The Christmas story found in Luke chapter two denotes the presence of shepherds at the birth of the Messiah. While they may have been present at some point, it is difficult to comprehend the mixture of Magi (wise ones of great authority) and shepherds at so monumental an event.
Why would shepherds be interested in such a prophetically denoted event that is clearly the type of subject relegated to scholars of Israel’s Sanhedrin, Rabbi’s and other scholarly interested parties such as the Magi?
Why would the heralding Angels appear to the shepherds rather than the princes of the people?
Unlike farmers, shepherds were often wage earners, being paid to watch the sheep of others. Shepherds also lived apart from society, being largely nomadic. It was mainly a job of solitary males without children, and new shepherds thus needed to be recruited externally. Shepherds were most often the younger sons of farming peasants who did not inherit any land. Still in other societies, each family would have a family member to shepherd its flock, often a child or youth or an elder who couldn't help much with harder work.
Shepherds would normally work in groups either looking after one large flock, or each bringing their own and merging their responsibilities. They would live in small cabins, often shared with their sheep and would buy food from local communities or the shepherds lived and traveled with their flocks.
Shepherding developed only in certain areas. In the lowlands and river valleys, it was far more efficient to grow grains and cereals than to allow sheep to graze, thus the raising of sheep was confined to rugged and mountainous areas.
So we have a group of socially displaced males who earn a living caring for the livestock of others and do so with so much care that they literally live with the animals. They have little outside interests available but were quite well equipped to live in the wilderness in solitude.
What kind of person is this?
The child: Responsibility often matures a young male quickly. These young men would be delegated to the role of shepherd for various reasons, no doubt, but in my personal experience responsibility will wake up the dreamer and quiet the rowdy spirit of a boy.
Seeing the destitution of a lost sheep, the painful neediness of the animal would stir up in these young fellows a driving need to protect the sheep form the outside influences that would destroy them. They might suddenly see how they were a responsibility to their families and feel the surge of desire to compensate for the drag they placed on their own family. Perhaps they were relegated to this duty as punishment or rejection.
The young man: This is the painful story of the poor. There is no inheritance, and no job opportunities in town. Very little was available to these poor landless men and so a life of solitude was about all they could hope for. This is indeed an oppressive experience that many people today suffer. Loneliness is as common as credit cards.
Hopelessness is not a modern issue but an issue that faces everyone. It does require some maturity to become aware of your own hopelessness, and this happened frequently to young men and women in the days of Christ.
The Adult male: Usually adult male shepherds had been at this job for many years. The right circumstances for becoming a shepherd left the market open for new recruits and often were filled by very young men.
The adult male has matured greatly in the wilderness and has adapted to the hardened life of the Bedouin-like lifestyle that a shepherd must lead. Hope for a fulfilling family life was gone for many of them. There was no money to speak of, no land, and no certain home. While it was not impossible for a shepherd to marry, the long absences and poor financial outlook were not conducive to happiness in family life.
Why then were these folks alerted to the presence of the Messiah?
Who had more time to ponder the meaning of prophecy, talk with God and find solace in the promises?
Who would recognize and empathize with the tender love and care of the Great Shepherd more readily than these folks?
The shepherd recognized themselves in the sheep they tended. The ones who understood the need to leave the many and search out the one that is lost because it would be destroyed; the ones who recognized the goodness of discipline and the need for changing the habits of the wayward.
The shepherd was possibly the only individual who could understand the mission of the Messiah to the poor and rejected clearly; the great hope they saw in this small newborn child would be of immense interest to them.
As we travel around town, we come in contact with several people. Are they candidates for the shepherds role? Are they rejected, poor, and lonely? If so they are the ones Jesus is still looking for.
Are any dissatisfied with modern religion that serves to build itself at the expense of a spiritual life? Do they know inside that what they have is not fulfilling the need to know God?
What will tell them that the Messiah is really here, seeking for them?
Mar 16:15,16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
There is no licensing requirement, no building requirement. Go and preach the gospel-in the wilderness, in the entire world and to every creature.
You go.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Mystery , Part 2
What is the Mystery, then?
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
We remember that this wisdom was founded before the creation began. This concept was brought out in the New Testament by the preaching of Paul.
1Co 1:
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Salvation of the believer is brought about by faith in the Word which must be preached. Since John points out that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, then Jesus is preached for salvation of the believer.
The law did not bring man to a point where he could know God. The law was a schoolmaster which brought us safely to the time when the Word was made flesh. Therefore, man does not know by wisdom who God really is. It is only known by the foolishness of preaching.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
To the Greeks this was foolish because logic does not dictate How crucifying a man could save other men. That makes no sense!
To the Jews the life of Christ was not the Messiah they hoped for. He should have been a warrior, not a simple carpenter.
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
In the beginning, there was a division of light and darkness (Gen. 1:5). Light is used to build, to create and to save, while darkness is used to cover up, dismantle and destroy. It is simple now to see the parallel between light and dark in the creation of a savior who will allow us (the creation) to be saved from the destruction of darkness (Satan).
2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Jesus also refers to this same early relationship between the creation and the wisdom of God:
Joh 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Moses wrote the event like this:
Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
The apostles were familiar with the phraseology used to denote the Messiah:
2Pe 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:
1Jn 1:5-7 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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.
This is what Gen 1:5 is talking about. This is the story of the history of the world from before the creation until the time of the New Testament Church. This is told as a story where the past the present and the future are intermingled like a child’s story so that it is presented in a seemingly jumbled way.
Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
This is a time-lapse view of that point in time where the rebellion in heaven begins because God has revealed His plan; the woman with a crown. Satan is still Lucifer and is in charge of things under the authority of God. Lucifer expects to be made the senior authority of the kingdom of God, and in fact was created with a nature to do so.
Lucifer will rebel in heaven against the plan of God which was to devise a covenant made with mankind and culminated in a sacrificial man born of woman. This one will be the one that will bring about the kingdom of God on Earth. Lucifer wishes to destroy this plan. You see, Lucifer was to be that one who ordered the day for each human on Earth. That was his mission and his territory.
This is the place and time where Lucifer becomes the enemy of God and starts planning his attempt to build a kingdom on Earth to oppose God.
The “she” in this narrative is the plan of God, His counsel and will.
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
The many centuries of genealogies of the Hebrew people were going to help produce that body, the body of the Messiah. The people suffered under the destruction of sin. But something would happen first. There was to be open rebellion in Heaven…
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.
Lucifer becomes Satan (literally:the enemy), the deceiving one who has a plan of his own. God said that Lucifer had said in his heart that he was as powerful as God, this means that the rebellion had not become public among the angels just yet…
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.
Satan is now removed from authority over the Earth, but was still able to come and go to see “what is up” in heaven, and to stand before God. Satan is now on Earth waiting for the unfolding of God’s plan in order to “nip it in the bud”, so to speak. Satan began a work on Earth with Eve and her firstborn Cain.
Satan came to Jesus immediately after Jesus began his preparations to start his ministry. Satan’s purpose was to afflict Jesus by “biting his heel”. Jesus came to “crush Satan’s head”. To crush the head means to remove the authority from someone. After his resurrection, Jesus held the keys to the grave, death and hell removing the authority of Satan from them.
Next we see the wisdom of God ascending to the throne in God’s plan for the Earth. This is now in the New Testament era when the plan of God brought forth the Messiah.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
This is Jesus Christ. He was brought about for a specific purpose and that was to be the final sacrifice for all mankind and then ascend back into heaven. He was also to rule with a rod of iron. That is, he was born to live perfectly thus providing the basis for judgment. This phrase is used on the Old Testament to mean judgment having severe consequences.
Now back to the past:
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Here Satan is no longer allowed to enter heaven to both see and report to God. He is permanently chained to the Earth. Job tells us that Satan came before God with the other angels. He is now no longer able to do that. Something happened to cause Satan to never return to heaven. In the future he will also be barred from heaven as God has prepared a place for him called hell.
This event took place before Jesus the Messiah was born:
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Jesus said in Luke 10:18 “…I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven”.
Jesus saw Satan barred form heaven with the third of the angels. How was that possible as this took place before the birth of Jesus Christ?
It is because Jesus is the name of God both before, and after the birth of the Messiah. The sacrificial body was the wisdom of God to reconcile man to Him, but His name has never changed. Man has called Him by several different labels, but God has always had a name. Jesus. (In Hebrew this is “Yehoshua” which means: Jehovah, The lord saves. Jehovah is derived from the phrase that means “I am” and comes from a basic root that is “the self existent one”).
So this explanation by Paul now fits: The light that was separated from darkness in Genesis 1:5 is the wisdom that God ordained before the world began to bring His power to bear on our salvation. Not only was God’s counsel to create the universe and man, but to bring salvation from the darkness already begun in heaven with Lucifer and his angelic followers. Lucifer was not able to penetrate the light, so it was not something he could plan against effectively. God had separated Lucifer from His plan that would ultimately bring salvation to mankind and defeat Lucifer. This is why there was a “mystery” of godliness.
Col 1:
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
So it is that Jesus was the actual creator, the very wisdom of God that was the flesh that God became. The story plays out even today as we sit in heavenly places because of that wisdom that began before the world was even formed. Because there was a savior promised to Adam and Eve that would one day bring about a joining of humanity to the Light that is God himself.
This strange way of bringing salvation to man may have been to prevent Satan from attacking and destroying Jesus before the right time, or it may have been to remove doubt from those who perceive the mystery, but in any case the mystery of godliness is the way that light was brought into our lives by the Messiah:
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
We now understand clearly what John was talking about. He told this story also but with a different perspective. He talked about the salvation of man as a result of the wisdom and power of God that was evident in the face of Jesus Christ. He tells us how this came about in a more spiritual way:
John 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Clearly John is alluding to the fact that the wisdom of God discussed in Proverbs 8 was there from in the beginning and was also the Word of God; in fact the Word was God, the creator of the Universe. The Greek word for Word is logos and implies the thought or plan. This word “logos” would be similar to “counsel” in Hebrew.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
The implication of this statement is that counsel and wisdom were present since eternity as this is the same explanation of “when” God began. The statement is a re-iteration of Proverbs 8 where wisdom declares that he was present form the beginning.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
The Word (wisdom, counsel) is what everything was made by. The Ancient Hebrew word for “God the Creator” is Elohiym which means “God of great Power”. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God. That means that the body of Jesus is the factual representation of the all powerful God of creation.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Jesus is the light of the world and wisdom has been separated from darkness since Genesis 1:5.”…God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all”(I John 1:5).
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Satan did not understand the plan of God in any detail as God had separated him from the light. Lucifer did not know anything about what God was doing in this plan by watching events transpire. It may be that Lucifer still thinks he can win a kingdom against God’s kingdom.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ( This is referring to John the Baptist)
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
The true light is Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Of course John later wrote that God was light.
Notice that this light lighted every man that came into the world, from Adam until the mystery is ended.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
The Messiah certainly came in to the world, as this was the culmination of the wisdom of God. This was the pathway that God ordained before the world was made to redeem mankind to Him. Of course many have rejected the Messiah including his own people, the Hebrews. Since it was the power of God that created the universe and the world, it becomes clear that Jesus is truly the power of God. That is, the name (authority) of God is Jesus.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
We cannot of ourselves create a right spirit or clean heart within us. We cannot complete any act that will gain us a place in the kingdom of God. It is the power of God that is the name Jesus that allows man to enter into the kingdom of God. To become a Son of God is to be one who has the power of God in him.
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
There is no sacrifice (even a human one) that can redeem even one man except that Messiah that is the power of God. It is not our will that allows us to be saved, nor is there any will on Earth that can allow us to be saved except that one will (present from the beginning) that wanted us to be redeemed. The one will that created a plan for us.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
According to John, Jesus (the Word made flesh) was the very template from which all things were made. He is the express will and wisdom and power of God to create and also to save. He is also the express image of God. When we get to heaven, Jesus is what we will see, and not another.
The Glory of God here is the strength and power of God. In the Old Testament, glory was often the way the defensive armor and strength of God was represented. In this instance, Jesus is the power of God to save, that which holds all power in heaven and in Earth.
When will it be finished?
Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
The Mystery will end because Satan will be disposed of. There is no need for salvation after this point in time.
If the mystery will have an ending, does that mean that Jesus will have an ending? No. Jesus is the name of the Almighty, for there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved. He will continue for eternity.
Jesus will never end, but the purpose of wisdom will end. The need for great ability to save will be over after time ends forever and we are forever with Jesus, reconciled unto him for eternity.
The Psalms declares that the salvation that came from God is eternal and will never be abolished. Therefore the power of God to save will never end for those who have been redeemed.
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
We remember that this wisdom was founded before the creation began. This concept was brought out in the New Testament by the preaching of Paul.
1Co 1:
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Salvation of the believer is brought about by faith in the Word which must be preached. Since John points out that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, then Jesus is preached for salvation of the believer.
The law did not bring man to a point where he could know God. The law was a schoolmaster which brought us safely to the time when the Word was made flesh. Therefore, man does not know by wisdom who God really is. It is only known by the foolishness of preaching.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
To the Greeks this was foolish because logic does not dictate How crucifying a man could save other men. That makes no sense!
To the Jews the life of Christ was not the Messiah they hoped for. He should have been a warrior, not a simple carpenter.
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
In the beginning, there was a division of light and darkness (Gen. 1:5). Light is used to build, to create and to save, while darkness is used to cover up, dismantle and destroy. It is simple now to see the parallel between light and dark in the creation of a savior who will allow us (the creation) to be saved from the destruction of darkness (Satan).
2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Jesus also refers to this same early relationship between the creation and the wisdom of God:
Joh 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Moses wrote the event like this:
Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
The apostles were familiar with the phraseology used to denote the Messiah:
2Pe 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:
1Jn 1:5-7 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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.
This is what Gen 1:5 is talking about. This is the story of the history of the world from before the creation until the time of the New Testament Church. This is told as a story where the past the present and the future are intermingled like a child’s story so that it is presented in a seemingly jumbled way.
Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
This is a time-lapse view of that point in time where the rebellion in heaven begins because God has revealed His plan; the woman with a crown. Satan is still Lucifer and is in charge of things under the authority of God. Lucifer expects to be made the senior authority of the kingdom of God, and in fact was created with a nature to do so.
Lucifer will rebel in heaven against the plan of God which was to devise a covenant made with mankind and culminated in a sacrificial man born of woman. This one will be the one that will bring about the kingdom of God on Earth. Lucifer wishes to destroy this plan. You see, Lucifer was to be that one who ordered the day for each human on Earth. That was his mission and his territory.
This is the place and time where Lucifer becomes the enemy of God and starts planning his attempt to build a kingdom on Earth to oppose God.
The “she” in this narrative is the plan of God, His counsel and will.
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
The many centuries of genealogies of the Hebrew people were going to help produce that body, the body of the Messiah. The people suffered under the destruction of sin. But something would happen first. There was to be open rebellion in Heaven…
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.
Lucifer becomes Satan (literally:the enemy), the deceiving one who has a plan of his own. God said that Lucifer had said in his heart that he was as powerful as God, this means that the rebellion had not become public among the angels just yet…
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.
Satan is now removed from authority over the Earth, but was still able to come and go to see “what is up” in heaven, and to stand before God. Satan is now on Earth waiting for the unfolding of God’s plan in order to “nip it in the bud”, so to speak. Satan began a work on Earth with Eve and her firstborn Cain.
Satan came to Jesus immediately after Jesus began his preparations to start his ministry. Satan’s purpose was to afflict Jesus by “biting his heel”. Jesus came to “crush Satan’s head”. To crush the head means to remove the authority from someone. After his resurrection, Jesus held the keys to the grave, death and hell removing the authority of Satan from them.
Next we see the wisdom of God ascending to the throne in God’s plan for the Earth. This is now in the New Testament era when the plan of God brought forth the Messiah.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
This is Jesus Christ. He was brought about for a specific purpose and that was to be the final sacrifice for all mankind and then ascend back into heaven. He was also to rule with a rod of iron. That is, he was born to live perfectly thus providing the basis for judgment. This phrase is used on the Old Testament to mean judgment having severe consequences.
Now back to the past:
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Here Satan is no longer allowed to enter heaven to both see and report to God. He is permanently chained to the Earth. Job tells us that Satan came before God with the other angels. He is now no longer able to do that. Something happened to cause Satan to never return to heaven. In the future he will also be barred from heaven as God has prepared a place for him called hell.
This event took place before Jesus the Messiah was born:
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Jesus said in Luke 10:18 “…I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven”.
Jesus saw Satan barred form heaven with the third of the angels. How was that possible as this took place before the birth of Jesus Christ?
It is because Jesus is the name of God both before, and after the birth of the Messiah. The sacrificial body was the wisdom of God to reconcile man to Him, but His name has never changed. Man has called Him by several different labels, but God has always had a name. Jesus. (In Hebrew this is “Yehoshua” which means: Jehovah, The lord saves. Jehovah is derived from the phrase that means “I am” and comes from a basic root that is “the self existent one”).
So this explanation by Paul now fits: The light that was separated from darkness in Genesis 1:5 is the wisdom that God ordained before the world began to bring His power to bear on our salvation. Not only was God’s counsel to create the universe and man, but to bring salvation from the darkness already begun in heaven with Lucifer and his angelic followers. Lucifer was not able to penetrate the light, so it was not something he could plan against effectively. God had separated Lucifer from His plan that would ultimately bring salvation to mankind and defeat Lucifer. This is why there was a “mystery” of godliness.
Col 1:
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
So it is that Jesus was the actual creator, the very wisdom of God that was the flesh that God became. The story plays out even today as we sit in heavenly places because of that wisdom that began before the world was even formed. Because there was a savior promised to Adam and Eve that would one day bring about a joining of humanity to the Light that is God himself.
This strange way of bringing salvation to man may have been to prevent Satan from attacking and destroying Jesus before the right time, or it may have been to remove doubt from those who perceive the mystery, but in any case the mystery of godliness is the way that light was brought into our lives by the Messiah:
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
We now understand clearly what John was talking about. He told this story also but with a different perspective. He talked about the salvation of man as a result of the wisdom and power of God that was evident in the face of Jesus Christ. He tells us how this came about in a more spiritual way:
John 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Clearly John is alluding to the fact that the wisdom of God discussed in Proverbs 8 was there from in the beginning and was also the Word of God; in fact the Word was God, the creator of the Universe. The Greek word for Word is logos and implies the thought or plan. This word “logos” would be similar to “counsel” in Hebrew.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
The implication of this statement is that counsel and wisdom were present since eternity as this is the same explanation of “when” God began. The statement is a re-iteration of Proverbs 8 where wisdom declares that he was present form the beginning.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
The Word (wisdom, counsel) is what everything was made by. The Ancient Hebrew word for “God the Creator” is Elohiym which means “God of great Power”. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God. That means that the body of Jesus is the factual representation of the all powerful God of creation.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Jesus is the light of the world and wisdom has been separated from darkness since Genesis 1:5.”…God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all”(I John 1:5).
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Satan did not understand the plan of God in any detail as God had separated him from the light. Lucifer did not know anything about what God was doing in this plan by watching events transpire. It may be that Lucifer still thinks he can win a kingdom against God’s kingdom.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ( This is referring to John the Baptist)
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
The true light is Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Of course John later wrote that God was light.
Notice that this light lighted every man that came into the world, from Adam until the mystery is ended.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
The Messiah certainly came in to the world, as this was the culmination of the wisdom of God. This was the pathway that God ordained before the world was made to redeem mankind to Him. Of course many have rejected the Messiah including his own people, the Hebrews. Since it was the power of God that created the universe and the world, it becomes clear that Jesus is truly the power of God. That is, the name (authority) of God is Jesus.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
We cannot of ourselves create a right spirit or clean heart within us. We cannot complete any act that will gain us a place in the kingdom of God. It is the power of God that is the name Jesus that allows man to enter into the kingdom of God. To become a Son of God is to be one who has the power of God in him.
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
There is no sacrifice (even a human one) that can redeem even one man except that Messiah that is the power of God. It is not our will that allows us to be saved, nor is there any will on Earth that can allow us to be saved except that one will (present from the beginning) that wanted us to be redeemed. The one will that created a plan for us.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
According to John, Jesus (the Word made flesh) was the very template from which all things were made. He is the express will and wisdom and power of God to create and also to save. He is also the express image of God. When we get to heaven, Jesus is what we will see, and not another.
The Glory of God here is the strength and power of God. In the Old Testament, glory was often the way the defensive armor and strength of God was represented. In this instance, Jesus is the power of God to save, that which holds all power in heaven and in Earth.
When will it be finished?
Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
The Mystery will end because Satan will be disposed of. There is no need for salvation after this point in time.
If the mystery will have an ending, does that mean that Jesus will have an ending? No. Jesus is the name of the Almighty, for there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved. He will continue for eternity.
Jesus will never end, but the purpose of wisdom will end. The need for great ability to save will be over after time ends forever and we are forever with Jesus, reconciled unto him for eternity.
The Psalms declares that the salvation that came from God is eternal and will never be abolished. Therefore the power of God to save will never end for those who have been redeemed.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Mystery of the Wisdom and Power of God
Part One
Wisdom: skills or abilities to perform a physical action. To be a skilled worker that can accomplish a goal.
Power: firm strength
Rom 16:25,26
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
The preaching of Paul the Apostle dealt with many topics over a large amount of time. In matters related to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, that preaching followed a revelation of a mystery. This mystery was secret, and had been so since before the earth was created. According to Paul this mystery was made manifest to all nations for the obedience of faith. It will be instructive to understand this mystery.
Mystery: anything that arouses curiosity because it is unexplained, inexplicable, or secret.
Throughout the ages, only certain people knew about this mystery. The secrecy was important to allow certain events to transpire according to God’s will. Specifically, had all men understood this mystery, Jesus would never had been crucified.
1Corinthians 2:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Glory: a) strength of God manifested in our physical universe b) To be heavy with honor, to be respected.
Who can Understand this mystery?
There is a qualification that allows you to understand what this mystery is all about. It is a secret kept from man in general; even the spiritual world is ignorant of its true meaning. But for some, it is crystal clear. It is important to know how to acquire this qualification.
Psa 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Pro 3:32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
Froward: to depart from, to turn aside.
It looks like the qualification is righteousness. You cannot be walking far from the tenets of God and understand the secret mysteries of God. He speaks this secret to certain people who are able to understand.
Amo 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
The prophets of the Old Testament were aware of this mystery. Each one knew the purpose and the particulars of Gods mystery, but they were unable to speak it out.
In fact, the Disciples of the New Testament were excited because the Devils were subject unto them, but Jesus told them, you should be more excited because your names are written in Heaven, for the Prophets longed to see what your eyes see…”
Jesus continued to discuss the mystery with His disciples until they understood. At one point Jesus was condemning the cities where His miracles were accomplished because they did not repent. His disciples, on the other hand, were clearly interested in understanding all this:
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
The disciples were curious about the method of teaching Jesus chose to use because it was hard for the people to understand what underlying meaning they were to glean from the discussion:
Mat 13:
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Even Jesus held this mystery close and revealed it only to His chosen ones. This mystery is a hidden wisdom. We must understand this wisdom to understand the mystery that has been secret from the foundation of the world.
Where is wisdom found?
The ancient discussion of Job reveals that the location of wisdom was always a secret. Job also reveals that knowing the secret mystery was not brought about by anything the Earth could offer, but was a spiritually discerned thing. Even the spiritual world was unaware of the true meaning of the mystery:
Job 28:12-23
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.
Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
It seems that God is the only one with this knowledge. There was a very important reason that this should be so.
What is the purpose of Wisdom?
Pro 3:19,20
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established
the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Isa 46:9,10
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God,
and there is none like me, 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:
This wisdom was the principle factor in creation. This particular skill or ability to create and utilize power was apparent before the creation. It also seems to have been controlled by the counsel of God. God designed and orchestrated everything we now see in order to bring about His will. All things are created so that they function according to this counsel of God:
When did wisdom come about?
Pro 8:
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
So wisdom was around before God created anything at all. In addition, when God did create, wisdom was "rejoicing" in the accomplishment. This is a way of saying that God saw His creation and to Him it was "good". It also implies that this wisdom was specifically about creating and sustaining the habitable part of the Earth, where men were to live.
In the next part, the purpose of this mystery and the wisdom of God are outlined. There is an underlying reason for this mysterious and secret process that is the will of God, and the Apostles used this mystery to great advantage.
Wisdom: skills or abilities to perform a physical action. To be a skilled worker that can accomplish a goal.
Power: firm strength
Rom 16:25,26
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
The preaching of Paul the Apostle dealt with many topics over a large amount of time. In matters related to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, that preaching followed a revelation of a mystery. This mystery was secret, and had been so since before the earth was created. According to Paul this mystery was made manifest to all nations for the obedience of faith. It will be instructive to understand this mystery.
Mystery: anything that arouses curiosity because it is unexplained, inexplicable, or secret.
Throughout the ages, only certain people knew about this mystery. The secrecy was important to allow certain events to transpire according to God’s will. Specifically, had all men understood this mystery, Jesus would never had been crucified.
1Corinthians 2:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Glory: a) strength of God manifested in our physical universe b) To be heavy with honor, to be respected.
Who can Understand this mystery?
There is a qualification that allows you to understand what this mystery is all about. It is a secret kept from man in general; even the spiritual world is ignorant of its true meaning. But for some, it is crystal clear. It is important to know how to acquire this qualification.
Psa 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Pro 3:32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
Froward: to depart from, to turn aside.
It looks like the qualification is righteousness. You cannot be walking far from the tenets of God and understand the secret mysteries of God. He speaks this secret to certain people who are able to understand.
Amo 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
The prophets of the Old Testament were aware of this mystery. Each one knew the purpose and the particulars of Gods mystery, but they were unable to speak it out.
In fact, the Disciples of the New Testament were excited because the Devils were subject unto them, but Jesus told them, you should be more excited because your names are written in Heaven, for the Prophets longed to see what your eyes see…”
Jesus continued to discuss the mystery with His disciples until they understood. At one point Jesus was condemning the cities where His miracles were accomplished because they did not repent. His disciples, on the other hand, were clearly interested in understanding all this:
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
The disciples were curious about the method of teaching Jesus chose to use because it was hard for the people to understand what underlying meaning they were to glean from the discussion:
Mat 13:
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Even Jesus held this mystery close and revealed it only to His chosen ones. This mystery is a hidden wisdom. We must understand this wisdom to understand the mystery that has been secret from the foundation of the world.
Where is wisdom found?
The ancient discussion of Job reveals that the location of wisdom was always a secret. Job also reveals that knowing the secret mystery was not brought about by anything the Earth could offer, but was a spiritually discerned thing. Even the spiritual world was unaware of the true meaning of the mystery:
Job 28:12-23
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.
Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
It seems that God is the only one with this knowledge. There was a very important reason that this should be so.
What is the purpose of Wisdom?
Pro 3:19,20
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established
the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Isa 46:9,10
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God,
and there is none like me, 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:
This wisdom was the principle factor in creation. This particular skill or ability to create and utilize power was apparent before the creation. It also seems to have been controlled by the counsel of God. God designed and orchestrated everything we now see in order to bring about His will. All things are created so that they function according to this counsel of God:
When did wisdom come about?
Pro 8:
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
So wisdom was around before God created anything at all. In addition, when God did create, wisdom was "rejoicing" in the accomplishment. This is a way of saying that God saw His creation and to Him it was "good". It also implies that this wisdom was specifically about creating and sustaining the habitable part of the Earth, where men were to live.
In the next part, the purpose of this mystery and the wisdom of God are outlined. There is an underlying reason for this mysterious and secret process that is the will of God, and the Apostles used this mystery to great advantage.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
…whose god is their belly”
Phillipians 3:18-19
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
From ancient Hebrew we understand that the anatomy of the human body is used to "allegorize" the basic mental and physical attributes of humanity. The “belly” in the scripture above refers to the seat of the emotional and instinctive parts of the human psyche (the stomach is the source of physical life, the intestines the instincts, the kidneys are the seat of emotions, etc. All these organs are in the belly). This includes things such as need, lust and desire. It also includes emotional responses to the things that give rise to our learned “tastes” that come from experience. That means the root of addictions lies in what the Hebrew mind referred to as “the belly”. The Biblical use of "belly" is to describe that which comes forth. One concrete use is the birth of a child that comes forth out of the belly. In many cases the use of "belly" is allegorical. Therefore, anything associated with the belly will be transformed into something in the character of the individual, or concretely into their life.
If that is the case in this reference, then it is possible to understand further what the Apostle was writing to us about
The phrases in this passage suggest to us carnality as a way of thinking. The behavior of such a person will become distasteful to others because of habitual craving for things. Lest we think that this is related only to drugs or alcohol, it must be pointed out that it relates to any addicting thing. It does not have to be foodstuffs or any other material consumable. It can be anything related to the emotional context as well.
A short list of these will bring to mind the power that this phenomenon has over people.
We can start with the obvious:
-Drugs that affect the psyche
-Foods that affect the psyche including intense flavorings or over consumption as a response to the psychological discomfort of hunger, or as a simple lust for variety.
-Mind altering environmental factors such as music or even vocal chanting
-Stimuli: such as sexual ones, or egotistically inflating ones, or any other form of
gratification, especially self gratification.
-Athletic challenges which give a sense of command to the individual where physical skill or strength produces the euphoria associated with self-reliance and self-ability to overcome.
to the more subtle:
Recent research suggests that many young people are completely addicted to gaming because they can win often. This produces the same chemical responses in the brain that winning a major goal in life would cause. The result is that young people who are naturally impatient and without resources are now able to receive the psychological gratification of winning. This boosts the ego and supports self-importance internally while reducing or eliminating the responsibility associated with the real gaining of personal ground. This then results in irresponsible behavior.
Research also points out that a chemical stimulus in the brain is responsible for the triggering of energy bursts, emotional outbursts, and feeling of superiority or self-aggrandizement and is a result of certain types of music. This stimulus can be so intense as to elicit physical changes and in the mentality of the individual over time.
This leads us to the following realization: sensuality is larger in scope and meaning than just sexual responses and desires. Sensuality includes all of the psychological needs for stimuli from any addicting phenomenon.
One of the most important and effective sources of sensuality for virtually any age group is television and it’s originator, the movie. This form of stimulus is so pervasive and so intense that there is little hope of spontaneous recovery. It takes more than 20 days of complete abstinence before the struggle to avoid it begins to diminish. The combination of sound, visual stimulus and story line produce the greatest non-chemical narcotic available today. Demonstrations of non-sensuous material, even Bible oriented material, can lead to over-stimulation and sensuality. In this fashion it is possible to avoid negative material and propaganda but still be addicted to the source.
This lust to satisfy the mental addiction of entertainment is from your "belly". The attempt to obtain both material and time to use in this fashion costs the home many thousands of dollars in equipment and materials, and untold costs in terms of time.
The important thing to recognize about sensuality is that it can come from a variety of sources and is caused by several different mechanisms; but because of the effect in the brain, it is a powerful mechanism and is entirely addicting. According to the Apostle Paul this makes us an enemy to the cross of Christ. What that means is that our life is not a testament to the saving Grace of God. We are an open epistle read of all men, and the story is not about salvation:
Rom 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple
The effects of sensuality are described clearly in the epistles. It is important to note specific things about the sensual:
Jude 17-19
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
James 3:13-17
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
The sensual person cannot display godly wisdom, cannot avoid contention, and will not be a partaker of the fellowship of other Christians. The sensual person is marked. Their walk is after the things they are addicted to, that they are placing above God. The result is clear to everyone who observes the life of such people. We are warned to stay away from such as they will be the deceitful mockers of Jesus Christ and all that follow Him, given the opportunity.
On the other hand, the person who is not sensual will have the meekness of true wisdom from above. They will not be forward and will not be self-willed. The spiritual minded person will attempt to foster understanding, cooperation, and will portray the other characteristics listed by James: being first pure (not deceitful), peaceable and gentle, full of mercy and good fruits (good works and success in ministering to others) fair and not hypocritical in their lifestyle.
James is clear about one important point: where sensuality is, every other devilish work will eventually be found.
Sensuality is the gateway where those who will loose their salvation may pass, initially.
Fasting is a mechanism for diminishing the effects of the “belly”. An overwhelming stimulus to eat begins after a few hours without food. It is necessary to stop this “belly” response in order to accentuate your connection with heaven and disconnect from the instinctive drive to eat. It is necessary to exert control over the stomach which attempts to use your psyche against you to provide the nourishment the body craves. Being willing to not listen to the craving of your system for the things that spring from your “belly” makes it possible to sense what springs from the river of living water, which may have been displaced to the background when we wander from the path we should be following.
I believe that we are commanded to fast, in part, to show that we can control the instinctive and addictive urges within us. Knowing that you can control, at least for a time, the addictions of carnal nature will produce in you the desire to shun other addictive behavior because you sense an increase in spiritual contact with heaven. The Bible declares we are given power over sin, and this must include addictive things.
John 7:37 -39
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Jesus said that “out of your belly will flow rivers of living water”. This is another application of the word "belly" to indicate the effect of the rivers of living water. This is terminology from Judaism, where water is a reference to the Messiah (that which comes from above) and indicates the real meaning of the phrase. This living water will satisfy all physical need for the things that were previously fulfilled by sensuality; including any type of psychological crutch or addiction. All carnality is replaced with the power of this salvation. The "River of Living Water" is in sufficient supply so that you will not ever run out; that which prevents the stimuli from your carnal nature overtaking you will always be available, and an excess provided to you that can be directed toward others.
Power over addictive behavior is the blessing of salvation. Jesus addressed this particular point in His declaration that we could be free indeed from the lusts and addictions of carnal human nature when we are saved.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
From ancient Hebrew we understand that the anatomy of the human body is used to "allegorize" the basic mental and physical attributes of humanity. The “belly” in the scripture above refers to the seat of the emotional and instinctive parts of the human psyche (the stomach is the source of physical life, the intestines the instincts, the kidneys are the seat of emotions, etc. All these organs are in the belly). This includes things such as need, lust and desire. It also includes emotional responses to the things that give rise to our learned “tastes” that come from experience. That means the root of addictions lies in what the Hebrew mind referred to as “the belly”. The Biblical use of "belly" is to describe that which comes forth. One concrete use is the birth of a child that comes forth out of the belly. In many cases the use of "belly" is allegorical. Therefore, anything associated with the belly will be transformed into something in the character of the individual, or concretely into their life.
If that is the case in this reference, then it is possible to understand further what the Apostle was writing to us about
The phrases in this passage suggest to us carnality as a way of thinking. The behavior of such a person will become distasteful to others because of habitual craving for things. Lest we think that this is related only to drugs or alcohol, it must be pointed out that it relates to any addicting thing. It does not have to be foodstuffs or any other material consumable. It can be anything related to the emotional context as well.
A short list of these will bring to mind the power that this phenomenon has over people.
We can start with the obvious:
-Drugs that affect the psyche
-Foods that affect the psyche including intense flavorings or over consumption as a response to the psychological discomfort of hunger, or as a simple lust for variety.
-Mind altering environmental factors such as music or even vocal chanting
-Stimuli: such as sexual ones, or egotistically inflating ones, or any other form of
gratification, especially self gratification.
-Athletic challenges which give a sense of command to the individual where physical skill or strength produces the euphoria associated with self-reliance and self-ability to overcome.
to the more subtle:
Recent research suggests that many young people are completely addicted to gaming because they can win often. This produces the same chemical responses in the brain that winning a major goal in life would cause. The result is that young people who are naturally impatient and without resources are now able to receive the psychological gratification of winning. This boosts the ego and supports self-importance internally while reducing or eliminating the responsibility associated with the real gaining of personal ground. This then results in irresponsible behavior.
Research also points out that a chemical stimulus in the brain is responsible for the triggering of energy bursts, emotional outbursts, and feeling of superiority or self-aggrandizement and is a result of certain types of music. This stimulus can be so intense as to elicit physical changes and in the mentality of the individual over time.
This leads us to the following realization: sensuality is larger in scope and meaning than just sexual responses and desires. Sensuality includes all of the psychological needs for stimuli from any addicting phenomenon.
One of the most important and effective sources of sensuality for virtually any age group is television and it’s originator, the movie. This form of stimulus is so pervasive and so intense that there is little hope of spontaneous recovery. It takes more than 20 days of complete abstinence before the struggle to avoid it begins to diminish. The combination of sound, visual stimulus and story line produce the greatest non-chemical narcotic available today. Demonstrations of non-sensuous material, even Bible oriented material, can lead to over-stimulation and sensuality. In this fashion it is possible to avoid negative material and propaganda but still be addicted to the source.
This lust to satisfy the mental addiction of entertainment is from your "belly". The attempt to obtain both material and time to use in this fashion costs the home many thousands of dollars in equipment and materials, and untold costs in terms of time.
The important thing to recognize about sensuality is that it can come from a variety of sources and is caused by several different mechanisms; but because of the effect in the brain, it is a powerful mechanism and is entirely addicting. According to the Apostle Paul this makes us an enemy to the cross of Christ. What that means is that our life is not a testament to the saving Grace of God. We are an open epistle read of all men, and the story is not about salvation:
Rom 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple
The effects of sensuality are described clearly in the epistles. It is important to note specific things about the sensual:
Jude 17-19
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
James 3:13-17
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
The sensual person cannot display godly wisdom, cannot avoid contention, and will not be a partaker of the fellowship of other Christians. The sensual person is marked. Their walk is after the things they are addicted to, that they are placing above God. The result is clear to everyone who observes the life of such people. We are warned to stay away from such as they will be the deceitful mockers of Jesus Christ and all that follow Him, given the opportunity.
On the other hand, the person who is not sensual will have the meekness of true wisdom from above. They will not be forward and will not be self-willed. The spiritual minded person will attempt to foster understanding, cooperation, and will portray the other characteristics listed by James: being first pure (not deceitful), peaceable and gentle, full of mercy and good fruits (good works and success in ministering to others) fair and not hypocritical in their lifestyle.
James is clear about one important point: where sensuality is, every other devilish work will eventually be found.
Sensuality is the gateway where those who will loose their salvation may pass, initially.
Fasting is a mechanism for diminishing the effects of the “belly”. An overwhelming stimulus to eat begins after a few hours without food. It is necessary to stop this “belly” response in order to accentuate your connection with heaven and disconnect from the instinctive drive to eat. It is necessary to exert control over the stomach which attempts to use your psyche against you to provide the nourishment the body craves. Being willing to not listen to the craving of your system for the things that spring from your “belly” makes it possible to sense what springs from the river of living water, which may have been displaced to the background when we wander from the path we should be following.
I believe that we are commanded to fast, in part, to show that we can control the instinctive and addictive urges within us. Knowing that you can control, at least for a time, the addictions of carnal nature will produce in you the desire to shun other addictive behavior because you sense an increase in spiritual contact with heaven. The Bible declares we are given power over sin, and this must include addictive things.
John 7:37 -39
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Jesus said that “out of your belly will flow rivers of living water”. This is another application of the word "belly" to indicate the effect of the rivers of living water. This is terminology from Judaism, where water is a reference to the Messiah (that which comes from above) and indicates the real meaning of the phrase. This living water will satisfy all physical need for the things that were previously fulfilled by sensuality; including any type of psychological crutch or addiction. All carnality is replaced with the power of this salvation. The "River of Living Water" is in sufficient supply so that you will not ever run out; that which prevents the stimuli from your carnal nature overtaking you will always be available, and an excess provided to you that can be directed toward others.
Power over addictive behavior is the blessing of salvation. Jesus addressed this particular point in His declaration that we could be free indeed from the lusts and addictions of carnal human nature when we are saved.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Pressures of Life
I am not currently active on this blog for several important reasons. I have not had a moment to even consider writing what God has put in my heart to place on this page. I have been writing it down, but not taking the time to fill it all out just yet.
After October the first, I will return to actively writing on this page. Until then, I think the following link is important enough for all of us to read and ponder, for the message is crystal clear and extremely important.
The point is at the end, and believe me this is an excellent example of the meaning of service.
God Bless
Place a copy of this link in your web browser. It will take only a few minutes to read.
http://www.eielson.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123111092
After October the first, I will return to actively writing on this page. Until then, I think the following link is important enough for all of us to read and ponder, for the message is crystal clear and extremely important.
The point is at the end, and believe me this is an excellent example of the meaning of service.
God Bless
Place a copy of this link in your web browser. It will take only a few minutes to read.
http://www.eielson.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123111092
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Today has been a good day...
I went to work, taught my classes, and came home. I have talked with my daughter about a pet turtle, and even went to PETCO to look at several. She really wants a pet to take care of.
I have prayed today, and God was never far from my mind. Even though I was talking about thermodynamics and other physics-like subjects with students, my mind was not really altogether on my subject matter.
I did not really notice the time that went by today. It seemed to be a hazy experience, like being in the Dentist chair breathing gas- you go through all the motions and even respond correctly to questions, but the experience seems insular. I know I talked to students, and even gave advice on changing classes for a student.
Nothing today was different from yesterday, except that my mind has been working without my permission on a different problem. A different drum beat is sounding in my ears today. My heart has been changed somehow without a good medical reason.
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon going to a facility that cares for the elderly and the infirm.
I helped with the Nursing Home ministry Sunday afternoon, and I met a few people. We sang songs, and I spoke for a few minutes about the salvation brought to man by God that, even though the heavens and Earth would pass away, would never be abolished. Then I spoke about the need for salvation and how salvation can be had easily through obedience to the Word of God. After telling the group about Peter’s instructions for salvation, we closed the service.
Afterward, a man sitting in the very back asked to be baptized. We talked with him, and as he was very elderly, carefully explained repentance and baptism to him. He insisted that he needed to be baptized.
So, yesterday the Pastor and I checked this man out of the facility, brought him to the church and baptized him in Jesus Name.
This gentleman is very aged, and suffering from senility to a degree. He was a helpless individual with no future to speak of. He could not dress himself or get around. Carrying on a conversation was difficult. His time left on Earth may be short. Yet he adamantly wanted to be baptized. He said he wanted all that God had for him.
As he went down in the water, he was focused on the process of holding his nose and breath. When he came out of the water, there was a pronounced change in the look of his countenance and he was emotionally stirred. He said “in the name of Jesus”. He was so happy, and quietly went with me back to the car for the ride back to the home. When I witnessed the change in this man, at the same moment a change occurred in me also.
He listened and obeyed the Word, just as a small child would. He simply accepted what he heard and obeyed.
I have had a good day not because everything is the same, but because everything is different.
I have constantly wondered how this man has been faring, and how the other residents are doing at the nursing home. I have stopped several times today and asked God to care for this man and his needs. I wonder right now how he has done today. I have known this man a total of 48 hours.
What, you may ask, is so profound?
God has answered a prayer today.
My heart is totally changed, completely switched around. I have not worried about work or bills or even food. But I have constantly been thinking about how our newest convert is faring. How the folks at the home are doing.
You might be curious about my mental state right now, but I am fine. Never better.
You see, I have been praying that God would open my heart and fill it with compassion and care for the lost as much as possible. I asked Him to let me “see with His eyes” when I look at people. Just one time, just so I can sense the need of people and feel a small portion of the love that God gives to us.
I now realize that God allowed me to meet this fellow at the nursing home, and help get him to the church, and He let me see the change in his life in order to let me “see”. It has taken me a day to figure it out, but there is no doubt. I cannot shake the feeling in my heart. I cannot get the image of that change in the face of this man out of my mind. I feel such an intense desire to go back and talk to each one of those folks in the home. To find out how they are doing. Is all well with them today?
I think I know to a small degree how God sees a lost soul, and how He is concerned. A small measure no doubt, but enough. I am changed forever.
I have prayed today, and God was never far from my mind. Even though I was talking about thermodynamics and other physics-like subjects with students, my mind was not really altogether on my subject matter.
I did not really notice the time that went by today. It seemed to be a hazy experience, like being in the Dentist chair breathing gas- you go through all the motions and even respond correctly to questions, but the experience seems insular. I know I talked to students, and even gave advice on changing classes for a student.
Nothing today was different from yesterday, except that my mind has been working without my permission on a different problem. A different drum beat is sounding in my ears today. My heart has been changed somehow without a good medical reason.
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon going to a facility that cares for the elderly and the infirm.
I helped with the Nursing Home ministry Sunday afternoon, and I met a few people. We sang songs, and I spoke for a few minutes about the salvation brought to man by God that, even though the heavens and Earth would pass away, would never be abolished. Then I spoke about the need for salvation and how salvation can be had easily through obedience to the Word of God. After telling the group about Peter’s instructions for salvation, we closed the service.
Afterward, a man sitting in the very back asked to be baptized. We talked with him, and as he was very elderly, carefully explained repentance and baptism to him. He insisted that he needed to be baptized.
So, yesterday the Pastor and I checked this man out of the facility, brought him to the church and baptized him in Jesus Name.
This gentleman is very aged, and suffering from senility to a degree. He was a helpless individual with no future to speak of. He could not dress himself or get around. Carrying on a conversation was difficult. His time left on Earth may be short. Yet he adamantly wanted to be baptized. He said he wanted all that God had for him.
As he went down in the water, he was focused on the process of holding his nose and breath. When he came out of the water, there was a pronounced change in the look of his countenance and he was emotionally stirred. He said “in the name of Jesus”. He was so happy, and quietly went with me back to the car for the ride back to the home. When I witnessed the change in this man, at the same moment a change occurred in me also.
He listened and obeyed the Word, just as a small child would. He simply accepted what he heard and obeyed.
I have had a good day not because everything is the same, but because everything is different.
I have constantly wondered how this man has been faring, and how the other residents are doing at the nursing home. I have stopped several times today and asked God to care for this man and his needs. I wonder right now how he has done today. I have known this man a total of 48 hours.
What, you may ask, is so profound?
God has answered a prayer today.
My heart is totally changed, completely switched around. I have not worried about work or bills or even food. But I have constantly been thinking about how our newest convert is faring. How the folks at the home are doing.
You might be curious about my mental state right now, but I am fine. Never better.
You see, I have been praying that God would open my heart and fill it with compassion and care for the lost as much as possible. I asked Him to let me “see with His eyes” when I look at people. Just one time, just so I can sense the need of people and feel a small portion of the love that God gives to us.
I now realize that God allowed me to meet this fellow at the nursing home, and help get him to the church, and He let me see the change in his life in order to let me “see”. It has taken me a day to figure it out, but there is no doubt. I cannot shake the feeling in my heart. I cannot get the image of that change in the face of this man out of my mind. I feel such an intense desire to go back and talk to each one of those folks in the home. To find out how they are doing. Is all well with them today?
I think I know to a small degree how God sees a lost soul, and how He is concerned. A small measure no doubt, but enough. I am changed forever.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Strength from Weakness. Unity from Diversity.
As I sit here tonight thinking about the kingdom of God and my opportunity to be in it, I have decided that there is a strange connection between me and everyone else in the kingdom with me.
Consider that each of us is so different. I am a small person with a small life; I am not powerful or terribly skilled and I have no inheritance on this Earth. I am limited in thinking ability and vision; even though I have tried to expand my horizons, I am terribly limited.
I look to my left or right and I see similar people, entirely similar yet different. We all hail from wildly different backgrounds and have tasted defeat and shame and maybe only a little success as far as our society would estimate. Many of us have had the test of time upon us and have failing parts connected in the same fashion, while others have yet to taste time and run around with boundless energy with no particularly useful point in mind.
I have skin of a particular type, while my brother standing next to me has another type. He likes certain types of food, and I appreciate another. My musical tastes are not really quite like yours, I am certain. In the workplace this demographic can lead to small and isolated groups who do not work effectively.
So what is it that makes me want to find my place next to you in a worship service, work along side you in the Spanish ministry, toil to help in a kitchen or just encourage our neighbor? Why am I anxious if you miss a service and no one knows why?
Why do I concern myself that you are having a hard time with your rent, or that another of you has a child in trouble, or that young person over there is in need of a mentor? Why do I care that your Aunt has cancer and wake myself early in the morning to pray for this stranger?
How can such a mishmash of weak human diversity ever be used of God or be useful in the kingdom of God?
What causes us to work together in any way, small or large, to affect any thing in God’s plan to find the hurting and the halt? We are all wholly ineffectual taken alone.
Unity.
We are all tied together by the hope within us. We are all seeking the same thing. We all want to find God in our lives everyday so that we can hear Him say “well done”. We gladly throw ourselves at His feet, right next to each other, elbow to elbow, so that we can find His presence in our lives. “Where two or three are gathered together…”
He gives the weak strength.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa. 40:29-31)
Consider that each of us is so different. I am a small person with a small life; I am not powerful or terribly skilled and I have no inheritance on this Earth. I am limited in thinking ability and vision; even though I have tried to expand my horizons, I am terribly limited.
I look to my left or right and I see similar people, entirely similar yet different. We all hail from wildly different backgrounds and have tasted defeat and shame and maybe only a little success as far as our society would estimate. Many of us have had the test of time upon us and have failing parts connected in the same fashion, while others have yet to taste time and run around with boundless energy with no particularly useful point in mind.
I have skin of a particular type, while my brother standing next to me has another type. He likes certain types of food, and I appreciate another. My musical tastes are not really quite like yours, I am certain. In the workplace this demographic can lead to small and isolated groups who do not work effectively.
So what is it that makes me want to find my place next to you in a worship service, work along side you in the Spanish ministry, toil to help in a kitchen or just encourage our neighbor? Why am I anxious if you miss a service and no one knows why?
Why do I concern myself that you are having a hard time with your rent, or that another of you has a child in trouble, or that young person over there is in need of a mentor? Why do I care that your Aunt has cancer and wake myself early in the morning to pray for this stranger?
How can such a mishmash of weak human diversity ever be used of God or be useful in the kingdom of God?
What causes us to work together in any way, small or large, to affect any thing in God’s plan to find the hurting and the halt? We are all wholly ineffectual taken alone.
Unity.
We are all tied together by the hope within us. We are all seeking the same thing. We all want to find God in our lives everyday so that we can hear Him say “well done”. We gladly throw ourselves at His feet, right next to each other, elbow to elbow, so that we can find His presence in our lives. “Where two or three are gathered together…”
He gives the weak strength.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa. 40:29-31)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Inroducing...
This is my grandson Joshua. I have shown this photo to everyone at church and at work who would hold still. Now I am providing this image to you so that you can see for yourself how engaging and charming my grandson must be. Resist if you can.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. Psalms 119:83.
During the days of the ancients, when traveling across the wilderness in search of pasture or water, the family resided in a woven goat-hair facility; a tent. Several scriptural references resort to simile and analogy based on the tent. When God spoke to Isaiah in chapter 40 verse 22 he was alluding to the phenomenon of seeing star-like points of light in the roof in the daylight, just as the stars are arrayed in the outside sky at night. This passage uses the and as a way to connect two statements conveying the same idea. So the sentence after the semicolon is repeated using synonyms:
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
The goat-hair weave of the tent roof would keep out water because the fibers swell when wet. The roof would allow ventilation when dry and this was important as well.
Drinking water, milk or wine was kept in a skin with one end plugged, usually by a small end of a horn or other hard material. When inside the family home, the bottle hung from a tent pole, and inside the tent was an open fire. Since the tent was made of woven goat hair, no chimney was used. Often the top part of the tent was filled with smoke from the fire.
The animal skin would, over time, pick up the residue of the smoke that would ruin the taste of the fluids kept inside. Eventually, the skin would shrivel up and harden, becoming useless.
The day comes when you also seem pretty much useless. Having a bad day is a fairly common event for the “grasshoppers” that inhabit the earth. In fact, God writes that He sees our inability and remembers we are just “dust”.
There are many who suffer physical debilitation because of accident and aging. Disease can turn you into a useless “water skin” as far as the eye can tell. David knows this well. His statement in the title passage tells about his experience with the impact of the decay of a human body.
Remember God’s statutes. God is faithful to remember them. One of those statutes is important to remember when you feel like a smoke damaged water skin.
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.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:28,29)
The Psalmist is telling of the ruin that all people will have in life, yet he is encouraging you to maintain your integrity with God and remember “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Sometimes, at the weakest points in our life, God makes even a small smile from you blow open the doors of hope for some hapless “grasshopper” without a chance for help in the whole world, because you exert HIS strength.
During the days of the ancients, when traveling across the wilderness in search of pasture or water, the family resided in a woven goat-hair facility; a tent. Several scriptural references resort to simile and analogy based on the tent. When God spoke to Isaiah in chapter 40 verse 22 he was alluding to the phenomenon of seeing star-like points of light in the roof in the daylight, just as the stars are arrayed in the outside sky at night. This passage uses the and as a way to connect two statements conveying the same idea. So the sentence after the semicolon is repeated using synonyms:
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
The goat-hair weave of the tent roof would keep out water because the fibers swell when wet. The roof would allow ventilation when dry and this was important as well.
Drinking water, milk or wine was kept in a skin with one end plugged, usually by a small end of a horn or other hard material. When inside the family home, the bottle hung from a tent pole, and inside the tent was an open fire. Since the tent was made of woven goat hair, no chimney was used. Often the top part of the tent was filled with smoke from the fire.
The animal skin would, over time, pick up the residue of the smoke that would ruin the taste of the fluids kept inside. Eventually, the skin would shrivel up and harden, becoming useless.
The day comes when you also seem pretty much useless. Having a bad day is a fairly common event for the “grasshoppers” that inhabit the earth. In fact, God writes that He sees our inability and remembers we are just “dust”.
There are many who suffer physical debilitation because of accident and aging. Disease can turn you into a useless “water skin” as far as the eye can tell. David knows this well. His statement in the title passage tells about his experience with the impact of the decay of a human body.
Remember God’s statutes. God is faithful to remember them. One of those statutes is important to remember when you feel like a smoke damaged water skin.
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.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:28,29)
The Psalmist is telling of the ruin that all people will have in life, yet he is encouraging you to maintain your integrity with God and remember “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Sometimes, at the weakest points in our life, God makes even a small smile from you blow open the doors of hope for some hapless “grasshopper” without a chance for help in the whole world, because you exert HIS strength.
Friday, July 25, 2008
What, Wrong Already? Part 2
The Orthodox Church (founded in the book of Acts of the Apostles) suffered attack immediately upon its formation. The Apostles worked with the churches scattered about the region by writing epistles which included an effort to refute and warn against this heretical attack on the doctrine of the Apostles. Sound doctrine was established by these letters and they have in turn informed us of the proper message to follow. There is very little of that “Orthodox” Church left in the modern religious world today. Most of modern religion espouses a corrupted and heretical theology when compared to the text of the N.T. There are churches who claim they are “Orthodox”, but the meaning of that word defies the application. The leaven of the Pharisees has had it's effect through the age of Christianity.
Any change in the way God related to man over the ages was initiated by God and not by man. When a change occurs, we are informed by the Word of God and not the whim of man. Changes that will occur in the future have already been described in the Bible for us so that we may know what to expect and how to respond accordingly.
That the post-apostolic writers were writing after the ancient language concepts had fallen from common usage is clear in this regard. They were writing from a Greek translation of the Biblical texts of their time and in a more modern societal frame of reference. As they were clearly not inspired of God to write these things, which try to change how God and man are to interface, we can regard the post-apostolic era as a theologically error-ridden period in which the history of man changed the face of Christianity through Greco-Roman logic, and law but did not improve our understanding of the true nature of God. Jesus also criticized the Pharisees of adding to the word of God and destroying the original traditions of the law by the uninspired legal rationalizations of the written Talmudic tradition (the mishna is the oral tradition). A large part of the hatred by the ruling Jews for Christians was this disregard for their Talmudic and kabalistic tradition. In this present age, any group who promotes the fundamental Apostles doctrine in the original form is likewise brought into disrepute and hatred.
Careful examination of the apostolic creed (initially published by an African lawyer, Tertullian) produced during this era, and those creeds written after it, show no concrete language at all. The words used are all abstract and give no real understanding in any basic way of who God is. It has led to confusion and great strife, not only among Protestants and Catholics, but within the Jewish religious community and individuals of Islamic background as well. The Torah of the Jews is clearly and rigorously monotheistic.
The passages from the Quran referring to Christianity and Jesus Christ describe great conflict with a theological construct formed in this post-apostolic age of un-enlightenment, the doctrine of the Triune Godhead. Several passages describe Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as if she were considered part of a pantheon of a triune Godhead. The passages demand that Islam should disregard this status and proclaim that she is a mortal only and that there is only one God: “And when Allah will say: O Isa [Jesus] son of Marium [Mary]! Did you say to men, "Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah?" He [Jesus] will say: "Glory be to you, it did not befit me that I should say what I had no right to say.”(5:116). This is because these words in the Quran were written down about 500 years after the apostolic age, and the community of Christians in the town where the author of this book lived were already beyond the monotheistic point of view of the Apostles and well on the way to a dogma of intercession by Mary and the Triune or composite Godhead based on certain details of the Gnostic heresy.
The Roman Emperor Constantine had made the Trinitarian Godhead theology into Roman law in 325 A.D., about 200 years before the Quran was written. Islam is a strictly monotheistic culture and cannot align the concept of the trinity with their understanding of a single, all-powerful God.
Interestingly, a well known atheist of the 19th century, Friedrich Nietzsche, complained in a published philosophical treatise written as a refutation of the Trinity, that modern Christians did not understand their own God. He was actually ridiculing his father, a Lutheran bishop who professed the Trinitarian doctrine, by pointing out the confusion generated by a non-Biblical discussion of God in terms of this logic. Even this nihilistic philosopher and atheist understood that the logic of the post-apostolic age was corrupt and cannot truly represent the Godhead of the Bible. Many people today suffer from the illusion of a God of multiple personalities or even that Jesus is a descendant of God somehow and part of a pantheon of god-like personalities because of this post-apostolic logical analysis of the incarnation.
In 1669, Isaac Newton was appointed Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of England (now called Trinity) in Cambridge. As a requirement of that office, Isaac Newton had to be an ordained minister of the Anglican Church.
Typical of Isaac Newton’s method, he was unaware of the details of that office and so read up on it. After completing his historical study to his satisfaction, Newton was prepared to resign his position at the university as he objected to the doctrine of the Trinity. He writes, “The doctrine of the Trinity is a fraud, perpetrated by lawyers and bishops in the third and fourth centuries.” As Newton was a devout Christian, he was prepared to be dismissed for this intransigence against the Church. He remained in that position only because he received special dispensation for his view of the Trinity. The following is an excerpt from “Wikipedia” a public domain encyclopedia: “… However, the terms of the Lucasian professorship required that the holder not be active in the church (presumably so as to have more time for science). Newton argued that this should exempt him from the ordination requirement, and Charles II, whose permission was needed, accepted this argument. Thus a conflict between Newton's religious views and Anglican orthodoxy was averted.” Isaac Newton was arguably the greatest mathematical genius ever known to man and clearly a very great natural philosopher. He was also able to ignore the common theology of the day and find out for himself what history had to say on the matter of religion in general and doctrine in particular. This required no genius, but the determined effort of a curious person. A careful study of post-apostolic history will provide anyone the necessary information required to allow the same conclusion about the development and application of the trinity concept.
Against Heresy
The Apostle Paul warned that no one should believe any new doctrines taught after the Apostles doctrine of the N.T. church that was already established: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8) This was so important that it was given unusual emphasis by repeating the whole statement again. In Hebrew culture, repeating a statement is much like suggesting that the consequences of the statement are dire indeed. Paul is pointing out to the church Bishop that there will be no other acceptable gospel than that which had already been preached, and there will be no other doctrine that is acceptable for mankind if not identical with the Apostles doctrine preached in the book of the Acts. The gospel of salvation is not founded in any epistles of the N. T. and it was not preached to all men in the history of Jesus Christ found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. That ministry was reserved for the Jewish nation only. Salvation’s plan for the Christian era was not revealed even in the forgiveness offered to the thief who was on the cross of crucifixion beside Jesus. Gospel salvation was preached to all men who seek entry into the kingdom of God only in the book of Acts in a plan following the words of Jesus requiring men to be born of the water and of the spirit. The post-apostolic modifications of N.T. theology are not acceptable, and to accept it, is to become accursed.
Any future changes in the relationship between man and God is carefully outlined in the Bible and does discuss the ending of the grace of God toward man. This change will occur just as God’s relationship with man changed at the flood, after the covenant with Abraham and after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to be prepared for that eventuality by accepting the grace of God now, for the change of this relationship with man is one of judgment. The wrath of God is turned from us at this time, but in the future sinful man will not be spared His wrath. The time for obedience to the plan of salvation to access the grace of God is now. The Bible declares that now is the day of salvation. (II Co. 6:2)
Passages in the Quran that refer to Jesus Christ:2:87; 2:136; 3:45-46; 3:54; 3:59; 4:156-58; 4:163; 4:171-72; 5:17; 5:46; 5:72-75; 5:110; 5:116; 9:30-31; 17:111; 19:20-22; 19:33-35; 19:88-92; 23:91; 43:59; 61:6; 61:14; 66:12; 2:253; 3:52; 3:84; 5:78; 23:50; 23:117; 33:7-8; 42:13; 43:57-64; 43:86; 57:27.
Any change in the way God related to man over the ages was initiated by God and not by man. When a change occurs, we are informed by the Word of God and not the whim of man. Changes that will occur in the future have already been described in the Bible for us so that we may know what to expect and how to respond accordingly.
That the post-apostolic writers were writing after the ancient language concepts had fallen from common usage is clear in this regard. They were writing from a Greek translation of the Biblical texts of their time and in a more modern societal frame of reference. As they were clearly not inspired of God to write these things, which try to change how God and man are to interface, we can regard the post-apostolic era as a theologically error-ridden period in which the history of man changed the face of Christianity through Greco-Roman logic, and law but did not improve our understanding of the true nature of God. Jesus also criticized the Pharisees of adding to the word of God and destroying the original traditions of the law by the uninspired legal rationalizations of the written Talmudic tradition (the mishna is the oral tradition). A large part of the hatred by the ruling Jews for Christians was this disregard for their Talmudic and kabalistic tradition. In this present age, any group who promotes the fundamental Apostles doctrine in the original form is likewise brought into disrepute and hatred.
Careful examination of the apostolic creed (initially published by an African lawyer, Tertullian) produced during this era, and those creeds written after it, show no concrete language at all. The words used are all abstract and give no real understanding in any basic way of who God is. It has led to confusion and great strife, not only among Protestants and Catholics, but within the Jewish religious community and individuals of Islamic background as well. The Torah of the Jews is clearly and rigorously monotheistic.
The passages from the Quran referring to Christianity and Jesus Christ describe great conflict with a theological construct formed in this post-apostolic age of un-enlightenment, the doctrine of the Triune Godhead. Several passages describe Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as if she were considered part of a pantheon of a triune Godhead. The passages demand that Islam should disregard this status and proclaim that she is a mortal only and that there is only one God: “And when Allah will say: O Isa [Jesus] son of Marium [Mary]! Did you say to men, "Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah?" He [Jesus] will say: "Glory be to you, it did not befit me that I should say what I had no right to say.”(5:116). This is because these words in the Quran were written down about 500 years after the apostolic age, and the community of Christians in the town where the author of this book lived were already beyond the monotheistic point of view of the Apostles and well on the way to a dogma of intercession by Mary and the Triune or composite Godhead based on certain details of the Gnostic heresy.
The Roman Emperor Constantine had made the Trinitarian Godhead theology into Roman law in 325 A.D., about 200 years before the Quran was written. Islam is a strictly monotheistic culture and cannot align the concept of the trinity with their understanding of a single, all-powerful God.
Interestingly, a well known atheist of the 19th century, Friedrich Nietzsche, complained in a published philosophical treatise written as a refutation of the Trinity, that modern Christians did not understand their own God. He was actually ridiculing his father, a Lutheran bishop who professed the Trinitarian doctrine, by pointing out the confusion generated by a non-Biblical discussion of God in terms of this logic. Even this nihilistic philosopher and atheist understood that the logic of the post-apostolic age was corrupt and cannot truly represent the Godhead of the Bible. Many people today suffer from the illusion of a God of multiple personalities or even that Jesus is a descendant of God somehow and part of a pantheon of god-like personalities because of this post-apostolic logical analysis of the incarnation.
In 1669, Isaac Newton was appointed Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of England (now called Trinity) in Cambridge. As a requirement of that office, Isaac Newton had to be an ordained minister of the Anglican Church.
Typical of Isaac Newton’s method, he was unaware of the details of that office and so read up on it. After completing his historical study to his satisfaction, Newton was prepared to resign his position at the university as he objected to the doctrine of the Trinity. He writes, “The doctrine of the Trinity is a fraud, perpetrated by lawyers and bishops in the third and fourth centuries.” As Newton was a devout Christian, he was prepared to be dismissed for this intransigence against the Church. He remained in that position only because he received special dispensation for his view of the Trinity. The following is an excerpt from “Wikipedia” a public domain encyclopedia: “… However, the terms of the Lucasian professorship required that the holder not be active in the church (presumably so as to have more time for science). Newton argued that this should exempt him from the ordination requirement, and Charles II, whose permission was needed, accepted this argument. Thus a conflict between Newton's religious views and Anglican orthodoxy was averted.” Isaac Newton was arguably the greatest mathematical genius ever known to man and clearly a very great natural philosopher. He was also able to ignore the common theology of the day and find out for himself what history had to say on the matter of religion in general and doctrine in particular. This required no genius, but the determined effort of a curious person. A careful study of post-apostolic history will provide anyone the necessary information required to allow the same conclusion about the development and application of the trinity concept.
Against Heresy
The Apostle Paul warned that no one should believe any new doctrines taught after the Apostles doctrine of the N.T. church that was already established: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8) This was so important that it was given unusual emphasis by repeating the whole statement again. In Hebrew culture, repeating a statement is much like suggesting that the consequences of the statement are dire indeed. Paul is pointing out to the church Bishop that there will be no other acceptable gospel than that which had already been preached, and there will be no other doctrine that is acceptable for mankind if not identical with the Apostles doctrine preached in the book of the Acts. The gospel of salvation is not founded in any epistles of the N. T. and it was not preached to all men in the history of Jesus Christ found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. That ministry was reserved for the Jewish nation only. Salvation’s plan for the Christian era was not revealed even in the forgiveness offered to the thief who was on the cross of crucifixion beside Jesus. Gospel salvation was preached to all men who seek entry into the kingdom of God only in the book of Acts in a plan following the words of Jesus requiring men to be born of the water and of the spirit. The post-apostolic modifications of N.T. theology are not acceptable, and to accept it, is to become accursed.
Any future changes in the relationship between man and God is carefully outlined in the Bible and does discuss the ending of the grace of God toward man. This change will occur just as God’s relationship with man changed at the flood, after the covenant with Abraham and after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to be prepared for that eventuality by accepting the grace of God now, for the change of this relationship with man is one of judgment. The wrath of God is turned from us at this time, but in the future sinful man will not be spared His wrath. The time for obedience to the plan of salvation to access the grace of God is now. The Bible declares that now is the day of salvation. (II Co. 6:2)
Passages in the Quran that refer to Jesus Christ:2:87; 2:136; 3:45-46; 3:54; 3:59; 4:156-58; 4:163; 4:171-72; 5:17; 5:46; 5:72-75; 5:110; 5:116; 9:30-31; 17:111; 19:20-22; 19:33-35; 19:88-92; 23:91; 43:59; 61:6; 61:14; 66:12; 2:253; 3:52; 3:84; 5:78; 23:50; 23:117; 33:7-8; 42:13; 43:57-64; 43:86; 57:27.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
What, Wrong Already? Part 1
Jesus Christ warned the disciples of a problem they would face from the current Jewish leadership. In Matthew 16:6, the voice of Jesus was recorded as saying “beware the leaven of the Pharisees!” What could this mean? The N.T. has a number of passages that refer to a doctrinal deviation called Gnosticism. This word, gnosis, is a Greek word that means literally “science”. The Gnostic heresy in Christianity is in reality a product of Jewish Kabalistic theology which emphasizes a non-human Messiah, asceticism, circumcision, monasticism, and Trinitarian relationships in the spiritual realm. Additionally, contact with God was to take place through a series of intermediates and not directly from human to God. These characteristic practices derive from a single point source in time and geography.
Timothy was warned by the Apostle Paul to avoid this type of speculation “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely, so called.”(I Tim. 6:20). The Greek word for babbling is related to the Hebrew word tsaphaph translated as peeping (to whisper) and a related word, hagah translated as muttering (to murmur), in the O.T. Reference to this word relates to the idolatry of Israelites who followed the tradition of muttering to themselves to impress others with their skills of the divination of sprits:
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? (Isaiah 8:19)
One of the key practices other than worship and manipulation of Angels and spirits is the use of science-like but incorrect concepts to rationalize the spiritual world, including the heavens. According to Louis Berkhof, in his “History of Christian Doctrines”, this heresy of Christianity was a form of Jewish Christianity that was marked by theosophic speculations and strict asceticism. Further, he says that magic and astrology were practiced among them.” See also (Col 2:16-18).
Since Gnosticism held that the Messiah was not a human being, a warning was written to the those of the Christian faith of this theological feature as well: “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (I John 4:3). Clearly Gnosticism is an early heretical deviation of the early church.
Berkhof continues to discuss Jewish kabalism in that all schools of Christian Gnosticism were headed by Jewish scholars, and that Jewish kabalism underwent a morphological change into Christian Gnosticism. He refers to a strange mixture of Jewish and Christian doctrines as well as speculative heathen thought. This has been noted by others who recorded the history of Gnostic beginnings from Jewish Kabalism: The Jewish Encyclopedia, all editions; The Encyclopedia Britannica, 10th ed. 1910; Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma.
In his book “Israel, our duty our dilemma” Ted Pike writes of the effect of this influence: “If Gnosticism, then, is a Jewish creation as the Jewish Encyclopedia insists, we are forced to conclude that the Pharisees introduced an element of confusion into Christian theology which we still have not emerged from”. The connection with Babylon is important as the triune gods of the Hindu religion were dominant there during the Jewish captivity. In fact, many triads of spiritual entities exist within the ancient religions springing from history at this time in Babylon. The only exception to this was the monotheistic Israelites who were part of the ten percent of the nation that was released from captivity. Of this fraction, a number were very much influenced by the heathen religious world of Babylon and eventually developed in to the kabalistic movement.
As it turns out, the Pharisees are those who practiced kabalistic theology in the time of the Messiah on Earth. This is why they were the bitter enemies of Jesus Christ. They also held that The Messiah would not be a man, but a spirit transformed as some non-corporeal entity. When Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, He was throwing doubt on their particular view of the spiritual universe.
It seems clear that a reference to Babylon the Great in the book of Revelations is focused on this point of heresy: “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Rev. 17:5) This reference to a harlot is the phraseology of the O.T. when speaking of the problem of Israel falling into false religion, i.e. the whoredoms of Israel. Clearly, false religion is related to the city of Babylon, the ancient home of the captive Jews, and the spawning ground of false perceptions of God.
Timothy was warned by the Apostle Paul to avoid this type of speculation “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely, so called.”(I Tim. 6:20). The Greek word for babbling is related to the Hebrew word tsaphaph translated as peeping (to whisper) and a related word, hagah translated as muttering (to murmur), in the O.T. Reference to this word relates to the idolatry of Israelites who followed the tradition of muttering to themselves to impress others with their skills of the divination of sprits:
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? (Isaiah 8:19)
One of the key practices other than worship and manipulation of Angels and spirits is the use of science-like but incorrect concepts to rationalize the spiritual world, including the heavens. According to Louis Berkhof, in his “History of Christian Doctrines”, this heresy of Christianity was a form of Jewish Christianity that was marked by theosophic speculations and strict asceticism. Further, he says that magic and astrology were practiced among them.” See also (Col 2:16-18).
Since Gnosticism held that the Messiah was not a human being, a warning was written to the those of the Christian faith of this theological feature as well: “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (I John 4:3). Clearly Gnosticism is an early heretical deviation of the early church.
Berkhof continues to discuss Jewish kabalism in that all schools of Christian Gnosticism were headed by Jewish scholars, and that Jewish kabalism underwent a morphological change into Christian Gnosticism. He refers to a strange mixture of Jewish and Christian doctrines as well as speculative heathen thought. This has been noted by others who recorded the history of Gnostic beginnings from Jewish Kabalism: The Jewish Encyclopedia, all editions; The Encyclopedia Britannica, 10th ed. 1910; Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma.
In his book “Israel, our duty our dilemma” Ted Pike writes of the effect of this influence: “If Gnosticism, then, is a Jewish creation as the Jewish Encyclopedia insists, we are forced to conclude that the Pharisees introduced an element of confusion into Christian theology which we still have not emerged from”. The connection with Babylon is important as the triune gods of the Hindu religion were dominant there during the Jewish captivity. In fact, many triads of spiritual entities exist within the ancient religions springing from history at this time in Babylon. The only exception to this was the monotheistic Israelites who were part of the ten percent of the nation that was released from captivity. Of this fraction, a number were very much influenced by the heathen religious world of Babylon and eventually developed in to the kabalistic movement.
As it turns out, the Pharisees are those who practiced kabalistic theology in the time of the Messiah on Earth. This is why they were the bitter enemies of Jesus Christ. They also held that The Messiah would not be a man, but a spirit transformed as some non-corporeal entity. When Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, He was throwing doubt on their particular view of the spiritual universe.
It seems clear that a reference to Babylon the Great in the book of Revelations is focused on this point of heresy: “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Rev. 17:5) This reference to a harlot is the phraseology of the O.T. when speaking of the problem of Israel falling into false religion, i.e. the whoredoms of Israel. Clearly, false religion is related to the city of Babylon, the ancient home of the captive Jews, and the spawning ground of false perceptions of God.
Monday, June 9, 2008
An Open Door...
When I was a teenager, my family moved to a farming community in Missouri for a time. I had lived my whole life in the city in California, and I understood grapes and peaches and wheat from a distance, but had never worked in produce myself.
When we later lived on the farm, I wanted to plant a garden, vegetables not flowers, and I worked hard to till the ground and plant the seed. Did you know that the hardest thing to do is realize that it takes a lot of time for a seed to start growing? It takes a whole season for the seed to germinate, poke up through the ground and then begin to develop into a sturdy plant that can handle rain and wind, and still come to age where it produces the fruit you expected a week after you planted.
There were days I felt like tearing up one just to see what in the world was taking so long!
Eventually though, the little plants would appear and growth could be measured. You had the faith then to know you would be eating of this garden and that all the work you invested was worth it. But the first time you plant a garden, it seems almost forever before you can see it growing.
I have recently seen growth in my church that amazes me because it has seemed forever that some young person was so immature and worthless and unable to do anything, and I worried about the future of the church because that young person is part of the future church. I would be sitting in the church as an oldster while they ministered in service! Boy, how is that person going to be able to do that in the shape they are in?
I thought about this several times throughout the last few years. I thought that about my own children, too. I thought that about me; what can I do like this God? How am I supposed to work in the kingdom while I am still trying to figure things out myself?
Well, I am amazed in what I see. Strong sturdy burdened workers where before there was just a lazy or troubled kid. Leadership in the most unlikely places is popping up out of the ground. God has been developing some seeds into tough stalks that can withstand the wind and the rain and still produce fruit!
Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
The time has come when vision is to be executed. God has given vision, and we have struggled to understand how that can come to pass. I am amazed at the workings of the Almighty to bring to pass that which He promised. Everything is popping up out of the ground ready for the task at hand; the task of the end-time; the task of the harvest.
A door is open, and we are to go through it. How? By listening and waiting for the leadership God has provided, by praying and listening to God’s voice; by study and careful watching for opportunity.
There is an open door before us, what lies beyond is the burden of your heart. For me, it is a harvest of souls white and ready. For you it may be a mission field, a calling to the ministry, or a desire to stand in the gap for those who cannot or a combination of the above. Whatever the burden of your heart, the door is open.
Changes are going to take place in your life, and you will not recognize yourself in the near future. You will change to the purpose God has for you. You will be doing things you never felt able to do, and your desire will change to the task before you.
God has opened a door and no man can shut it. It is time for work.
What if I do not want to go through the door? What if I just want to sit on the pew like I have for twenty years and be preached to and go home and fix dinner and live like I have always lived?
Let me tell you that you will not stay the same. Not going through that door causes God to re-position you. Maybe there will be another door in your future, but you have not helped yourself.
Jeremiah was a prophet to Israel, and He had the sad job of foretelling for Israel the result of not going through the door. This passage sums up the whole chapter:
Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
The one positive event that took place in Jeremiah’s day was the great end-time revival. The one positive event that we anticipate is a great end-time revival and a harvest of souls.
There is a harvest, white and ready. The door in your life is opening, go through it. When God opens a door, no one will shut it; be not discouraged or afraid, but proceed with the confidence that God has grown you to this task, for such a time as this.
When we later lived on the farm, I wanted to plant a garden, vegetables not flowers, and I worked hard to till the ground and plant the seed. Did you know that the hardest thing to do is realize that it takes a lot of time for a seed to start growing? It takes a whole season for the seed to germinate, poke up through the ground and then begin to develop into a sturdy plant that can handle rain and wind, and still come to age where it produces the fruit you expected a week after you planted.
There were days I felt like tearing up one just to see what in the world was taking so long!
Eventually though, the little plants would appear and growth could be measured. You had the faith then to know you would be eating of this garden and that all the work you invested was worth it. But the first time you plant a garden, it seems almost forever before you can see it growing.
I have recently seen growth in my church that amazes me because it has seemed forever that some young person was so immature and worthless and unable to do anything, and I worried about the future of the church because that young person is part of the future church. I would be sitting in the church as an oldster while they ministered in service! Boy, how is that person going to be able to do that in the shape they are in?
I thought about this several times throughout the last few years. I thought that about my own children, too. I thought that about me; what can I do like this God? How am I supposed to work in the kingdom while I am still trying to figure things out myself?
Well, I am amazed in what I see. Strong sturdy burdened workers where before there was just a lazy or troubled kid. Leadership in the most unlikely places is popping up out of the ground. God has been developing some seeds into tough stalks that can withstand the wind and the rain and still produce fruit!
Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
The time has come when vision is to be executed. God has given vision, and we have struggled to understand how that can come to pass. I am amazed at the workings of the Almighty to bring to pass that which He promised. Everything is popping up out of the ground ready for the task at hand; the task of the end-time; the task of the harvest.
A door is open, and we are to go through it. How? By listening and waiting for the leadership God has provided, by praying and listening to God’s voice; by study and careful watching for opportunity.
There is an open door before us, what lies beyond is the burden of your heart. For me, it is a harvest of souls white and ready. For you it may be a mission field, a calling to the ministry, or a desire to stand in the gap for those who cannot or a combination of the above. Whatever the burden of your heart, the door is open.
Changes are going to take place in your life, and you will not recognize yourself in the near future. You will change to the purpose God has for you. You will be doing things you never felt able to do, and your desire will change to the task before you.
God has opened a door and no man can shut it. It is time for work.
What if I do not want to go through the door? What if I just want to sit on the pew like I have for twenty years and be preached to and go home and fix dinner and live like I have always lived?
Let me tell you that you will not stay the same. Not going through that door causes God to re-position you. Maybe there will be another door in your future, but you have not helped yourself.
Jeremiah was a prophet to Israel, and He had the sad job of foretelling for Israel the result of not going through the door. This passage sums up the whole chapter:
Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
The one positive event that took place in Jeremiah’s day was the great end-time revival. The one positive event that we anticipate is a great end-time revival and a harvest of souls.
There is a harvest, white and ready. The door in your life is opening, go through it. When God opens a door, no one will shut it; be not discouraged or afraid, but proceed with the confidence that God has grown you to this task, for such a time as this.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Asian Churches
The second and third books of Revelation were written for our edification in the area of spiritual growth, or the lack thereof. Each of these churches is described allegorically, providing us with information about how Jesus sees the church (and the person in the church) and what remedy for the particular problem might be. Each of these churches are described so that the person can envision success if the remedy is followed. One church, the Philadelphia Church, has the best situation as far as salvation is concerned. This church will be an exception from the appointed suffering of tribulation coming on the world in the last days, because they had not denied the Name of Jesus.
This is the subject of discussion, what it means to deny the name of Jesus, and what consequences there might be as a result. It is not as it seems, and it is done very commonly in the church today. Many people suffer form this Laodicean spirit.
The Laodicean church is the actual focus of this discussion because it is here that we learn of the conditions and inferences that surround the rest of the church descriptions. A little history and geography will help because the words used by the Revelator are allegorical and idiomatic.
The book of Colossians refers to Laodicea a number of times, referring to several people in that city nearby to Colossae, eleven miles away. This is in present day Turkey, but was at that time a Roman city. These cities were supplied water from springs; the hot springs at nearby Hierapolis and the pure cold water of Colossae are well known. The archeology of the area shows Laodicea had an aqueduct that carried water from hot mineral springs some five miles south, which would have become cooler, of course, before entering the city.
This is an allegory that people understand well. Who would want to drink tepid water? Being spiritually lukewarm therefore is a bad thing. Hot water has a purpose, it can carry energy to the tissues for increasing healing and relaxing muscles, and very little harmful bacteria would thrive in it. Cold water is great for drinking, and bacterial bloom would be minimal or zero. It should taste great. Spiritual states hot and cold are preferable. Why would they be preferable?
A bacterial bloom occurs when the conditions of high oxygen content and warm temperatures exist. The count of bacterial cells per unit volume of water becomes significant, and the waste products of the bacteria produce a foul smell and a bad taste. So this water supply to Laodicea could be pretty foul smelling and tasting. Therefore, when you drink of that water, you spew it out of your mouth because of the taste.
3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
According to Strabo there was a medical school in this very wealthy city, where a famous ophthalmologist practiced. The city also lies within the boundaries of ancient Phrygia, from where an ingredient of eye-lotions, the so-called 'Phrygian powder', was supposed to have originated. Therefore the references in these scriptures have particular import not only to those who were in that church at that time, but would be unmistakable to us, far in the future.
3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
The nakedness and lack of wealth speaks of the spiritual destitution of this body of people. Surely it does not refer to the lack of finances and clothing for these people of such a wealthy city. The Jewish population of the church alone would have cared for this destitute state of the people if they were able. Why are they naked and destitute?
An idiom is a phrase that says one thing but means another thing and is built upon common knowledge of the time. This is important to know because it is very prevalent in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The concept of nakedness comes from an Old Testament referent. To “see the nakedness” is a Hebrew idiom that means “to have a relationship with a man’s wife” or to expose and take advantage of the other internal secrets of a family’s weakness.Ultimately, it results in an interruption of the proper authority and organization of the family. The Bible says the wife of a man is his “covering”. Uncovering a man’s nakedness was referring to a an illicit relationship with his spouse. This was an abomination to God and represents, as an idiom used in Revelations, the decadence or the destruction of the family. This happened to Noah with Ham, Jacob with Rueben and Lot with his daughters. In each case horrendous family circumstance ensued.
The Laodicean family was fragmented and facing destruction. The fabric of family life was becoming frayed because a particular component was missing.
The words “poor and wretched, and miserable” in the literal sense mean: “having weak faith, the inability to survive trials and temptations, and the inability to learn from chastisements and rebukes”.
From these translations we are now able to understand these symptoms of the Laodicean spirit. The remedy is given in verse 18:
“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”
This is a clear dichotomy that is intensified by the allegorical statements. Contrasting to “poor” is “faith” as gold tried in the fire, nakedness with the “white raiment” of the sinless saint, and eye salve as the healing balm of Gilead found in the blood of the sacrifice which gives back sight of the spiritual sort; the ability to see your need.
How does this happen? The answer is in the name.
Laodicea is translated form the Greek words laos (of the people) and dikio (to rule).
The translation literally means “the rule by the people”.
The destruction starts when the authority of God and the ministry is subverted in the mind of a person. This is denying the Name of Jesus.
Ways that denying the authority of Jesus can occur:
1. Rationalization- this is not my sin
2. I am like this, just ignore me
3. I am not wrong, I am just misunderstood. That preacher is not talking about me. I am fine.
What is the authority of God? The Philadelphia church knew it- the name of Jesus Christ. Adam was required to name all things on the Earth to give him authority over everything on the Earth. God named the Earth and the Universe (he even calls the stars by name)and holds authority over them. When you gave your heart to God at the altar, you gave him authority over you, as you took on his name in baptism. The Laodicean spirit removes that authority of that name-you deny the name of Jesus.
God was telling the Laodiceans exactly the same thing he was telling Jerusalem-
“O Jerusalem Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you together as a hen does her chicks, but you would not”
Jesus said He came to save that which was lost: was that not everyone? No it was not. Some could not be saved for they did not know they were lost. This is the spirit of Laodicea, to remove the ability of Jesus to address the sin in your life. A single hidden sin will keep you from heaven.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Zealous: careful to miss nothing. David prayed that God would search his heart for the hidden errors. To be zealous here requires that you are certain everything is out of your heart, and every sin is repented. Holding a grudge, bitterness, or other interpersonal issues are very common. These will give rise to a denial of the Holy Ghost to remove them, and God cannot forgive them without your authority to do so. You need to re-negotiate the covenant to begin the process of repentance. You must request exposure by God before He can save you.
Luke warm then is a condition that prevents conviction from working for you. You cannot be saved if you do not know you are wrong or do not believe you are wrong. You cannot be convicted if you have the attitude that "I am o.k."
If you are not worried about your heart when you pray, as any person should be(work out your own salvation with fear and trembling), and you are not backslid (cold-you know you need to pray and the Holy Ghost can then convict you as in the Ephesus church), you should examine yourself and pray for God to reveal to you the hidden errors, the things which will condemn you because you do not know they are there. Seek His face, be zealous, repent and be saved.
Rev 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.
You must open the door, You must hear, before you can recover form the Laodecian spirit.
This is the subject of discussion, what it means to deny the name of Jesus, and what consequences there might be as a result. It is not as it seems, and it is done very commonly in the church today. Many people suffer form this Laodicean spirit.
The Laodicean church is the actual focus of this discussion because it is here that we learn of the conditions and inferences that surround the rest of the church descriptions. A little history and geography will help because the words used by the Revelator are allegorical and idiomatic.
The book of Colossians refers to Laodicea a number of times, referring to several people in that city nearby to Colossae, eleven miles away. This is in present day Turkey, but was at that time a Roman city. These cities were supplied water from springs; the hot springs at nearby Hierapolis and the pure cold water of Colossae are well known. The archeology of the area shows Laodicea had an aqueduct that carried water from hot mineral springs some five miles south, which would have become cooler, of course, before entering the city.
This is an allegory that people understand well. Who would want to drink tepid water? Being spiritually lukewarm therefore is a bad thing. Hot water has a purpose, it can carry energy to the tissues for increasing healing and relaxing muscles, and very little harmful bacteria would thrive in it. Cold water is great for drinking, and bacterial bloom would be minimal or zero. It should taste great. Spiritual states hot and cold are preferable. Why would they be preferable?
A bacterial bloom occurs when the conditions of high oxygen content and warm temperatures exist. The count of bacterial cells per unit volume of water becomes significant, and the waste products of the bacteria produce a foul smell and a bad taste. So this water supply to Laodicea could be pretty foul smelling and tasting. Therefore, when you drink of that water, you spew it out of your mouth because of the taste.
3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
According to Strabo there was a medical school in this very wealthy city, where a famous ophthalmologist practiced. The city also lies within the boundaries of ancient Phrygia, from where an ingredient of eye-lotions, the so-called 'Phrygian powder', was supposed to have originated. Therefore the references in these scriptures have particular import not only to those who were in that church at that time, but would be unmistakable to us, far in the future.
3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
The nakedness and lack of wealth speaks of the spiritual destitution of this body of people. Surely it does not refer to the lack of finances and clothing for these people of such a wealthy city. The Jewish population of the church alone would have cared for this destitute state of the people if they were able. Why are they naked and destitute?
An idiom is a phrase that says one thing but means another thing and is built upon common knowledge of the time. This is important to know because it is very prevalent in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The concept of nakedness comes from an Old Testament referent. To “see the nakedness” is a Hebrew idiom that means “to have a relationship with a man’s wife” or to expose and take advantage of the other internal secrets of a family’s weakness.Ultimately, it results in an interruption of the proper authority and organization of the family. The Bible says the wife of a man is his “covering”. Uncovering a man’s nakedness was referring to a an illicit relationship with his spouse. This was an abomination to God and represents, as an idiom used in Revelations, the decadence or the destruction of the family. This happened to Noah with Ham, Jacob with Rueben and Lot with his daughters. In each case horrendous family circumstance ensued.
The Laodicean family was fragmented and facing destruction. The fabric of family life was becoming frayed because a particular component was missing.
The words “poor and wretched, and miserable” in the literal sense mean: “having weak faith, the inability to survive trials and temptations, and the inability to learn from chastisements and rebukes”.
From these translations we are now able to understand these symptoms of the Laodicean spirit. The remedy is given in verse 18:
“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”
This is a clear dichotomy that is intensified by the allegorical statements. Contrasting to “poor” is “faith” as gold tried in the fire, nakedness with the “white raiment” of the sinless saint, and eye salve as the healing balm of Gilead found in the blood of the sacrifice which gives back sight of the spiritual sort; the ability to see your need.
How does this happen? The answer is in the name.
Laodicea is translated form the Greek words laos (of the people) and dikio (to rule).
The translation literally means “the rule by the people”.
The destruction starts when the authority of God and the ministry is subverted in the mind of a person. This is denying the Name of Jesus.
Ways that denying the authority of Jesus can occur:
1. Rationalization- this is not my sin
2. I am like this, just ignore me
3. I am not wrong, I am just misunderstood. That preacher is not talking about me. I am fine.
What is the authority of God? The Philadelphia church knew it- the name of Jesus Christ. Adam was required to name all things on the Earth to give him authority over everything on the Earth. God named the Earth and the Universe (he even calls the stars by name)and holds authority over them. When you gave your heart to God at the altar, you gave him authority over you, as you took on his name in baptism. The Laodicean spirit removes that authority of that name-you deny the name of Jesus.
God was telling the Laodiceans exactly the same thing he was telling Jerusalem-
“O Jerusalem Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you together as a hen does her chicks, but you would not”
Jesus said He came to save that which was lost: was that not everyone? No it was not. Some could not be saved for they did not know they were lost. This is the spirit of Laodicea, to remove the ability of Jesus to address the sin in your life. A single hidden sin will keep you from heaven.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Zealous: careful to miss nothing. David prayed that God would search his heart for the hidden errors. To be zealous here requires that you are certain everything is out of your heart, and every sin is repented. Holding a grudge, bitterness, or other interpersonal issues are very common. These will give rise to a denial of the Holy Ghost to remove them, and God cannot forgive them without your authority to do so. You need to re-negotiate the covenant to begin the process of repentance. You must request exposure by God before He can save you.
Luke warm then is a condition that prevents conviction from working for you. You cannot be saved if you do not know you are wrong or do not believe you are wrong. You cannot be convicted if you have the attitude that "I am o.k."
If you are not worried about your heart when you pray, as any person should be(work out your own salvation with fear and trembling), and you are not backslid (cold-you know you need to pray and the Holy Ghost can then convict you as in the Ephesus church), you should examine yourself and pray for God to reveal to you the hidden errors, the things which will condemn you because you do not know they are there. Seek His face, be zealous, repent and be saved.
Rev 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.
You must open the door, You must hear, before you can recover form the Laodecian spirit.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Blasphemy
In ancient times the outstretched right arm was an emblem of authority while the shortness of the arm or hand spoke of authority that had been diminished and extended only to a certain point. King Artaxerxes eventually reigned over an empire that was so far reaching that he was named "Artaxerxes Longimanus" which means long-handed, because the far reaching boundaries of his empire encompassed the known world.
It was common custom that a king would reduce the reach of his right hand after a covenant or concession to a neighboring kingdom was made, thus showing that he was willingly reducing his authority and strength over that land and people.
There are over sixty references to the right hand of God in the O.T. and the N.T. Many of these references are specific. In many cases they refer to the strength of God to save, heal, provide, and to destroy.
It is important to differentiate between the left and right hand. For instance, Ecclesiastes 10:2 says:
“A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.”
thus indicating a real difference in import between the two.
samal Left. The left hand represents wickedness and a resource of diminished strength and ability. The left hand is the hand utilized for functions considered impolite to discuss. One who was left handed was considered a wicked person, and use of the left hand was discouraged (and is still discouraged) in children. The text of the Hebrews and other cultures of ancient derivation are read from right to left because the result of the tools used to write in the clay or stone were observed best when writing in that direction. It was difficult to have precision when using the left hand on the tool. It is also interesting to note that in the ancient script, the word “left” begins with the letter “sin”
The “right hand” is translated form the ancient word yamiyn:
Right: The right hand or the direction of the right hand.
This word literally means toward the south. Because east is the principle cardinal direction, when facing east this implies the right side points to the south. The correct translation is, since this is “toward the south”, is the right side. This word is a child root of miyn. All child roots share the basic meaning of the parent root from which they derive. Child root formation is to produce grammatical changes such as gender, verb tense, nouns, and pronouns form the parent verb.
The parent root miyn is defined as: action of verb form: Firm concrete concept: Kind abstract meaning: Sure: The pictograph of mem is a picture of water or other liquid such as blood, the nun is a picture of a seed representing continuance. Combined these mean "blood continues" and gives the meaning of strength through the blood. Each species (kind) continues by passing its blood to the following generation, which comes from the parent.
Another child root of this word is aman which is literally to be firm like a pillar commonly translated as faithful.
The Biblical reference to the strength of the Right Hand is a common idiomatic phrase in Hebrew writing meaning “enough strength to accomplish any task and a continuing supply of it”.
It is important theologically and doctrinally in that this phrase is used to describe Jesus Christ. Many assume it means that Jesus is in heaven seated next to the Father, this is completely wrong. There is no other referent anywhere in the Bible that suggests there is a physical seat next to the throne, or that there could be anyone seated there. This word, throne, is also idiomatic and refers to the seat of power and authority. To have a second one would diminish the authority of the actual throne, and this contravenes the Bible which states emphatically that all authority in heaven and Earth is given unto Jesus. This would then be a complete contradiction in the bible.
The right hand of God, as it applies to Jesus Christ, must mean that He is the holder of all the power and authority of God in himself. Jesus is not seated next to the Father in heaven as the Bible declares he is the Father.
An example of that power in His right hand is related in that situation where the Apostle found himself in a stormy sea:
Mat 14:30-32 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
The power to heal was in His hand as well:
Mar 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
Jesus used this physical expression of reaching out the hand indicating that there is no limit to His authority, and He can grant forgiveness, and has power over death. To the Jewish leaders this was a blasphemous thing, using this physical expression and thus identifying Himself as the Almighty.
Mat 26:64-65 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
The High Priest was charging Jesus with blasphemy because he made himself God. How did he say that? Jesus was claiming to be the right hand of God.
It was common custom that a king would reduce the reach of his right hand after a covenant or concession to a neighboring kingdom was made, thus showing that he was willingly reducing his authority and strength over that land and people.
There are over sixty references to the right hand of God in the O.T. and the N.T. Many of these references are specific. In many cases they refer to the strength of God to save, heal, provide, and to destroy.
It is important to differentiate between the left and right hand. For instance, Ecclesiastes 10:2 says:
“A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.”
thus indicating a real difference in import between the two.
samal Left. The left hand represents wickedness and a resource of diminished strength and ability. The left hand is the hand utilized for functions considered impolite to discuss. One who was left handed was considered a wicked person, and use of the left hand was discouraged (and is still discouraged) in children. The text of the Hebrews and other cultures of ancient derivation are read from right to left because the result of the tools used to write in the clay or stone were observed best when writing in that direction. It was difficult to have precision when using the left hand on the tool. It is also interesting to note that in the ancient script, the word “left” begins with the letter “sin”
The “right hand” is translated form the ancient word yamiyn:
Right: The right hand or the direction of the right hand.
This word literally means toward the south. Because east is the principle cardinal direction, when facing east this implies the right side points to the south. The correct translation is, since this is “toward the south”, is the right side. This word is a child root of miyn. All child roots share the basic meaning of the parent root from which they derive. Child root formation is to produce grammatical changes such as gender, verb tense, nouns, and pronouns form the parent verb.
The parent root miyn is defined as: action of verb form: Firm concrete concept: Kind abstract meaning: Sure: The pictograph of mem is a picture of water or other liquid such as blood, the nun is a picture of a seed representing continuance. Combined these mean "blood continues" and gives the meaning of strength through the blood. Each species (kind) continues by passing its blood to the following generation, which comes from the parent.
Another child root of this word is aman which is literally to be firm like a pillar commonly translated as faithful.
The Biblical reference to the strength of the Right Hand is a common idiomatic phrase in Hebrew writing meaning “enough strength to accomplish any task and a continuing supply of it”.
It is important theologically and doctrinally in that this phrase is used to describe Jesus Christ. Many assume it means that Jesus is in heaven seated next to the Father, this is completely wrong. There is no other referent anywhere in the Bible that suggests there is a physical seat next to the throne, or that there could be anyone seated there. This word, throne, is also idiomatic and refers to the seat of power and authority. To have a second one would diminish the authority of the actual throne, and this contravenes the Bible which states emphatically that all authority in heaven and Earth is given unto Jesus. This would then be a complete contradiction in the bible.
The right hand of God, as it applies to Jesus Christ, must mean that He is the holder of all the power and authority of God in himself. Jesus is not seated next to the Father in heaven as the Bible declares he is the Father.
An example of that power in His right hand is related in that situation where the Apostle found himself in a stormy sea:
Mat 14:30-32 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
The power to heal was in His hand as well:
Mar 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
Jesus used this physical expression of reaching out the hand indicating that there is no limit to His authority, and He can grant forgiveness, and has power over death. To the Jewish leaders this was a blasphemous thing, using this physical expression and thus identifying Himself as the Almighty.
Mat 26:64-65 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
The High Priest was charging Jesus with blasphemy because he made himself God. How did he say that? Jesus was claiming to be the right hand of God.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Self-Deception
Dignity in humans involves the earning or the expectation of personal respect or esteem - Wikipedia, a public domain encyclopedia.
As a member of the faculty at a University, I must represent the discipline of my trade in a dignified manner. It is a requirement of all who teach the public that they hold themselves in a position of dignity, that is, to expect to receive the acknowledgment of their students as experts and authorities in a particular discipline. Without this respect or esteem, it is impossible to impart the difficult lessons required to master a subject. Our classrooms would be full of chaos, and students would become argumentative rather than carefully listening and learning. In essence, dignity is a status requirement for any professor who is successful at teaching. This may have been earned, or it may be false, but it is essential and is part of the training received while earning the recognition of a University to teach and practice a discipline.
You can have false dignity because you are not really competent at a job and are merely pretending to be an authority, or you have a false illusion of your ability and character which can lead to a rise in arrogance and self deceit. In any case, dignity is a pretense. Perception is a powerful tool as it can discount even the most obvious facts in the minds of people and lead them away from reality. It is a form of falsehood that is portrayed by your actions.
In society one must hold others in esteem or in a dignified manner when certain events transpire. Funerals are the best example of dignity in action. The staff of a funeral establishment respects the privacy and rights of the family and of the deceased in order to alleviate certain psychological problems associated with grieving. To be dignified is to act or strive to be esteemed worthy of special consideration and attention. The staff must regard the family members as people who are dignified. This allows the family to accept respect from the staff in a subtle way. The family can grieve openly without fear of insult or other offensive responses from those around them, and this environment must be nurtured by the funeral staff so that emotional healing might take place in the family members who are left behind to grieve. This is a mark of professionalism in the funeral staff.
The word dignity however is not really a positive thing. For instance, when the Chaldeans were given power to overcome Israel as a judgment for giving themselves over to evil, the prophet Habakkuk utilized this word dignity in a fashion that gives an impression of disdain or disgust:
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwelling places that are not theirs.
They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of
themselves.And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every stronghold; for they shall heap dust, and take it. (Habakkuk 1:2-7, 10)
These Chaldeans are an arrogant and self-centered lot with only one goal in mind. They are dignified by their own evaluation, but not upon any success or worthy attribute. They are characterized as bitter and hasty and regard no other authority but their own. These are not positive attributes, but they are the attributes of a spirit that allows us to think of ourselves in a way that produces dignity in us. These attributes will show up in any person with a dignified mindset. Even earned dignity will allow a person to react negatively to authority if they believe in their own right to do so.
A further example of the negative connotation of dignity is found in Ecclesiastes 10:5, 6:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
This is interpreted as accepting dignity as an important measure of a person, while success marks a person as undesirable. We see this twisted thinking very often in the world of today, and this is a trend associated with an ungodly mindset and lifestyle which intends to bring only pleasure and happiness from that lifestyle. The prophet called this behavior folly.
The history of European Elizabethan civilization suggests that dignity was held as the great social attainment of the times. If you were of lowly descent and poor, as long as you held yourself in a dignified way, you were acceptable. It is common in British folklore that a true citizen of Britain would hold dignity dear unto death and not waver from the fixed heart and set jaw so as to face their death square on. This is the form of the hero mindset in the UK, even today. This is also typical of many modern societies.
Present society relies on dignity to differentiate between acceptable public social behavior and that which is derived from a crass and diminished person. If you do not behave in a dignified manner, you may be considered socially unacceptable. If you do not follow this norm of behavior in our society, you become uncomfortable around those who value it to the point of being personally alienated and uncomfortable.
The Bible holds a somewhat different viewpoint of dignity; it seems dignity is not something to be coveted or nurtured.
Why would such a useful social context be so negative in the Bible? A look at the definition of the Hebrew word for dignity (marom) is very revealing. It means lifted to a height to deceive or to be deceived. Dignity can deceive those who observe it in others, and most often the person who portrays dignity is deceived in their own mind!
When Israel began to drift from the righteousness of the law, they moved the sacrificial worship from the temple to the high places (so that travel to the temple was not necessary!). The high places were historically used for the worship of gods who reside in the heavens and other idolatrous figures. The deception for the people of Israel came about because it seemed that the worship was correct, it was just done in a different place, that’s all. Later, the method of the sacrifice became further corrupted until it became the worship of false gods.
A person who possesses great dignity is very often operating under self deception. They may have a wrong self image, or they may have had a success which leads them to believe incorrectly about their own abilities and merit or other personal or self-obtained characteristics. In any case this is a personal attribute to be shunned for a Christian.
A particular reason to avoid dignity on a personal level is because of self-deception. When we worship God, people are to be wholly dependent upon His will and not their own. Dignity is a way of exerting personal will, and leads to false worship, or otherwise hinder worship. You excuse yourself from demonstrations of worship because that just isn’t acceptable for a person of your status and responsibility. You can easily express concern about those who may run laps around the building, or dance in the aisle in a spirit of worship and regard them as being un-dignified. They are indeed un-dignified in a social context, and rightly so, for the Lord of heaven requires us to forfeit our pride, dignity, and self aggrandizement in order to place Him above us. When people exhibit restraint in worship for this reason, they hide themselves from Him. This is the same response that Adam and Eve had in the garden after they sinned. You hold back our worship in order to prevent someone recognizing you as un-dignified because internally you feel that we deserve to be dignified.
Nothing could be further from the truth. A Christian should lay no claim to dignity because the essence of being a Christian is to be a servant (of low esteem in society) and completely dependent upon His ability to allow us to exist in the kingdom of God. We have absolutely no saving merit at all of our own effort and ability in the kingdom of God.
The spirit of antichrist is the one which elevates above God. It belongs to the spirit of self-will and to the opponents of the kingdom of God. It is a very dangerous attribute for a Christian.
A Christian must recognize that dignity is the antithesis of Christianity. It is in fact the spirit of antichrist (opponent to the Messiah) to be of dignified demeanor for some personal reason. The scripture states this by the Hebrew word translated as dignity. It means a high place, a place to deceive or beguile, and is the attitude of those who resist God. The concept of being lifted up in any way, except by God, is to be elevated above God. An individual cannot afford to let this spirit into the heart or it will lead to personal destruction.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.(II John 1:7)
Worship of God is a sign of obedience and allegiance to Him. You must not refrain from whole hearted worship, regardless of how uncomfortable you feel. If you are so uncomfortable that you cannot openly rejoice and worship, then there may be something deceiving you. Search your heart and ask God to reveal to you any and all deception so that you can freely worship God. Pray for conviction. David said it best:
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. (Psalms 19:12)
An example of righteousness refusing to obtain dignity is King David who was dancing before the Ark of the Covenant as it was returned to Israel. His dance was so undignified that his wife was offended. Why would David do such a thing? Because he was giving God his best worship, indicating to God that he was completely obedient to Him and dependant upon Him. The only way for a King to show the people and God that he was completely sold out to God was to dance before God and the people with an undignified, whole hearted dance in worship; something a king would never do. The word that is translated “fear before the lord” in this passage is “Khaool Kaheel” which literally means to twirl or dance about in a circular motion. It was in David’s heart to love God, and he wanted God to know that this was everything he had to give. David knew that God had already given him everything else!
It may be possible to be a dignified person and get to heaven, but you must leave that aside when it comes time to worship God. A side effect of the dignity involved in keeping employment is to bring your dignity to the house of the Lord and you may begin to believe it. Resist the tendency to regard yourself as something you really are not and search regularly to notice when this may be occurring. Then, throw your dignity to the wind, as it can become the spirit of Antichrist within you, and then begin to worship the Lord with all your heart. Like David, we must worship with everything we have; it is what God wants from us. God responds to the meek, the contrite, and the lowly and returns to them joy and peace. The only thing God seeks is people on Earth who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.
As a member of the faculty at a University, I must represent the discipline of my trade in a dignified manner. It is a requirement of all who teach the public that they hold themselves in a position of dignity, that is, to expect to receive the acknowledgment of their students as experts and authorities in a particular discipline. Without this respect or esteem, it is impossible to impart the difficult lessons required to master a subject. Our classrooms would be full of chaos, and students would become argumentative rather than carefully listening and learning. In essence, dignity is a status requirement for any professor who is successful at teaching. This may have been earned, or it may be false, but it is essential and is part of the training received while earning the recognition of a University to teach and practice a discipline.
You can have false dignity because you are not really competent at a job and are merely pretending to be an authority, or you have a false illusion of your ability and character which can lead to a rise in arrogance and self deceit. In any case, dignity is a pretense. Perception is a powerful tool as it can discount even the most obvious facts in the minds of people and lead them away from reality. It is a form of falsehood that is portrayed by your actions.
In society one must hold others in esteem or in a dignified manner when certain events transpire. Funerals are the best example of dignity in action. The staff of a funeral establishment respects the privacy and rights of the family and of the deceased in order to alleviate certain psychological problems associated with grieving. To be dignified is to act or strive to be esteemed worthy of special consideration and attention. The staff must regard the family members as people who are dignified. This allows the family to accept respect from the staff in a subtle way. The family can grieve openly without fear of insult or other offensive responses from those around them, and this environment must be nurtured by the funeral staff so that emotional healing might take place in the family members who are left behind to grieve. This is a mark of professionalism in the funeral staff.
The word dignity however is not really a positive thing. For instance, when the Chaldeans were given power to overcome Israel as a judgment for giving themselves over to evil, the prophet Habakkuk utilized this word dignity in a fashion that gives an impression of disdain or disgust:
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwelling places that are not theirs.
They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of
themselves.And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every stronghold; for they shall heap dust, and take it. (Habakkuk 1:2-7, 10)
These Chaldeans are an arrogant and self-centered lot with only one goal in mind. They are dignified by their own evaluation, but not upon any success or worthy attribute. They are characterized as bitter and hasty and regard no other authority but their own. These are not positive attributes, but they are the attributes of a spirit that allows us to think of ourselves in a way that produces dignity in us. These attributes will show up in any person with a dignified mindset. Even earned dignity will allow a person to react negatively to authority if they believe in their own right to do so.
A further example of the negative connotation of dignity is found in Ecclesiastes 10:5, 6:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
This is interpreted as accepting dignity as an important measure of a person, while success marks a person as undesirable. We see this twisted thinking very often in the world of today, and this is a trend associated with an ungodly mindset and lifestyle which intends to bring only pleasure and happiness from that lifestyle. The prophet called this behavior folly.
The history of European Elizabethan civilization suggests that dignity was held as the great social attainment of the times. If you were of lowly descent and poor, as long as you held yourself in a dignified way, you were acceptable. It is common in British folklore that a true citizen of Britain would hold dignity dear unto death and not waver from the fixed heart and set jaw so as to face their death square on. This is the form of the hero mindset in the UK, even today. This is also typical of many modern societies.
Present society relies on dignity to differentiate between acceptable public social behavior and that which is derived from a crass and diminished person. If you do not behave in a dignified manner, you may be considered socially unacceptable. If you do not follow this norm of behavior in our society, you become uncomfortable around those who value it to the point of being personally alienated and uncomfortable.
The Bible holds a somewhat different viewpoint of dignity; it seems dignity is not something to be coveted or nurtured.
Why would such a useful social context be so negative in the Bible? A look at the definition of the Hebrew word for dignity (marom) is very revealing. It means lifted to a height to deceive or to be deceived. Dignity can deceive those who observe it in others, and most often the person who portrays dignity is deceived in their own mind!
When Israel began to drift from the righteousness of the law, they moved the sacrificial worship from the temple to the high places (so that travel to the temple was not necessary!). The high places were historically used for the worship of gods who reside in the heavens and other idolatrous figures. The deception for the people of Israel came about because it seemed that the worship was correct, it was just done in a different place, that’s all. Later, the method of the sacrifice became further corrupted until it became the worship of false gods.
A person who possesses great dignity is very often operating under self deception. They may have a wrong self image, or they may have had a success which leads them to believe incorrectly about their own abilities and merit or other personal or self-obtained characteristics. In any case this is a personal attribute to be shunned for a Christian.
A particular reason to avoid dignity on a personal level is because of self-deception. When we worship God, people are to be wholly dependent upon His will and not their own. Dignity is a way of exerting personal will, and leads to false worship, or otherwise hinder worship. You excuse yourself from demonstrations of worship because that just isn’t acceptable for a person of your status and responsibility. You can easily express concern about those who may run laps around the building, or dance in the aisle in a spirit of worship and regard them as being un-dignified. They are indeed un-dignified in a social context, and rightly so, for the Lord of heaven requires us to forfeit our pride, dignity, and self aggrandizement in order to place Him above us. When people exhibit restraint in worship for this reason, they hide themselves from Him. This is the same response that Adam and Eve had in the garden after they sinned. You hold back our worship in order to prevent someone recognizing you as un-dignified because internally you feel that we deserve to be dignified.
Nothing could be further from the truth. A Christian should lay no claim to dignity because the essence of being a Christian is to be a servant (of low esteem in society) and completely dependent upon His ability to allow us to exist in the kingdom of God. We have absolutely no saving merit at all of our own effort and ability in the kingdom of God.
The spirit of antichrist is the one which elevates above God. It belongs to the spirit of self-will and to the opponents of the kingdom of God. It is a very dangerous attribute for a Christian.
A Christian must recognize that dignity is the antithesis of Christianity. It is in fact the spirit of antichrist (opponent to the Messiah) to be of dignified demeanor for some personal reason. The scripture states this by the Hebrew word translated as dignity. It means a high place, a place to deceive or beguile, and is the attitude of those who resist God. The concept of being lifted up in any way, except by God, is to be elevated above God. An individual cannot afford to let this spirit into the heart or it will lead to personal destruction.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.(II John 1:7)
Worship of God is a sign of obedience and allegiance to Him. You must not refrain from whole hearted worship, regardless of how uncomfortable you feel. If you are so uncomfortable that you cannot openly rejoice and worship, then there may be something deceiving you. Search your heart and ask God to reveal to you any and all deception so that you can freely worship God. Pray for conviction. David said it best:
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. (Psalms 19:12)
An example of righteousness refusing to obtain dignity is King David who was dancing before the Ark of the Covenant as it was returned to Israel. His dance was so undignified that his wife was offended. Why would David do such a thing? Because he was giving God his best worship, indicating to God that he was completely obedient to Him and dependant upon Him. The only way for a King to show the people and God that he was completely sold out to God was to dance before God and the people with an undignified, whole hearted dance in worship; something a king would never do. The word that is translated “fear before the lord” in this passage is “Khaool Kaheel” which literally means to twirl or dance about in a circular motion. It was in David’s heart to love God, and he wanted God to know that this was everything he had to give. David knew that God had already given him everything else!
It may be possible to be a dignified person and get to heaven, but you must leave that aside when it comes time to worship God. A side effect of the dignity involved in keeping employment is to bring your dignity to the house of the Lord and you may begin to believe it. Resist the tendency to regard yourself as something you really are not and search regularly to notice when this may be occurring. Then, throw your dignity to the wind, as it can become the spirit of Antichrist within you, and then begin to worship the Lord with all your heart. Like David, we must worship with everything we have; it is what God wants from us. God responds to the meek, the contrite, and the lowly and returns to them joy and peace. The only thing God seeks is people on Earth who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.
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