complaint that was lodged by one woman against another in the Bible. Let’s read:

1st Kings 3:16   Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. 

  3:17   And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. 

  3:18   And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we [were] together; [there was] no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. 

  3:19   And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. 

  3:20   And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. 

  3:21   And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. 

  3:22   And the other woman said, Nay; but the living [is] my son, and the dead [is] thy son. And this said, No; but the dead [is] thy son, and the living [is] my son. Thus they spake before the king. 

As king Solomon listened to the first woman with her side of the story, his indignation and emotions were probably stirred, and if he had acted rashly on what he then heard, he might have given her the benefit of the doubt. But this was only one side of the story, for when he heard the other side, he began to scratch his head. In order therefore to draw the correct conclusion born of God, he was directed to test the two conflicting theories using natural human nature, for no woman in her right mind would like to see her son killed for any reason. Let’s read:

1st Kings 3:23   Then said the king, The one saith, This [is] my son that liveth, and thy son [is] the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son [is] the dead, and my son [is] the living. 

  3:24   And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. 

  3:25   And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. 

  3:26   Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it]. 

  3:27   Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she [is] the mother thereof. 

  3:28   And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.  

  That’s why the following instructions from The Most High, pertaining to words are so important and relevant to us living in the twenty-first century, for we are often found making hasty statements and drawing hasty conclusions, without carefully weighing both sides of a story. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 19:15   One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. 

Proverbs 17:27   He that hath knowledge spareth his words: [and] a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 

  17:28   Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding. 

1st Timothy  5:19   Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

It is obvious that very serious and permanent changes need to be wrought in our lives, for we often come short of God’s glory, by slander, evil speaking and gossip about the faults and failings of each other. If there is nothing good to say about another, it is best not to say it, except a person can be put in danger if such information is withheld.

Instructions, instructions, instructions, they are the key to life, and the majority of the Bible’s teachings are made up of them, so that we may avoid making unnecessary mistakes, as we travel the Christian path, beset with dangers within and without. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which calls us to a renewed interest and study of the many instructions given in God’s word, and if by the grace of God we are faithful in following them, our path will shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day. Let’s read:

Joshua 1:8   This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 

May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God Bless!

Fundamentals To A Relationship With God. Sabbath Afternoon 06/14/2014

There are very many Christians in our world today who do not understand the basics of having a very meaningful relationship with The God whom we serve. A very superficial brand of Christianity has taken deep root in modern Christendom, and as a result, Jesus Christ is now accepted nominally by many, yet He is held at bay from our personal lives. This translates into accepting the blessings and benefits of salvation without adhering to the terms and conditions laid down.

Jesus Christ is praised and worshipped my millions once He does not interfere with our carnal desires, lusts, ideologies, and sinful habits, and it is because of these man-made terms and conditions why very many are in grave danger of deep disappointment at Christ’s second coming. When Jesus Christ is truly accepted as Lord and Savior of our lives, He will be invited into our innermost thoughts and desires, into the secret closets we often hide from public view, with the many skeletons that are to be found in our past and present history.

The Lord then embarks upon a deep cleaning process that continues until all skeletons, habits, desires, and ambitions that are foreign to His kingdom and character are completely uprooted by the Holy Ghost. Any other terms which fall short of this thorough work is called cheap grace, which does not touch nor change the fabric of man’s carnal nature, and those who subscribe and cling to this counterfeit gospel are in grave danger of being awakened too late for any real, substantial changes to be accomplished.

Any relationship with God begins with a command, continues with a promise and it ends with a blessing or a curse, depending on the choices we make individually. Once these fundamentals are clearly understood, then we are prepared to make those informed choices that can affect our eternal destiny for the better or the worse as we so choose.

There are those who claim to love God with all the heart and soul, but they do not like to be told what to do by God, and so the first leg of the relationship with our Creator often gets off to a rocky start, for God’s commands always come first in any real relationship with Him. The very essence of our relationship with God is predicated on the “Sovereign Lord to created being” model, and that’s why the initial phase of the relationship must of necessity start with a command from Him. Let’s read:

John 14:15   If ye love me, keep my commandments.

 Revelation 22:14  Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

This sacred truth is of critical importance to our fundamental relationship with God, and yet it’s  ironic that it is the most controverted in all of Christendom. As Christ was blessing the children on one occasion, a rich young ruler came to him and asked one of the most important questions any mortal can ask: “What must I do to be saved” to which Jesus replied “Keep the commandments”.

This answer as given by Christ must be clearly understood by everyone desiring a meaningful relationship with God, for it sets the foundation for all other interactions with The Almighty. And so it is because Jesus never changes, He offers the young man a covenant relationship with Himself by the initial issuing of a command. Let’s read:

Matthew 19:21   Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me. 

  19:22  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

True Christians do not keep the commandments to be saved, but rather because they are saved, and therefore any claim of a true connection with God that does not include this first phase of obedience to His commands, is inconsistent with the genius of salvation, and therefore must of necessity be addressed, in order that the relationship with God can be normalized. Let’s read:

John 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

15:14   Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 

Christ could have said to the young ruler, just believe in me and you will be saved or just love one another and you will be saved. But Jesus does not

answer this important question in this way, for it leaves too much wiggle room for multitudinous and vague interpretations of what constitutes true love.

For instance, the pop singer Tina turner sang a song that catapulted to the top of the billboards which asks the question “What’s love got to do with it?” She then goes on to describe what many people truly believe love is, “What’s love but a second hand emotion”. If it were not for the Holy Scriptures we would then be wandering in a maze of falsehoods and vagaries on what love really is, but the Bible does not leave us in doubt. Let’s read:

1st John 5:3   For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1st John 2:3   And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 

  2:4   He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

  2:5   But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 

And we have several examples of this model being used over and over again in the scriptures. Let’s take a few examples.

(1) Moses is keeping his father-in-law’s flocks, and God is about to reveal Himself in a burning bush, which will undoubtedly awaken Moses’ curiosity,

 because the bush is not consumed. God sees that in Moses’ first response to His call, that he is ready for a serious relationship, and so the very next thing that comes from the mouth of God is a command, in order that the distinction between who is the Sovereign and who is the servant may be clearly established and understood. Let’s read:

 Exodus 3:2   And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed. 

  3:3   And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 

  3:4   And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here [am] I. 

  3:5   And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy ground.

(2) Adam and Eve are newly created and as their relationship with the Creator gets off to a start, a series of commands are issued. Let’s read:

 Genesis 1:28   And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 

  1:29   And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

We observe in verse 29 that as our Sovereign, God can tell us what and what not to eat. It is so very important for us to grasp the deep meaning and implications of this first phase of our relationship with God, for many teachings and false doctrines to the contrary abound today, and as a direct result there exists in modern Christendom, a great misunderstanding of who God is.

Many people view the statutes and commands of God as merely being “Good advice” or worse yet as being a basic model of morality, which we can then espouse, modify, change, or dispose of at our convenience. As a result, great spiritual darkness has now covered the land as the Prophet Isaiah stated, when he was being given a panoramic view of our times. Let’s read:

Isaiah 60:2   For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 

God is our Sovereign, whether we believe it or not, and in this capacity He can tell us what to eat, how to live, and what and what not to do, as is clearly exemplified in the next verses. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:16   And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 

  2:17   But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

(3) The children of Israel are brought forth from Egyptian bondage to serve the Lord in sincerity and truth, and again at the onset, the first phase of the relationship which establishes God as their sole Sovereign, is firmly established.

Let’s read:

Exodus 19:4   Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and [how] I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 

  19:5   Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine: 

  19:6   And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 

19:8   And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

(4) The same pattern also continues in the New Testament, for God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Christ is setting up the new kingdom and He is selecting His disciples. He does not begin with an interview, nor does He interact with them as buddies by asking for their opinions and ideas so that they can negotiate on one common level, but He instead starts the relationship with a direct command. Let’s read:

Matthew 4:18   And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 

  4:19   And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 

  4:20   And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him.

Matthew 9:9   And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

(4) Again the very same pattern is observed as Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night, seeking a better understanding of Him. And just as at other times, the relationship starts with a command, for it is a pattern and rule that is firmly established in the scriptures. If we desire a relationship with God, He must be able to tell us what to do, and we obey, for this sets the tone for the entire relationship going forward. Let’s read:

John 3:1   There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 

  3:2   The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3:3   Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

3:7   Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(5) The same thing is repeated with Saul before he becomes the apostle Paul. The Lord meets him on the road to Damascus and stops him dead in his tracks, to arrest his persecution of the newly formed Christian church. If Paul desires any relationship with the Lord we can now rest assured that a command is going to be issued at the onset, for as stated before, any relationship with God begins with a command, continues with a promise and ends in a blessing, if we so choose. Let’s read:

Acts 9:3   And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 

  9:4   And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 

  9:5   And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the

Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 

  9:6   And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

God must be able to tell us what to do or else we can never have a meaningful relationship. Which leads us to the next phase: The relationship continues with a promise or promises. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 28:1   And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 

  28:2   And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 

  28:3   Blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the city, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the field. 

  28:4   Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 

  28:5   Blessed [shall be] thy basket and thy store.

It is worthy of note that the promises contain the word “If”. Now why would that word be inserted into such mega promises. The word “If” suggests that there are two possible outcomes to the promises made, and it also implies that the conditions stipulated for the fulfillment of God’s word, must also be met if the promises are to be materialized.

“If” the conditions are met, the promises would mature into real blessings, and “If” the conditions are not met then the promise turns into a curse. Many Christians may consider this to be “An inconvenient truth, but it is worthy of our careful consideration, for there are positive promises as well as negative ones. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 28:15   But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: 

  28:16   Cursed [shalt] thou [be] in the city, and cursed [shalt] thou [be] in the field. 

  28:17   Cursed [shall be] thy basket and thy store. 

  28:18   Cursed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 

  28:19   Cursed [shalt] thou [be] when thou comest in, and cursed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.

Jacob understood this truth as he contemplated the deception of his father Isaac and his brother Esau. As the younger son who was chosen by God to be the progenitor of Christ from Isaac’s line, Jacob had been promised the birthright, which was to be bestowed by God Himself in His own time and way. Let’s read:

Genesis 25:21   And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 

  25:22   And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If [it be] so, why [am] I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD. 

  25:23   And the LORD said unto her, Two nations [are] in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and [the one] people shall be stronger than [the other] people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

However, with the passage of time, Isaac insisted that the birthright should go to his first-born son Esau, a situation which then caused Rebekah and Jacob by their own choice, to resort to fraud. But if we try to accomplish good by doing evil, a curse instead of a blessing will be the result. Jacob clearly understood this truth, and so his conscience initially recoiled at the idea of stealing a blessing. Let’s read:

Genesis 27:6   And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, 

  27:7   Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. 

  27:8   Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. 

  27:9   Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth: 

  27:10   And thou shalt bring [it] to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death. 

  27:11   And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother [is] a hairy man, and I [am] a smooth man: 

  27:12   My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. 

  27:13   And his mother said unto him, Upon me [be] thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me [them].

This occasion was the last time that Rebekah saw her beloved son in life, and Jacob himself became a fugitive for many years, living with the threat of death at the hands of Esau over his head. This was the result of not fulfilling the conditions of the promise, which leads us to the third Phase of the relationship with God: The promises end in a blessing or a curse, depending on our choices, and so the promise of eternal life will find fulfillment in us individually, if we do not choose the other many options and methods offered by the devil. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 11:26   Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 

  11:27   A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 

  11:28   And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

Joshua also reiterated this sacred truth as he tried to encourage the hosts of Israel to choose wisely. Let’s read:

 Joshua 24:15   And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

24:16   And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;

24:20   If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

24:23   Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

We must be very careful of what we believe as it pertains to our relationship with God, and we should avoid the dangerous heresy that God is too good to destroy. This deadly teaching when adopted and implemented, inevitably causes the subscribers to take God’s grace and mercy for granted, which then puts them on a fast track to commit the unpardonable sin.

This is one of the grave errors of our day, and the Lord would have every member of the human family understand that this is absolutely not the case, and thus He is calling us to repent of our ideas and philosophies that are diabolically opposed to His word. Let’s read:

Exodus 34:6   And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 

  34:7   Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation]. 

  34:8   And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

That’s why we are cautioned not to think that the negative promises will not be fulfilled in their due season, for both sacred history and prophecy declare with one voice, that they will certainly be realized at the appointed time. Let’s read:

Genesis 6:7   And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 

6:13   And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Peter continues with the same vein of thought in the New Testament as he expounds on the widely irrational thinking which would prevail in the last

days of earth’s history. As with Noah and with Lot, the inhabitants of this earth, and also many friends and family members may ridicule the Christian who harbors a balanced view of God, as stated in His word, and as explained before, the loving-kindness of God will be made manifest toward them right up until the day of their destruction, if repentance and change isn’t made. Let’s read:

  2nd Peter 3:3   Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 

  3:4   And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. 

  3:5   For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 

  3:6   Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 

  3:7   But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 

    3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

  3:10   But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

Burt Thompson was a father of five beautiful children, who, together with his wife Cindy raised their kids in a well-to-do household from birth. As the children got older however, the eldest son Ted became involved with drugs to the point of addiction, and he began stealing money from his parents and neighbors to support his habit.

And so Burt and Cindy did what most caring parents would normally do in such a situation, they sought help from various agencies, with some measure of success. During the times of his rehabilitation, they stood firmly behind Ted, giving him all the support and assistance that he needed with the hope that one day he would fully recover and come to himself.

But every time Ted came out of rehabilitation he deliberately went looking for his druggie friends, even though his parents were being brought to the brink of poverty because of his addiction. They coaxed, encouraged, they prayed, they cried, they

waited, and they spent their entire life savings trying to get Ted to turn from his ways, but he never made any effort to change, and all of the attempts made to save him were met with cursing and gross ingratitude.

Finally one day, the father came home to find Ted and his friends forcing his baby brother to do crack-cocaine, at which point Burt stated that he had had enough of the situation. Then the same father who for all the previous years had supported his son and made every effort for his recovery, was now left with no alternative but to call the police, who then arrested Ted and his friends, taking them to the county jail while Ted’s parents and siblings watched on in tears and utter disbelief.

For many centuries and millenniums, the God of heaven has supported and lovingly cared for sinners, by sending His own Son to die in our place, while surrounding us with every good and perfect gift. With loving-kindness and earnest entreaties He has tried to save us from the ruin of sin, and for very many centuries His gracious overtures have been met with stubborn resistance and gross ingratitude on the part of millions, and even though Christ suffered the most brutal and humiliating death to rescue us, yet many people couldn’t care less what God has done and continues to do to save them.

And so, like Ted, the day is coming soon when He will have no choice but to bring judgments to eradicate the problem of sin, and then the same loving God whom we knew as our Savior, will now be our Judge who will either vindicate or destroy based on the choices we have made.

It is therefore imperative that every living person heed the urgent calls now being made to save as many as want to be saved, by entering into a covenant relationship with the God who died to save us, and if we do, we are assured of an abundant entrance into His kingdom when He returns to take His faithful children home.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that represents an earnest plea by The God of heaven, for every member of the human family to respond in the affirmative, before it is eternally too late. Let’s read:

 Revelation 22:16   I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. 

  22:17   And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 

  22:18   For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

  22:19   And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book. 

  22:20   He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 

  22:21   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.

The Radical Faith Of Abraham. Sabbath Afternoon 06/07/2014

The Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, and there are many valid reasons why this is so. For starters, we can never fully understand God, for His ways are past finding out, so with every new revelation of Himself to us, it takes more faith to learn even more.

 And this cycle goes on and on indefinitely so it becomes necessary that at every stage of growth in the Christian’s life, that more faith needs to be exercised. In other words, we can never reach the point in our experience where we can say we have believed enough, for there will always be more to believe.

 Abraham is called the father of the faithful, for in his life he exemplified to a great extent, the type of belief in God that is necessary to live victoriously in this present world and on into the next. It is the type of faith which according to the Bible can quench all the fiery darts of the devil. Let’s read:

Ephesians 6:12   For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 

  6:13   Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

6:16   Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

In other words, this type of faith will block every device and snare the enemy can think of hurling at us, for the Bible says it can quench “all” the fiery darts, and all means all. The Bible study for this evening will focus on what Abraham believed, and how his faith in God directly affected all of his decisions, his interpretations of life’s experiences, and consequently all of his planning.

The first and foremost aspect of Abraham’s faith is that he really believed that God is able to do anything. This singular element of faith in God opens the door to limitless possibilities that defy logical reasoning, and when observed by the secular mind, may even seem to border on insanity.

 It is very important for Christians to often fellowship with like minded believers, for those who put their trust in God do reason along completely different veins of thought than those who do not believe, and so their ideas, expectations, conclusions and interpretation of life’s experiences are as far as the east is from the west.

There are two main aspects of Abraham’s faith that radically altered his overall outlook on life, and these two factors should be given very serious consideration by every Christian living in the 21st century.

(1) Abraham believed that nothing is impossible with God. An unbeliever will be limited in his expectations to what finite science dictates as being plausible,  logical, and reasonably possible, and that’s why the expectations of a believer and a non believer cannot be reconciled, for one has limits while the other has none. Let’s read:

Genesis 15:5   And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 

  15:6   And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

This promise was made to Abraham when he was about eighty years old, and his wife was not only barren, but had passed the stage of menopause, yet when God spoke these words of promise to him, he broke out in a big smile of belief, knowing that God could fulfill whatever he had promised.

 Now it is true that conventional medicine has its limits, and science as we know it will undoubtedly recommend that, on account of Abraham’s expectations, he should be immediately admitted to a mental institution. If any person were to ask their doctor if it is possible for a woman who has passed menopause to have children naturally again, the unanimous answer would be absolutely not.

How do we know this for a fact? We know because we asked and did the necessary research. According to conventional science on this matter, the average woman goes through menopause between the ages of forty and early fifties, and in some rare cases, the time is stretched to her late fifties.

 However, once the process of ovulation comes to a end, and the monthly cycles cease, the average woman would not think about having children naturally. There is only one problem with this science, in that it does not take into account, the fact that people like Sarah and Abraham are not average, and therefore the conventional limit of late fifties does not apply to those women to whom God has promised children.

Sarah was not only done with menopause for several years, she was about ninety years of age when she became pregnant, which is about thirty five to forty years after the time that conventional wisdom says any woman can reasonably expect to have children, hence the reason why we say that a nonbeliever will most likely interpret a Christian’s expectations as either insane or radically unreasonable. Let’s read:

Genesis 18:11   Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old [and] well stricken in age; [and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 

Genesis 17:17   Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall [a child] be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

However, there is another important aspect of Abraham’s faith

 (2) Abraham believed that this world was not his permanent home, and so all of his interpretations of events, his outlook on life in general, and even his estate planning were driven by this fundamental perspective of life, that he was just a pilgrim passing through temporarily, on his way to a much better place. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:9   By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 

  11:10   For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

And now, fully armed with these two radical elements of faith in God, Abraham is prepared to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, for whatever evil or unexpected turn of events comes his way, the shield of faith will dissolve them either by (1) His interpretation, (2) His expectation, (3) His pilgrimage, or (4) God’s limitless possibilities.

Let’s start with the first pillar of the shield of faith: (1) Quenching by His interpretation of events.

After Isaac, the long awaited son of promise was born, a startling command came from God for Abraham to offer him as a living sacrifice on mount Moriah. This command coming directly from God seemed to be at odds with the very nature of God, for it required the life of a human being, something God had never required of any parent.

 The devil obviously used this opportunity to hammer Abraham with fierce temptations that were based on what God had previously stated about taking the life of another human being. The law of God specifically states “Thou shalt not kill”, and therefore, according to the devil, Abraham must be suffering from serious hallucinations. Let’s read:

Genesis 4:6   And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 

  4:7   If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Another fiery dart that was hurled at Abraham was the stipulated consequences for taking another person’s life. Let’s read:

Genesis 9:6   Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

And so with these and other darts coming fast and furiously at him in his hour of trial, Abraham pulls out the shield of faith and proceeds to quench all of the arrows of satan through his interpretation of God’s command.

He reasons that since God is the Creator of all human life, maybe, just maybe in this instance, He was going to do something He had never done before, by raising Isaac back to life after the sacrifice was completed. How Abraham discovered this possibility is anyone’s guess, but it must have had to do with his belief that nothing is impossible with God. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:17   By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son]. 

  11:18   Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 

  11:19   Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

That’s why we keep going back to the issue of expectations, based on one’s faith in God.

 Very often modern science tries to manage our expectations based on our limited knowledge of science, but as stated before in a previous Bible study, the word “Omniscience”, which describes the limitless knowledge of God, is actually made up of two words, Omni- Science, which refers to a type of knowledge which transcends all known scientific laws and conclusions. And that’s why the Christian’s expectations are often considered by the secular mind as being very radical and unreasonable.

(2) Quenching through pilgrimage.

The fact that Abraham was not expecting this world to be his final home puts an entirely different spin on the experiences he would pass through on this earth. Some of these experiences would be good and some of them would be bad, however it would not matter to Abraham anyway, for as a pilgrim, he was just passing through, and thus any experience as pertains to the things of this life would be at best, temporary in nature.

And so, a next fiery dart was hurled from satan’s quiver, which has to do with the contentious and often bitter issue of inheritance. Families have often been torn apart by this issue of who gets what, and so the dart of materialism often pierces the hearts of some who claim to be pilgrims.

After a few years had elapsed in the land of Canaan, both Abraham and his younger nephew lot became very rich and increased in this world’s goods because of the blessings of God. According to the Bible record

they became so wealthy that a potential family feud threatened to alienate them because the land was not large enough to house their wealth, and so it came to a head when Abraham decided to resolve the issue.

At the meeting Abraham reached for the shield of faith and decided to let Lot take the lead in choosing whatever part of the inheritance he desired, and then what ever remained would be Abraham’s portion. This agreement was suggested by Abraham even though God had promised the land of Canaan to him. Let’s read:

Genesis 13:1   And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 

  13:2  And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 

13:5   And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. 

  13:6   And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. 

13:8   And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren.  

  13:9   [Is] not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left. 

13:10   And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. 

  13:11   Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. 

  13:12   Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched [his] tent toward Sodom.

In today’s world, with all the lawsuits and bitter recriminations which often take place between brethren and family members over the issue of inheritance, it may seem as if Abraham got a raw deal by surrendering his right to choose first, but Abraham did not look at it this way, for in his mind, he was just a pilgrim passing through, and therefore the quarrels and fights over material things must be left to those who intend to stay here.

And so, by using the pillar of pilgrimage on the shield of faith, he was again successful in quenching all the fiery darts of the devil in such matters.

(3) Quenching through expectation.

Because of Abraham’s expectation of a new city, whose builder and maker is God, his estate

planning was directly affected, for he apparently did not put heavy emphasis on social security, and life insurance, and IRA’s as is often done by those who live alone for this life.

There are those who are consumed with planning in the minutest detail, all of the intricate and extensive logistics pertaining to retirement, life insurance and finally death. Then again there are funeral homes which now offer discounts and payment plans for those expecting to die. These payments can now be made using one’s credit cards, and additional “Grave” discounts can be obtained if a person were to prepay their own burial.

While it is good to plan, and to execute judiciously and wisely, the matters which pertain to this life, we must also be careful not to become overly consumed with planning for the future to the point where all our energies and thoughts are absorbed in providing for the things of this life. Christ specifically warns us of this very, fiery dart which is often hurled at the Christian. Let’s read:

Luke 12:15   And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 

  12:16   And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 

  12:17   And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 

  12:18   And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 

  12:19   And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry. 

  12:20   But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 

  12:21   So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

And an additional warning is issued to those “Pilgrims” who claim to be looking for the soon return of Jesus in the clouds of heaven. Let’s read:

Luke 21:34   And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares. 

  21:35   For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 

  21:36   Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

After the stock market crashed during the recent great recession, many people committed suicide, for in their minds, life was not worth living anymore, without their hopes and dreams of material wealth. Many others became discouraged and stopped going to church altogether, because they believed that God had deserted them.

 In most of these cases it was the expectation harbored that consequently triggered the negative responses, for with a true pilgrim, the expectation is not centered on this world’s goods and grandeur, but rather on the immortal inheritance that God has prepared for those that love Him.

In Abraham’s case he did not even worry about burial, and graves and retirement, for according to the Bible, he did not own a single parcel of land, even though he was extremely rich. Let’s read:

Genesis 7:2   And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 

  7:3   And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee. 

  7:5   And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child. 

Again we read of Abraham’s radical faith, and the expectations which it triggered. Since he was expecting an eternal city built by God, he apparently forgot to make preparations for his and Sarah’s demise, for in his mind, those preparations might not even be necessary, based on what he was looking forward to. Let’s read:

  Genesis 23:2  And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. 

  23:3  And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, 

  23:4   I [am] a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. 

  23:5   And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him, 

  23:6   Hear us, my lord: thou [art] a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. 

Note well that all of the other princes had made prior preparations for burial for they had their estate planning done in minute detail, in so much that they could whilst living, visit their future gravesite. But Abraham had none, and the reason for this was his expectation.

The devil very often hurls fiery darts at us in our frenzied preparations for the future on this planet, and as often as they come, they can be repelled by the shield of faith, using the pillar of expectation. In other words, while the infidel or the unbeliever is losing sleep over his or her assets, and their extensive preparations for the future, the true pilgrim can sleep undisturbed, as the darts of materialism fly past his mind for they cannot disturb his peace because of his expectation.

(4) Quenching through limitless possibilities.

This last pillar on the shield of faith gives the Christian an escape route from all doubt, and the shackles of finite limits. Man’s extremity becomes God’s opportunity, and where modern science is stopped dead in its tracks, the power of God is unleashed and begins to work by completely leveling all known scientific laws and inhibitions, for God specializes in impossibilities.

In Abraham’s mind, all of the promises that God had made to him would be fulfilled with certainty, and this is what was counted as righteousness unto him, because He believed God. Let’s read:

Genesis 15:5   And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 

  15:6   And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 

The devil is often very successful in hurling the fiery dart of doubt at the Christian. Because the promises of God often defy logic the Christian is often tempted to believe that the word of God is too far-fetched for fulfillment to be a reality, and thus we sometimes succumb to the snare of unbelief, a condition that is becoming all too rampant in our day.

There are many Christians and pilgrims living today who stand in need of the radical faith of Abraham. Some are harassed by the fiery dart of doubt, and so they decide not to have any children for fear of the time of trouble that shall come upon all the world.

 Others are afraid to make great strides in any line of work or education, because they do not know when the mark of the beast will be instituted. And there are many other pilgrims who refuse to purchase a home, because they believe that the time of Christ’s Second Advent will be soon.

 While this is true and cannot be controverted because of the times in which we live, God has not asked anyone to put their education, their marriage, their pregnancy, nor their development on hold, for He has plainly stated in his word, on several different occasions that all true pilgrims will be occupied in advancing in all areas when He comes. Let’s read:

Luke 19:12   He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 

  19:13   And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Matthew 24:40   Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 

  24:41   Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 

  24:42   Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 

Here in these two passages of scripture we are commanded to be occupied, and at the same time to be watchful, and therefore our faith in these two instructions will be made manifest in our general out- look on life.

The angels of God appeared suddenly out of nowhere to the shepherds whilst they were watching their sheep, God appeared to Moses while attending to his father-in law’s livestock, and the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias while he was ministering in the priest’s office. They were all working and “Occupied” when God appeared unto them, and thus the unnecessary obsession over the time of Christ’s arrival should never be allowed to interfere with the radical shield of faith we are to wear at all times.

In other instances the fiery darts of materialism and possessions are allowed to encroach on our faith, thus making the pilgrim’s life a burden to bear.

In our day we are surrounded by an atmosphere of doubt and increasing limits, and as a result, our ability and disposition to trust in God is becoming more protracted, being influenced by what the scientific world says, or doesn’t say.

God is now calling on all true pilgrims to zip up our boots and return to our roots, even the radical faith that was exercised by father Abraham, and the reason why this call is so urgent is because practice makes perfect, and no one will learn to trust in God overnight, when the perils of the last days shall overtake us.

We therefore end with two passages of scripture which encourage us to exercise true faith in God against all odds, and if we do, the God of the impossible will come through for us in very marked and rare ways. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:1   Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

11:6   But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

11:14   For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 

  11:15   And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 

  11:16   But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 

Hebrews 10:35   Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. 

  10:36   For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

  10:37   For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 

  10:38   Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 

  10:39   But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.  

May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God bless!

The Plague Of Frogs. Sabbath Afternoon. 05/31/2014

Over the past few decades there has been an ever increasing rate of violent and unprecedented crimes that make even the carnal mind to recoil in horror. There indeed was a time not long ago, when mass shootings and suicide bombings were unheard of. Students and university attendees used to be able to acquire their education without having to even think or worry about campus security.

But a dramatic and ever-increasing change for the worse is taking place, and philosophers and politicians are at a loss to explain what’s really going on with the unprecedented and senseless violence that has become all too common. Of the time in which we are living, the Bible makes specific and profound statements regarding the rapidly declining morals of society, and also the corresponding escalation of heinous crimes that cause the world to shudder in utter alarm. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 3:1   This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 

  3:2   For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 

  3:3   Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 

  3:4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

Those spiritual and secular leaders who will like to paint a rosy picture of the near future on this planet, are either delusional, ignorant, or deliberately ignoring the facts and statistics, which show beyond a shadow of a doubt that righteousness is on the decline and evil, as a general rule of thumb, is on the ascendency.

The word of God also bears this out, for Christ Himself specifically stated that the world as we know it is going to get worse, and therefore we can expect an escalation in the many unnatural crimes and sinful behaviors we are now currently witnessing on a daily basis.

In other words, we haven’t seen anything as yet, for the Bible states that sinfulness is going to spike significantly, just prior to the return of Jesus in the clouds of heaven. Let’s read:

Matthew 24:37   But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Question: How was it in the days of Noah?

Answer: The Bible tells us how, so that there would be no mistaking as to our expectations of life in the last days. Let’s read:

Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.

6:11   The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 

  6:12   And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 

  6:13   And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Before we proceed however, it is very important for us to understand that very many of the medical conditions now being treated by doctors and psychiatrists are really defined in the Bible as being demon possession.

 Modern medicine does not generally take into consideration, the fact that indulgence in sin can cause a person to be fully demon possessed, and therefore, the reasons and explanations offered by the medical community for the insane state of mind manifested by mass murderers, often fall far short of what the real problem is.

Let’s take a brief look at two incidents in the Bible, to see how they might be evaluated by modern medicine, and then let’s see what the scriptures have to say on the matter. Let’s read:

Matthew 9:32   As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. 

  9:33   And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

The medical reason usually given for this particular condition is that the man’s Broca’s area in the cerebral cortex must have suffered some severe damage, for this area of the brain controls the motor functions associated with the production of speech.

This reason is all well and good, and we do acknowledge the advances made in modern medicine and diagnosis. And the Bible is definitely not saying that every dumb or deaf person, has an evil spirit. Absolutely not.

 However, the Bible does say that there can be another underlying cause, which we do not even consider, nor bring into the equation, the fact that a person can lose their ability to speak through demon possession.

Again, the question arises in a situation when a person has gone completely blind. Medical diagnosis will certainly refer to the possible malfunctions of the cornea, the iris, the optic nerve, the pupils, or the retina amongst others.

These diagnostic evaluations are good in their legitimate sphere, and are not to be condemned in any way, but the Lord is saying to us think again, for there are spiritual factors that we do not cater for, that can also be the root cause of these problems, but they are generally dismissed on the grounds of one’s personal beliefs or superstitions, and as such have no bearing on scientific research and analysis. However the Bible often differs in both its analysis and consequent conclusions. Let’s read:

 Matthew 12:22   Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Mark 9:17   And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 

  9:18   And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 

9:23   Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth. 

  9:24   And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 

  9:25   When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, [Thou] dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 

  9:26   And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 

9:27   But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

It is also true that a person can be moved by the devil to commit mass murders, or any other horrific crime for that matter, for the scriptures speak with abundant clarity on this point. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 19:9   And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with [his] hand. 

  19:10   And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

2nd Kings 21:1   Manasseh [was] twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hephzibah.

21:6   And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.

21:16   Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD. 

Mark 5:2   And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 

  5:3   Who had [his] dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: 

  5:4   Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any [man] tame him. 

  5:5   And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

The current murderous rampages we are witnessing almost on a weekly basis in Africa, the middle East, Ukraine, and even right here in America are symptoms of a much larger spiritual problem and therefore, must of necessity be inextricably linked to the devil, for he is a murderer, and all who are possessed and motivated by him will follow in his footsteps, this according to the Bible. Let’s read:

John 8:44   Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 

However, to better understand and be prepared for what is coming upon the world, we must go back in time to the land of Egypt, where the Hebrews who were once enslaved by the pharaohs, were about to be delivered.

 After several attempts to have Pharaoh let the Israelites go were met with blatant refusal, God had to bring certain plagues upon the Egyptians, in order for them to understand that there is a God who rules in the heavens. One of the plagues that was poured out was the plague of frogs, which we will study in-depth this afternoon.

Let’s read:

Exodus 8:1   And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 

  8:2   And if thou refuse to let [them] go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: 

  8:3   And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: 

  8:4  And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. 

  8:5   And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. 

  8:6  And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

In this passage of scripture it is clearly seen that the frogs of Egypt emerged from the water after Aaron stretched out his hand over the rivers and springs of Egypt.

In the book of revelation we observe that the sixth angel pours his vial over the river Euphrates, after which evil spirits like frogs emerge, but this time they affect not only the land of Egypt, but also the entire world, and it is for this reason that we are going to thoroughly investigate how nations and individuals will be adversely affected by this plague, so that we may know from the Bible, how to escape the withering influences of frogs, and their catastrophic activities. Let’s read:

Revelation 16:12   And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 

  16:13   And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 

  16:14   For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

It is of critical importance for us to know what the waters of the Euphrates represent under this plague, and so for the correct answer, we turn to the scriptures. Let’s read:

Revelation 17:15   And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 

In order for us to understand what these things mean, and their implication for us living in the 21st century, we will need to first observe the areas of life where the frogs of Egypt adversely affected the people. In Exodus chapter eight, there are given four main areas in which the effects of the plague of frogs would be felt. Let’s read again:

  Exodus 8:3   And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: 

  8:4  And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. 

Area # (1) The houses or places where people live. Frogs do not normally like to live in houses, for they prefer a wet, damp environment, and that’s why they originally emerged from the rivers and ponds. But these frogs were different, in that they would force their way into the habitations of people so that their adverse effects could be felt.

In our day, there are “frogs” that have taken up permanent residence in many homes, for some of the activities that are fostered and cultivated by parents and children alike, attest to the fact that evil spirits have already taken over their houses.

Just recently, a video was posted on the internet, in  which a parent was shown, teaching a child how to curse and swear, and was applauding the child’s efforts to use the worst kind of foul language.

In many homes, x-rated movies and pornographic literature is made readily available to the children, and premarital sex is now considered a normal way of life, being advocated and fostered by the many soap operas, movies and videos being produced in Hollywood. As a matter of fact, just recently, an FBI sting operation netted many parents and prominent individuals who were peddling child pornography on an international scale from their homes.

Frogs have indeed taken up residence in many houses already, and the sixth angel has not even poured out his vial as yet, that’s why the Lord is giving to us sound advice that we be not ensnared by the plague of frogs. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 7:26   Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

Area  # (2) Thy bed chamber, or the place where a person retires for a night’s rest. Many people across the globe are experiencing terrible nightmares and are seeing visions of departed relatives who they purport have come back from heaven with messages of import for them.

Not long ago an extensive interview was held by a prominent news media host in which a doctor stated that she had been visited by angels who gave her information pertaining to the future history of her son.

Again, the bedroom chamber is often witness to some of the worst kinds of sexual activity, practiced by the secular and the religious alike. Indeed it is true that frogs have entered the bed chambers of millions.

Area # (3) The ovens and kneading troughs. In other words, evil spirits are gaining control over the production of food, and this is evident by the variety of unclean meats, GMO foods, and drinks that are causing an alarming spike in childhood obesity, together with a host of food borne illnesses that wreak havoc on the populace.

In the last few weeks millions of pounds of beef, crabs, pork, walnuts, and other food and vegetable products have been recalled for Salmonella, E coli, and Lysteria contamination, and recent tests have proven that most honey that is sold in stores is not honey at all. Pork DNA has also been discovered in Cadbury chocolates, and the list goes on and on. Frogs have indeed invaded the food systems we depend on for survival, and the Bible rightly predicted that these days were coming. Let’s read:

Revelation 18:1   And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 

  18:2   And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 

  18:3   For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

18:12   The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 

  18:13   And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

Area # (4). Upon thee and upon thy servants and upon all the people. This last area of influence points us to the very near future, when almost everyone living on the planet will be fully possessed by evil spirits.

Many people are not aware that they are indeed being energized and motivated by one of only two spiritual forces operating in the universe. We are either submitted to the Eternal God, or we are being controlled by the prince of darkness, a fact that is plainly stated in the Bible over and over again. Let’s read:

 Matthew 6:22   The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 

  6:23   But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness! 

  6:24   No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 

Romans 6:16   Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Matthew  12:43   When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 

  12:44   Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth [it] empty, swept, and garnished. 

  12:45   Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

For many years the Holy Spirit of God and the holy angels have been holding back the winds of strife, that they blow not on the earth in full force, and for very many years there has been a cascading of morality, virtue and righteousness across the globe.

 God’s tender voice of entreaty, calling the sinner to repentance has been steadily beaten back, and to add insult to injury, nations and politicians are now approving and instituting laws that are in direct violation of what God has plainly stated in His word.

And now the time is fast approaching when the Lord will bid the holy angels to let go, and when this occurs, we are going to see across the earth, crime, violence, destruction, and moral depravity on an unprecedented scale. Let’s read:

Revelation7:1   And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 

  7:2   And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 

  7:3   Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The question for us is, are we encouraging the presence of frogs in our homes? By our choices and consequent activities, are we harboring frogs in or “Ovens” and in the preparation of food? And how about our bed chambers? Are frogs influencing what we do in private or are we, by what we watch and listen to, encouraging them to interfere with our dreams.

Some of us have been delaying the decision to follow Jesus all the way, and as a result we are found to be straddling both sides of the spiritual fence.

But if we do not allow Christ to enter the door of our hearts, satan then takes up residence by default, and the result will be that frogs will inevitably control our minds by invading our thought processes. In other words, activities that we once thought to be very offensive will gradually become acceptable, to the point where we may view them as being absolutely essential.

If for any reason we have answered in the affirmative to any of the previous questions, then the Lord is making an urgent appeal for us to cease and desist, by allowing Christ to enter our hearts, so that we can be renewed in our minds by His Holy Spirit on a daily basis.

The appeal is now being made to individuals, to communities, to religious leaders, to politicians, to judges, to presidents, to Christians, and to every creed and race under heaven, for our day of grace is swiftly drawing to a close, wherein every person will be aligned with God’s kingdom of righteousness, or satan’s kingdom of darkness. Let’s read:

Revelation 18:4   And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 

  18:5   For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 

Revelation 22:17   And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.  

The outcome to these very important issues lie with us, and so it is our sincere desire that everyone within the hearing of God’s voice, will respond in the positive, for the time of our salvation is much nearer than we believe. God Bless!

Standing Firm For Righteousness. Sabbath Afternoon. 05/24/2014

A very lame form of Christianity has emerged over the years since Christ established His church, beginning with the apostles. This new mindset that has taken hold on millions, places the teachings of scripture in a subjective framework, meaning that the principles and statutes of God’s word are obeyed only when it does not cross our path or interfere with our personal interests.

 It is a form of Christianity that focuses on praises, and good deeds, while at the same time violating God’s law if it does not align with our desires or our own ideas of what we think is right.

 In other words, when we are placed in a situation where the firm implementation of godly principles would cause us loss or harm, or would otherwise 

interfere with our desires, then the word of God goes out the window, or is modified to suit our own preferences. This form of Christianity God neither endorses or recognizes, for it is foreign to the example which Christ himself has set, and is nowhere advocated in the scriptures.

However, this form of religion also existed back then in the days of the Hebrews, and what we are witnessing today in Christendom, is just a repetition

of the ages old practice of modifying or changing the word of God to suit our personal tastes and desires. Let’s read:

Judges 21:25   In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes. 

As Christians, we are not called to do what we think is right, neither are we to let our consciences be our guide, for if we subscribe to such a creed, we open the door for the doctrine of relativism, where the standards and principles of the Bible vary from culture to culture and from person to person, and the plain teachings of the word of God are either changed, altered, or removed altogether, in order to accommodate popular demand, or personal advancement.

This form of religion is expressly forbidden in the word of God, even though it has become very popular and acceptable in many Christian circles and theological seminaries. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 12:8   Ye shall not do after all [the things] that we do here this day, every man whatsoever [is] right in his own eyes. 

12:11   Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

 12:13   Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest.

When a true Christian has to make a decision, the first and foremost question he asks himself is “What does the Bible say? Personal preferences, desires, and popular opinion are all held in subjection to the teaching of the scriptures, for this is what is meant by “Living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”.

In other words, if standing firmly for the truth puts a Christian at risk of ridicule, or puts him or her in danger that otherwise cannot be avoided, then the Biblical thing to do is to follow the straight and narrow path, leaving the results up to God. Any other form of Christianity will be severely shaken and dismantled by the final conflict between the forces of good and evil, that is soon to be unfurled across the globe.

We are not to think that life as a Christian will be a bed of roses, with guaranteed deliverance only a prayer away. Neither are we to believe that the devil will permit us to follow the plain teachings of the word of God unmolested, for at every step of advance in the Christian’s life, a challenge and an assault is mounted by satanic agencies to test our sincerity, and also to cause us to stumble if possible. Let’s read:

  Revelation 12:12   Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

12:17   And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

This is what Daniel and his companions found out, whilst they were residing in Babylon, for in several instances, their loyalty to God was severely tested in very radical ways that would have caused many of today’s Christians to relinquish their faith in God.

What is worthy of note is that thousands of other Hebrews were actually taken captive by the king Nebuchadnezzar, yet the Bible only records the steadfastness of these four believers, who stood firmly for righteousness, at the peril of their lives. That’s why from this point forward they will be referred to as “Certain Jews”. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:12   There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

God had given to king Nebuchadnezzar a dream, delineating the future history of our world, beginning with his kingdom of Babylon. The king was granted to rule the then known world, after which three other monarchies or world powers, were to come upon the stage of action, culminating in the permanent establishment of the kingdom of God upon the earth.

The interpretation to this dream was given to the prophet Daniel, which he then related to the king so that there would be no misunderstandings as to what the outcome of the future would be. Let’s read: 

Daniel 2:31   Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness [was] excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof [was] terrible. 

  2:32   This image's head [was] of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 

  2:33   His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 

  2:34   Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 

  2:35   Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. 

2:36   This [is] the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 

  2:37   Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 

  2:38   And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold. 

  2:39   And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 

  2:40   And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.   

  2:44   And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 

  2:45   Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

However, in direct defiance of the dream and its correct interpretation, King Nebuchadnezzar decided to build an image of gold, thus signifying that his kingdom of Babylon was to stand forever, instead of God’s eternal kingdom of righteousness. The dimensions of this image and the use of force in its worship have meaning for us today, and should be clearly understood by all students of the scriptures. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:1   Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height [was] threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

3:4   Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 

  3:5   [That] at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 

  3:6   And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 

The number six surfaces twice in the measurements of the cubits which, were at that time based on the distance from the elbow to the fingertips. And so we observe that the measurements were determined by the hand. The death penalty was also attached to a violation of the religious decree, very similar to what took place during the dark ages, where millions of Christians were put to death by Rome for refusing to “Bow”.

If this sounds familiar it’s because it is, for the Bible tells us that there is nothing new under the sun, and what is transpiring now behind closed doors, and even being publicly advocated by the world’s prominent religious leaders, is just a prelude to the repetition of what took place back then in Babylon. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:15   And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

13:18   Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.

This is the dire situation that the three Hebrews faced, a condition in which an unscriptural form of worship was forced upon them on pain of death, and therefore it is imperative that we study closely their response to the mandates of the king, so that we also may be instructed in our response to the soon to be revealed religious mandates. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:2   Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.  

  3:3   Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

It is of critical importance for us to understand why the king called only certain people, the leaders who had jurisdiction over the day to day operations of the kingdom of Babylon, to the dedication. And there are many valid questions about their specific offices that beg for an explanation, in the context of enforcing the executive orders of the King.

Question: What do governors do? They govern- the people who fall under their jurisdiction, and they can implement laws even though the masses of people might not agree with them. Right here in the sunshine state of Florida, the then ruling governor used his authority to approve the destruction of over 635,000 citrus trees, even though there was  an angry uproar over the decision.

What do judges do?  They judge - according to the statutes and laws that are written even though the some of these laws are arbitrary in nature and make absolutely no sense. For instance, there is a law currently on the books in Pensacola Florida that says you cannot be caught sitting down without at least 10 dollars on your person, so if you see a man standing up very often in the area, chances are  that he is broke. What do sheriffs do?  They enforce the laws that are on the books, irregardless of whether or not they are fair.

But the most disturbing of all the King’s appointees who were called to support the dedication of the golden image is the treasurer. Question: What do treasurers do? Here in America, the treasury secretary is responsible for the financial health and stability of the nation.

All economic activity is directly or indirectly linked to the treasury, that’s why when the former Ben Bernanke spoke at the meetings of the Federal Reserve, the stock market would spike or plunge rapidly based on the content of his statements.

The buying and selling of all goods and services is directly linked to the treasury, and so we ask the question again, why did Nebuchadnezzar require the allegiance and support of the treasurer?

Let’s observe for a moment again the prophecy in Revelation, for God has been warning us of a dramatic change in the way we do business, that will be inevitably tied to the issue of unbiblical worship, an issue in which all treasurers must of necessity be involved. Let’s read:

Revelation  13:16   And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 

  13:17   And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

The officers who were called to the dedication of the golden image, all answered to the king, and therefore their support of his religious mandates were of critical importance, for if they subscribed to the king’s form of religion, they would inevitably enforce the religious dogmas he thus instituted. But there was one big problem!

“Certain Jews” who were appointed to public office were not supporting the king in his sacrilegious efforts to enforce a false form of worship, and they refused be bribed, intimated, ridiculed, promoted or bullied into recanting their Biblical principles. Note well, it was only “Certain Jews”. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:8   Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. 

  3:9   They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. 

  3:10   Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image: 

  3:11   And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, [that] he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 

  3:12   There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 

  3:13   Then Nebuchadnezzar in [his] rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

We are just wondering which of the officers present were given the command to arrest the “Certain Jews”. That duty would most likely have devolved upon the “Sheriffs” who were present, for as stated before, there is a valid reason why the king called them to the dedication.

However, arraignment by the king was not sufficient to deter the three Hebrews in their steadfast purpose not to bow, and so the enemy of all righteousness, inspired Nebuchadnezzar to turn up the heat, not one notch but seven notches, to try and force obedience and coerce the consciences of  the “Certain Jews”. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:14   Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, [Is it] true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

  3:16   Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we [are] not careful to answer thee in this matter. 

  3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 

  3:18   But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 

  3:19   Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 

  3:20   And he commanded the most mighty men that [were] in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, [and] to cast [them] into the burning fiery furnace. 

  3:21   Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their [other] garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 

  3:22   Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

  3:23   And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Conventional wisdom would certainly decry the decisions made by the “Certain Jews”, as being inhumane and downright stupid. Human rights activists would probably have gathered to protest their set determination to be roasted alive rather than bend the knee.

And their family members who were not of the same mindset, would certainly have emailed them, angrily denouncing their stubborn resistance to the religious and secular authorities combined.

The department of children and families would have shown up with their kids, crying uncontrollably for the potential loss of their fathers, and aunts and uncles, in-laws and outlaws would have severely criticized their firm stand for principle, over a simple issue such as worship.

Their resolute purpose in favor of righteousness, and their consequent placement in the furnace of fire would then go viral over the internet, and those on the left and right of the political arena would revile them as being religious extremists who have taken Christianity to the outer fringes of sanity.

But try as they might, using all available means and methods, the three Hebrews refused to recant their position, even at the cost of their very lives.

Some may be wondering why such graphic explanations of this incident are being given, and what is the purpose of bringing these issues to the forefront now, when life seems like a dream and most Americans are “Christians” anyway.

The Bible accurately predicts that a time of religious intolerance will come, and that those who dare to resist the decrees thus handed down are going to face the ire of the dragon, who is hell bent on the establishment of a new world order, in which one central economic system and one central religious system will be put in place. Let’s read:

Revelation 16:13   And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 

  16:14   For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

John 16:1   These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 

  16:2   They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 

  16:3   And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

2nd Timothy 3:12   Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

  3:13   But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

To this time we are rapidly hastening even though the masses of people know it not, and thus in our preparation for the coming crisis, we should begin by standing firm for principle in the little things, so that when the big one comes, our minds would have already been set in a mold of faithfulness. If we cannot stand firm for anything, we will then fall for everything, and eternal life is promised only to those who are faithful, even unto death. Let’s read:

Revelation 2:10   Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 

  2:11   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

It is indeed a true statement of fact, that practice makes perfect and it begins with little things, for he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much, and faith that is not tested, cannot be trusted.

A Christian man by the name of Jon Peterson had gotten into a serious accident with a school bus, but by the grace of God, he had escaped unharmed. The police investigation and subsequent reports were then made, and it was found that the school bus driver was at fault, and so the state insurance company would have to pick up the tab for all the repairs done to Jon’s car.

However, in his discussion of the matter with his attorney, he found out that he could receive a significant amount of money if he claimed for neck and back injuries. He thought the matter over carefully, and would have done the right thing by refusing such enticements, but he was currently out of a job from the great recession, and was on the verge of losing his home to foreclosure.

After much deliberation, he decided to visit a fraudulent chiropractor in his hometown so that he could then file the necessary claims to receive the reimbursements for his alleged injuries. He ended up receiving a substantial settlement for the accident and hundreds of thousands more for his concocted spine and neck damage, however, in the process he sacrificed the eternal principle of honesty for a temporary, pecuniary advantage.

And so the battle for principle rages on and is played out in the arena of every Christian’s mind. The question is, what, if anything will cause us to budge or bow even a little? Do we bow to the mega-millions jackpot, and do we bow when our school agenda falls on a Saturday?

When pressure is exerted against us at the work place to work late on Friday evenings, or to forge documents in order to do business, are we found bowing? Do we habitually bow during tax season by claiming for relatives who only exist in Neverland, or do we bow by signing off on claims and deductions that are fictitious in nature?

When satan comes around offering us the kingdoms of this world in exchange for bowing, would we like the “Certain Jews” stand for the right whatever the cost, or would we like Mr. Peterson, sell our souls for some temporary advantage?

The answers to these pressing questions lie within the domain of every heart, but the Lord would have us understand, that if we decide to sacrifice godly principles for any reason, we will meet with eternal loss, for the path that Jesus trod, is a path of self denial, and to all who desire to walk in His footsteps, He says “Follow Me”.

We sincerely hope and trust that as we face a turbulent future in which the principles of the secular world are pitted against the principles of righteousness, that we will take a firm stand for righteousness, for God is able to strengthen us if we choose to do the right thing always. God bless!

Avoiding The Unpardonable Sin. Sabbath Afternoon. 05/17/2014

The unpardonable sin is the culmination of determined and conscious resistance to the convictions and entreaties of the Holy Spirit of God, until Gods efforts to save us cease.

The very thought of committing the unpardonable sin, sends cold chills down our spine, for when it occurs, it brings all hope of eternal life to an end, which then removes from us all the joys of living, knowing full well that we will be forever excluded from God’s presence.

However, a particular doctrine has emerged in modern Christianity, that has no foundation in scripture whatsoever, a doctrine which when espoused can potentially put millions of well meaning Christians at risk of eternal damnation.

This doctrine is popularly known as “Once saved, always saved”, and is regularly taught and advocated by many prominent ministers and televangelists across the land. The proponents of this doctrine basically declare that once a person, or individuals have been saved by God’s grace and power, then they are permanently retained in that saved state, which then makes it impossible for that person, or individuals to be lost.

However, it is important for us to base our beliefs on what the scriptures teach, and it is also necessary for us to use the correct, biblical method of interpretation, before we draw any conclusions. For this reason we are going to pose several direct and simple questions, and we are going to let the Bible answer for itself, so that any sincere and honest minded person may have a plain thus saith the Lord to base their faith upon.

Question (1) What does the Bible mean when it says that God saved a person or persons?

Answer: It means that God has given us a new lease on life through the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ, which we accept by faith. It also means that the work of the Holy Spirit in renewing our minds has begun, and in cooperation with God, this work will continue until we die or until we are sealed. For instance, king Saul was given a new heart at the onset of his kingdom, and if he cooperated with God throughout his life, he would have been saved eternally. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 10:1   Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his inheritance?  10:6   And the spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 10:9   And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

And as it took place with Saul, just so it takes place with everyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, God gives us another heart. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 36:26   A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 

  36:27   And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

Ephesians 2:8   For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:   2:9   Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 Hebrews 8:10   For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Question (2) Were the children of Israel saved by God, just like he saves you and me?

Answer: Yes, absolutely. They were saved, and we are saved. Let’s read:

Exodus 14:30   Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 

  14:31   And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Matthew 1:21   And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

They were baptized, and we are baptized: Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10:1   Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 

  10:2   And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;  

  10:3   And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 

  10:4   And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 

Mark 16:16   He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 3:5   Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 

  3:6   That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 

  3:7   Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Acts 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

  2:41   Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

 They were given the Holy Spirit, and we are given the Holy spirit. Let’s read:

Nehemiah 9:20   Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

  John 20:21   Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 

  20:22   And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.

 Acts  4:31   And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 

They were given God’s ten commandments, and we are given the ten commandments. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 4:11   And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. 

  4:13   And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. 

Hebrews 8:10   For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.

Revelation 14:12   Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 22:14   Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 

 Absolutely no change to the terms and conditions of being saved have been made. The sacrificial system pointing to the Lamb of God has been done away with, and circumcision has been discontinued, but the conditions and requirements for being saved remain exactly the same, with no new additions or subtractions whatsoever.

Question (3) Can a person who has been saved by God’s grace, and given a new heart, and given the Holy Spirit, be lost eternally?

Answer: Absolutely. Very many characters in the Bible were given the Holy Spirit, and were given another heart, and yet they will be lost. Let’s read:

Ist Samuel 3:12   In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 

  3:13   For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 

  3:14   And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

 Matthew 10:1   And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

10:3   Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 

  10:4   Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

None of the apostles ever taught or believed that once a person is saved that they were always saved. Even Paul who dwells a great deal on love, knew that in order to be given immortality, he had to fight the good fight of faith to the end. He did not presume to think that just because he was an apostle, or because he wrote many epistles, that he was forever beyond all possibility of being lost. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians9:26   I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 

  9:27   But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

The Psalmist David also understood the sacred truth that we are the arbiters of our own destiny, and that having once received the Holy Spirit, was no guarantee that a person must be saved. Let’s read:

Psalms 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

  51:10   Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 

  51:11   Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

As a matter of fact, it was when David in retrospect, understood his own vulnerabilities and weaknesses, that he trembled, and appealed to the tender mercies of God to keep him from committing the unpardonable sin. Let’s read:

Psalms19:12   Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults]. 

  19:13   Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Many Christians do not fully understand the nature of “Secret faults”, and so many of us live our lives, unaware that cherished, sinful thoughts will one day mature into outright sin. A true Christian never ever falls suddenly, but through a protracted process of allowing sinful desires to remain unchecked in our hearts, the magnetic force of our sinful nature causes these thoughts to take deep root, until a firm decision is made in our minds to put into action, what we’ve always been thinking about, whenever the right circumstances present themselves.

There are very many church folk who do good charitable work, who serve faithfully in various church offices, who sing in the church choir, and who, for all intents and purposes, are in good and regular standing in the eyes of fellow believers. Yet deep within the recesses of their minds, lurk latent propensities to evil, and sinful desires that are harbored and cherished, only awaiting an opportune moment for the sinful thought to become a reality. But whilst this process is going on, unknown to the outside world, regular church activities, and regular church attendance continue as a rule, without any interruption.

That’s why the false doctrine of “Once saved, always saved” is so dangerous, because it delivers the crown of victory before the battle is won.

A man by the name of Jean Claude became embroiled in a life of drugs, crime, and promiscuity in the city of Chicago. On several different occasions

he tried to reform his ways, but met with abject failure time and time again. His illicit lifestyle continued for several years, until early one morning there was a loud banging on his front door. As he looked out through his window, he saw three armed men in face masks, obviously bent on his destruction. In his desperation, he fell on his knees and prayed as he had never prayed before, and he then promised that if he were delivered, he would from that time forward become a Christian.

And so said so done, for when he arose from praying, the three armed men had disappeared without a trace. He then followed through with his pledge, was baptized and started attending the local evangelical church on a regular basis. This new life in Christ continued well for several months, although from time to time Jean Claude found that he had to deny himself of the former lusts and habits, he once indulged. But by prayer and the grace of God, he was able to keep his balance.

However, in one of the Bible studies being done by the local evangelist, the doctrine of “Once saved, always saved” was presented, in which it was confirmed that any person who had been saved by the Lord Jesus, remained in that saved state and therefore could never be lost. This teaching was new to Jean Claude’s ears, so he raised his hand and asked the evangelist the following question: “Sir, are you saying that I absolutely cannot be lost, regardless of what I do, just because Christ has saved me? The evangelist then answered an emphatic yes, and went on to explain that because the Holy Spirit has been promised to all believers from the time of their baptism and onward, they are rendered eternally secure, with no possibility of them being lost. Jean Claude scratched his head, but then left the meeting with renewed energy and assurance, believing that his eternal destiny was signed, sealed, and delivered.

That very same night, one of his former girlfriends showed up at his doorstep, dressed provocatively, and with some crystal methamphetamine in her purse, invited him out for a night on the town. A terrible struggle ensued in his mind, knowing that he had not long ago been saved from that very same lifestyle, but the guarantee of eternal security that was given him by the evangelist, kept ringing in his ears, until finally he yielded to the enticements before him, and went clubbing with his former girlfriend.

It was not long before he had returned to all of his former drug habits and sexual promiscuity, but with one big difference now. He continues to attend church regularly, he sings in the choir, and he is now confidently looking forward to Jesus’ second coming, with the full assurance that he will be saved.

The doctrine of once saved always saved is much more deadly than the doctrine of purgatory, for it purports to secure for the sinner who has been given a new start by God, a place in His kingdom without the necessary, continuing requirements of self denial and overcoming sin, as is plainly stated in the Bible.  Let’s read:

Matthew 16:24   Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

 Revelation 3:21   To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 

  3:22   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 21:7   He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 

  21:8   But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Matthew 24:11   And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 

  24:12   And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 

  24:13   But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 

Another deadly result of the doctrine of “Once saved, always saved” is that it implies the use of force or coercion on God’s part, by removing our freedom to choose, once we have accepted Christ. Nothing can be further from the truth, for to every person who surrenders to the Lord Jesus, the freedom to choose is always left intact, so that if one desires to turn back at any time, they are free to do so. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:14   For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 

  11:15   And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 

  11:16   But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

John 6:66   From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 

  6:67   Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 

  6:68   Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 

Hebrews 10:38   Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 

  10:39   But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 

Joshua 24:15   And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Many Christians have given up in despair, refusing to fight any longer against the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes that keep tugging at our heart strings. And very many others have called a truce with sin, deciding to harbor ungodly desires only in their minds, but not overtly, and so they have reached a comfort zone with evil so that their tolerance level to sinful desires has been raised significantly, and they let pass by, unrebuked and unrepented, secret sins that are gradually striving for the mastery. Many televangelists and many lay people, who otherwise seem to be righteous an holy are indulging and cultivating secret sins and desires, that will someday burst forth in an unprecedented manner, when the opportune moment and circumstances arise. That’s why we are admonished in the following verses not to negotiate or cultivate secret sins on any level, for if we do, it’s only a matter of time before they gain full control of our minds. Let’s read:

Romans   13:12   The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.   

  13:14   But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]. 

Colossians 3:5   Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 

    3:8   But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 

  3:9   Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

The word “Mortify” means to slay sin in our lives by the sword of the Spirit and the power of the Holy Ghost, until sin is completely dead, nevermore to arise in our hearts.

And so, in order for us to avoid the unpardonable sin, it is necessary that we observe carefully, the following important points:

(1) We must acknowledge our weaknesses and sins before God, but we should not dwell upon them to the point where they become all-absorbing. Let’s read:

1st John 1:8   If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

  1:9   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Phillipians 3:13   Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 

  3:14   I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

  3:15   Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

(2) We should focus our attention on Christ and His righteousness, for he has already made the sacrifice for our sins, and if we continue in Him, we are accepted in the Beloved. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53:5   But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 

  53:6   All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

 John 3:14   And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 

  3:15   That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 

  3:16   For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

  3:17   For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 2nd Corinthians  3:18   But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

(3) When the voice of the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts, bidding us to turn from our sins, let us not harden our minds by objecting or delaying, but let us rather hasten to obey the dictates of an enlightened conscience. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3:14   For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 

  3:15   While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Revelation  3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 

  3:20   Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

(4) Let us not harbor any cherished sins or sinful desires in our hearts, but let us be open and up front with God about the dormant sins that harass us from time to time. Let’s read:

Psalms 66:18   If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]: 

  66:19   [But] verily God hath heard [me]; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. 

  66:20   Blessed [be] God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

 Psalms 51:6   Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

 51:17   The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 

  51:19   Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. 

If by the grace of God we be faithful in following these instructions found in God’s word, we will never be barren or unfruitful in the experience of salvation, and the dreaded unpardonable sin will not be ours. May we so live and do as those whom God has called to virtue and righteousness. God bless!

Genuine And Pseudo Repentance. Sabbath Afternoon. 05/10/2014

The issue of repentance should be thoroughly understood by all, Christians and non-Christians alike, for without true repentance, the grace of God that brings salvation to all men, cannot be applied to a person’s individual life. We often hear those now famous words “I take full responsibility for my actions” after one’s sin has been found out or exposed by the media, however there are certain facts pertaining to the issue of repentance that should be explained before we delve further into the subject.

[1] True repentance cannot be generated by the human agent. It can only come from God. As fallen beings we can feel sorry for the results of our actions when they bring us negative feelings of remorse, resentment, embarrassment, or fines and imprisonment etc. However, to feel sorry for the sin itself is something that cannot be initiated by us, no matter how bad we may feel about our behaviors. Let’s read:

Acts 5:30   The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 

  5:31   Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 

2nd Timothy 2:25   In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2nd Corinthians 7:10   For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

When the apostle Paul states that the sorrow of the world worketh death, we can find a fitting example of what he is speaking about in the experience of Judas who repented himself, but his experience proved to be the pseudo kind, for the Bible tells us that after he repented of betraying Christ to death, he went out and hanged himself, and as a rule without any exceptions, the godly sorrow that God gives as a gift never ever leads to suicide. Let’s read:

Matthew 27:3   Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 

  27:4   Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that]. 

  27:5   And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 

 If a person has committed a very horrible crime, and they leave a note saying that they could no longer live with a guilty conscience, and they take their own lives, we can know for certain that the sorrow they felt did not come from God.

[2] Genuine repentance never seeks as its primary goal, a reversal of one’s misfortunes on account of sins or crimes committed. On the contrary, there is manifested a decided willingness to bear the brunt and burden of one’s wrongdoing, without blaming anyone or any circumstance for one’s sins.

After David had numbered the children of Israel, he invoked the displeasure of God, and an angel was sent to destroy throughout Jerusalem, those who were sharers in David’s guilt. When David saw the devastation taking place, he requested that he himself suffer for his sin, instead of the people, and as a rule, this attitude to willingly bear punishment for one’s guilt is an evidence that genuine repentance has taken place. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 21:17   And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but [as for] these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued. 

Whenever David’s conscience was aroused to the enormity of any sin he had committed, he routinely manifested that willingness to bear the full consequences of his wrong doing. This attitude is critically important in the process of salvation, as it has a lot to do with our views of God as being just or unfair in His dealings with us. Many people harbor a silent, inner grudge towards God, for in their minds they view the wages of sin as a punishment from God that is too severe for what they view as the petty act of eating a forbidden fruit. And very many, even amongst Christians, secretly disagree with God in their minds over the issue of judgments meted out on account of sins. That’s one of the reasons why we often hear the querry, “where was God in such and such a disaster”, or “If God is love, how can He permit such devastations to occur”.

With David however, a completely different spirit emerges, and that’s why in the majority of cases, David was granted to a large extent, a reversal of his misfortunes on account of his sins. Let’s observe that attitude carefully again, for it has tremendous implications for us living in the 21st century, as we will explain later. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 15:30   And David went up by the ascent of [mount] Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that [was] with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. 

2nd Samuel 16:5   And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. 

  16:6   And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men [were] on his right hand and on his left. 

  16:7   And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: 

  16:8   The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou [art taken] in thy mischief, because thou [art] a bloody man. 

  16:9   Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. 

  16:10   And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

This same willingness to bear the full responsibility and results for one’s sins was manifested in the thief on the cross, and that’s the reason why he found pardon, peace, and assurance in Christ.

 What is worthy of note is that at the onset of Christ’s crucifixion, both thieves railed on Jesus, but as the repentance from God came their way, a very great change came over one of them. Let’s read:

Matthew 27:38   Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 

  27:39   And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 27:44   The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. 

Luke 23:39   And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 

  23:40   But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 

  23:41   And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 

  23:42   And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 

The great issues at stake in the process of repentance is not the enormity of guilt or the heinous nature of the crimes committed. The deciding factor is whether or not we will accept God’s repentance when it is granted to us by the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit, which leads us to the next important point.

[4] God’s gift of repentance must be received during the time of our probationary period, for the time comes in everyone’s life, when a deliberate and persistent rejection of the voice of conscience, calling us to repentance, goes forever silent, nevermore to be heard or recognized, even though we may continue to live for many years thereafter.

 A man by the name of Pedro, desired to relocate to the city of Miami after living for several years in the quiet countryside of Homestead, since he was looking for a Job in the downtown financial district. He finally found a home suitable to his liking, and immediately set about to purchase it.

 However, after the transaction was finished, and he had moved into the home of his dreams, he realized that he had a very serious problem on his hands, for the neighbors on both sides of his fence had several dogs that barked all night, robbing him of much needed sleep. At first he could not deal with the situation, since he was spending many sleepless nights listening to the persistent barking of the dogs, but after some time, a strange thing began to happen. The sound of the dogs’ barking became less and less prominent in his hearing, until after several months, he could sleep undisturbed throughout the night without even hearing any barking whatsoever. The same is true of the voice of the Holy Spirit, who pleads and entreats the sinner, calling us to repentance, but if we do not take any proactive steps in accepting the gift, the time eventually comes when we do not hear any “Barking” whatsoever, and the voice of God in our consciences goes forever silent, never ever to be reversed. That’s why a profound warning is issued in the scriptures to every person living on the planet. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3:13   But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 

  3:14   For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 

  3:15   While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 

This is exactly what happened to king Saul, who when he was reproved by the Lord through the prophet Samuel, manifested a stubborn ,

self-willed attitude on several occasions, until the voice of God went completely dead in his conscience, never afterward to be sounded in his mind. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 15:9   But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

15:13   And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 

  15:14   And Samuel said, What [meaneth] then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 

  15:15   And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 

15:16   Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. 

  15:17   And Samuel said, When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? 

  15:19   Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? 

  15:20   And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 

  15:21   But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

That’s why after several experiences like these, in which the voice of the Holy Spirit was repressed and rejected and denied, then God’s voice went completely dead in Saul’s mind, nevermore to be heard during the rest of his life. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 28:5   And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. 

  28:6   And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 

The stark difference between the genuine and false types of repentance can also be clearly seen in the experiences of the Jewish people, during and after the day of Pentecost. When the convicting voice of the Holy Ghost was brought home to minds of the hearers, some acknowledged their guilt, and were granted godly sorrow for sin, and by so doing were completely exonerated by God. Let’s read:

Acts 2:36   Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 

  2:37   Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? 

  2:38   Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

2:41   Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. 

  2:42   And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

However, this was not the case with everyone, for when the same Holy Ghost came through with vivid remonstrances in their consciences at the stoning of Stephen, a completely different attitude was manifested in the utter rejection of His convictions. Let’s read:

Acts 7:51  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye. 

  7:52   Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 

7:54   When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.

7:57   Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 

  7:58   And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Two completely different attitudes with two completely different results. One group received the gift of repentance and was saved, the other rejected the gift and was lost. The very same experience took place with Esau, who for many years had treated the gracious overtures of God with disdain. Whenever the issue of the birthright came up, or whenever anything of a religious nature was mentioned, he became very irritable and annoyed, as was manifested in his attitude towards the birthright, which included both spiritual and temporal blessings. Let’s read:

  Genesis25:30   And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 

  25:31   And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 

  25:32   And Esau said, Behold, I [am] at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 

  25:33   And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 

  25:34   Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised [his] birthright.

And so it was that from that time forward, the voice of conscience became more and more faint, until Esau was unable to hear any “Barking”, and his probation was forever closed, even though he lived for many years after, and later realized the terrible mistake he had made. Let’s read:

Genesis 27:30   And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 

  27:31   And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me. 

  27:32   And Isaac his father said unto him, Who [art] thou? And he said, I [am] thy son, thy firstborn Esau. 

  27:33   And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where [is] he that hath taken venison, and brought [it] me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, [and] he shall be blessed. 

  27:34   And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, [even] me also, O my father. 

  27:35   And he said, Thy brother came with subtlety, and hath taken away thy blessing. 

  27:36   And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? 

Hence the reason why a stern warning comes down to us, living in a time when the work of salvation is

made the subject of jokes and mockery. Let’s read:

Hebrews 12:16   Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 

  12:17   For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. 

This then leads us to the fourth and final point:

[4] When God’s gift of repentance is received by individuals, there must be a resolute turning away from sin by the grace of God, for the sacrifice of Christ in our behalf is administered but once to each person, not twice. In other words when we are delivered by God from the hand of the enemy, we should treasure our deliverance as being our most valuable asset, and should never ever afterward, return to a life of sin and crime. Let’s read:

Hebrews 10:26   For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 

  10:27   But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 6:4   For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 

  6:5   And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 

  6:6   If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame. 

2nd Peter 2:20   For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 

  2:21   For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 

  2:22   But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Many today are probably wondering why such a sobering study on the topic of repentance is being presented, and many more may be querying why such serious warnings are being uttered from the pages of holy writ. The reason is that we are now living in the anti-typical day of Atonement which is swiftly drawing to a permanent close.

 For many years, yea for many centuries, the Holy Spirit has been pleading with mortal man to turn from his wicked ways unto a life of obedience and righteousness. For many years the “Barking” has continued in the form of preaching, teaching, exhortations, and entreaty.

Even the voice of God through His providences have been manifested over and over again in the permission of unnatural disasters and calamities by land, sea and air, yet like Pedro, the voice of barking has been steadily growing dim in our minds, and the voice of God in the consciences of millions of people, is about to go forever silent. 

When the truths of God’s word are brought home to our consciences with clarity, then it is our duty to avoid the slippery slope of hitting the “Snooze” button.

That’s why we encourage everyone to make full and thorough work of repentance as it comes to us as a gift from God, so that in the day of final accounts, we wouldn’t be weighed in the balances and found wanting. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to do just that. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 6:1   We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 

  6:2   (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.) 

May the Lord add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God bless!

Faith In God, An Indispensable Asset. Sabbath Afternoon 05/03/2014

The Bible teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please God, and we should endeavor as Christians, to at least understand why this criterion is essential to any relationship with Him. One of the reasons why faith is critically important to a fundamental relationship with the Lord is because the Bible makes no effort to prove God.

The book of Genesis begins by saying “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”,

but it does not address the history of God. The Lord gives us a preponderance of evidence that appeals to our intelligence and reasoning, and so it is expected that the natural conclusion would be that there must be a God somewhere. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:3   Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

The faith that Paul is here referring to is built upon what the scripture itself teaches concerning the creation of the world. Let’s read:

John 1:1   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

  1:2   The same was in the beginning with God. 

  1:3   All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 

  1:4   In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Romans 10:17   So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

This verse then raises the next logical question, is the record of the scripture accurate? Answer: It absolutely is, as witnessed and confirmed by both prophecy and history respectively. For instance, the incarnation of Jesus Christ was foretold by the prophet Daniel hundreds of years before it took place, and both sacred and secular history confirm that it indeed took place. That’s how all people and nations have correctly concluded that today’s date is indeed May 3rd 2014 A.D., or else how did we arrive at that date? As a matter of fact, the Bible confirms that the prophecy was fulfilled at its appointed time, not one day late nor one day early. Let’s read:

Galatians 4:4   But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 

  4:5   To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 

Another reason why faith is necessary is because God cannot explain everything that He does to mortal man or even the created intelligences in heaven, because we just do not have the capacity to understand everything. If we did then we would be like God, and therefore it becomes necessary for us to believe. Let’s read:

Isaiah 40:28   Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. 

Isaiah 55:8   For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  55:9   For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Job 11:7   Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? 

  11:8   [It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? 

  11:9   The measure thereof [is] longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. 

Take for instance the creation of man. If we were to try to figure it out, we will go totally insane, for the scientific knowledge that is involved is way beyond the comprehension of finite beings. That’s why we declare by the authority of the scriptures, that having faith in God is not merely the right way, it’s also the only safe way of getting to know Him. Any other method of trying to understand or know God will inevitably land us in a mental institution, for His knowledge, His understanding, and His creative omnipotence could get really scary. Let’s read:

Psalms 139:14   I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.   139:15   My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 

  139:16   Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.

This must be some extremely rare and exclusive type of scientific knowledge that was brought to bear in the creation of man. What David is saying here is that God actually put man, His newest invention on a test run, before man was actually made. The particles of dust from which we were made, were assembled into tens of trillions of tiny cells, then muscles, veins, tendons, and bones, and the entire package was then closely examined, and tested before any of our body parts ever existed in reality. Let’s read again:

Isaiah 45:1   Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;  

  45:2   I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 

  45:3   And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.    45:4   For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 

  45:5   I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

This surnaming of Cyrus took place 150 years before he was born, which means that when his great grandparents were dating each other, God was involved even though they had not the slightest clue. Let’s read again:

Isaiah 46:9   Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me, 

  46:10   Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

It becomes more and more obvious that faith in God is the one, indispensable asset we will need, if we desire a knowledgeable relationship with Him. That’s why the Bible makes a profound statement about the correlation between faith and knowing God. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:6   But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

The following are four vital points to note as we go into the Bible study for they are of critical importance to a growing relationship with Christ.

1- If we can believe it, God can do it. Let’s read:

Luke 1:37   For with God nothing shall be impossible. 

Matthew 17:20   And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

2- Logic is often found to be the diabolical enemy of faith, for it was so-called logical reasoning that satan used to ensnare Eve in the garden of Eden. After satan persuaded Eve to eat of the fruit, he then referenced what God had said, that if she were to touch it, she would surely die.

He then reasoned that she was indeed holding the fruit in her hand and yet she was still alive. What Eve did not know was that she died spiritually the moment she touched the fruit, and so from that time forward, the devil has often used logic to make a mockery of faith in God. Let’s take for example, the raising of Jairus’ daughter. Let’s read:

Luke 8:41   And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: 

  8:42   For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.  8:49   While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's [house], saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 

Here is a very important note that we should be always cognizant of. Whenever God is about to do a great miraculous work, satan always influences someone to make a logical objection. And the reason why the majority of earth’s inhabitants do not detect him, is because his suggestions always seem to make sense.

 But a living faith in God is always shown to obliterate logic as we know it, and therefore it is the weapon that is used by the Christian to penetrate and conquer new frontiers, as we will explain later. Let’s read:

  Luke 8:50   But when Jesus heard [it], he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. 

8:53   And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 

  8:54   And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

Mark 5:42   And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Question: Why did Jesus “Put them all out”, referring to those who were laughing? Wouldn’t it have been better for the scoffers to remain in the room so that they could see with their own two eyes, the mighty miracle that Christ was about to perform, and so their faith would be strengthened? So we ask again, why did Jesus require them to leave the room?

The answer to this question is of critical importance to the Christian, because for many years satan has apparently been eating our lunch through our lack of faith in God, and so we must of necessity allow the Bible to answer for itself.

Answer: Christ asked them to leave the room because if they had stayed, their attitude of unbelief might have prevented the miracle from taking place and the dead girl might never have been raised, according to the scriptures. Let’s read:

Mark 6:1   And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 

  6:2   And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [him] were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom [is] this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 

  6:3   Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 

  6:4   But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 

  6:5   And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed [them]. 

  6:6   And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

This then leads us to the third important point:

3- The current levels of faith we now have are grossly insufficient for the coming crisis, this according to Christ Himself. Let’s read:

Luke 18:7   And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 

  18:8   I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

By this text we understand that true faith in God will be a very scarce commodity at the time of Christ’s second coming, and thus it behooves each of us to take stock of our faith, whether it is growing steadily or whether it is growing dim.

4- We should always cultivate a disposition to believe. Being skeptical or harboring an attitude of doubt, hinders and in many cases prevents God from performing miracles in our behalf. The lack of a living faith in God is what Jesus was addressing when he made reference to the following historical facts. Let’s read:

LUKE 4:25   But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; 

  4:26   But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, [a city] of Sidon, unto a woman [that was] a widow.  4:27   And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. 

  4:28   And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 

  4:29   And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 

  4:30   But he passing through the midst of them went his way.

What Jesus was saying in these references given, is that there were many who were suffering and dying of hunger during the deadly famine of three and a half years, in the days of Elijah the prophet, and this need not have been the case, since God has promised to provide for His people in times of drought. However, because of a lack of faith on the part of His people, only the woman of Sidon was provided with bread. The same reasoning is also applied to the healing of Naaman the Syrian, who was healed by the word of the Lord through Elisha, even though many of God’s own people lay dying of the deadly disease.

Now friends, it’s of the utmost importance for us to carefully observe the following passages of scripture, for we will see a pattern of statements emerging that are worthy of our most careful consideration. Let’s read:

Matthew  9:20   And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment: 

  9:21   For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

9:22   But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. 

Mark 10:51   And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.  10:52   And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. 

 Luke 7:48   And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.   

  7:50   And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Luke 17:17   And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where [are] the nine? 

  17:19   And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Question: Why does Jesus keep referring to their faith in God, as the most important factor in their healing, or deliverance?  In order to answer this pressing question we will need to examine how the mindset of faith in God really works in the everyday experiences of life. Let’s read:

John 9:1   And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man which was blind from [his] birth. 

  9:2   And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 

  9:3   Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

  9:6   When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 

  9:7   And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

9:10   Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 

  9:11   He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. 

  9:12   Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. 

9:24   Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. 

  9:25   He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner [or no], I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. 

9:35   Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 

  9:36   He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 

  9:37   And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 

  9:38   And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

The question for us living in the 21st century is how much evidence do we require before we believe? Are we cultivating the mindset of Pharaoh who only believed when brought face to face with death, or are we quick to respond in the positive to the slightest evidence of God power. Let’s read again:

2ND Chronicles 20:13   And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 

  20:14   Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 

  20:15   And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.

22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Observe carefully when their praise and thanksgiving begins, before the victory, not after. It all has to do with the disposition to believe. Many of us wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled before we act, and so the major promises that God has given us to live by, lie dormant, and in many cases are never fulfilled. Other people manifest a childlike faith in God, and taking hold of unseen realities, receive tremendous answers and results, by taking proactive steps like the woman with the issue of blood. It all has to do with our attitude of belief. Let’s read again:

 HEBREWS  11:7   By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  Hebrews 11:8   By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 

There are some very valid questions that Abraham could have asked before calling the people at U-haul. And there are many reasonable guarantees that he could have asked for before packing. For instance, “What language do the people speak, and if I cannot converse with them because of the language barrier, how am I going to be able to buy my groceries, and pay my bills. Valid questions indeed! But Abraham did not bring all of these questionable variables into the equation, for as far as he understood, God’s commands and promises are always backed by His Omnipotent power, and therefore if the people of the land where he was headed spoke a different language, then the command of God would automatically include the gift of tongues, if that became necessary.

And so it was that as the packers from U-haul started to load Abraham’s furniture into the U-haul truck, the driver started to wonder where the exact final destination would be, so that at least, he could give Abraham a price for moving. But after speaking with Abraham, he found to his utter dismay, that Abraham had no clue where he was going, and so they put on their Gps, hit the 95 south, and headed for the Everglades, a place “Crawling” with “Cananities. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:9   By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. 11:10   For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God. 

Note well that Abraham’s entire household and his wife Sarah all had the same mindset, and had no problem living in tents as they sojourned in the “Everglades”. As a matter of fact, because of their faith, Sarah was able to penetrate new frontiers, and by faith in God, go where no man had gone before. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:11   Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 

  11:12   Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 

In our day there is a growing tendency to make fun of the promises of God as if they are just figments of our imagination. Millions are living and planning for the here and now, without considering that this Earth as we know it, is not our final home, and as a direct result of the mindset of unbelief, most of our energies are being spent, chasing an elusive dream, building and planting, investing, and saving, and planning for a comfortable retirement into “Neverland”.

That’s why today we are ending our study with a serious word of caution, to the multitudes who are looking for the coming of Jesus in the clouds of heaven. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3:12   Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 

  3:13   But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 

  3:14   For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 

  3:15   While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 

  3:19   So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. 

May the Lord add His blessing to the study and doing of His word, and may the necessary changes in our mindset, take place today, for the time is at hand. God bless!

The Good News And The Bad News. Sabbath Afternoon. 04/19/2014

The gospel of salvation as it is written in the scriptures is often referred to as the good news, for it tells us that God sent His son into the world to save as many as would be saved, by His death for us on Calvary. And indeed the sacrifice that Christ has made on our behalf has made a huge difference in the millions of lives that have been freed from the shackles of sin.

 Drug addicts have been changed into ministers of the gospel, murderers have become apostles, former gang members are now serving as deacons, and prostitutes have been changed into the most faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel is indeed good news.

However, for some reason, we seem to be constantly bombarded mostly with bad news. Every day there are new reports of senseless violence, wanton murders, riots, national revolts, territorial disputes, social unrest, mass layoffs, suicide bombings, fraud, abductions, adulteries, child molestations, robberies, hackings, divorces, fatal accidents, mudslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hailstorms, tornadoes, calamities by air and by sea, and a host of other evils, to numerous and gruesome to mention.

Take for instance, in the last ten days there has been increasing turmoil and violence in Ukraine, and in addition, there is national unrest in Venezuela, in Syria, in Egypt, and the ages old feud between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Added to this is the so far unresolved mysterious disappearance of Malaysian jet flight 370 with 239 people aboard, and the recent sinking of the South Korean ferry with many people still missing.  Also this week, over two hundred girls were kidnapped from their boarding school by the terrorist group Boko Haram, and right here in America, three Jews were gunned down by the indiscriminate hatred and violence of a member of a white supremacist group. All of these things are omens of a coming cataclysmic confrontation between the forces of good and evil, which according to the Bible is scheduled to take place in the not too distant future. These incidents, coupled together with the corresponding deteriorationof the moral fabric of society, are what Christ was referring to when He made the following solemn predictions. Let’s read:

Matthew 24:3   And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  24:4   And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.    24:5   For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 

  24:6   And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 

  24:7   For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.   24:8   All these [are] the beginning of sorrows. 

There are those, even amongst Christians and Evangelicals who are looking forward to a millennium of peace on this earth, in which the coming kingdom of God will usher in a thousand years of peace on this planet. Those who are working towards this end are sadly mistaken, and will be subject to a very rude awakening when they realize too late that God has never mentioned any such thing in His word.

The reasons why lasting peace can never be achieved in this present world as we know it, is because the principles and laws of God’s kingdom are not generally incorporated into the thoughts and actions of nations and individuals alike, and as a direct result, the pursuit of any meaningful or lasting peace is the pursuit of an elusive dream.

For example, numerous presidents, vice-presidents,  Envoys, and ambassadors have tried in vain to find a permanent resolution between the Israelis and Palestinians. The records show however that the results are always short-lived, and without fail, there has always been a resurgence of the enmity and intolerance between the two groups.

And so in order to clearly illustrate why the “bad news” seems to dominate the media outlets, we will show in a very graphic manner, how the principles of satan’s kingdom work with the inevitable results of alienation, hatred, bloodshed and crime.

Jason and Julie were the only two children of well-to-do, Christian parents who lived in the suburbs of Atlanta Georgia. Growing up in a well respected home and church community, they often had memorable experiences of hiking, vacationing, and socializing together. All seemed to go well for many years as their parents were able to amass a considerable amount of wealth and real estate through their wise management of funds.

However the world of this apparently perfect family came to a screeching halt when both their parents were killed suddenly by a drunken driver as they were returning home from a social event. After the funeral and burial of their parents, it was discovered that in all of their minute planning, they had not made a will for their children, and as a result Jason and Julie resorted to legal means to resolve the issue of dividing up the inheritance.

As the days and months passed by a family feud erupted as to who should be entitled to what, and it became so bitter that Jason and Julie stopped talking to one another, and every time the issue came up for resolution, there were bitter fights, cursings, and quarrellings between them. Their children were prohibited from speaking to each other, and finally, in order to protect what he thought were his rights, Jason hired a hit-man to take the life of his only sister.

This consequently resulted in a sentence of life imprisonment for Jason, and his children, who had nothing to do with the dispute, were forever deprived of a father’s love and presence, all because both Jason and Julie refused to surrender to the demands and avarice of each other.

This unfortunate situation could have been averted if the “Good news” of the gospel had been adopted and implemented, for it takes two to make an argument, and wherever the principles of God’s kingdom are practiced, strife and angry words are inhibited on the path of those who choose to follow the example and teachings of Christ. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 6:4   If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.  6:5   I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?  6:6   But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 

  6:7   Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded? 

It was the principle of peaceful resolution through self-denial that Christ was alluding to when He answered a man that had brought the matter of dividing an inheritance for redress. Let’s read:

Luke 12:13   And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  12:14   And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 

  12:15   And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 

The adverse situation that developed between Jason and Julie is how the kingdom of satan works, for everyone who subscribes to his principles are primarily concerned about protecting their own, individual rights at all costs. Brothers and sisters have often been alienated by similar disputes, and nations have gone to war and shed much innocent blood because no one was willing to let the other have the last word.

Husbands and wives have been separated, and their children have become bewildered and confused, all because no one was willing to budge on what was considered to be their lawful rights. Churches have been torn apart and former brethren have become mortal enemies, all because no one was willing to surrender to the clamors, wishes, or demands of the other. And the list goes on and on and on.

On the contrary however is the “Good news” of the gospel that brings to light the principles of righteousness, mercy, mutual forbearance, a forgiving spirit, and the principle of self denial that puts God first, others next, and self last.

These principles, though foreign to the kingdoms of this world are the hallmarks of the entire Christian experience, and they are to be encouraged and incorporated in practical ways, in the lives of all those who call themselves Christians.

Christ is our example in all things, and before we make any hasty decision to act irrationally, before we fly into a rage over the violation of our freedoms and rights, God admonishes us to put ourselves in Jesus’ shoes to see what he would do in similar circumstances.

The principles of God’s law as embodied in the teachings and example of Christ are given for the benefit and longevity of individuals and nations, and even a cursory reading of them will immediately show that there’s a world of difference between the way God operates and the way satanic principles are adopted and implemented. Take for instance, the relationship between Christian borrowers and lenders, a relationship that often becomes volatile and strained when the borrower is in default, and arrears become insurmountable. Let’s read:

 Deuteronomy 24:10   When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.  24:11   Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.   24:12   And if the man [be] poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:    24:13   In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God. 

This attitude here described is quite unlike the principles and methods employed in satan’s kingdom, where those who are owed money resort to ungodly means to retrieve their funds. The many  harassing phone calls at all hours of the day and night, the clandestine stalking of peoples’ homes and businesses, the repossessor, the resort to legal means for restitution, all constitute methods that are entirely foreign to the kingdom of Christ.

Furthermore the Lord in His instructions to us on this point, shows us the spirit that should govern our thoughts and actions even in cases where we may be taken advantage of. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 15:7   If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:   15:8   But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth.  15:9   Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

The year of release here mentioned was a cycle of seven recurring years, at the end of which, those who had lent funds to others were required by God to release their debtors from their obligations. We know without a doubt that, given human nature, this particular provision would be abused by would-be opportunists, who would deliberately wait until the time of release had almost arrived, to borrow, in order to escape their responsibility to repay their just dues.  

In such cases the question will undoubtedly be asked by the lender, “What am I supposed to do in such cases”, for the provision itself seems on the surface to contain a loophole to the benefit of the borrower. The unfaltering answer is given by God Himself, for He is the mighty counselor to be consulted in all of the intricate affairs of life. Let’s read:

 Deuteronomy 15:10   Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

Again, the principle that should govern our actions in lending is reiterated by Christ, and if adopted and practiced, will fore-stall any argument, alienations , bad feelings, or bitter recriminations. Let’s read:

 Luke 6:32   For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.  6:33   And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.   6:34   And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.   6:35   But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

These and other like principles were highlighted in the experiences of Abraham and lot, who because of increased prosperity and wealth, were forced to make a decision on separating from each other. Abraham was Lot’s superior, and the land of Canaan was promised by God to Abraham and his seed, yet Lot chose the most fertile and easily accessible region of the plain, leaving his older uncle to wrestle with the steeper hill country. Let’s read:

Genesis 13:7   And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. 

  13:8   And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren. 

  13:9   [Is] not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left. 

  13:10   And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. 

  13:11   Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. 

  13:12   Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched [his] tent toward Sodom. 

However, Abraham diffused the highly volatile situation by humbly surrendering his rights to the younger lot, a decision that would seem by all modern, legal standards to be profoundly ill-advised. However the Bible tells us that God’s ways are not man’s ways, and what may often seem as a pretty dumb thing to do as it pertains to the instructions of the Almighty, actually turns out to be the catalyst for tremendous success.

And that’s why the life of the Christian is filled with paradoxes. We live by dying, we win by losing, we become strong when we are weak, we receive by giving, we are exalted when we are humbled and so forths.

The end result of abraham’s decision constitutes really good news. Let’s read:

 Genesis 13:14   And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:  13:15   For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.   13:16   And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered.   13:17   Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

What then seemed like a smart business decision on the part of Lot, ended up being the very worst choice he had ever made, for sacred history shows that he lost his wife, his daughters, his house, his sons in law, his retirement, his investments, his 401k and everything he had ever held dear.

Furthermore, the two daughters who had made their escape with him to the mountains, ended up having children by him, to produce the Moabites and the Ammonites, tribes that warred against God’s people until their probation being closed, they were blotted out of existence, never more to resurface. Now this is what we call really bad news.

The gospel of salvation may often seem as if it doesn’t make sense to those who are not familiar with the ways of God. The death of Christ for our sins, the process of salvation and sanctification, and the steadfast adherence to the principles of righteousness in the face of dire, foreboding circumstances, may all seem to the secular mind as themes not worthy of consideration, or beyond finite comprehension.

However, in the final analysis, when all the chips are tallied up, it will be found that those who chose to live by the good news, will eventually be the permanent inhabitants of planet earth. This according to the scriptures. Let’s read:

Matthew 5:5   Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

  Malachi 3:14   Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  3:16   Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 

  3:17   And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  3:18   Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

 If we allow Jesus to come into our lives, if we choose to live by the word of God, then the good news of the gospel will have a practical meaning in our lives and will yield positive results, for it cannot be otherwise. And so it is, that every day that passes by brings us closer to the day of final accounts, when the choices we have made over a lifetime, will speak either for or against us. May God help us to see these truths clearly, and may He bring our lives into harmony with His principles so that the announcement made at the end of life’s journey would be “Good news”. God bless!

Omniscience - Omni-Science. Sabbath Afternoon. 03/01/2014

Isaiah 40:25   To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.   40:28   Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. 

The word omniscience is derived from two words, omni meaning total or limitless, and science, meaning an intellectual and practical knowledge of all things. When put together in the context of the God- head, we get a picture of vast, unlimited, and very extensive knowledge of all sciences.

There are many laws governing the universe of which we know absolutely nothing, and there are other laws governing our little planet of which we know very little. There are laws pertaining to travel that we have never even heard of.

After the fall of man, various inventions came upon the scene of action, and as our needs increased over thousands of years, we were finally able to come up with steam as an invention to facilitate motion, and the burning of fossil fuels to facilate travel amongst other things.

The angels in heaven were actually surprised that we could use steam to facilitate motion and travel, for in their world, the use of steam and fossil fuels for the purposes of travel were unheard of. In our little world we are subject to traffic lights, and stop signs, and two way streets, and multi-lane highways with seventy mile an hour speed limits. But God’s laws governing travel no nothing of speed limits, which we’ve all been accustomed to.

For instance, the angel Gabriel when returning from Heaven to call Jesus from the tomb, came to a sudden stop in what we may describe as a “crash landing”. He did not observe the usual traffic laws and speed limits that we’re accustomed to, for in God’s universe there isn’t any. Furthermore, the Bible tells us that he landed at such a speed as to cause a massive convulsion of the earth. Lets read:

Matthew 28:1   In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.   28:2   And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.   28:3   His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:   28:4   And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men].

Very unlike the landing of our space shuttle, and the various supersonic aircraft we boast of.

Let’s reiterate the fact that in our world, there are two main laws that govern our being, our planet, and our experiences. There is physical or natural law such as the laws of gravity, buoyancy, thermodynamics and electrostatic laws. Then there is spiritual law such as the moral law of God which governs ethical behaviors, and is based upon love and eternal principles of righteousness.

It is of critical importance for us to know and understand that of these two, the spiritual law  is much more potent than the natural law, for physical law has always been held subservient to the much more potent spiritual law.

Spiritual law is engaged and implemented through faith and obedience, or conversely through doubt and disobedience. What many people do not know is that natural law can be favorably or adversely affected by the much more formidable spiritual law. That’s why we strongly urge all scientists, physicists, bio-chemists, politicians and religious leaders to seriously consider this particular presentation and its implication, for in the not too distant future, there will be signs, occurrences and developments of a supernatural nature, for which there will be no known scientific explanation.

This fact, and these coming events have been repeated over and over again in the scriptures and cannot be disregarded with impunity. Let’s read:

  Matthew 21:25   And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;    21:26   Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.   21:27   And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.    21:28   And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Here in this prophecy made by Jesus Christ Himself, is clearly stated what will come to pass upon the earth, just prior to His second coming.This prophecy has already begun to gain momentum and will reach its climax in the return of Jesus in the clouds of heaven. The Bible also gives the reason for the unexplained convulsions of nature, so that none be deceived as to the real cause. Let’s read:

Isaiah 24:4   The earth mourneth [and] fadeth away, the world languisheth [and] fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.   24:5   The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 

  24:6   Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

Those who attribute these calamities of nature to global warming are only taking into consideration natural law, but the scriptures specifically state that the real reason is a continual, and deliberate violation of the more potent spiritual law. The severe droughts, the numerous deadly tornadoes, and the freak winter storms are just omens of greater calamities which will occur in the not too distant future, and should put everyone on high alert as to what can be done to mitigate the outcomes.

When Cyrus the Mede endeavored to invade the city of ancient Babylon, he first had to surmount a very daunting obstacle to his advance. The city’s entrance could only be accessed from the river bed of the Uphrates, and so the Medes and the Persians had to spend considerable time and effort diverting the river so that their forces could march up to, and through the gates.

Similarly, when the intracoastal waterway in florida was being made, a considerable amount of time, money, and effort was expended in the extensive dredging and diverting of water that the project subsequently required. The venture of the Medes and Persians, and the project of the intracoastal were both accomplished “using natural law”.

However, that’s not the only way the projects could be accomplished, for when Moses and Elijah, and Joshua were faced with similar tasks, they reverted to  Omniscience, Omni-Science at the command of God, the spiritual law which engages and activates God’s omnipotent power and knowledge through faith and obedience. Let’s read:

Exodus 14:21   And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.   14:22   And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.   14:23   And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, [even] all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 14:26   And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.   14:27   And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.    14:28   And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Here it is again as the Jews face a daunting task of crossing the Jordan river, which at flood stage could be as wide as one mile and one hundred and fifty feet deep. Let’s read:

Joshua 3:11   Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.    3:12   Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. 

  3:13   And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. 

  3:14   And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;    3:15   And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)   3:16   That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.   3:17   And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan. 

Observe carefully what they were carrying, The Ark of the Covenant containing the spiritual law and God’s accompanying presence, which together form the most potent and formidable force in the universe. We should also note that they believed God and walked in obedience to His command, therefore nothing would be impossible to them.

This is the realm that God has been inviting us up to for so many years, but we are very concerned that through a lack of faith, and a violation of spiritual law, the Power of God and His infinite knowledge of all sciences remain largely untapped by the human family.

Now the Bible is not stating that for any and every project or obstacle we face, we should revert to Omniscience - Omni-science. What the Lord is simply stating is that when we face insurmountable hurdles and difficulties to which there seems no scientific or man-made solution, we should remember at least two very important things: (1) That there is another way to resolve difficulties, and (2) The problems might be a result of violating the formidable spiritual law.

So how does the Spiritual law affect natural law? Let’s take a couple examples, starting with Cain, the world’s first murderer. Many people erroneously believe that God cursed Cain after he took the life of his brother Abel. Nothing could be further from the truth, for all God did was to delineate in clear terms, what the natural result of his wrong course of action would be. Let’s read:

Genesis 4:6   And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 

  4:7   If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.    4:8   And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.    4:9   And the LORD said unto Cain, Where [is] Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: [Am] I my brother's keeper?    4:10   And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 

  4:11   And now [art] thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;   4:12   When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

God did not do any thing to cain to prevent his plot of land from producing fruit. The potent spiritual law was violated and as a direct result, the operation of natural law would be adversely affected. From henceforth, anywhere Cain goes, the land would hardly produce fruit, even though the soil had been fertile and productive before he arrived on the scene, for wherever sin is committed and cherished, there the curse is to be found.

The scriptures teach that the wages of sin is death, and thus, the person who sins, sets in motion the natural laws of cause and effect, which result in a host of negative circumstances and eventually death. Very similar to what the Surgeon General does on a pack of cigarettes.

 He writes that a person who continues to smoke several packs of cigarettes per day will one day suffer from lung cancer which will result in death. But as far as we know, The surgeon General has never ever killed anyone just by stating the law of cause and effect as it pertains to smoking.

It was the same issue with Cain. In Genesis chapter four, the Lord says “Thou art cursed ” from the earth. This represents a statement of fact as opposed to God saying “I will curse the ground”. The same fact was repeated when Cain was no where to be found, because it is a general statement of fact that applies across the board to all people. Let’s read:

Numbers 35:33   So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. 

  35:34   Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.

The same statement of fact was repeated to the Jews when they had withheld their tithes and offerings. The potent, formidable spiritual law was being violated and the land subsequently refused to produce abundantly as it had done previously. This is what the Bible says and The Lord would have everyone take notice and make the necessary adjustments and changes by His grace. Let’s read:

 Haggai 1:3   Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,   1:4   [Is it] time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house [lie] waste?   1:5   Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.   1:6   Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put it] into a bag with holes.

And then the solemn statement of fact is reiterated, not only for the Jews back then, but also for all future generations. Let’s read:

Haggai 1:10   Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed [from] her fruit.  1:11   And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon [that] which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

The very same statement of fact is repeated in Malachi, where the laws of cause and effect are allowed to run their natural course. Let’s read:

Malachi 3:9   Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation.   3:10   Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].  3:11   And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 

  3:12   And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

The “devourer is referred to as being a “he”,not an “it”. The question then is who is this “devourer” being referred to. We let the Bible explain itself using lin upon line. Let’s read:

  Revelation 12:3   And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.   12:4   And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

1st Peter 5:8   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

Could it be that global warming, violent hurricanes and tornadoes, earthquakes, deadly Tsunamis, and relentless winter storms are just symtoms and results of a much bigger problem? Could it be that the inhabitants of Earth are on the verge of a stupendous crisis, for which there is no scientific explanation?

We firmly believe that the Lord is calling to every person living on the planet to awake out of slumber and consider soberly the seriousness of obedience or disobedience, of faith or doubt as it pertains to the interaction of spiritual and natural law. According to the Bible, God is now in the process of wrapping up the long-running marathon of salvation, in our behalf , and therefore He calls on everyone to make a decision, either for good or for evil, either for Christ or for satan. The urgency of the matter before us is illustrated in the book of Joel. Let’s read:

Joel 3:14   Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.   3:15   The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.   3:16   The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

We will end our presentation with a solemn appeal to Earth’s inhabitants, for the Lord delights in mercy and is reluctant that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Let’s read:

 Romans 13:11   And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. 

  13:12   The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  13:13   Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.   13:14   But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].  End.

                             GOD BLESS!