Every week, God gives me "bread" for His people within our community. I spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else everyday:
Marinade the meat.
Chill the milk.
Boil the water.
Get them knives out.
Start the oven.
Light the candles.
Prepare the table.
And be ready to feed.
Those hours "in the kitchen" are among the most important of my week. Why? Because in the kitchen I prepare what God gives me to feed his people. And they can be picky eaters. Or, more often, I am unable to feed them for a number of reasons: they are not at the table (present to worship our creative Creator) & they're in their beds (they have dozed off in their chair).
People are distracted by all kinds of things--legitimate things, for the most part, but sometimes not. Pain fills a lot of hearts. People are unhappy at work. Or their homes are less than ideal. Or they feel great economic stress. Or they strain under the demands of a job. When troubled people come to church, their thoughts suppress the appetite for God's menu. My job as a preacher is to overwhelm those worn out in the world with the aroma of the gospel. You can almost smell the Lord's awesome stew brewing!
So when I preach, I'm continually thinking, "How am I going to hold and use the attention given to me?" I don't have it long. When I watch the conversations in the church foyer any Sunday, I'm amazed at how quickly our thoughts skip from divine worship & the message to talk about the Wizards and the Nationals, or making a buck and what's cooking in politics. In other words, they rather be filled with what's cookin' in the world rather than what's brewing in the Lord's kitchen. It's like, "Hey man! Sunday is a time to be filled with the Lord's meal. We have so much riding from Monday through Saturday." To tell you the truth, Sunday is only an "appetizer" while the rest of the week is the "main course" and Saturday is your "dessert". So one of my major responsibilities of the week is to grab their attention with the sermon.
Consequently, I pass my sermon material through what I call the "So what?" test for relevance. There's no problem with the Scriptures. God isn't boring. God's cooking isn't a 1 or 2 star meal, it's far better than that. They're relevant. But I have to do my part to make the sermon as relevant as the Scriptures, because I want people to leave saying, "I see!" and not "So what?"
The way to do that, I've found, is to preach to the mind, the will, and the emotions. Someone once said: "When I leave a church service, I ask myself the question: Which part of me, need, that I have not brought here today?" That's why I try to touch every part of the person through the material I use in the sermon. If I'm preaching to mind, will, and emotions, the goal is that people won't go away saying, "So what?"
There is far more Bible to preach than I ever can cover in one lifetime, so I've never felt preached out. But I do hit dry spots in my preaching. Sometimes when I've been in a series for a while, I think, Man, this is pretty dry. Let's get out of here quickly and keep the damage to the minimum!'
When you get right down to it, preaching is like farming. I often say, "Lord, here I am. As far as I can tell, I've tried to fill my sack with good seed. I've done my homework, I think my attitude is right, and it's the best, most interesting seed I've got. I'm going to scatter it now, Lord, so here goes. We'll see what comes up in the field." Then, once I've sown the seed, I do what farmers do: I go home and rest. I believe it's extremely clear here! When I feed you, I can tell who is gaining the strength (through feasting of spiritual bread) the Lord provides. I can see who is growing and who is not. They may not be eating. Their minds wander on. They may not be getting His point through my message.
In closing, I identified three groups in the audience: spiritual anorexia, spiritual starvation, and spiritual dehydration.
Spiritual Anorexia: not only does this apply to the Lord's children but also the visitors who takes in His message through my sermon. Once they take the message in their hearts, then after the services, they quickly forget what the eternally and powerful message can do for them. They have invisibly placed their finger in their heart causing the spiritual food to come out. Literally, real-life anorexia's habit isn't a pretty sight. For the Lord knows your heart and if you do such a habit, it wouldn't be a pretty one to the Lord either.
Spiritual Starvation: This one is obvious. You're not taking in the messages given from the pulpit. You may simply be sitting there and mulling over your plans for the week. You say, "At least I am here and they see me." You've given a "vow of starvation" by refusing to eat. Or you may not be attentive to the message given, therefore, there's no feeding of your precious and fragile soul. This happens when you don't take the time to attend bible studies, personal time of prayer, daily bible reading, one-on-one mentoring with a Christian over a morning coffee, and worship. Your lack of involvement in Heaven's Kitchen (personal/interpersonal) is very similar to not eating at all when your physical body needs it to live.
Spiritual Dehydration: You know that I make sure my body is well taken care of. I try and exercise regularly. I try and eat right (a fuel to the body) providing my body the nutrients it deserves. I do the best I can to give my body a time of rest. It needs to shut down for a while (naps) to re-energize & re-fuel before the next difficult task. However, you don't know what's going on inside your body. You're be surprised to learn there may be alot of things happening in their that you don't want happening! Dehydration is one of them! Many of us don't drink 8 oz. glass of water everyday or our body is drying up inside. Parallel to our spiritual life, worship is a precious time to drink the Living Water (Jesus) from the pulpit. I do my best to bring relevance to each and everyone in the audience and that they are getting their fill of Living Water. Though, some may be trying very hard to drink their fill after the hard days at work, their social life, their time spent with families, their appointments, and daily chores, it certainly can bring weariness to the body on Sunday mornings.
My goal this Fall is to provide you with a plan every week. When you come to Heaven's Kitchen on Sundays, we will be sitting at the table, together, to drink 8 oz. glass of ice, cold Living Water filling each of our precious souls. Then before you leave, take home the daily plan: pray, read a Scripture, answer some questions or jot down some of your thoughts, prepare for the day and pray continually! This way, your soul, body and Spirit will be filled with spiritual nutrients. It's a prevention against spiritual anorexia, starvation and dehydration!
"And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another." Romans 15:14 (nas)
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Examine Everything
Consider the Scripture where Paul often go from house to house, synagogue to synagogue to reason with those around him about the good news we have in Christ Jesus, using the Scriptures:
"As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,.." Acts 17:2 (niv)
There will be people who are eager to examine the Scriptures like the Bereans during the days of Paul:
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 (niv)
However, there will always be other group around them with a goal to bring the Scripture into disrepute:
"A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection." Acts 17:18 (niv)
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" 1 Corinthians 1:20 (niv)
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:5 (niv)
Let me give you an example here. If I were to write a book about WWII with fictional characters, and decided to declare that Hitler conquered America and Churchhill and Roosevelt went into trial and German flags are flying above the White House, would that confuse people that are not "HISTORY BUFFS"? This would be uncalled for. It is ok to have "fictional characters" but to change the "real truth" by declaring America lost WWII is damaging! I remember a movie called, "Red Dawn" where they used fictional characters but Russia invaded America and their flags were flying above our buildings on our land. Though it's interesting and we just never know, it may happen.
The real issue is: there will be people with confusion from writers who intermingle the truth and a lie and our responsibility is to bring in the right facts and expose the real truth. That was exactly Paul's aim: to bring light (understanding) into the hearts of people who seeks the truth.
Therefore, there will be only a few who will believe in Jesus:
"But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them." Acts 17:34 (niv)
Examine everything!
"But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,.." Philippians 1:18 (niv)
"As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,.." Acts 17:2 (niv)
There will be people who are eager to examine the Scriptures like the Bereans during the days of Paul:
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 (niv)
However, there will always be other group around them with a goal to bring the Scripture into disrepute:
"A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection." Acts 17:18 (niv)
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" 1 Corinthians 1:20 (niv)
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:5 (niv)
Let me give you an example here. If I were to write a book about WWII with fictional characters, and decided to declare that Hitler conquered America and Churchhill and Roosevelt went into trial and German flags are flying above the White House, would that confuse people that are not "HISTORY BUFFS"? This would be uncalled for. It is ok to have "fictional characters" but to change the "real truth" by declaring America lost WWII is damaging! I remember a movie called, "Red Dawn" where they used fictional characters but Russia invaded America and their flags were flying above our buildings on our land. Though it's interesting and we just never know, it may happen.
The real issue is: there will be people with confusion from writers who intermingle the truth and a lie and our responsibility is to bring in the right facts and expose the real truth. That was exactly Paul's aim: to bring light (understanding) into the hearts of people who seeks the truth.
Therefore, there will be only a few who will believe in Jesus:
"But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them." Acts 17:34 (niv)
Examine everything!
"But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,.." Philippians 1:18 (niv)
Monday, June 26, 2006
Discussing The Da Vinci Code
We're going to explore and discuss the "Da Vinci Code" during the month of August. It will take place every Sunday morning following the deaf worship services. We're going to be discussing the "Da Vinci Code", some questions will be given to draw out group interaction, and numerous quotes to stimulate thinking.
The discussion questions are intended to elicit spirited dialogue rather than short, simple answers. Strictly speaking, this discussion is not a Bible study, though it regularly refers to biblical themes and passages. Instead, it's a topical discussion sessions which is meant to get you talking about what you really think and feel.
You will be invited to bring your experiences, perspectives and uncertainties to the discussion sessions, and you will also be challenged to compare your beliefs with what the Bible teaches in order to determine where you stand as each sessions unfolds.
Come and join us on August 6th, "Discussing The Da Vinci Code". If you haven't had a chance to read the book, it is encouraged so you will see what people around you might have learned. Of course, I will give you a summary of what the author of the "Da Vinci Code", Dan Brown, surprisingly wrote about our Lord Jesus Christ. Then we will cover four different lessons to help us better understand that it's merely a fictional book with false facts and to better prepare us to answer any questions people may ask us.
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,.." 1 Peter 3:15 (niv)
From Blue Skies To Cloudy Days
Bloggers,
I'm baaaccckkk! But not for long!! We'll be leaving again to attend the gospel meeting slash camp in Anchorage, Alaska!! We're very excited about this!! Pray that God will reveal His power and love to those living in Alaska, that they will open their eyes to the truth and receive Him as their Savior burying their old life in the Lord in baptism and walking in obedience to His commands for eternity!
"From Blue Skies To Cloudy Days" is the title of this blog. We just returned from sunny-dry heated-110 degree Las Vegas. We had a wonderful time with the family. Out of all 8 days in Nevada, we spotted only a few patches of clouds in the distance. It didn't even cover the sun to give us a much needed relief from the sun. We depended heavily on a large umbrella and a palm tree. A couple of days were blowing hot-dry winds with 25 mph gust! Now, we're back to cloudy and rainy Virginia! It's nice to get this kind of relief but I think it's enough for now. We'll need some sun to keep our nice Nevada tan from fading away. Overall, we had a wonderful time!
During our stay in Nevada, Michelle and I have talked alot of the future work here in the Metro DC area. We're blessed to have the time away from all the commotion and congestion of DC! We'll need to do this more often to clear away the cloud in our heads! That's exactly what Jesus did when He took the time away from His Disciples, retreated to the mountains, to pray. He sought His Father in Heaven for Divine intervention and plans. Here are some things for everyone to take note (in mind and heart) and pray about this:
1. CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES: we're living in an extremely difficult city to grow a deaf church. I have noticed several other denominations/non-denominations in Maryland, Virginia and DC consists of members living within 5 to 15 miles from its church building while Fairfax consist members living 5 to 50 miles from the church building! The majority of the Lord's servants at Fairfax work full-time causing lack of daily involvement together as a church family. While we have an avergage of 40 in Sunday's worship attendance (though we have over 50 committed/uncommitted and more than 1/4 lacks consistent attendance @ Fairfax (due to mixed priorities/conflicts/distractions/loss of desire to serve God)), Wednesday night class consists only an average of 10 (work week)! Such obstacles like timing, distance and priorities as well as commitment, involvement results in lack of deaf church growth.
RESOLUTION: Form small groups in homes (cell-based church) hosting bible studies, time of prayer and fellowship.
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Las Vegas, Nevada) (www.centralchristian.com): The family and I visited the Central Christian Church during our trip in Las Vegas (interpreted) and was impressed by how many volunteers they had to grow a church. But not only church growth happens on Sundays, it happens everyday! Yesterday, they had 900 baptisms! How is that? THROUGH SMALL GROUPS MEETINGS! Check this out by clicking on "Small Group Finder", then click on "Group Finder" icon and it will bring you into a drop-down site leading you to filling out information for a "Small Group Leader" to contact them and get connected as well as getting them connected to a small group. It's not only the "preacher" doing the "planting" and "watering". It's the body that's "involved in planting and watering". Of course, God makes it grow!! (1 Cor. 3:6-8) "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9 (niv)
PLAN: train leaders to lead the deaf to Jesus in their own small community.
OBSTACLES: compartmentalized living (cramped & conflicting priorities), time, no desire to show Jesus, lack of commitment & consistency, lack of leadership, and lack of spiritual stamina.
2. CHURCH COMMUNITY: I learned, not long ago, that most problems lies within the body of Christ, His church. But, remember, it's good to have problems for they help us become strong stewards for Christ. In the New Testament books, Paul (as well as other inspired writers), often confront the church by writing strong letters urging the church to regain unity, get rid of sins that entangles them or stumbles others who make be weak, to live a living sacrifice (pleasing to God), remove divisions in the church, attain the wisdom of Christ (not of the world), build strong marriages, examine the "gifts" God gave you and put it to use, worship God, observe the Lord's Supper, be ambassadors of Christ before the eyes of the world, be generous (in deed and in gifts), beware of false teachers who teaches false doctrines, grow in faith and love, bring people in to become disciples (followers) of Christ, live as children of light (not of darkness), be donned in the spiritual armor of God, imitating Christ and His humility, pressing toward eternity with God, standing firm in the faith, growing toward spiritual maturity, and suffering for being a Christian. Here are a couple of questions you need to ask yourselves:
I'm baaaccckkk! But not for long!! We'll be leaving again to attend the gospel meeting slash camp in Anchorage, Alaska!! We're very excited about this!! Pray that God will reveal His power and love to those living in Alaska, that they will open their eyes to the truth and receive Him as their Savior burying their old life in the Lord in baptism and walking in obedience to His commands for eternity!
"From Blue Skies To Cloudy Days" is the title of this blog. We just returned from sunny-dry heated-110 degree Las Vegas. We had a wonderful time with the family. Out of all 8 days in Nevada, we spotted only a few patches of clouds in the distance. It didn't even cover the sun to give us a much needed relief from the sun. We depended heavily on a large umbrella and a palm tree. A couple of days were blowing hot-dry winds with 25 mph gust! Now, we're back to cloudy and rainy Virginia! It's nice to get this kind of relief but I think it's enough for now. We'll need some sun to keep our nice Nevada tan from fading away. Overall, we had a wonderful time!
During our stay in Nevada, Michelle and I have talked alot of the future work here in the Metro DC area. We're blessed to have the time away from all the commotion and congestion of DC! We'll need to do this more often to clear away the cloud in our heads! That's exactly what Jesus did when He took the time away from His Disciples, retreated to the mountains, to pray. He sought His Father in Heaven for Divine intervention and plans. Here are some things for everyone to take note (in mind and heart) and pray about this:
1. CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES: we're living in an extremely difficult city to grow a deaf church. I have noticed several other denominations/non-denominations in Maryland, Virginia and DC consists of members living within 5 to 15 miles from its church building while Fairfax consist members living 5 to 50 miles from the church building! The majority of the Lord's servants at Fairfax work full-time causing lack of daily involvement together as a church family. While we have an avergage of 40 in Sunday's worship attendance (though we have over 50 committed/uncommitted and more than 1/4 lacks consistent attendance @ Fairfax (due to mixed priorities/conflicts/distractions/loss of desire to serve God)), Wednesday night class consists only an average of 10 (work week)! Such obstacles like timing, distance and priorities as well as commitment, involvement results in lack of deaf church growth.
RESOLUTION: Form small groups in homes (cell-based church) hosting bible studies, time of prayer and fellowship.
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Las Vegas, Nevada) (www.centralchristian.com): The family and I visited the Central Christian Church during our trip in Las Vegas (interpreted) and was impressed by how many volunteers they had to grow a church. But not only church growth happens on Sundays, it happens everyday! Yesterday, they had 900 baptisms! How is that? THROUGH SMALL GROUPS MEETINGS! Check this out by clicking on "Small Group Finder", then click on "Group Finder" icon and it will bring you into a drop-down site leading you to filling out information for a "Small Group Leader" to contact them and get connected as well as getting them connected to a small group. It's not only the "preacher" doing the "planting" and "watering". It's the body that's "involved in planting and watering". Of course, God makes it grow!! (1 Cor. 3:6-8) "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9 (niv)
PLAN: train leaders to lead the deaf to Jesus in their own small community.
OBSTACLES: compartmentalized living (cramped & conflicting priorities), time, no desire to show Jesus, lack of commitment & consistency, lack of leadership, and lack of spiritual stamina.
2. CHURCH COMMUNITY: I learned, not long ago, that most problems lies within the body of Christ, His church. But, remember, it's good to have problems for they help us become strong stewards for Christ. In the New Testament books, Paul (as well as other inspired writers), often confront the church by writing strong letters urging the church to regain unity, get rid of sins that entangles them or stumbles others who make be weak, to live a living sacrifice (pleasing to God), remove divisions in the church, attain the wisdom of Christ (not of the world), build strong marriages, examine the "gifts" God gave you and put it to use, worship God, observe the Lord's Supper, be ambassadors of Christ before the eyes of the world, be generous (in deed and in gifts), beware of false teachers who teaches false doctrines, grow in faith and love, bring people in to become disciples (followers) of Christ, live as children of light (not of darkness), be donned in the spiritual armor of God, imitating Christ and His humility, pressing toward eternity with God, standing firm in the faith, growing toward spiritual maturity, and suffering for being a Christian. Here are a couple of questions you need to ask yourselves:
- Am I being encouraged by my fellow Christians in my faith with God?
- Am I encouraging my fellow Christian in their faith with God?
- Do others persuade me to grow toward spiritual maturity?
- Do others ask how I am doing in my daily walk with Christ?
- Do I take the time to pray for my fellow Christian in their walk with God and tell them that I remembered them in my prayers (in person or via email)?
- What kind of gift am I using that benefits the Lord's church?
- Am I informed by one another their appreciation of my involvement in a ministry?
- Do I take the time to tell one another my appreciation for their involvement in a ministry?
There are tons of questions we can ask ourselves. But my whole point here is, are we "building" each other up in the faith we have with Jesus? It is nice to come in and mingle around and about with other deaf people talking about yesterday's news, movies we've seen, talking about the "not-yet-another" Gally protest then return home forgetting what the sermon was about and what the bible class could do for me AND what we may have failed to do for God: building others up! If that's the sole purpose Instead, we look for faults or negatives and point them out with a nerve to criticize (as if I may have a log in my own eye and they have a speck) and do not compliment when we see something positive out of one another. As always and as it seems, it's easy to do the negatives than the positives.
Practice brings perfection! If this seems impossible, remember it’s a habit you develop with practice. Like all relationships, a friendship with God takes time. You don’t build it overnight. Begin by placing visual reminders around you. You might post little notes that say "God is with me and for me right now!" Or "God gave me a [gift]. Ask Him to help you take the time to [use] it." Or "Who do I need to pray for and let [him/her] know that [he/she] is remembered." Or "Is what I am doing [right now] giving God the glory?" And many more others that you can think of.
Praise alone is incomplete worship. We must surrender, submit, offer, and yield ourselves to him. That is the heart of worship. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 (niv)
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
God Bless You, Matt & Roxanne
We're leaving tomorrow for Nevada. I just hate to say it's going to be, "Hasta Las Vegas, baby" but that's where we're going. We'll feel like the Genesis, Lot, Abraham's nephew, in Sodom and Gomorrah! LOL! But I assure you that when we leave, we're not going to look back!
Take a look at this weather forecast in Las Vegas!! Almost no humidity and slim chance of storms! And the worse of this is the temperature!! 102 to 105 starting this Saturday through the end of our trip to Las Vegas! OUCH!! Scary, huh?? Pools will be a jacuzzi!!
Forecast Conditions
High/Low °F
TodayJun 14
Mostly Sunny
93°/70°
ThurJun 15
Mostly Sunny
94°/74°
FriJun 16
Sunny
99°/75°
SatJun 17
Sunny
104°/77°
SunJun 18
Sunny
105°/79°
MonJun 19
Sunny
104°/78°
TueJun 20
Sunny
104°/77°
WedJun 21
Sunny
102°/79°
ThuJun 22
Sunny
104°/78°
FriJun 23
Sunny
103°/78°
So I won't be blogging for a week, not even while I'm in Vegas, baby. ;) Congratulations to my brother, Matt and his fiancee', Roxanne. We wish you the best and may God bless you!!
Monday, June 12, 2006
God's Timeline (part two - Law & Prophets)
This is the second part of "God's Timeline" helping us go back to the Bible basics. There are alot of things in the Old Testament and so much we can learn from. I want to emphasize some of the things that are "of faith" and some that are not.
THE LAW AND THE PROMISE
"Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to the seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise." Galatians 3:15-18
"What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. A mediator, however, does not represent just one party, but God is one." Galatians 3:19-20 (read the rest yourself)
If you notice, "..until the Seed.." is referring to Jesus. This was the whole purpose of God since the beginning when God "promised" Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 (crush his head).
"Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Galatians 3:23-25
The Law & Faith:
We'll talk about when the law ceased and the justification of faith started. You might not know this but we need to know who was "..under the law.." and "..who was not..":
From Genesis 1:1 to Exodus 19, people were not under the "Law" but under the grace of God. Abraham was never under the Law. Neither was Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Judah and others, even Jesus lived during the Old Covenant. "Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Galatians 3:6
God didn't have a commandment for Abraham to be "baptized" at that time. God didn't have a commandment for Abraham to "..observe the Law..". The Law wasn't given until the time of Moses after the exodus "exit" from Egypt until the death of Jesus!
Now, from Exodus 19 through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, Israel was under the "..curse of the Law..". Not that the Law was bad, it was that people couldn't keep the Law. They became disobedient to the Law. "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Galatians 3:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." James 2:10
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:26-27
FAITH IS?
"But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."" Romans 10:16-18
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
EXAMPLES OF DISOBEDIENCE
"The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Those were the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. Nadab and Abihu, however, fell dead before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai." Numbers 3:2-4
"The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him." Deut. 26:16-17
"This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys... ...Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, to the east of Egypt. He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive.. ..Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle.. ..Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: 'I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instruction.'.. ..Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?'.. ..'But I did obey the Lord,' Saul said... ..But Samuel replied, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" 1 Samuel 15:2-3, 7-8, 9, 10-11, 19, 20, 22.
"Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink. So Moses took the staff from the Lord's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." Numbers 20:8-12
BLESSINGS AND CURSINGS
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God." Deut. 28:1-2
"However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:.. ..The Lord will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him." Deut. 28:15, 20
OLD COVENANT & NEW COVENANT
"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:29-30
"Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman (Hagar/Ishmael) was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman (Sarah/Isaac) was born as the result of a promise (through Abraham). These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai (Law) and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother." Galatians 4:21-26 (parenthesis mine)
"'The time is coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,' declares the Lord. 'This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,' declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' declares the Lord. 'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'" Jeremiah 31:31-34
"We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away." 2 Cor. 3:13-14
"In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Hebrews 8:13 (kjv)
THE PROPHETS & FALSE TEACHERS
"From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiffnecked and did more evil than their forefathers." Jeremiah 7:25-26
"But I said, 'Ah, Sovereign Lord, the prophets keep telling them, "You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place."" Then the Lord said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds."" Jeremiah 14:13-14
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves." 2 Peter 2:1
"The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet (possibly Jesus) like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." Deut. 18:15 (parenthesis mine)
"If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account." Deut. 18:19
"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death."" Deut. 18:20
FAITH IN ACTION:
"Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions where working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend." James 2:21-23
God gave Abraham a "command": "Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Genesis 22:1-2
If Abraham did NOT do what God commanded him to do, Abraham wouldn't be reckoned as a "righteous man"; "a man of faith"! But Abraham did exactly what God told him to do. "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." James 2:24
..to be continued; more to come..
THE LAW AND THE PROMISE
"Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to the seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise." Galatians 3:15-18
"What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. A mediator, however, does not represent just one party, but God is one." Galatians 3:19-20 (read the rest yourself)
If you notice, "..until the Seed.." is referring to Jesus. This was the whole purpose of God since the beginning when God "promised" Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 (crush his head).
"Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Galatians 3:23-25
The Law & Faith:
We'll talk about when the law ceased and the justification of faith started. You might not know this but we need to know who was "..under the law.." and "..who was not..":
From Genesis 1:1 to Exodus 19, people were not under the "Law" but under the grace of God. Abraham was never under the Law. Neither was Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Judah and others, even Jesus lived during the Old Covenant. "Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Galatians 3:6
God didn't have a commandment for Abraham to be "baptized" at that time. God didn't have a commandment for Abraham to "..observe the Law..". The Law wasn't given until the time of Moses after the exodus "exit" from Egypt until the death of Jesus!
Now, from Exodus 19 through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, Israel was under the "..curse of the Law..". Not that the Law was bad, it was that people couldn't keep the Law. They became disobedient to the Law. "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Galatians 3:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." James 2:10
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:26-27
FAITH IS?
"But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."" Romans 10:16-18
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
EXAMPLES OF DISOBEDIENCE
"The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Those were the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. Nadab and Abihu, however, fell dead before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai." Numbers 3:2-4
"The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him." Deut. 26:16-17
"This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys... ...Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, to the east of Egypt. He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive.. ..Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle.. ..Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: 'I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instruction.'.. ..Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?'.. ..'But I did obey the Lord,' Saul said... ..But Samuel replied, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" 1 Samuel 15:2-3, 7-8, 9, 10-11, 19, 20, 22.
"Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink. So Moses took the staff from the Lord's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." Numbers 20:8-12
BLESSINGS AND CURSINGS
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God." Deut. 28:1-2
"However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:.. ..The Lord will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him." Deut. 28:15, 20
OLD COVENANT & NEW COVENANT
"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:29-30
"Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman (Hagar/Ishmael) was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman (Sarah/Isaac) was born as the result of a promise (through Abraham). These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai (Law) and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother." Galatians 4:21-26 (parenthesis mine)
"'The time is coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,' declares the Lord. 'This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,' declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' declares the Lord. 'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'" Jeremiah 31:31-34
"We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away." 2 Cor. 3:13-14
"In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Hebrews 8:13 (kjv)
THE PROPHETS & FALSE TEACHERS
"From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiffnecked and did more evil than their forefathers." Jeremiah 7:25-26
"But I said, 'Ah, Sovereign Lord, the prophets keep telling them, "You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place."" Then the Lord said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds."" Jeremiah 14:13-14
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves." 2 Peter 2:1
"The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet (possibly Jesus) like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." Deut. 18:15 (parenthesis mine)
"If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account." Deut. 18:19
"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death."" Deut. 18:20
FAITH IN ACTION:
"Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions where working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend." James 2:21-23
God gave Abraham a "command": "Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Genesis 22:1-2
If Abraham did NOT do what God commanded him to do, Abraham wouldn't be reckoned as a "righteous man"; "a man of faith"! But Abraham did exactly what God told him to do. "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." James 2:24
..to be continued; more to come..
God's Timeline (Part One)
Bloggers,
I'm going to take you on a journey back to the Bible basics! :) This is a long read!! Some of us, through the years, may be deluded by various teachings and interpretations. We throw out some important facts and bring in new facts that suits what we may be looking for. We learn almost new things through the study of His Word. Never a dull moment, huh? And, of course, the new teachings may bring conflict to what you had long believed in. For the next several days, I am going to show you the Scriptures and allow you to see the works and providences of God (in summary).
CREATION
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Ge. 1:1
1. First Day: called "light", day and "darkness" night.
2. Second Day: expanse between the waters to separate water from water which is called "sky".
3. Third Day: dry ground called "land", waters called "seas", seed-bearing plants, trees, fruits.
4. Fourth Day: separate day from the night, seasons, days, years, stars to give light.
5. Fifth Day: living creatures, birds in the air, creatures in the seas.
6. Sixth Day: living creatures, livestock, creatures that moves along the ground, wild animals, man.
7. Seventh Day: God rested.
ADAM & EVE
"..the Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Ge. 2:7
"In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Ge. 2:9
Restrictions:
"..the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Ge. 2:16-17
Eve:
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man." Ge. 2:20-22
THE FALL:
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" Ge. 3:1-3
Deception:
"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Ge. 3:4-5
Disobedience:
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked;.." Ge. 3:6-7
"..so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Ge. 3:7
"Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me." Jeremiah 2:22
Prophecy:
"And I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman (Eve), and between your offspring (Satan's) and hers (Eve's); he (Jesus) will crush your head (Satan), and you (Satan) will strike his (Jesus) heel." Ge. 3:15 (parenthesis mine)
THE PROMISE:
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Ge. 12:2-3
"Abram believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness."
"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." Ge. 17:1
"As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised... (read the rest yourself) Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." Ge. 17:9-10, 14
"Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen;.." Ge. 17:24-25
Then after Abraham came Isaac (Genesis 21). Then after Isaac, Jacob (Genesis 25:19-34).
Israel:
Jacob wrestled with a man (possibly an angel of the Lord) then, "But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' The man asked him, 'What is your name?' 'Jacob,' he answered. Then the man said, ' Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.'" Ge. 32:26-28
Twelve Sons:
"The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah (seedline of Jesus), Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel's maid-servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah's maid-servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher." Ge. 35:23-26 (parenthesis mine)
Judah's Seed:
"Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. You are a lion's cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness - who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk." Ge. 49:8-12
"..Judah my scepter.."
"..the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He (Jesus) is able to open the scroll and its sevel seals." Revelation 5:5 (parenthesis mine)
And Israel went into Egyptian bondage...
..to be continued..
I'm going to take you on a journey back to the Bible basics! :) This is a long read!! Some of us, through the years, may be deluded by various teachings and interpretations. We throw out some important facts and bring in new facts that suits what we may be looking for. We learn almost new things through the study of His Word. Never a dull moment, huh? And, of course, the new teachings may bring conflict to what you had long believed in. For the next several days, I am going to show you the Scriptures and allow you to see the works and providences of God (in summary).
CREATION
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Ge. 1:1
1. First Day: called "light", day and "darkness" night.
2. Second Day: expanse between the waters to separate water from water which is called "sky".
3. Third Day: dry ground called "land", waters called "seas", seed-bearing plants, trees, fruits.
4. Fourth Day: separate day from the night, seasons, days, years, stars to give light.
5. Fifth Day: living creatures, birds in the air, creatures in the seas.
6. Sixth Day: living creatures, livestock, creatures that moves along the ground, wild animals, man.
7. Seventh Day: God rested.
ADAM & EVE
"..the Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Ge. 2:7
"In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Ge. 2:9
Restrictions:
"..the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Ge. 2:16-17
Eve:
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man." Ge. 2:20-22
THE FALL:
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" Ge. 3:1-3
Deception:
"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Ge. 3:4-5
Disobedience:
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked;.." Ge. 3:6-7
"..so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Ge. 3:7
"Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me." Jeremiah 2:22
Prophecy:
"And I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman (Eve), and between your offspring (Satan's) and hers (Eve's); he (Jesus) will crush your head (Satan), and you (Satan) will strike his (Jesus) heel." Ge. 3:15 (parenthesis mine)
THE PROMISE:
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Ge. 12:2-3
"Abram believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness."
"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." Ge. 17:1
"As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised... (read the rest yourself) Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." Ge. 17:9-10, 14
"Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen;.." Ge. 17:24-25
Then after Abraham came Isaac (Genesis 21). Then after Isaac, Jacob (Genesis 25:19-34).
Israel:
Jacob wrestled with a man (possibly an angel of the Lord) then, "But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' The man asked him, 'What is your name?' 'Jacob,' he answered. Then the man said, ' Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.'" Ge. 32:26-28
Twelve Sons:
"The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah (seedline of Jesus), Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel's maid-servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah's maid-servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher." Ge. 35:23-26 (parenthesis mine)
Judah's Seed:
"Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. You are a lion's cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness - who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk." Ge. 49:8-12
"..Judah my scepter.."
"..the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He (Jesus) is able to open the scroll and its sevel seals." Revelation 5:5 (parenthesis mine)
And Israel went into Egyptian bondage...
..to be continued..
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Faithful Unto Death
Bloggers,
Here's something that I saw as I was reading a book outside in this beautiful day today! Take a closer look at these faithful men and their characteristics:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified.
NIKE's comments: If you have read Paul's resume in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, it was the difficulties, trials, obstacles that drove him furthering the Word of God! He wasn't eyeing on the problem. He was looking beyond them and fixing his eyes on lost souls. That's what drove him through and beyond the negatives.
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as on faithfulness. He would build the walls of faith. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity in history. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some ministers' gifts will never be acclaimed. Some ministers' lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not notoriety.
NIKE's comments: God may be calling you to do the "impossible". Do you hear His calling. When God called Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, it would be a marvelously difficult task! Not only that he had a small band of people to rebuild it, he had neighbors who were rude, delivering threats and causing low morale during the rebuilding. This is similar to what's happening today. You have friends and family around you who may be laughing at you as you're building on God's foundation, the church. God called you to build faith, hope and love in you.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people they can find to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
NIKE's comments: This is very important. But we're in for a big challenge. We live in the Washington, D.C. area where you spend 1 1/2 hours on the road going to work, work 8 hours then another 1 1/2 hours on the road back home and you're exhausted! It's hard to find fresh and available leaders within this fast living city! 1/2 of His church at Fairfax do not take the time to attend the Wednesday night Bible Study. I believe it's very important to come together more than once a week to be fed of God's Word necessary for spiritual growth and strength. Without bible study, Satan knows their weaknesses and the Christian will never be prepared to defend him/herself against the flaming problems and crises. It's really easy to just attend worship services. 1/4 of those who attend worship service simply leave right after worship, bypassing the greatest meal a Christian must have, bible study! They don't know what they're missing out! And, as a minister, I often give my encouragement to each and every Christian to attend classes but they ramble on giving their excuses which is no excuse at all. Of course, life is full of choices. And God knows that you know which one is the right ones, even though you make the wrong one.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
NIKE's comments: This is a very common problem. I am not the person who easily accept a "differing doctrine" another person has. Some church practice Christianity just as close as we do. Indeed, there's no perfect churches anywhere in the world. We do the best we can to follow God's Word. God wants unity, even if there's a difference in opinions, views and interpretation. However, we must follow the Word of God at the strictest possible means. And with love. Love covers the multitudes of sins. Love drives away evil and hurts. Love brings people together. We shouldn't easily be swayed by all kinds of different teachings. My suggestion is: listen in on what others believe, make notes and seek God's counsel (Bible) for validation (if you know the Bible).
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
NIKE's comments: This happens all the time. Like Israel, they simply blinded themselves to what is happening in the world, what the "other" church is doing, what they hear "sounds good" to them, and many other things leading to spiritual blindness. They failed to keep the lens of God which is the Bible. Nicodemus was a devout believer of God; a Pharisee. He came to Jesus (at night) to question him about the things Jesus taught. Nick (Nicodemus) knew Jesus came from God. However, Jesus knew Nick's heart. Even though, Nick was a devout believer of God, there was something wrong surrounding his belief. Jesus told him that he must be "born again". A devout believer of God being born again? There's something wrong with this picture. But not so with Jesus. Jesus goal was to bring Nick to the pattern of faith. Jesus looked beyond Nick's experience and knowledge into his heart. This is something every minister and servants of our Lord Jesus ought to do. Look beyond people's criticism into their heart and help them examine their own hearts.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. Some call it a tough mind and a tender heart. Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love.
NIKE's comments: Many of us do not like "reproach", "rebuke", "criticism", "admonishment". When people resent them, it appears to me that they may still have problems with "pride". There's no humility in them. Their devotion to God and Jesus with joy and love masked over the "hidden pride". A sister in Christ of mine quoted this Scripture to one of our brother in Christ regarding accepting discipline, criticism and reproof. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1 (niv) Now, don't get me wrong. There will be others out there who will take advantage of "reproaching/criticizing" their fellow Christians for personal gain. It's the "guilty" against the "innocent". "Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed." Proverbs 27:5 (niv) Speak the truth with love. Rebuke others (if you see that sin has been done) with love and careful instruction.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
NIKE's comments: If you're down, get up! You may experience the #6 comments and feel that you were put down by your fellow brother or sister in Christ. But don't be dismayed. Don't be discouraged. Instead of looking toward them and their rebuke with disgust, look at them as if "love" is overflowing from them. If you re-read Proverbs 27:6, it's better to openly rebuke Christians whom have sinned than to not rebuke them for they are "concealing" their love for you. When I spank my child, I spank them with love, not with hatred. I rebuke them with love. If I don't, then they don't know the "rebuking love". That's why I'm so thankful for my mom and dad as they "reared" me. Even though, there are memories of sore bottoms, it's a reminder of their love for me.
Here's something that I saw as I was reading a book outside in this beautiful day today! Take a closer look at these faithful men and their characteristics:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified.
NIKE's comments: If you have read Paul's resume in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, it was the difficulties, trials, obstacles that drove him furthering the Word of God! He wasn't eyeing on the problem. He was looking beyond them and fixing his eyes on lost souls. That's what drove him through and beyond the negatives.
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as on faithfulness. He would build the walls of faith. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity in history. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some ministers' gifts will never be acclaimed. Some ministers' lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not notoriety.
NIKE's comments: God may be calling you to do the "impossible". Do you hear His calling. When God called Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, it would be a marvelously difficult task! Not only that he had a small band of people to rebuild it, he had neighbors who were rude, delivering threats and causing low morale during the rebuilding. This is similar to what's happening today. You have friends and family around you who may be laughing at you as you're building on God's foundation, the church. God called you to build faith, hope and love in you.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people they can find to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
NIKE's comments: This is very important. But we're in for a big challenge. We live in the Washington, D.C. area where you spend 1 1/2 hours on the road going to work, work 8 hours then another 1 1/2 hours on the road back home and you're exhausted! It's hard to find fresh and available leaders within this fast living city! 1/2 of His church at Fairfax do not take the time to attend the Wednesday night Bible Study. I believe it's very important to come together more than once a week to be fed of God's Word necessary for spiritual growth and strength. Without bible study, Satan knows their weaknesses and the Christian will never be prepared to defend him/herself against the flaming problems and crises. It's really easy to just attend worship services. 1/4 of those who attend worship service simply leave right after worship, bypassing the greatest meal a Christian must have, bible study! They don't know what they're missing out! And, as a minister, I often give my encouragement to each and every Christian to attend classes but they ramble on giving their excuses which is no excuse at all. Of course, life is full of choices. And God knows that you know which one is the right ones, even though you make the wrong one.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
NIKE's comments: This is a very common problem. I am not the person who easily accept a "differing doctrine" another person has. Some church practice Christianity just as close as we do. Indeed, there's no perfect churches anywhere in the world. We do the best we can to follow God's Word. God wants unity, even if there's a difference in opinions, views and interpretation. However, we must follow the Word of God at the strictest possible means. And with love. Love covers the multitudes of sins. Love drives away evil and hurts. Love brings people together. We shouldn't easily be swayed by all kinds of different teachings. My suggestion is: listen in on what others believe, make notes and seek God's counsel (Bible) for validation (if you know the Bible).
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
NIKE's comments: This happens all the time. Like Israel, they simply blinded themselves to what is happening in the world, what the "other" church is doing, what they hear "sounds good" to them, and many other things leading to spiritual blindness. They failed to keep the lens of God which is the Bible. Nicodemus was a devout believer of God; a Pharisee. He came to Jesus (at night) to question him about the things Jesus taught. Nick (Nicodemus) knew Jesus came from God. However, Jesus knew Nick's heart. Even though, Nick was a devout believer of God, there was something wrong surrounding his belief. Jesus told him that he must be "born again". A devout believer of God being born again? There's something wrong with this picture. But not so with Jesus. Jesus goal was to bring Nick to the pattern of faith. Jesus looked beyond Nick's experience and knowledge into his heart. This is something every minister and servants of our Lord Jesus ought to do. Look beyond people's criticism into their heart and help them examine their own hearts.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. Some call it a tough mind and a tender heart. Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love.
NIKE's comments: Many of us do not like "reproach", "rebuke", "criticism", "admonishment". When people resent them, it appears to me that they may still have problems with "pride". There's no humility in them. Their devotion to God and Jesus with joy and love masked over the "hidden pride". A sister in Christ of mine quoted this Scripture to one of our brother in Christ regarding accepting discipline, criticism and reproof. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1 (niv) Now, don't get me wrong. There will be others out there who will take advantage of "reproaching/criticizing" their fellow Christians for personal gain. It's the "guilty" against the "innocent". "Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed." Proverbs 27:5 (niv) Speak the truth with love. Rebuke others (if you see that sin has been done) with love and careful instruction.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
NIKE's comments: If you're down, get up! You may experience the #6 comments and feel that you were put down by your fellow brother or sister in Christ. But don't be dismayed. Don't be discouraged. Instead of looking toward them and their rebuke with disgust, look at them as if "love" is overflowing from them. If you re-read Proverbs 27:6, it's better to openly rebuke Christians whom have sinned than to not rebuke them for they are "concealing" their love for you. When I spank my child, I spank them with love, not with hatred. I rebuke them with love. If I don't, then they don't know the "rebuking love". That's why I'm so thankful for my mom and dad as they "reared" me. Even though, there are memories of sore bottoms, it's a reminder of their love for me.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
LUAU '06
Last Saturday, we had a fabulous time!!! Thanks to Christy Pomnitz, Fred Orr and Monica Shimmin for cooking up the BBQ hamburgers and chicken breasts! A very special thanks to Jenn Giaquinto, Dennis Cesone and Becky Hinckley for spending more than an hour putting together an 18" griller!! It looked like a piece of cake but when I returned from getting the super moonbounce for the kids (and a few adults) to play in, they were still at it!! And thanks to the rest for the setup and clean-up!!! In addition to this, praise the Lord for the Bard couple for giving their life to Jesus in baptism!! Now, they're clothed in Christ! Again, it was an awesome day and everyone had a great time. One of the highlights of this LUAU Party was the Hula Hoop tournament!! Tim Stewart and Aracelis Dement, you rock in the adult group!! But the championship goes to my loving daughter, Amanda!! :) Enjoy these pictures:
06/06/06
There are alot of talks about today's 06/06/06 and referring the day as "666", the mark of the beast.. I got an email from a brother of mine and he forwarded me an www link leading me into a baptist church warning parents of giving birth to a child today from midnight to midnight. The church is telling them, instead of crossing their fingers, to cross their legs. Here's their quote:
"If at all possible, have your Baptist doctor induce the child to be born earlier. The most reliable method known to Creation Science to get a mother to go instantly into labor is to jump in front of her when she least expects it and scare the dickens out of her. If this doesn't prove scary enough, read the Bible to her. Otherwise, FedEx a love processing gift of $2,000 to " Landover Baptist Church , Freehold, Iowa 55369." As soon as your check clears, we will send you information on how to perform a "Creation Birth Reduction." Reduction will cause the mother to give birth two or three days out from her expected due date. If you have a weak stomach, allergies to dried locusts and can not drink human urine, the Reduction is not for you."
This is one of seven suggestions!! I thought to myself, "Man! What kind of information are they feeding the world!?" They're actually scaring people and giving false messages, and the $2,000 for information on how to's... I browsed through their website and found all kinds of judgmental remarks about unsaved people (unsaved are not welcome), they had pictures advertising their tees on sale but it was a "big breasted woman" wearing the tees showing her belly-button. Another turn-off I found here is this: "Accept Jesus as your Savior and receive a free Playstation 2!!"
Alright, whatever!! Let's move on.. Let's look at the bible verse on "666".. It's shown in Revelation 13:18: "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666."
First of all, there are four different views of Revelation:
1. Historical.
2. Present.
3. Future.
4. Symbolic.
Again, Revelation is one of the most difficult book to understand. I will not take the time to explain to you everything but just help you understand the nature of the beast (666):
1. Origin: ..out of the sea.. seen in Isaiah 17:12; Revelation 17:1, 15.
2. Nature: ..beast.. the original word carries the idea of a brutal, savage, ferocious beast.
3. Power: ..ten horns.. Total power and might seen in Deuteronomy 33:17; 2 Sam. 2:1; 1 Kings 22:11; Luke 1:69.
4. Authority: ..seven heads.. Perfect authority. Genesis 3:15; Eph. 5:22-31; Colossians 1:18. But remember this power that is given to him (Rev. 13:5, 7) (Compare this with Romans 13:1-7; John 19:8-11)
5. Reign: ..seven crowns (diadems).. The original word signifies kingly nature, rule or reign.
6. Opposes God: ..names of blasphemy.. Revelation 13:5-6.
7. Fearsome: ..leopard.. Sudden, swift, cruel. ..bear.. Slow, relentless, crushing.
8. Satanic: ..Dragon gave him power, a throne and authority.. He is the devil's vice-regent.
9. Hard to kill: ..Fatal wound... but healed.
10. World-wide: ..whole world astonished and followed the beast.
"All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." Revelation 13:8 (niv)
The number of man (666) - 666 speaks of failure, thus this is man's religion. Satan is not God. He is only man!! Three times closer! Six Sixty Six!!
Nevertheless... We shouldn't worry about every detail in the book of Revelation (though they are very important to us) as long as you're faithful with God. The whole point of this book is to encourage each of you to:
1. REMEMBER!
2. REPENT!
3. RETURN!
Be faithful! And endure! The church, His church, the body of Christ will be sustained by the Lord! Amen?
"If at all possible, have your Baptist doctor induce the child to be born earlier. The most reliable method known to Creation Science to get a mother to go instantly into labor is to jump in front of her when she least expects it and scare the dickens out of her. If this doesn't prove scary enough, read the Bible to her. Otherwise, FedEx a love processing gift of $2,000 to " Landover Baptist Church , Freehold, Iowa 55369." As soon as your check clears, we will send you information on how to perform a "Creation Birth Reduction." Reduction will cause the mother to give birth two or three days out from her expected due date. If you have a weak stomach, allergies to dried locusts and can not drink human urine, the Reduction is not for you."
This is one of seven suggestions!! I thought to myself, "Man! What kind of information are they feeding the world!?" They're actually scaring people and giving false messages, and the $2,000 for information on how to's... I browsed through their website and found all kinds of judgmental remarks about unsaved people (unsaved are not welcome), they had pictures advertising their tees on sale but it was a "big breasted woman" wearing the tees showing her belly-button. Another turn-off I found here is this: "Accept Jesus as your Savior and receive a free Playstation 2!!"
Alright, whatever!! Let's move on.. Let's look at the bible verse on "666".. It's shown in Revelation 13:18: "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666."
First of all, there are four different views of Revelation:
1. Historical.
2. Present.
3. Future.
4. Symbolic.
Again, Revelation is one of the most difficult book to understand. I will not take the time to explain to you everything but just help you understand the nature of the beast (666):
1. Origin: ..out of the sea.. seen in Isaiah 17:12; Revelation 17:1, 15.
2. Nature: ..beast.. the original word carries the idea of a brutal, savage, ferocious beast.
3. Power: ..ten horns.. Total power and might seen in Deuteronomy 33:17; 2 Sam. 2:1; 1 Kings 22:11; Luke 1:69.
4. Authority: ..seven heads.. Perfect authority. Genesis 3:15; Eph. 5:22-31; Colossians 1:18. But remember this power that is given to him (Rev. 13:5, 7) (Compare this with Romans 13:1-7; John 19:8-11)
5. Reign: ..seven crowns (diadems).. The original word signifies kingly nature, rule or reign.
6. Opposes God: ..names of blasphemy.. Revelation 13:5-6.
7. Fearsome: ..leopard.. Sudden, swift, cruel. ..bear.. Slow, relentless, crushing.
8. Satanic: ..Dragon gave him power, a throne and authority.. He is the devil's vice-regent.
9. Hard to kill: ..Fatal wound... but healed.
10. World-wide: ..whole world astonished and followed the beast.
"All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." Revelation 13:8 (niv)
The number of man (666) - 666 speaks of failure, thus this is man's religion. Satan is not God. He is only man!! Three times closer! Six Sixty Six!!
Nevertheless... We shouldn't worry about every detail in the book of Revelation (though they are very important to us) as long as you're faithful with God. The whole point of this book is to encourage each of you to:
1. REMEMBER!
2. REPENT!
3. RETURN!
Be faithful! And endure! The church, His church, the body of Christ will be sustained by the Lord! Amen?
Monday, June 05, 2006
BPS
Bloggers,
What a Sunday!! Actually, what a weekend!! It was an awesome day (and days) with the Lord! Saturday, we gathered together for a "missional seminar" with Rubel Shelly and learned alot of things from him. I am really thankful for this opportunity to see Rubel. We also had two baptism welcoming two precious souls into the family of God. A glorious day! Then we hosted a Luau party welcoming brother Brian Baell to Fairfax. He began his internship with us last Wednesday and is doing a wonderful job!! :) I'll be sending some pictures later this week. Right now, I'm not able to add pictures through Blogger. Apparently, they're having technical problems now.
Ok.. We just bought a new Honda Civic EX a couple weeks ago and got rid of the gas-guzzling Chrysler 300M!! Now, we're able to save extra gas money with the Honda. The dealer was negotiating with us and wanted to know if we wanted a Honda Civic with a GPS (geographical positioning system) installed. For some of you new to the "GPS" terminology, it is a device that helps you go from one point to another and also tells you exactly where you are! It's a neat device and you will "almost" never be lost. To have it installed in our car would be nice but it does cost extra to have a GPS. So we declined to have the "GPS" added to the Honda. We'll go with the old fashioned way of looking at Rand & McNally's road atlas for directions from one point to another.
Now, I would like to introduce you to the old, old, old device that people (past, present and future) have used for many years called the "BPS". BPS stands for "Bible Positioning System". The device is the very Holy Word of God, the Bible. It's always effective! It has never malfunctioned. You don't need to take it in for repairs. No replacement at all. Guaranteed for eternity! It's always accurate; no flaws. It guides us to the right place; even if you will feel lost without it. It keeps us on the right track. It informs us of warning signs ahead. And it gets you to Heaven! There's no other like "BPS", nothing! Nothing else can get you into Heaven!
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (niv)
I would like to give you a little breakdown from John 14:6 to help you shred some light in this passage:
1. We must know the "way" (direction) before we have the "truth" and "life".
2. If you're walking in the wrong "way", the "truth" is not in you and there's no "life".
3. Jesus is the only "way", the only "door", the only "gate" to enter into the "truth" leading to "life" everlasting!
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep." John 10:1-2 (niv)
How do we know which gate is the right gate, or which door is the right door, or which way is the right way? Go through Jesus, His examples and His Word: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14 (niv)
There are many in the world without the divine "BPS" device. Many have created their own "positioning system" to guide them where they want to go. We could call it, "SPS: Self Positioning System", "EPS: Ego Positioning System", "DPS: Denial Positioning System", and many more!
"Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute." 2 Peter 2:2 (niv)
How true that is today! Peter had issues with those around him that the "many" follow their shameful ways and while they're living in "shame" without regrets, they argue against the truth!
"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:6-7 (niv)
And many "claim", by saying "I love God", "I go to church", "I read the Bible", "I fellowship with the church" but walk in darkness (secretly; intentionally). They will be called a "LIAR" by God because they do not "LIVE THE TRUTH"! If you stop walking in the light, the blood of Jesus stops purifying your sins! Look at John's question, "If" we walk, then we're purified. "If" we stop walking with Jesus, sin remains and we'll be judged!
"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us - even eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray." 1 John 2:24-26 (niv)
Since some of you began your life in Christ after hearing the gospel (good news), believe in Jesus, repenting of your sins, confessing that Jesus is Lord over your life, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and living and walking daily with Jesus, you began your new life with Him. John urged us in the passage above, "See that it... remains in you." Though, John was encouraging Christians whom have been with Jesus at the beginning, heard Jesus and His Word, saw Jesus' example (1 John 1:1-3), he's encouraging us to hold on to the Word of God, the Word of Life with a somber understanding that there are others around you who "ARE" trying to lead you astray!
Satan's goal in two-fold:
1. Invade your hearts.
2. Change the "Positioning System" from "BPS" (Bible) to "'.......'PS", a man-made, flawed positioning system.
Do you have the "BPS"? Are you following God and His will in your daily life? Are you, in the exact position, where God wants you to be? When you prove your point, do you use the Bible? Are you walking with Jesus? Have you passed into the way of Christ?
"BPS", do you have it?
What a Sunday!! Actually, what a weekend!! It was an awesome day (and days) with the Lord! Saturday, we gathered together for a "missional seminar" with Rubel Shelly and learned alot of things from him. I am really thankful for this opportunity to see Rubel. We also had two baptism welcoming two precious souls into the family of God. A glorious day! Then we hosted a Luau party welcoming brother Brian Baell to Fairfax. He began his internship with us last Wednesday and is doing a wonderful job!! :) I'll be sending some pictures later this week. Right now, I'm not able to add pictures through Blogger. Apparently, they're having technical problems now.
Ok.. We just bought a new Honda Civic EX a couple weeks ago and got rid of the gas-guzzling Chrysler 300M!! Now, we're able to save extra gas money with the Honda. The dealer was negotiating with us and wanted to know if we wanted a Honda Civic with a GPS (geographical positioning system) installed. For some of you new to the "GPS" terminology, it is a device that helps you go from one point to another and also tells you exactly where you are! It's a neat device and you will "almost" never be lost. To have it installed in our car would be nice but it does cost extra to have a GPS. So we declined to have the "GPS" added to the Honda. We'll go with the old fashioned way of looking at Rand & McNally's road atlas for directions from one point to another.
Now, I would like to introduce you to the old, old, old device that people (past, present and future) have used for many years called the "BPS". BPS stands for "Bible Positioning System". The device is the very Holy Word of God, the Bible. It's always effective! It has never malfunctioned. You don't need to take it in for repairs. No replacement at all. Guaranteed for eternity! It's always accurate; no flaws. It guides us to the right place; even if you will feel lost without it. It keeps us on the right track. It informs us of warning signs ahead. And it gets you to Heaven! There's no other like "BPS", nothing! Nothing else can get you into Heaven!
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (niv)
I would like to give you a little breakdown from John 14:6 to help you shred some light in this passage:
1. We must know the "way" (direction) before we have the "truth" and "life".
2. If you're walking in the wrong "way", the "truth" is not in you and there's no "life".
3. Jesus is the only "way", the only "door", the only "gate" to enter into the "truth" leading to "life" everlasting!
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep." John 10:1-2 (niv)
How do we know which gate is the right gate, or which door is the right door, or which way is the right way? Go through Jesus, His examples and His Word: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14 (niv)
There are many in the world without the divine "BPS" device. Many have created their own "positioning system" to guide them where they want to go. We could call it, "SPS: Self Positioning System", "EPS: Ego Positioning System", "DPS: Denial Positioning System", and many more!
"Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute." 2 Peter 2:2 (niv)
How true that is today! Peter had issues with those around him that the "many" follow their shameful ways and while they're living in "shame" without regrets, they argue against the truth!
"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:6-7 (niv)
And many "claim", by saying "I love God", "I go to church", "I read the Bible", "I fellowship with the church" but walk in darkness (secretly; intentionally). They will be called a "LIAR" by God because they do not "LIVE THE TRUTH"! If you stop walking in the light, the blood of Jesus stops purifying your sins! Look at John's question, "If" we walk, then we're purified. "If" we stop walking with Jesus, sin remains and we'll be judged!
"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us - even eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray." 1 John 2:24-26 (niv)
Since some of you began your life in Christ after hearing the gospel (good news), believe in Jesus, repenting of your sins, confessing that Jesus is Lord over your life, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and living and walking daily with Jesus, you began your new life with Him. John urged us in the passage above, "See that it... remains in you." Though, John was encouraging Christians whom have been with Jesus at the beginning, heard Jesus and His Word, saw Jesus' example (1 John 1:1-3), he's encouraging us to hold on to the Word of God, the Word of Life with a somber understanding that there are others around you who "ARE" trying to lead you astray!
Satan's goal in two-fold:
1. Invade your hearts.
2. Change the "Positioning System" from "BPS" (Bible) to "'.......'PS", a man-made, flawed positioning system.
Do you have the "BPS"? Are you following God and His will in your daily life? Are you, in the exact position, where God wants you to be? When you prove your point, do you use the Bible? Are you walking with Jesus? Have you passed into the way of Christ?
"BPS", do you have it?
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Christian Posters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)