2-26-2022 The Sower and the Church

Luke 8:5-14

Most of us who have some knowledge of the bible are familiar with the parable of the sower.  Some seed falls by the wayside, some on stony ground, some grows up intermingled with thorns and of course some comes forth on good ground and produces much fruit.

Jesus basically tells his disciples that they are to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God.  Because they are learning, Jesus explains His parables to them, as He does so here.  He explains this parable in the last three verses of this passage.

The seed is the word of God.  On the wayside are the people who hear the word and the devil comes immediately and takes that word out of their heart.  The seed that falls on stony ground has no depth for moisture or soil so when problems arise, it quickly dries up and falls away.  The seed grows that together with the thorns (like the parable of the wheat and tares – Matt. 13:24-30) is eventually unproductive because of the cares of this world.  And at last, the seed on good ground which thrives and produces fruit.

Let’s compare this to the church.  An evangelist comes into a church, a town, an area and preaches the word from God and everybody hears it but there are those for whom the word goes in one ear and out the other.  That is, if they haven’t forgotten all they heard by the time they get out the front door, it won’t be long after it will become a distant memory, if that.  They go on about their lives having retained nothing from the experience.  These folks not only do not experience any growth, but they have rejected our Lord Jesus, or at best, ignored Him.  Oh, they say He exists, but He’s not for them or they may not even care what He has done for them  They go on living their life just as before.

Now, the seed on stony ground, that which is choked by thorns and that which falls on the good ground represent people who joyfully received what they have heard.  They start attending a church on a regular basis and are now happy campers.  They believe that their eternity is secure.

However, stony ground represents a surface relationship with Jesus.  These people have been baptized for the remission of sin and are enjoying the blessings of God.  Cool, so far.  THEN something happens.  Maybe a job is lost.  Maybe a parent, sibling or a close friend unexpectedly passes away.  Maybe they find themselves buried under the burden of heavy debt because of poor planning.  I don’t know, but whatever it is, it shakes the person because they really have no foundation in their life.  They’ve never truly made a commitment to get to know Jesus, develop a relationship with Him through reading scripture or even nurturing a relationship through prayer.  Their world is falling apart and there’s nothing there to help and they don’t even consider asking God for help.  They quit church.  They quit God because they think He ‘abandoned’ them.  Understand, God never abandons us, we walk away from Him.

Other people grow in the church, get involved in ministries, whatever.  BUT they keep looking at the world around them.  They see how entertainers, pro athletes and others have great success.  Big, or even multiple, houses, fancy cars, big parties, living the ‘good life’ and they wonder ‘why can’t I.’   in an effort to try to achieve these ‘dreams’, God gradually is set aside and these people try to achieve their dreams in their own strength.  Remember, the devil doesn’t mind helping you gain success – as long as it either keeps you from getting to know God or takes you away from God.  But, also remember that this success lasts only as long as it benefits him (the devil).  When a person becomes no longer ‘useful’ to the devil, he dumps them!  And that can be manifested in loss of health, wealth or even life (dying).  The point here is that, in this situation, there is the tendency to put God on the back burner, then eventually forgetting to even turn the back burner on.  Result – any relationship we may have had with Father fades out into nothingness.  A relationship with Him n longer exists!  Has God abandoned us?  No!  Again, we walked away from Him – for whatever our reason.

Bear in mind, the stony ground and the thorns are like the ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13), five were always ready and waiting for the bridegroom and five took only enough oil for what they needed at that time not considering how long it may be before the bridegroom actually showed up.  The bridegroom came and took the five virgins who had always been prepared for Him.  The other five later went looking for what they had just lost – a relationship with our Lord.  Take note that the five foolish virgins knew where the bridegroom lived and came knocking on the his door.  “Let us in.” and what does the bible say He said to them?  “Truly, I don’t know you.”   He didn’t let them in.

Consider, some people we ‘know about.  Some people we know in social or casual situations.  Some people are our ‘friends’.  But others are our ‘best friends with whom we share our life and confide in.  We trust them. 

The stony ground and thorns represent situations, at best, where there was only a surface relationship.  Jesus was considered less than a best friend much less even than a friend.  These people never really took the time to get to ‘know’ Jesus.  So, thinking that just going through the motions was enough, when it became too late, they came to Him, and our Lord denied them access into the eternal promise.  There was no ‘real’ relationship.  Jesus says my brother, my sister, my mother are those who hear and do the will of my Father (Matt. 12:47-50).

“Do the will of my Father!”  That brings us to the final segment of this entry.  The seed that falls on good ground are those who become a brother, a sister or mother to our Lord Jesus.  Notice that no ‘father’ is mentioned.  There is only ONE Father and if we recall the passage of lineage, Jesus being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli (Luke 3:23).  Joseph was not the father of Jesus (as Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, Matt. 1:18), but He was born of Mary who represents Jesus’ human connection.  When we compare Matthew chapter one with Luke chapter three, Matthew (Matt. 1:1-6) begins with Adam and ends with Jesus – who “begat” whoim.  Luke starts with Jesus and cites “who was the son of’ back through Adam who was the son of – GOD. 

Paul tells the Romans that we need to be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Jesus) so that He could be the firstborn of many brothers (and sisters) (Rom. 8:29).  And just what is the image of God?  God is love (1 John 4:8-11).  So we ought to love as God loves.  Bear in mind that love is deeper than just the ‘10 Commandments’!  Read the bible and discover the fullness of what love involves and remember Jesus IS the personification of love.

Jesus tells us that if we love Him, we will keep his commandments (John 14:15).  What are those commandments?  To love God above all else and our neighbor as ourselves!  That is with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 12:30-31).  Again, Jesus tells us that when we love even the ‘least’ of His brothers, we have shown our love for Him (Matt. 25:40).  As we do this, we find ourselves abiding in God’s will.

So, we have seen where the enemy prevents people from entering into God’s kingdom because they never have the chance to get to know the Lord.  We’ve seen that even some receive Jesus into their heart, they just don’t hang in there with Him.  They can’t take the heat of growth of being a Christian or just can’t let go of the world, either way, they forget their original commitment.  Yes, we all will stand before God.  some at the mercy seat where rewards are given for obedience and faithfulness, some at the judgement of ‘the great white throne’  where they will be shown all the opportunities they had to receive Jesus or where they rejected Him and walked away.  Peter tells us it would be better to have never known God’s righteousness, than to have known it then turn away (2 Peter2:21).

BUT, PTL!  Those who abide in God’s love and remain faithful and obedient to His Word and will, experience that eternal bliss with the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John, 3:16)! 

And, yes, God wants to bless us even while we are here in this world (2 Corinth. 9:8).

Amen

 

2/12/2022 To Pay or Not To Pay?

                        

Matt. 22:15-22

I know that we have readers from many nations on this blog.  So, for those who may not know, now through April 15^th is our tax time here in the US.

We receive our earning statements (W2s) from our employers and other documents designating any income we may have acquired over the year, so we can file our tax returns and see what the government gets to keep and what we may get back from ‘over payment’ or deductions.    

In past years, I used to look to see how I could get a little more back each year.  OK.  I wished for a lot more (never happened).  My sister and her family have five children so while they kids were growing up, my sister did what they could and claimed deductions to have money through the year, then being a home owner, they always looked for what other deductions they could claim at the end of the year so they could get the most back at filing time.  I never asked them how well this worked for them.  I never had more than two kids and never owned a home.  For me?  A moot point!  One year my wife and I had a ton of medical bills so I looked at itemizing to see if it would make a difference in my return.  After all the computations, itemizing, I got an extra $20 more than the standard allowances!  Whoopeee!  Can you guess what I have still never done?

More than once I’ve read the passage in the bible on how Jesus handles what is owed the government.

The scribes and Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus into saying who is more important, our government or God.  Needless to say, they wanted to go back and tell Herod (or even Pilate) that Jesus was cheating Rome out of what was due.  They tried to “butter-up” Jesus up by saying that they knew He was a man of God and He treated all men the same, no matter what their position in life so they asked the question “Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar or not? (vs 16)” 

Jesus asked them “Why are you tempting Me?  You hypocrites!  Show me some money”.  They brought Him a penny and then He asked them “Whose image and superscription (name, authority) is on this coin?”  They replied “Caesar’s.”  Then Jesus said “Therefore give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and give God the things that belong to God.”

What could they say?  They went their way.

The bible tells us that the tithe of the land, whether seed or fruit (or today, $$), is the Lords and is Holy to Him (Lev.27:30).  This is what we have and what we earned.  The Lord tells us to tithe of our yearly increase of our seed to Him.  Again, of what we’ve gained since the previous year. 

The Hebrew word maser (H4643) translates ‘one tenth’.  God tells us to tithe a tenth.  The Greek word is apodekatoo (G586) which translates tithe (something owed to a creditor).  Don’t we owe Jesus a debt for our salvation?  Now, remember, the ‘tithe’ is God’s.  God provides for us throughout the year, so as a “thank You” we give our tithe (10%) back to Him for His goodness towards us.  We owe it to Him – as a debt.  Right?  Now, of course, we don’t give our tithe directly to God.  Father has created all things so what need does He have for money?  But we do give it to the church, which is what God told the Hebrews to do thousands of years ago so the church, then, can do God’s work. Even the disciples collected money and gave it to the poor.

Now, we don’t tithe to the government, but we do pay a percentage of our income so the government can function.  People with lower incomes pay a lower percentage while those with higher incomes pay a higher percentage.  Nonetheless, we all want to get a little more back (if we can) in our return.

The government allows us to claim a percentage of our charitable donations for the year (along with other deductions).  Don’t most people take full advantage of these deductions?  (I think so)

My perspective is that what I give to God is God’s and what I give to Uncle Sam is the government’s.  I don’t claim my tithe (which I can do by law) in my tax return because I feel I’m saying “OK, government, I gave to God but now I want you to give some of that back to me so I’m claiming my tithe.”  What is God’s is God’s.  The government shouldn’t have to pay me back, even a part, of what I give to God.

The scribes and the Pharisees were hoping to get Jesus to commit not giving to Caesar for Caesar was not a ‘spiritual’ leader.  Then they could accuse Jesus of cheating the government.  What did Jesus tell the disciples when challenged if they were going to pay taxes?  Subjects to the ‘king’ are taxed so Jesus sent the disciples to catch a fish.  There would be money in its mouth with which the disciples could then pay not only what they owed but for Jesus as well (Matt. 17:24-27).

So do we pay “Caesar” what is due Caesar?  Of course.  But I personally believe that what is God’s is God’s and should not be reconciled with what we give Caesar (the government). 

I give to the government what belongs to the government and I give to God what belongs to
God.  I don’t mix the two.

I do what I do, but I’m not telling anyone what they should do. 

Yet, I say, think about it, then ask the Lord what to do.

Amen

 

1-29-2022        Binding & Loosing

Matt. 18:18

Recently, Father brought my attention to the concept of binding and loosing and needless to say, I now have a much different view than what I had before.

Consider the verse

Truly, I tell you that whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

I always thought that this was binding (stopping) demonic activities and then allowing (loosing) God’s blessings to flow into someone’s life.  Binding – tying up that ole devil - and loosing – setting someone free from bondage to that devil and/or allowing God’s love to operate in their life.

Needless to say, this isn’t wrong, but Father took me a little deeper.

Father said to look at the verse: Matt. 18:18.  On the list Father gave me for scriptural meaning for numbers, “18” represents bondage or oppression.  I have no problem with why Matthew 18:18 speaks of binding and loosing.

I checked further (in Strong’s) and saw that “bind”, used in this passage, is deo (G1210) which means to bind, put in bonds, or knit, tie or wind.  The word used for loose is iuo (G3089) which  means to loosen, breakup, dissolve, melt, put off.

As I looked at these words and definitions, Father had me take note that deo carries the connotation of uniting two or more things.  We might want to become “deo” with God, that is become one with Him.  Maybe this is why Jesus says in verse 19 that if two agree on anything they have asked for, they shall have it.  Or, if they have become united on what they want – with the understanding that what they want is already in agreement with God (united) – It’s a comin’! 

Jesus also says that He is ONE with the Father and He desires that we be ONE with Him (John 17:21-23).  WE can see that we ‘bind’ with Father, through Jesus. The Holy Ghost is our ‘lifeline’. So if we bind Satan, what are we uniting him with (hopefully not us)?  Obviously not God, but we do want to prohibit the devil’s activities.  Yet, on the other hand, we DO want to bind with Jesus.  Yes?  So if we bind Satan, we send him somewhere else.  We bind him to a deserted place.  At least, anywhere where we aren’t.  Does he stay there?  Talking to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus told them, that when a devil is cast out, he roams about looking for a place to ‘move into’.  Finding no place, he returns to the man from whom he had been cast out and seeing the ‘house’ has no protection (Jesus) he brings his buddies and moves back into the old ‘house making the man’s situation  worse off than before (Matt. 12:43-45).  That devil can come back where a person has not ‘fortified’ himself through the blood of Jesus.

Paul said that he was a servant to Jesus (Rom. 1:1).  The Greek word used here is duolos (G1401) which means servant but more like a slave or a ‘bondsman’.  A bondservant (H5650/5647, abad, abed) is one who works for another as a slave or, perhaps, could be even a worshipper (Lev. 25:39).  Nonetheless, a bondsman willingly serves another, usually to pay off a debt. 

So Paul was bound with Jesus.  Paul tells the Corinthians that being a servant of Christ, he is free (loosed, from the bond with the world), yet being ‘free’ in Christ Jesus, he is the Lord’s servant – a willing ‘subject (1 Corinth. 7:22), a bonded man. And going to abed a willing worshipper? (hopefully)

Then when we loose something (iuo) we are basically setting it free!  Free from whatever it may have been in bondage to or from what it may have been connected.  Loosing is freedom from whatever held it bondage.  When we confess our sin, we are ‘loosed’ from the bondage of that sin.  Free at last!  Let’s not forget Paul’s wrestling match.  Paul explains how our heart serves Jesus but our flesh still tries to do things contrary, yet through Jesus, we have victory (Rom.7:15-25, read the whole chapter – a lesson all by itself).

Once done, as with Paul, then we bind ourselves to our Lord Jesus!  Aren’t we then loosed or free from sin?  It no longer rules our lives – Jesus does!  So we are able to fight any attempt the enemy brings back towards us.

Have we thought how this works with ‘deliverance’?  First we bind the devil’s activities so he can’t fight back (Matt. 12:28).  Then we cast that ole devil out to do his ‘thing’ in a desert’ place (no people).  He roams the earth looking for someone else to ‘pick on’.  Then we help the individual bond with Jesus so should that devil comes back, he finds there is no room at the inn (Matt. 12:43-45). 

When we think of ‘binding’ we need to consider not just prohibiting something from working but also ‘uniting’ with something or someone.  ‘Loosing’ is untying or setting something free from that which it is bound.

So, binding and loosing can is not just prohibiting the devil from operating but to bond (unite) with Jesus and then be loosed (free) from sin?

Amen?

                      Bind (deo)                                                              Loosed (iuo) 

PS:  Father told me to come back and include this so someone doesn’t wind up like the vagabond Jews, sons of Sceva, who tried to cast out demons in Jesus name and got the butts kicked (Acts 19:13-16).  Why?  They didn’t know Jesus and thought they could just go through the motions.  Jesus told His disciples, when they couldn’t cast out a demon, this come by fasting and praying (Matt. 17:15-21).  And of course we CAN do all things through the name of Jesus (Col. 3:17) because we have a relationship with Him.  One doesn’t just activate  actions without the relationship.  Yes?    

 

1-15-2022           The Sardis/Philadelphia Effect

            

John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day when he heard a voice which sounded like a trumpet.  And the voice said “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia …” (Rev. 1:10-11).  John saw one like the Son of man in the midst of seven golden candlesticks.  He was dressed down to His feet and wore a golden girdle about His chest.  The hairs of his head were like wool and white as snow and His eyes were like the flame of a fire. His feet were like fine brass burned in the furnace and His voice sounded like many waters.  He held seven stars in His right hand and a sharp, two-edged sword proceeded out of His mouth and His countenance (appearance) was very bright and shining (like the noonday sun).  And He said “Fear not, I am the first and the last.  I am He that lives and that was dead.  Behold, I am alive forever more, Amen.  And I have the keys of hell and death…” (Rev. 1:12-18).

John notes the encouragement given the first four churches (Rev. 2:1-29), but also the shortcomings for each.  The seventh church is reprimanded for being lukewarm but is also given a remedy for its condition (Rev. 3:14-18.

Let’s personalize the last two churches, Sardis and Philadelphia. 

Apparently Sardis (the 5^th church) was starting to falter.  They looked like they were alive but inside they were dying (spiritually).  They weren’t doing the works they could or should (expressing God’s love) so they needed to be watchful so they didn’t lose what they did have.  We need to remember our original commitment to our Lord (our salvation experience) and hold on, tightly, and if we have faltered, don’t lose what we have left.   But then, start rebuilding, drawing closer to our Lord.  We need to recognize our shortcomings and repent.  That is confess, repent and renounce, getting back on the right track and into proper alignment with Father.  For we should have made the decision to follow Jesus – again.  Then, as I said, continue growing towards Him.

The church may have gotten too comfortable and perhaps neglecting our relationship with the Lord (remember, I’m personalizing this).  We need to remember that when Jesus returns for us, He comes as a thief in the night, we don’t know the day nor the hour (1 Thess. 5:2).  There are those of us who have not forsaken Jesus so let us continue to walk with Him.  Because we have endured the enticements of the world (the enemy) so we shall be clothed in white, which reflects the purity of Jesus (and us), and because we have overcome the world, our names shall remain in the book of life and Jesus will confess us before the angels. (Rev. 3:1-6).  Also, because of our perseverance, we shall receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10) as we reap the benefits of eternal fellowship with the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen?

To the church of Philadelphia (the 6th church), this is He who is holy, true, who has the keys of David so He can open that which no man can shut or shut that which no man can open.  He knows all that we’ve done.  He has opened doors before us which no man can shut for we still have ‘some’ strength and are still keeping His Word and have not denied His name.  There are those who have seemed to be a part of the ‘church’, but have lied or those who have stood against our Lord, He will humble them before us and they will know that the living God (Creator of all things) has loved us.  Why?  Because we have kept His Word and endured hardships for His Name’s sake.  It is the Lord God who has kept us from the temptation which comes upon the world and which tries the hearts of all men.  The Lord bids us to come quickly and tightly hold on to that which He has given us so that no one may take our crown (of glory).  Those who overcome the enemy, He will make pillars in the temple of God and we shall no longer leave His presence.   He will write His name and the name of His city (which comes down from heaven) upon us and give us a new name (Rev. 3:7-13)

To be like the faithful of Philadelphia should be our goal.  That is, to keep God’s law in our heart and mind and to live in His love, here in this world.  As we do, He will help us resist our enemy and stand fast in the ways He (Jesus) has taught us.  As we do, our names remain in God’s (the Lamb’s) Book of Life (Phil. 4:3, Rev. 3:5, Rev. 21:27).  We will abide in/with Jesus, bathed in the glory of God, forever!

Even the Jews know that God has loved us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).  They also know the first and great commandment is to love God (Exod. 20:1-11, Luke 10:25-28). Jesus reminds us (in case we missed it) when He answers the question and expands our responsibility with not just loving God, but our neighbor as well (Matt.22:36-40, Mark 12:29-31).

Today’s passages remind me of the parable of the sower, how some seed fell by the wayside, some among thorns or on stony ground but other good ground.  Again, for us, the wayside, the Word never takes hold in our lives, in one ear and quickly out the other.  There is no commitment to God, on our part.  The stony ground and thorns reflect people who receive Jesus and come into the church.  However, one is not diligent to increase their heart to grow and improve their relationship with Father, (Rom. 12:2) and the other gets too wrapped up in the cares of this world he forgets who God is (Mark 4:18-19).  Both of these are in serious danger of walking away from God and losing what they do have (eternal security) despite having professed Jesus.  AND they are yet “in” the church.  And of course the good ground are those who cling to Jesus, learn to live in His love and let the world see the love of God working in our lives.  We develop a true relationship with our Lord and maintain it.

Not all who profess Jesus will enter into eternity.  They will say “Haven’t we done all these wonderful things in your name?”  They did these things for their own glory and never really took the time to get ‘to know’ Jesus.  So how does Jesus respond?  “I never knew you.  Depart from me, you who work iniquity.”

The church of Sardis is encouraged to strengthen their faith and make sure the life is up to God’s standard – living in love).  That is, basically, encouraged to get to “know” Jesus – personally and up close.  Because Philadelphia has done the best job of the seven, there is a lot of promises of things to come and encouragement to stay on track. 

Should we not follow the positive example of the “Sardis/Philadelphia Effect”?

Amen

 

1/1/2022  New Beginnings

 

In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.  The earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep and the Spirit of God moved upon the waters.  Then God said “Let there be …” (Gen. 1:1-3)

January 1^st is the first day of the first month of a new year.  God began creating all things on the first, the first day of creation.  A new beginning for all things! 

At the end of six “days”, all things were good (Gen. 1:31). 

God is before anything was formed, everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2).  The Hebrew word used for everlasting is olawm (H5769) which is eternal, everlasting, always was (hidden parameters or unknown to us) (H5956).  He always was, is, and always will be.  We also need to remember that a day with the Lord is “as” a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4).  ‘Yom’ (H3117) the Hebrew word for day, can mean a day (sunrise to sunset) or represent a non-specific amount of time.  The Greek word ‘Hos’ (G5613) is a comparative word, not saying that it is but is “like”.  Man, on the other hand, has a beginning (Gen. 1:26-28) and because of Adam and Eve being disobedient to the Word of the Lord we have an end “…and to dust you shall return (Gen. 3:1-19).  Because we are temporal, finite (have a beginning and an end) and God is infinite (no beginning, no end).  Who can truly say how long a day is with God.

I mention this to put things in perspective.  Man was created an eternal being, but through disobedience was given so many years to live on earth.  We know early man lived long.  Adam was 930 years old when he died (Gen. 5:5).  Presumably that was after he was booted out of Eden.  Noah live 950 years including the flood time (Gen. 9:29) and Methuselah lived 969 (Gen. 5: 27).  Moses lived 120 years (Deut. 34:7).  David became king of Israel at age 30 (2 Sam. 5:4) and died after reigning forty years (1 Chron. 29:28), so he was seventy years old when He died.  A whole lot less than Adam or Methuselah.  Basically, the farther man got from Eden, the shorter the lifespan. 

Unfortunately, man kept bouncing in and out of his relationship with Father Until God decided it was time make His appearance through Jesus. 

Jesus ushered in another “new beginning”.  Not only was He getting Israel (His 1^st love) back on the right track, but He was opening the door for the Gentiles to join in with eternal life so all would have the opportunity of life. 

Think about it. In the beginning, man lived in the blessings of God but, by and large, rejected that relationship.  Here, Jesus is again offering man the blessings of the Father, though He was going to Israel first.  Why?  Israel was originally intended to be God’s example of His love to the world, but, as a whole, they couldn’t keep their act together.  So through Jesus, Father was offering them that opportunity again (if you will).  Though the first Christians were Jews, too many rejected Him.  So the door was also now opened to the Gentiles.

Jesus offered eternal life to all who would receive Him and follow His lead.  His example.  Live in His love!  Now, understand any of those who sought and loved the Lord, (even before Jesus) were given the opportunity for life.

The new beginnings in the “New Testament” the disciples weren’t just bringing people into the “Way” (Jesus’) but helping them to live in the “Way”.  The Way?  Abiding in the love of Jesus Christ.  Learning how to love our brothers AND our neighbors.  The Jews knew ‘what to do’ and too many felt that ‘knowing’ was sufficient but knowing isn’t necessarily putting it into practice, nor does ‘just’ knowing get us into heaven.  Read the gospels.  Therein are the examples.

Jesus focused on faith and then putting that faith into action.  How many times did Jesus say “believe and you shall receive.” (Mark 11:24)  How many times did Jesus say “Just believe” (1 Thess. 2:13)?  The centurion believed Jesus could heal his servant just by speaking the word – even though they weren’t at his house (Matt. 8:5-10).  Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that they knew what to do, but their hearts were far from Him (Matt. 23:27-31).  The ‘religious’ of the Jews put on a good show but they only desired to better themselves!

Living in God’s love was not new.  Read Hebrews chapter eleven – God’s “hall of faith”.

So Jesus started a movement intended to draw people closer to Father.  To reconnect in a relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed in the beginning.  He could do this because Jesus IS Emmanuel, God is with us (Matt. 1:23).  His whole ministry was built on building that relationship with the Creator of all things.  Christianity was to be the ‘new’ banner carrier for eternal salvation.  Christianity was to show the world how to love as God loves.      

But, alas.  Just as the Jews, the Christian church eventually became ‘comfortable’ in what we had.  Somewhere between those early disciples and today, we’ve lost the fire, not for evangelism but for establishing new converts so that their house is built upon the rock – and not sinking sand (Matt. 7:24-27)’.  PTL!  (Praise The Lord), Over the centuries, Christians have become comfortable in their ‘sand castles   But what did they do after the salvation experience?  Did they get those ‘new souls’ into a grounded church where they could get nurtured in the love of God and grow strong, knowledgeable and faithful?  How many took the time to nurture any of these new souls, themselves?  How many churches are truly equipped to get souls off on the right foot?  Read some church history.  Over the years, some kings who “got saved” commanded that their subjects do likewise.  Not a personal relationship but personal obedience to the king’s decree.  There were a number of reasons why souls didn’t get grounded in Christ over the centuries.

Paul reminds us that we should do that which edifies the church (1 Corinth. 14:26).  Paul had to remind the Corinthians to always speak the truth in love that we may grow more Christ-like.  We are all members of one body (Christ is our head), building each other up in love that all might be edified.  We learn to put off those things we used to do and be renewed in the spirit of our mind.  Put on the new man, growing in righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:15-32) and be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving one another.  After all, Christ has forgiven us!  Right?

Look at the church today!  Has the church become a series of ‘closed’ social clubs?  Where is the focus?  Getting bodies into the church so we can boast about how ‘big’ our church is?  So we can brag about how much money we bring in?  So we can show off all the programs we have?  Look at us!  Ain’t we great?  Don’t get me wrong.  There’s nothing wrong with programs, people like to feel involved; offerings, there are expenses in operating a church; and a full church is necessary to the other two to work!  As long as souls are being nurtured and growing in God’s love, we are on the right track.  That’s “agape” love.  Doing things because they are the right thing to do. Doing things to help others whether we get recognized or not.  Doing things because we ‘really’ care about the growth in others. 

Just like the Jews of 2000 years ago, today’s church – despite the good things it does – has fallen off the track.  And just like the Jews, it’s because our hearts have wandered off.  Oooh!  Those mega-churches are doing everything right!  Those poor, ‘little’ churches should be doing better, where their …..?

Whether we realize it or not, Father has just closed out a ‘training period’ for His people.  That is, He has been raising up a cadre of Godly men and women who have, or still are learning to abide in God’s love.  Brothers and sisters who will be going out just as the early disciples did.  Not just winning souls for Christ, but helping them to live ‘in’ Him and not just ‘for’ Him. 

Jan. 1, 2015 began that seven year training period for those servants and now we are entering a second seven year period where what Father has been teaching will be put to use.  This “Spiritual Explosion” will be growing over the next several years moving into full bloom by mid-term of this season.

If we have been watching, parts of Africa and Asia have already seen early rumblings of the explosion and over the next several years it will spread out world-wide.  Have you been listening?  Many evangelists, prophets and ministers have also been talking about the “revival” here in the US.   All of Africa and Asia, along with Europe, the Americas and Australia will also be impacted. 

Will all these places become Christian over-night.  Sadly no, but the impact of God’s movement will be felt and the world will know God has and is moving!

This season we are just starting isn’t “just” a revival.  Father is going to impact lives, perhaps, as never before.  Jesus promised the disciples that they would to the works He did and greater (John 14:12).  I’m not sure exactly what different we can do other than heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out devils, but we can be rest assured there will be more of it.  Africa is an indication.

Will everyone give their heart to Jesus.  Jesus knows it won’t be so.  It wasn’t true in His day and even today, too many people are stuck in their own ruts.  Some will hear the word and it will go in one ear and out the other.  Because of a sand based foundation, some will endure for a while, but when trouble comes (and it will) they will turn away.  Others will get so wrapped up in their own thing, they will forget what Father has done for them and slip back into the ways of the world.  But Father is raising up those who will help those who truly desire Him to stand fast and resist anything and everything the enemy throws at them and stay true to our heavenly Father. (Matt. 13:1-23).

Who will be like the woman who would settle even for the crumbs falling from the master’s table (Matt. 15:22-28).  And yet I tell you that God’s sons and daughters will not have to settle for the crumbs.  Who will be like the Centurion who felt he was not worthy that Jesus should come to his home.  All Jesus would have to do is say the word and the soldier’s servant would be healed (Matt. 8:5-10)!

Jesus (and His early disciples) impressed upon us that as we believe, we will receive.  If we knock, the door will be opened (Matt. 7:7-8) and the indwelling Holy Ghost (John 14:17) will guide us and help us to say what is needed to be said (Luke 12:11-12).

Some reading this will come to realize that everyone has a part to take in this explosion.  Some bigger than others, but even if our ministry is ‘just’ one other person, we all have a part.

Who will be ready and willing to take part in this Spiritual Explosion?  Father will certainly enable us.

Amen

 

 

12-18-2021      MERRY CHRISTMAS

May the Lord bless you this holiday season as we remember the  birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ into this world. 

May you discover the joy, the peace and love of God, our Father, and let them abide your heart.  May the Lord keep you safe during this season.  Praise His name a He opens new doors for you to discover preparing you to walk, even if just, a little closer with Him.

During this time, may we all remember that God the Father (Himself) came into this world in the Son (Jesus) to show us how His love works. 

God created all thing by first envisioning what He wanted, then He brought it into existence by speaking His Word.  Then the Holy Ghost carried that word into action (over the waters).  If God so created the world, is it any surprise that He could produce a child through a virgin woman?

Jesus then began (approximately) a 33 ½ year journey (including childhood and adolescence) helping us to understand the extent of Father’s love.

At the end of His walk, Jesus expressed the greatest love of all – that one gives his life for his friend.  And He did.  On the cross, shedding blood which was required for the cleansing from sin.

This Christmas season, we celebrate the beginning of His walk in “our shoes”.

Please enjoy these few Christmas carols from utube, thanking Him for His love.

 

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”      Paul Baloche

“O Little Town of Bethlehem          Gaither Vocal Band

“The First Noel”                                Boney M

“Silent Night”                                    Hillsong

      

 

12-4-2021 Name of God “El…”

The names of God

El (H410)

Can reference any god.  But normally references the “Almighty God” and is often used in compound with more descriptive words as with our following examples.

El (ale) is the Hebrew word meaning God, power, strong.  The implication is something much greater than ourselves.  When capitalized, it clearly references the Creator of all things.     

Elohim (Elohiym) (H430)

God is creator, powerful and mighty, Lord of lords. He is the Lord Most High, stronger and mightier than anyone or anything else. When we face impossible circumstances or adversaries, know that our God is stronger.

(Gen. 1:1, 17:7, Ps 19:1 Jer. 31:33)

Elohiym (e lo heem) means exceeding, supreme god, great and is the plural of “elowahh.  As we see it, references the Creator of all things.  This form is plural because Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three aspects of the same God.  WE can’t separate Him. 

El-Elyon (H5945)

The most high God. Do not fear the enemy who tries to intimidate us. Know that our God is the Most High God. There is none above Him. Jesus Christ is exalted high above every name.

(Genesis 14:17-20, Deuteronomy 26:19, Isaiah 14:13-14)

El-elyon (El yown) means “most high” thus in compound with “El” the meaning is drawn out to be “the most high God” and there is none (nothing) greater than Him.

El-Gibhor (H1368)

Mighty God. The Lord is mighty to save. His arm is not too short. Whatever problem we are facing, know that our God is El-Gibhor, the MIGHTY and He can and does overcome!

(Isaiah 9:6)

Gibbor (ghib bore) means powerful as in champion, chief or giant, mighty, strong.  God is a “mighty God”!  He is greater than and can overcome anything we face.

El-Olam (5769)

The everlasting God. God is eternal, while our problems are temporary. His love will never change. His promises are true. Build on Him, who is eternal and do not focus on our temporary situations. He will show us His great and eternal goodness.

(Isaiah 40:28-31)

Olam (0 lawm) means continuing, eternal, without end.  When all our problems have ended, God still is!  He outlasts anything and everything.  When the smoke clears, He is the last one standing.

El-Roiy (H7210)

The strong one who sees. When we feel lonely and abandoned by people, know that God is with us. He sees us and He knows us. He hears the cry of our heart and He loves us more than we can imagine.  He will lead us through situations and fill our heart with His praise.

(Genesis 16:13)

Roiy (roe e) means vision, look to, see.  He sees what’s ahead.  He sees it all so He can always appropriately direct us.  We just have to listen.

El-Shaddai-Rohi (H7706, H7210)

God Almighty, the mighty One of Jacob. God is not just another ‘god’ like the countless idols. He truly is the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth.

Gen. 17:1, 49:24, Ps. 91:1, 132:2, 5)

Shaddai rohi (shad da ee, roe ee) means Almighty who gets things done because He sees and knows all things and He does all that which is right.  His Word will not come back void. 

El-Chuwl (H2342)

The God who gave birth. God is our Creator and our Father. He saw us and He loved us, even before we were born. He has a plan for our lives and as we walk with Him, He will fulfill His dreams over our life and amaze us.

(Psalm 139:13-18)

Chuwl (khool) means travail, bring things to pass with great effort.  He imagined all that is then brought it into existence.  He spoke the word and the Holy Ghost brought it into being.  And so, here we are, even now. 

El-Deah (H1844)

God of knowledge. Wisdom comes from the Lord. Man tries to become wise apart from God, but ends up in foolishness. When we fear God and keep His commandments, to love Him and one another, we will know Him as He is and His wisdom will guide us.

(1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 11:33-36; 1 Cor. 1:18-31)

Deah (day aw) means knowledge.  May be expressed as “Dea” (H1843 – day ah).  He knows all things, how can He go wrong?  The respect of knowing who God is, is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

Attiyq Youm (H6268, H3117)  

The Ancient of Days. God is eternal. He was before the beginning of time. Therefor He has all authority. Every knee bows before Him.

(Daniel 7:9, 13, 14, Rev. 1:11, 17-18)

Attiyq (at teek) ancient and youm (yome) day, sunrise to sunset.  Together they mean “Ancient of Days”.  He is “Alpha and Omega”, “the beginning and the end”, “from everlasting to everlasting”.  Genesis tells us that in the beginning God … (Gen. 1:1).  

Adonay (H136)

Is a name used to reference only the true, living God.  It is derived from “adon” (H113) which is sovereign, lord, master or owner and can be used in reference to either human or divine entity. It appears in compound with other words as “adoni”.

(Judges 16:28, 2Sam. 7:28, 29)

Adonay (ad o noy) which means “Lord”.  This can be a title of position (for us humans) but when used to address our heavenly Father, it addresses His sovereignty over all things.  Traditionally  used only in reference to God, the Father.

Savior (H3467, G4990)

More than once, God reminds man that He is our savior.  Mary rejoiced in God, her savior as she and her cousin Elisabeth greeted each other.  Gabriel had already announced to Mary that her first born would be named Emmanuel (God is with us) and she called her first born “Jesus” (Savior).  His disciples acknowledged Jesus as Savior.  Jesus, himself, told people that He and he Father are one.

Isaiah 60:16, Luke 1:41-47, Matthew 1:23-25, Luke 19:10, 2Timothy 1:10, John 10:30).

Savior (H3467 – yasha – yawshaw) means deliver, defend, bring salvation and savior (G4990 – soter – so tare) deliverer, God, Christ.  God tells Isaiah “You shall know that I the Lord am your Savior”.  Jesus has come to seek and save that which is lost.  That makes Him savior.  Both being considered “savior” defines a oneness which cannot be broken.

Of course, we know Jesus as “Christ”.  Christos (G5447 – krist os) means Messiah.  Its root word is “chrio (G5548 – kree oh) which means t anoint (with oil).  Jesus IS the anointed one and through salvation, He anoints us into His kingdom.

In our first listing of “Names of God” we explored “Jehovah” and the qualities that spring from that name and here, we explored “El” which is the root of even more qualities (characteristics) of God.

As we explore the bible, we will find more and more qualities and characteristics of God that reveal His very essence and presence.  His love for us.

However, the two lists give us a pretty good foundation in how our heavenly Father interacts with us.  He knows us – even before we are born.  He cares about what happens to us.  He helps us to learn to do that which helps us live this life a whole lot better (when we listen - lol).  It’s really simple!  All He asks of us is to believe and trust in Him, then do as He directs us for that which He tells us IS for our own benefit (Rom. 8:26-29).

WE haven’t explained exactly how He works in us and through us, but consider what IS here. 

Father is called “Father” for a reason.  Until we reach full maturity in Christ Jesus, we ARE ALL His “kids”.  Understand, I tell my children that they are always my children no matter how old they get.  We are God’s children, even when we are in eternity with Him, no matter how mature we think we are.  Mature?  How many of us actually live “exactly” as Jesus lived while He was on this earth?  How many of us think as Jesus did?  How many of us truly love as Jesus loved?  How many of us forgive as Jesus forgave?  We may reach certain levels of ‘maturity’ but how many of us are true reflection of Jesus as Jesus was (and is) the reflection of Father.  He is our example to follow.  Philip told Jesus that they all would be ‘happy campers’ if Jesus would just show them the Father.  What did Jesus say?  “… he who has seen Me has seen the Father … (John 14:9)”  How many of us are that kind of reflection?  It should be our goal, but who has truly reached it?

Learn (even) these names of God and understand how they operate with us, in us and through us and we will walk a little closer with Father, through Jesus, than we had been before.  And remember, the Holy Ghost is in us giving us the strength and the power to live this life.

Amen