Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
The meaning of this verse is very simple and straightforward, and its
very practical. The practicality is found in Christ's teaching. If we
follow the teaching of Christ, we shall overcome evil with good. Let
me show some examples of this:
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he
makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the
just and on the unjust. -Jesus in Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV)
Jesus talks about persecution. Lets consider a mild form of
persecution and how someone might overcome evil with good. Lets say
there are people who insult you and exclude you for whatever reason. If
you retaliate, and try to slander them back, it will likely cause them
to persecute you more. If you are a decent person, and you simply do
nothing, it will dull their words considerably. If you follow the
teaching of Christ, doing something good for them like praying, it will
make it that much harder for them to do the evil thing. Lets say the
persecution is worse, like physical abuse. If your response to being
abused is to show love to them, it will make it very hard for them to
abuse you. If you respond to evil with evil, in the mind of the person
who is abusing you, they will feel some kind of justification. That's
not how they will feel if you respond with good. If you treat someone
good when they are treating you badly, they will feel rather rotten
about treating you badly. And its quite likely that they will stop
doing the evil. It is much harder to do evil to good and loving
people. It is harder to steal from someone who is very willing to give
you the shirt off their back.
And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your
cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two
miles. -Jesus in Matthew 5:40-41 (ESV)
Going the extra mile is how someone overcomes evil with good. There
are people who will do bad things. There are people who will steal and
cheat and abuse. But the only way to overcome that evil is with good.
To the one that steals, we give to him. If I give food and drink to the
guy that stole my ipod, or whatever it may be, I am making it very hard
for him to steal again. I am, in some sense, restoring his love for
humanity. He might steal out of some hatred of people. He might think
all people are evil and therefore deserve evil done to them. But will
it be so easy for him to do evil to someone who does good to him? His
conscience would eat him up. So if I do good to him, whether he has or
might be about to do evil to me, it will greatly lessen the likelihood
that he does the evil.
But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone
slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. -Jesus in
Matthew 5:39 (ESV)
Now there might be some cynical skeptic out there that thinks it will
never work. He thinks that I can do all the good I want to for the
thief or the persecutor, and it won't make any difference. He assumes
that an evil man will always be an evil man, and therefore my efforts
are fruitless. But even if he is right, I should still do these
things. I should still give to the one who takes, turn the cheek and
pray for the persecutor. Why? Because nothing in this world is mine
anyway. Why does a person refuse to turn the other cheek or give his
cloak away? Because he protecting himself and his possessions. But to
be a follower of Christ the first condition is to give up everything, to
pick up your cross daily. Already I have, as a Christian, decided that
my possessions mean nothing, that my life belongs to Christ. In other
words, I have nothing to protect. Even if my following Christ's
commands does not yield good fruit in other people, I should still do
it, because Christ commanded it. Yet I do believe that following
Christ's commands will yield good fruit in others.
I am getting at a fundamental principle. It is much easier for a man
to be evil when he is surrounded by evil. If people do evil to him, he
will see no problem in doing evil to them. If people set an example of
evil, he will likely follow it. He sees evil, he hears evil, he
receives evil, and he is likely to do evil. Where does the evil end and
the good begin? With Christ. Reverse the scenario. Is it easy for an
evil man to do evil to someone who does him good? It is much harder.
It is much harder for a man to do evil when he is surrounded by good.
He will not want to hurt someone, because the people he comes into
contact with are always helping him. Even if he were inclined to evil,
he still would not want to do evil, because he loves the people who are
always doing him good. So the good has overcome the evil. This is what
we are commanded to do. Whether someone does us evil or not, we must
always do people good. By responding to evil with good we overcome evil
with good.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
The Help and Hindrance of Law
If a law restrains evil, it is a good thing. If the law
against murder is enforced, it will limit, to a greater or lesser
extent, the occurrence of murder. The point of laws is to restrain
evil, unless its the law that forces payment of taxes or other such
laws, which facilitate government. Not every law is good, but the
assumption is that the concept of law itself is based on good
intentions. When God gave a written law on Mount Sinai, it was to
prevent the Israelites from idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, deceit,
other such things, and to compel them to honor the Sabbath, honor father
and mother, have a standard of cleanliness, and other such things. The
law represents a certain standard. It is a line that must not be
crossed, and there is a punishment for crossing the line. That is how
the law operates. It punishes anything below the line; it does not
require anything above the line. And societies have operated by law for
several thousands of years.
We know that the Old Testament is a system of laws. We know that that's how the Israelites operated. But we also know that Christ introduced something new. Most Christians are not fully aware of what Christ introduced. We have a vague idea that freedom is associated with the New Testament. But most Christians do not clearly understand the fundamental difference between the Old Testament and its system of laws and the New Testament and its system of freedom. First, let me prove that Christians are free from the OT law, since not everyone is convinced of that. There are many verses I could share; I will share just a couple. Jesus makes it plain that He is doing something new when He declares all foods clean, flatly contradicting the OT kosher laws.
And He said to them, "Are you also as lacking in understanding? Don't you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? For it doesn't go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated." (As a result, He made all foods clean.) Mark 7:18-19 (HCSB)
He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 (HCSB)
Jesus came and erased the OT law, but does that mean that there is no Christian law? The Christian law is very different from the OT law. It is a law in a completely different sense. It is an internal law, not an external law. An external law is the speed limit. An external law is the Ten Commandments. An external law is the regulations of the sacrificial system. An external law is specific, because it must tell you specifically what to do and what not to do. An internal law is something that is held in the heart. If the internal law is written down, its not written down with specifics, unless its specific examples to illustrate the point. An internal law is what we might call an 'ideal'.
"Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days" - the LORD's declaration. "I will place My law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. Jeremiah 31:33 (HCSB)
What is the law written on the heart? It is a much higher ideal. Whereas a traditional law is a certain standard, and it doesn't require anything more than the standard, the law that is written on the heart is an infinitely high standard. No matter how well a person is doing, he can do better. With a law, lets say the law "Do not covet", once the law is met - a person does not covet - there is nothing else required. But now, consider all that is required of this standard:
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. -Jesus in Matthew 5:48 (HCSB)
When is the standard of the higher ideal met? At what point does "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" not require anything more? Our heavenly Father is infinitely perfect, so to be perfect as He is perfect requires infinite perfection from us. It is an ideal, not a law. It is not a law in the traditional sense of law - a law written on paper. It is a law written on the heart. It is a much higher ideal, which drives us to a much higher level of righteousness. The Israelite under the OT law only had to not covet, not murder, not lie, and other such things. Once he met the standard of the law, he did not have to do anything more. The Christian is commanded to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. There is no written law for the Christian. Why would that be? A written law, such as the Israelite had, would be a hindrance to the higher ideal. Anytime there is the presence of a law, whoever the law applies to will look at that law as his standard of good conduct. If the OT law were still in effect for Christians, Christians would do what the law requires, as best they could, and do no more. Even if the higher ideal were present, the old law would be a distraction. The law, which had been a help in that it restrained evil, would then be a hindrance in that it restrains good. To prevent the OT law from restraining the good, which is a result of the higher ideal, the OT law had to be abolished. It was abolished at the cross. In its place was put something much much better.
I already made mention of the higher ideal, that is, the teaching of Jesus Christ. I summed it up with the words "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect", but there are many other words of Jesus that confirm this higher ideal. His commands, which are open-ended like "love your neighbor as yourself", are endless. We are endlessly in a debt of love towards one another, as Paul writes. Then we ask this question, how are we to obey the higher ideal? If the Israelites are constantly falling short of the OT law, how are Christians going to live up to a higher standard? In the external Christ gives us the commands/teaching. Internally He gives us the Holy Spirit. He purified us by His blood to make us acceptable vessel for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power which enables us to live up to the higher standard. That is very much the new thing that Jesus did on the cross. That is the new thing of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is the law written on the heart.
One thing we should notice about Christ is that He really cares about the progress a person is making. If a person is righteous but they are heading in the wrong direction, that person is rebuked by Christ (see church in Ephesus, Revelation 2:1-7). If a person is sinful but they are heading in the right direction, that person is justified before God (see the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, Luke 18:9-14). The trajectory that a person is on makes a very big difference. If a person is righteous, but they are heading in a downward trajectory, that is worse than the sinner who is on an upward trajectory. The lost sheep is celebrated when he is found more than the 99 that were never lost... the lost coin the same, and the prodigal son.
Now if trajectory is really important, then the law is not enough to save a person. The law does not have the ability to sustain a person on an upward trajectory. The higher ideal does, but the law does not. The law can restrain evil, but it cannot lead to heaven. If a person never murders because of the law, it makes him less evil than he might have been, but it does not make him a son of God. He has met a certain standard, but there he is, simply not a murderer. He is stagnant at the level he is at; he is not progressing any higher, not becoming any more righteous. In fact, since he trusts in the law and bases his life upon it, he will refuse to be any more righteous, because he has already met the requirement of the law. In effect, the law restrains the evil of the sinful nature (he does not murder), but it also restrains the good of the divine nature (he does nothing any more righteous than not murdering). In order for the divine nature - the Holy Spirit - to produce good works it must be free from the law. That is why the New Testament talks about freedom. That is why James mentions the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25). If a person lives by the divine nature, he has zero need for a law. He does not have to be told not to murder, because murder is the furthest thing from his mind; it is contrary to his nature. For the person that is born of the Holy Spirit, who has that divine nature, a law does not, and cannot, make him any more righteous. Instead it becomes a hindrance. This is why Christ's law is not a law. It is a higher ideal; it is commands that require discernment to obey: commands like "love one another". He does not say how we are to love one another, He simply says to do it. We are left to answer the question of how, and it is the Holy Spirit that answers the question for us, or to be more precise, gives us the wisdom to know the answer in each unique situation. This is why the apostles say that the law of Christ is to love. It is such an open-ended statement, it cannot be considered a law, not in the traditional sense of a law. It is a higher ideal, a perfect ideal, which has no end in meeting its requirement. Its the only kind of law that can continuously keep us on the upward trajectory.
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, 'Look here!' or 'There!' For you see, the kingdom of God is among you." Luke 17:20-21 (HCSB)
The kingdom has been coming to the earth; it has been forcefully advancing since the days of John the Baptist. Today, though its not obvious to most people, the kingdom of God is bursting forth all over the world. Its bursting forth inside of people. Now is the time. Fan the flame of the Holy Spirit. Give full expression to your faith. Now is the time!
We know that the Old Testament is a system of laws. We know that that's how the Israelites operated. But we also know that Christ introduced something new. Most Christians are not fully aware of what Christ introduced. We have a vague idea that freedom is associated with the New Testament. But most Christians do not clearly understand the fundamental difference between the Old Testament and its system of laws and the New Testament and its system of freedom. First, let me prove that Christians are free from the OT law, since not everyone is convinced of that. There are many verses I could share; I will share just a couple. Jesus makes it plain that He is doing something new when He declares all foods clean, flatly contradicting the OT kosher laws.
And He said to them, "Are you also as lacking in understanding? Don't you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? For it doesn't go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated." (As a result, He made all foods clean.) Mark 7:18-19 (HCSB)
He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 (HCSB)
Jesus came and erased the OT law, but does that mean that there is no Christian law? The Christian law is very different from the OT law. It is a law in a completely different sense. It is an internal law, not an external law. An external law is the speed limit. An external law is the Ten Commandments. An external law is the regulations of the sacrificial system. An external law is specific, because it must tell you specifically what to do and what not to do. An internal law is something that is held in the heart. If the internal law is written down, its not written down with specifics, unless its specific examples to illustrate the point. An internal law is what we might call an 'ideal'.
"Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days" - the LORD's declaration. "I will place My law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. Jeremiah 31:33 (HCSB)
What is the law written on the heart? It is a much higher ideal. Whereas a traditional law is a certain standard, and it doesn't require anything more than the standard, the law that is written on the heart is an infinitely high standard. No matter how well a person is doing, he can do better. With a law, lets say the law "Do not covet", once the law is met - a person does not covet - there is nothing else required. But now, consider all that is required of this standard:
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. -Jesus in Matthew 5:48 (HCSB)
When is the standard of the higher ideal met? At what point does "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" not require anything more? Our heavenly Father is infinitely perfect, so to be perfect as He is perfect requires infinite perfection from us. It is an ideal, not a law. It is not a law in the traditional sense of law - a law written on paper. It is a law written on the heart. It is a much higher ideal, which drives us to a much higher level of righteousness. The Israelite under the OT law only had to not covet, not murder, not lie, and other such things. Once he met the standard of the law, he did not have to do anything more. The Christian is commanded to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. There is no written law for the Christian. Why would that be? A written law, such as the Israelite had, would be a hindrance to the higher ideal. Anytime there is the presence of a law, whoever the law applies to will look at that law as his standard of good conduct. If the OT law were still in effect for Christians, Christians would do what the law requires, as best they could, and do no more. Even if the higher ideal were present, the old law would be a distraction. The law, which had been a help in that it restrained evil, would then be a hindrance in that it restrains good. To prevent the OT law from restraining the good, which is a result of the higher ideal, the OT law had to be abolished. It was abolished at the cross. In its place was put something much much better.
I already made mention of the higher ideal, that is, the teaching of Jesus Christ. I summed it up with the words "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect", but there are many other words of Jesus that confirm this higher ideal. His commands, which are open-ended like "love your neighbor as yourself", are endless. We are endlessly in a debt of love towards one another, as Paul writes. Then we ask this question, how are we to obey the higher ideal? If the Israelites are constantly falling short of the OT law, how are Christians going to live up to a higher standard? In the external Christ gives us the commands/teaching. Internally He gives us the Holy Spirit. He purified us by His blood to make us acceptable vessel for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power which enables us to live up to the higher standard. That is very much the new thing that Jesus did on the cross. That is the new thing of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is the law written on the heart.
One thing we should notice about Christ is that He really cares about the progress a person is making. If a person is righteous but they are heading in the wrong direction, that person is rebuked by Christ (see church in Ephesus, Revelation 2:1-7). If a person is sinful but they are heading in the right direction, that person is justified before God (see the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, Luke 18:9-14). The trajectory that a person is on makes a very big difference. If a person is righteous, but they are heading in a downward trajectory, that is worse than the sinner who is on an upward trajectory. The lost sheep is celebrated when he is found more than the 99 that were never lost... the lost coin the same, and the prodigal son.
Now if trajectory is really important, then the law is not enough to save a person. The law does not have the ability to sustain a person on an upward trajectory. The higher ideal does, but the law does not. The law can restrain evil, but it cannot lead to heaven. If a person never murders because of the law, it makes him less evil than he might have been, but it does not make him a son of God. He has met a certain standard, but there he is, simply not a murderer. He is stagnant at the level he is at; he is not progressing any higher, not becoming any more righteous. In fact, since he trusts in the law and bases his life upon it, he will refuse to be any more righteous, because he has already met the requirement of the law. In effect, the law restrains the evil of the sinful nature (he does not murder), but it also restrains the good of the divine nature (he does nothing any more righteous than not murdering). In order for the divine nature - the Holy Spirit - to produce good works it must be free from the law. That is why the New Testament talks about freedom. That is why James mentions the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25). If a person lives by the divine nature, he has zero need for a law. He does not have to be told not to murder, because murder is the furthest thing from his mind; it is contrary to his nature. For the person that is born of the Holy Spirit, who has that divine nature, a law does not, and cannot, make him any more righteous. Instead it becomes a hindrance. This is why Christ's law is not a law. It is a higher ideal; it is commands that require discernment to obey: commands like "love one another". He does not say how we are to love one another, He simply says to do it. We are left to answer the question of how, and it is the Holy Spirit that answers the question for us, or to be more precise, gives us the wisdom to know the answer in each unique situation. This is why the apostles say that the law of Christ is to love. It is such an open-ended statement, it cannot be considered a law, not in the traditional sense of a law. It is a higher ideal, a perfect ideal, which has no end in meeting its requirement. Its the only kind of law that can continuously keep us on the upward trajectory.
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, 'Look here!' or 'There!' For you see, the kingdom of God is among you." Luke 17:20-21 (HCSB)
The kingdom has been coming to the earth; it has been forcefully advancing since the days of John the Baptist. Today, though its not obvious to most people, the kingdom of God is bursting forth all over the world. Its bursting forth inside of people. Now is the time. Fan the flame of the Holy Spirit. Give full expression to your faith. Now is the time!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Day of Fire
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the
night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the
elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that
are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be
dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and
godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the
elements will melt with fervent heat? 2Peter 3:10-12 (NKJV)
The final day of judgement coincides with the absolute destruction of the earth and the heavens. The heavens is simply everything in the sky; the universe, in short. We are told that the earth and the heavens will pass away (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33). And Peter tells us that the elements will melt away. Imagine, such an event that the Periodic Table ceases to exist. Imagine a fire so hot that it melts the elements. Its our human nature to assume that such an event has a cause that we can understand. We could understand it, at least in part, if the Sun exploded in a supernova and consumed the earth. For that reason, we might be inclined to think that that's what Peter is talking about. But he says the heavens will pass away, and the elements will melt. That means that the Sun itself will melt. The fire that destroys the universe will be greater than any fire in the universe. It will be hotter than the Sun, or any other star. So what could cause such a fire? We cannot know for sure, but we do have a hint from the book of Revelation:
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. Revelation 20:11 (NKJV)
If the earth and the heavens are fleeing from the face of God, don't you think that is the elements melting away? The science behind this will never be understood, because man simply doesn't have the ability. But God Himself will be the consuming fire that melts the elements, even the Sun itself will melt because of Him. How do we know this? Well, we read later in Revelation that the earth and the heavens cease to exist. So when there was "found no place for them" I suppose that means they were totally destroyed.
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)
The old has gone and a new has come. We have no idea what the new heavens and the new earth will be like. There is no description of them. We have more description of New Jerusalem, but even that is up for interpretation. But we know that God "makes all things new". Suppose that the Periodic Table no longer exists. Suppose that there's totally new elements. Or maybe, instead of elements, there is something totally different than elements. It is completely open, as to what the new heavens and new earth are like. There is no requirement that they be anything - anything at all - like the present heavens and earth. Its enough to make us wonder and really set our imaginations in motion. Yet however much we imagine, it could be that the new heavens and new earth are so totally different from the present, that we cannot possibly conceive of them, even in our imaginations. The reason that we do not have a description of them could be that its impossible to describe with words. Just consider the colors we see; maybe new colors will exist. Or maybe the concept of color and sight will be completely changed. Maybe new senses will exist. Maybe there will be something totally different than senses. Only God knows...
There's a greater theme to consider, which is the relationship between the physical and the spiritual. This theme is present in the Old Testament and New Testament, which is the idea of a physical foreshadowing of a greater - spiritual - reality. I am stepping out here, so keep that in mind. I am speaking of things I don't understand but can only guess at. Yet it seems to me that God likes to, in His great plan, slowly reveal great truths, and do so through a physical foreshadowing. We know that what is spiritual is greater than what is physical, because we know that God is Spirit (John 4:24), and we know that God created the universe. So the spiritual acts upon the physical; the spiritual dictates the physical. The idea of a shadow describes this well. The shadow is not the reality, but only a vague image of the reality, which is caused by the reality. And so the physical is just that - a vague image of the spiritual, which is caused by the spiritual. As bizarre as it might seem, I totally believe that the spiritual is more real than the physical. With a foreshadowing, it is God showing us through the physical what is yet to come; it could be a type of what is to come. And what is to come is greater, and spiritual, and somehow totally different than our present reality. The Old Covenant was just that. The promised land was a foreshadowing of heaven. The exodus represents a spiritual journey out of bondage (sin) and into the promised land (heaven). King David symbolizes the kingship of Messiah Jesus. The sacrificial system was meant to symbolize the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. And there are a number of other foreshadows in the OT. I just happen to think that God is still not done using foreshadows. I'll leave it at that, because as I said, this is something I have only a faint understanding of.
The final day of judgement coincides with the absolute destruction of the earth and the heavens. The heavens is simply everything in the sky; the universe, in short. We are told that the earth and the heavens will pass away (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33). And Peter tells us that the elements will melt away. Imagine, such an event that the Periodic Table ceases to exist. Imagine a fire so hot that it melts the elements. Its our human nature to assume that such an event has a cause that we can understand. We could understand it, at least in part, if the Sun exploded in a supernova and consumed the earth. For that reason, we might be inclined to think that that's what Peter is talking about. But he says the heavens will pass away, and the elements will melt. That means that the Sun itself will melt. The fire that destroys the universe will be greater than any fire in the universe. It will be hotter than the Sun, or any other star. So what could cause such a fire? We cannot know for sure, but we do have a hint from the book of Revelation:
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. Revelation 20:11 (NKJV)
If the earth and the heavens are fleeing from the face of God, don't you think that is the elements melting away? The science behind this will never be understood, because man simply doesn't have the ability. But God Himself will be the consuming fire that melts the elements, even the Sun itself will melt because of Him. How do we know this? Well, we read later in Revelation that the earth and the heavens cease to exist. So when there was "found no place for them" I suppose that means they were totally destroyed.
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)
The old has gone and a new has come. We have no idea what the new heavens and the new earth will be like. There is no description of them. We have more description of New Jerusalem, but even that is up for interpretation. But we know that God "makes all things new". Suppose that the Periodic Table no longer exists. Suppose that there's totally new elements. Or maybe, instead of elements, there is something totally different than elements. It is completely open, as to what the new heavens and new earth are like. There is no requirement that they be anything - anything at all - like the present heavens and earth. Its enough to make us wonder and really set our imaginations in motion. Yet however much we imagine, it could be that the new heavens and new earth are so totally different from the present, that we cannot possibly conceive of them, even in our imaginations. The reason that we do not have a description of them could be that its impossible to describe with words. Just consider the colors we see; maybe new colors will exist. Or maybe the concept of color and sight will be completely changed. Maybe new senses will exist. Maybe there will be something totally different than senses. Only God knows...
There's a greater theme to consider, which is the relationship between the physical and the spiritual. This theme is present in the Old Testament and New Testament, which is the idea of a physical foreshadowing of a greater - spiritual - reality. I am stepping out here, so keep that in mind. I am speaking of things I don't understand but can only guess at. Yet it seems to me that God likes to, in His great plan, slowly reveal great truths, and do so through a physical foreshadowing. We know that what is spiritual is greater than what is physical, because we know that God is Spirit (John 4:24), and we know that God created the universe. So the spiritual acts upon the physical; the spiritual dictates the physical. The idea of a shadow describes this well. The shadow is not the reality, but only a vague image of the reality, which is caused by the reality. And so the physical is just that - a vague image of the spiritual, which is caused by the spiritual. As bizarre as it might seem, I totally believe that the spiritual is more real than the physical. With a foreshadowing, it is God showing us through the physical what is yet to come; it could be a type of what is to come. And what is to come is greater, and spiritual, and somehow totally different than our present reality. The Old Covenant was just that. The promised land was a foreshadowing of heaven. The exodus represents a spiritual journey out of bondage (sin) and into the promised land (heaven). King David symbolizes the kingship of Messiah Jesus. The sacrificial system was meant to symbolize the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. And there are a number of other foreshadows in the OT. I just happen to think that God is still not done using foreshadows. I'll leave it at that, because as I said, this is something I have only a faint understanding of.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Word is Yeast and Bread
Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is
like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till
it was all leavened." Matthew 13:33 (NKJV)
The kingdom of God is very much connected to the word of God. Wherever the word is believed and acted upon, that is where the kingdom of heaven is. So does the parable of the yeast make sense? The kingdom is like yeast; yeast spreads throughout the dough until all of it is leavened. In a very real way, we can see how the word of God spreads throughout the whole world. Even though it hasn't happened yet, we know that the word has already spread very far over the years, and we know that modern communication makes the spread of God's word inevitable. How could anyone keep the Bible away from someone when there's the internet? It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep the truth hidden. So the parable does make sense, if we understand that the kingdom of heaven exists wherever the word of God is believed and acted upon. The word of God spreads throughout the world just like yeast spreads throughout the dough. There is no stopping it.
That is the global aspect of God's word. How about the personal aspect of God's word?
But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)
Jesus speaks of God's word as nourishment. It is spiritual nourishment, for in John 6:63 Jesus says that His words are spirit and they are life. To live spiritually a man must eat spiritual food. A merely physical man comes and goes, but really blends into the background. A spiritual man is in some sense more real than a merely physical man. Spiritual life is the essence of eternal life, or the life that never fades away nor blends into the background. But don't let me get mystical on you; I want to be very practical. We cannot know God without the Bible. I suppose we could know that there is a God of the universe, but we wouldn't know anything about God. And knowing God gives us the big picture, the explanation, of the universe, the world, life and everything in general. We see clearly by knowing God. The Bible teaches us how to live in a way that is healthy. We Christians already knew this, but some research has found a man and wife who stay together have more money, better children and are more content about life. In short, they live a better life. Its no secret that promiscuous sex is dangerous to your health. It also numbs any sense of affection in a future marriage. The Bible teaches us wisdom; both ultimate wisdom, like what's really important, and practical wisdom, like how to avoid pitfalls. The Bible gives us a sense of purpose, and psychologically speaking, having a sense of purpose causes a person to be more intent, passionate and generally happier. The Bible is the word that causes us to be courageous. We learn that heaven exists, and that by faith in Christ death is only a passage to heaven. Because of that, we have no reason to fear death. If we don't fear death, which is the worst possible outcome of any situation, then we don't fear anything at all. We do fear God. But a Christian does not fear anything but God. You see, in very real ways the Bible is our food. I could get more detailed and speak of more things, but I believe I have illustrated the point. I can use mystical language to simply state how our spiritual lives are dependent on spiritual food - the Bible. Or I can be practical and speak of all the ways that God's word teaches us and gives us life. Either way, the truth is very simple: God's word is life.
Globally, the word of God is the only solution and the way for heaven on earth. Personally, the word of God is your only way to know God and only way to truly live. Yet the word is spiritual. Ask God to give you the Holy Spirit so that you can understand the words that come from the Holy Spirit, because it was the Holy Spirit that authored the Bible. If the book's writer is in your soul, then you will understand the meaning of the book. And the Bible is a book that has much much meaning.
The kingdom of God is very much connected to the word of God. Wherever the word is believed and acted upon, that is where the kingdom of heaven is. So does the parable of the yeast make sense? The kingdom is like yeast; yeast spreads throughout the dough until all of it is leavened. In a very real way, we can see how the word of God spreads throughout the whole world. Even though it hasn't happened yet, we know that the word has already spread very far over the years, and we know that modern communication makes the spread of God's word inevitable. How could anyone keep the Bible away from someone when there's the internet? It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep the truth hidden. So the parable does make sense, if we understand that the kingdom of heaven exists wherever the word of God is believed and acted upon. The word of God spreads throughout the world just like yeast spreads throughout the dough. There is no stopping it.
That is the global aspect of God's word. How about the personal aspect of God's word?
But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)
Jesus speaks of God's word as nourishment. It is spiritual nourishment, for in John 6:63 Jesus says that His words are spirit and they are life. To live spiritually a man must eat spiritual food. A merely physical man comes and goes, but really blends into the background. A spiritual man is in some sense more real than a merely physical man. Spiritual life is the essence of eternal life, or the life that never fades away nor blends into the background. But don't let me get mystical on you; I want to be very practical. We cannot know God without the Bible. I suppose we could know that there is a God of the universe, but we wouldn't know anything about God. And knowing God gives us the big picture, the explanation, of the universe, the world, life and everything in general. We see clearly by knowing God. The Bible teaches us how to live in a way that is healthy. We Christians already knew this, but some research has found a man and wife who stay together have more money, better children and are more content about life. In short, they live a better life. Its no secret that promiscuous sex is dangerous to your health. It also numbs any sense of affection in a future marriage. The Bible teaches us wisdom; both ultimate wisdom, like what's really important, and practical wisdom, like how to avoid pitfalls. The Bible gives us a sense of purpose, and psychologically speaking, having a sense of purpose causes a person to be more intent, passionate and generally happier. The Bible is the word that causes us to be courageous. We learn that heaven exists, and that by faith in Christ death is only a passage to heaven. Because of that, we have no reason to fear death. If we don't fear death, which is the worst possible outcome of any situation, then we don't fear anything at all. We do fear God. But a Christian does not fear anything but God. You see, in very real ways the Bible is our food. I could get more detailed and speak of more things, but I believe I have illustrated the point. I can use mystical language to simply state how our spiritual lives are dependent on spiritual food - the Bible. Or I can be practical and speak of all the ways that God's word teaches us and gives us life. Either way, the truth is very simple: God's word is life.
Globally, the word of God is the only solution and the way for heaven on earth. Personally, the word of God is your only way to know God and only way to truly live. Yet the word is spiritual. Ask God to give you the Holy Spirit so that you can understand the words that come from the Holy Spirit, because it was the Holy Spirit that authored the Bible. If the book's writer is in your soul, then you will understand the meaning of the book. And the Bible is a book that has much much meaning.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
All or Nothing
Making the decision to follow Christ is no small thing. Its
not something that can be inherited from a parent; it must be owned by
each individual. And important to note, especially in our society of
mixed loyalties, Christ demands complete faithfulness. Its an all or
nothing proposition. Listen to what Jesus says:
Then He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God." And another also said, "Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house." But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:58-62 (NKJV)
Being a disciple of Christ is a major thing. So major its the only thing; the only thing that matters anyway. Yeah, a father might die, but Christ says "let the dead bury their own dead," because preaching the kingdom of God is more important. Just putting things into perspective. To the one who wanted to say goodbye to his family, Jesus said, "no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Its a serious business. Being a Christian is everything a man or woman is. It comes before everything. Listen again to the words of the Son of God.
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy or Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. -Jesus in Matthew 10:37-38 (NKJV)
You can't expect the price of immortality and eternal rest with God to be cheap. Christ comes first. He comes before your closest relations. He comes before every desire, dream or want you ever had. He must be your first love, and there cannot be another that compares with Him. And how about the person who tries to go halfway? We call them lukewarm. This is what Jesus says:
I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. -Jesus in Revelation 3:15-16 (NKJV)
There is the inherent requirement that every Christian man and woman be zealous for Christ. Now this doesn't mean that we must put on a show, or in whatever way make sure that people know we are zealous. Yes, it is good to publicly and unashamedly proclaim the name of Christ. But we don't put on a show of zeal for men. Rather, we are faithfully zealous to Christ, and this doesn't show in obvious ways. A single mother trying to raise her child and do what is right according to God's commands is zealous, but we wouldn't think it. If she is faithful to Christ in her circumstances, loves Him first of all, and to the best of her ability follows His commands, then she is zealous. She might not be praised as such by men, but that doesn't matter. Zeal is a matter of taking God's word seriously. And taking God's word seriously is a matter of obedience. Make no mistake about it, if a person does not obey God, that person is not a Christian. But the person that does obey God, he or she is a zealot. How so? Christ says "drop everything and follow me." Now come on, following that command makes a person zealous. To the rich young ruler, "sell everything and give it to the poor, then follow me." Did he obey? Sure, he followed the commandments since he was young. Christ loved him. But he didn't have the kind of zeal required to forget about money and love Christ first.
My encouragement is not to go and act crazy or whatever. There could be a time for that, maybe, but zeal is a matter of faithful obedience. Do what Christ says. Make disciples of all nations. The harvest is ripe, and now is the time. Whatever holds you back, you must totally abandon it. You must obey His command. Because its all or nothing. Whoever puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.
Then He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God." And another also said, "Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house." But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:58-62 (NKJV)
Being a disciple of Christ is a major thing. So major its the only thing; the only thing that matters anyway. Yeah, a father might die, but Christ says "let the dead bury their own dead," because preaching the kingdom of God is more important. Just putting things into perspective. To the one who wanted to say goodbye to his family, Jesus said, "no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Its a serious business. Being a Christian is everything a man or woman is. It comes before everything. Listen again to the words of the Son of God.
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy or Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. -Jesus in Matthew 10:37-38 (NKJV)
You can't expect the price of immortality and eternal rest with God to be cheap. Christ comes first. He comes before your closest relations. He comes before every desire, dream or want you ever had. He must be your first love, and there cannot be another that compares with Him. And how about the person who tries to go halfway? We call them lukewarm. This is what Jesus says:
I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. -Jesus in Revelation 3:15-16 (NKJV)
There is the inherent requirement that every Christian man and woman be zealous for Christ. Now this doesn't mean that we must put on a show, or in whatever way make sure that people know we are zealous. Yes, it is good to publicly and unashamedly proclaim the name of Christ. But we don't put on a show of zeal for men. Rather, we are faithfully zealous to Christ, and this doesn't show in obvious ways. A single mother trying to raise her child and do what is right according to God's commands is zealous, but we wouldn't think it. If she is faithful to Christ in her circumstances, loves Him first of all, and to the best of her ability follows His commands, then she is zealous. She might not be praised as such by men, but that doesn't matter. Zeal is a matter of taking God's word seriously. And taking God's word seriously is a matter of obedience. Make no mistake about it, if a person does not obey God, that person is not a Christian. But the person that does obey God, he or she is a zealot. How so? Christ says "drop everything and follow me." Now come on, following that command makes a person zealous. To the rich young ruler, "sell everything and give it to the poor, then follow me." Did he obey? Sure, he followed the commandments since he was young. Christ loved him. But he didn't have the kind of zeal required to forget about money and love Christ first.
My encouragement is not to go and act crazy or whatever. There could be a time for that, maybe, but zeal is a matter of faithful obedience. Do what Christ says. Make disciples of all nations. The harvest is ripe, and now is the time. Whatever holds you back, you must totally abandon it. You must obey His command. Because its all or nothing. Whoever puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Rapture, Second Coming and Millennial Reign
The idea of a pre-tribulation rapture has been a popular idea
for some time. I'll expound on it in light of certain Bible passages,
but first I'll say something out of my own reasoning. If we were to
assume one way or another, the safe assumption would be to assume that a
pre-tribulation rapture will not happen. If we assume that it will and
it doesn't, then we are left unprepared for the tribulation. If we
assume that it won't and it does, then we are either taken to be with
Christ, or we are prepared to be left behind. But I never understood
why some people are so afraid of being left behind to deal with the
tribulation. Is persecution to be unexpected as a Christian? So what
is so bad about being left behind? Its not as if that person has no way
to heaven. Its as simple as deciding to die for Christ, and after the
brief time of suffering, there is eternal life. So being left behind
isn't so bad. It might even be better than that, which I will explain
later.
Now that I've given my own personal disclaimer on the rapture, I will point out that there are some verses in Scripture that allude to it happening. There is nothing that plainly states that there will be a pre-tribulation rapture, but there are some verses that give us that hint. Below are listed those verses.
Matthew 24:40-41
1Corinthians 15:51-52
1Thessalonians 4:15-17
Revelation 3:10
Now I won't get into pre/post/mid tribulation. That can get sticky and pointless. Point is, there is some indication that a rapture will happen. And Jesus' words to the angel of the church in Philadelphia do indicate that there will be a pre-tribulation rapture, at least for the church in Philadelphia. I personally believe it will only be for the church in Philadelphia. If you want to know what the church in Philadelphia is, I have written a blog about it. As for other of the seven churches, particularly the church in Laodicea, the tribulation is a time of testing. This is when Jesus "vomits" the Laodicean church out of His mouth. Not all of the church, I imagine, but the great majority of it.
The Great Apostasy
It would help the describe how the world will be leading up to the tribulation of the last days. In three different places Paul mentions a great apostasy of the last days (2Thessalonians 2:1-12, 1Timothy 4:1-3, 2Timothy 3:1-9). The antichrist is the culmination of the great apostasy. But for the world to allow the antichrist to gain power, there must be a great apostasy that precedes the tribulation itself. The last days will be dark days, make no mistake about it. And Paul writes that we should not be worried about missing the coming of Christ, because we know that the great apostasy will happen before it. Paul expressly writes that (2Thessalonians 2:3). It is simply wrong to say that Christ could return at any moment; there are things that must happen first. Christ Himself says that the gospel will be preached in all the world before the end, and He says that His coming will be such that all people over the world will see it (Matthew 24:23-27). Its not something that could possibly be missed. You've probably heard that His coming will be like a thief in the night, meaning that most people will not expect it. And no one knows the day or hour. He says that His coming will be like the flood of Noah (Matthew 24:26-27). But here's something a lot people do not realize: We can know when His coming is soon. He does not come like a thief in the night for everyone; that's only for the ones that pay no attention, do not read Scripture and are ignorant. Paul writes to the Thessalonians and says that His coming will not be like a thief in the night for them, because they are not in darkness. They are "sons of the day" (1Thessalonians 5:1-5). So keep that in mind. You might not know the day or the hour of Christ's return, but He did specifically say "day or hour", not ruling out the possibility of knowing the year; and He does say that we will see the signs. The second coming, as well as the events that precede it, cannot take you off guard if you know what to look for.
The second advent
As already mentioned, there will be a tribulation period in which the antichrist will rule over the world. There will be some sort of global governing body headed by the first beast of Revelation. This kingdom, as I'll call it, is the fourth beast in Daniel 7. Somehow it will be connected to the ancient Roman Empire, just as the iron of Daniel 2 relates to the iron of Daniel 7. The city, which is figuratively called Babylon in Revelation, and where the antichrist will establish his throne, is Rome itself. Rome is known as the "city on seven hills" (Revelation 17:9). Through deception the antichrist will gain power (2Thessalonians 2:9-10). The tribulation period is seven years, but that is split into two halves. The middle of the seven year period is signified by the antichrist setting up an abomination in the temple (a third temple, which, I believe, will be built in the coming decades), and ending the sacrifices made (Daniel 9:27). Its also signified by the antichrist killing the two witnesses (Revelation 11:7-10). And then there are plagues, which are written of in Revelation. At the end of the seven year tribulation, after the antichrist has killed almost all the saints on earth, and after God has poured out plagues on the world in retribution, Christ will return. He comes as a conqueror, and to kill His enemies. All of the saints who were martyred, as well as the few who survived the tribulation, are riding behind Him. Along with the saints and I suppose many angels, Christ conquers the world and establishes His own rule of it. The greatness and glory of this event is something that is beyond imagination. I won't even try to put it into words.
The millennial reign
The thousand year rule of Christ is written of in Revelation 20:4-6. It makes sense, because of the prophecies, particularly in Isaiah, which speak of a kind of heaven on earth. Where there is complete peace and at least some of the effects of the curse are reversed. As well as an everlasting kingdom. Though a thousand years is not forever, the kingdom itself lives on with the new earth, new heaven, and New Jerusalem. Now its quite interesting, the Scripture in Revelation actually says that its the martyrs of the tribulation, who did not receive the mark of the beast, who will rule with Christ during the thousand years. I always wondered how that would work, because I always worked under the assumption that everyone that did receive the mark was killed at the coming of Christ. Yet Revelation does not say that everyone is killed. Many people are killed, certainly, with all the plagues and bloodshed. But it says that Christ rules the nations with a iron rod (Revelation 12:5), and the saints rule with Christ (Revelation 20:4). So if Christ and the saints rule together, who are they ruling over? I suppose there are survivors from the tribulation period, and these survivors repopulate the earth. As for the saints that rule with Christ - get this - they have already died and been brought back to life. That means they have already received their immortal bodies. So there are, in Jerusalem the capital, Christ and His immortal saints ruling over the entire world. The city Jerusalem, as I imagine it, will be a remarkable place. And I would suppose, though its not written anywhere, that only the saints will be allowed inside Jerusalem. All of the mortal humans will not be allowed inside. But the immortal saints will have the freedom to go and do as they please, for they will rule the world, with Christ of course. Some of that is my own speculation, but much of it is based on what is written in Revelation. We are told that the rest of the dead do not rise until the end of the thousand years. That is the great day of judgement. The thousand year reign is only for the martyrs of the tribulation, as well as the few survivors - those saints who go through the tribulation. So getting back to the rapture question, I told you I would explain why being left behind might not be so bad afterall. This is why. If a saint is taken in the rapture, I am not sure if that saint will partake of the millennial reign. I cannot say either way. I am pretty certain, however, that those saints who go through the tribulation will partake of the millennial reign. At the end of it all, there is a new earth, a new heaven, and a New Jerusalem. Everything is made new, and the saints live forever. What happens in the meantime can be a wonderful mystery unfolding.
For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. -Jesus in Matthew 24:21-31 (NKJV)
Now that I've given my own personal disclaimer on the rapture, I will point out that there are some verses in Scripture that allude to it happening. There is nothing that plainly states that there will be a pre-tribulation rapture, but there are some verses that give us that hint. Below are listed those verses.
Matthew 24:40-41
1Corinthians 15:51-52
1Thessalonians 4:15-17
Revelation 3:10
Now I won't get into pre/post/mid tribulation. That can get sticky and pointless. Point is, there is some indication that a rapture will happen. And Jesus' words to the angel of the church in Philadelphia do indicate that there will be a pre-tribulation rapture, at least for the church in Philadelphia. I personally believe it will only be for the church in Philadelphia. If you want to know what the church in Philadelphia is, I have written a blog about it. As for other of the seven churches, particularly the church in Laodicea, the tribulation is a time of testing. This is when Jesus "vomits" the Laodicean church out of His mouth. Not all of the church, I imagine, but the great majority of it.
The Great Apostasy
It would help the describe how the world will be leading up to the tribulation of the last days. In three different places Paul mentions a great apostasy of the last days (2Thessalonians 2:1-12, 1Timothy 4:1-3, 2Timothy 3:1-9). The antichrist is the culmination of the great apostasy. But for the world to allow the antichrist to gain power, there must be a great apostasy that precedes the tribulation itself. The last days will be dark days, make no mistake about it. And Paul writes that we should not be worried about missing the coming of Christ, because we know that the great apostasy will happen before it. Paul expressly writes that (2Thessalonians 2:3). It is simply wrong to say that Christ could return at any moment; there are things that must happen first. Christ Himself says that the gospel will be preached in all the world before the end, and He says that His coming will be such that all people over the world will see it (Matthew 24:23-27). Its not something that could possibly be missed. You've probably heard that His coming will be like a thief in the night, meaning that most people will not expect it. And no one knows the day or hour. He says that His coming will be like the flood of Noah (Matthew 24:26-27). But here's something a lot people do not realize: We can know when His coming is soon. He does not come like a thief in the night for everyone; that's only for the ones that pay no attention, do not read Scripture and are ignorant. Paul writes to the Thessalonians and says that His coming will not be like a thief in the night for them, because they are not in darkness. They are "sons of the day" (1Thessalonians 5:1-5). So keep that in mind. You might not know the day or the hour of Christ's return, but He did specifically say "day or hour", not ruling out the possibility of knowing the year; and He does say that we will see the signs. The second coming, as well as the events that precede it, cannot take you off guard if you know what to look for.
The second advent
As already mentioned, there will be a tribulation period in which the antichrist will rule over the world. There will be some sort of global governing body headed by the first beast of Revelation. This kingdom, as I'll call it, is the fourth beast in Daniel 7. Somehow it will be connected to the ancient Roman Empire, just as the iron of Daniel 2 relates to the iron of Daniel 7. The city, which is figuratively called Babylon in Revelation, and where the antichrist will establish his throne, is Rome itself. Rome is known as the "city on seven hills" (Revelation 17:9). Through deception the antichrist will gain power (2Thessalonians 2:9-10). The tribulation period is seven years, but that is split into two halves. The middle of the seven year period is signified by the antichrist setting up an abomination in the temple (a third temple, which, I believe, will be built in the coming decades), and ending the sacrifices made (Daniel 9:27). Its also signified by the antichrist killing the two witnesses (Revelation 11:7-10). And then there are plagues, which are written of in Revelation. At the end of the seven year tribulation, after the antichrist has killed almost all the saints on earth, and after God has poured out plagues on the world in retribution, Christ will return. He comes as a conqueror, and to kill His enemies. All of the saints who were martyred, as well as the few who survived the tribulation, are riding behind Him. Along with the saints and I suppose many angels, Christ conquers the world and establishes His own rule of it. The greatness and glory of this event is something that is beyond imagination. I won't even try to put it into words.
The millennial reign
The thousand year rule of Christ is written of in Revelation 20:4-6. It makes sense, because of the prophecies, particularly in Isaiah, which speak of a kind of heaven on earth. Where there is complete peace and at least some of the effects of the curse are reversed. As well as an everlasting kingdom. Though a thousand years is not forever, the kingdom itself lives on with the new earth, new heaven, and New Jerusalem. Now its quite interesting, the Scripture in Revelation actually says that its the martyrs of the tribulation, who did not receive the mark of the beast, who will rule with Christ during the thousand years. I always wondered how that would work, because I always worked under the assumption that everyone that did receive the mark was killed at the coming of Christ. Yet Revelation does not say that everyone is killed. Many people are killed, certainly, with all the plagues and bloodshed. But it says that Christ rules the nations with a iron rod (Revelation 12:5), and the saints rule with Christ (Revelation 20:4). So if Christ and the saints rule together, who are they ruling over? I suppose there are survivors from the tribulation period, and these survivors repopulate the earth. As for the saints that rule with Christ - get this - they have already died and been brought back to life. That means they have already received their immortal bodies. So there are, in Jerusalem the capital, Christ and His immortal saints ruling over the entire world. The city Jerusalem, as I imagine it, will be a remarkable place. And I would suppose, though its not written anywhere, that only the saints will be allowed inside Jerusalem. All of the mortal humans will not be allowed inside. But the immortal saints will have the freedom to go and do as they please, for they will rule the world, with Christ of course. Some of that is my own speculation, but much of it is based on what is written in Revelation. We are told that the rest of the dead do not rise until the end of the thousand years. That is the great day of judgement. The thousand year reign is only for the martyrs of the tribulation, as well as the few survivors - those saints who go through the tribulation. So getting back to the rapture question, I told you I would explain why being left behind might not be so bad afterall. This is why. If a saint is taken in the rapture, I am not sure if that saint will partake of the millennial reign. I cannot say either way. I am pretty certain, however, that those saints who go through the tribulation will partake of the millennial reign. At the end of it all, there is a new earth, a new heaven, and a New Jerusalem. Everything is made new, and the saints live forever. What happens in the meantime can be a wonderful mystery unfolding.
For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. -Jesus in Matthew 24:21-31 (NKJV)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Things Prophesied by Jesus
Jesus Himself gave some specific prophecies. One way to test
the truthfulness of Jesus' claims is to see if His predictions came
true. Here are five prophecies that have been fulfilled, or are on the
verge of being fulfilled.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father..." John 4:21 (NKJV)
This is when Jesus was talking with the Samaritan woman at the well. She wanted to know which was the proper place to worship. The mountain where Samaritans worshiped was Mount Gerizim. But Jesus essentially tells her that its all irrelevant, because soon the Samaritans will not worship at Mount Gerizim and the Jews will not worship at Jerusalem. Jerusalem was destroyed in 70AD, and after the emperor Hadrian, Jews were forbidden from entering Jerusalem (which was given a different name as a Roman colony). And at some point during Roman rule the Samaritans were forbidden to worship at Mount Gerizim.
Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation." Luke 19:41-44 (NKJV)
The Jews revolted against the Romans starting in the year 66AD. This culminated in a Roman siege of Jerusalem. Vespasian led an army against the Jews and besieged Jerusalem. He left the siege when he was named "imperator" (emperor) by the legion. He left command to his son Titus, and Titus finished the job. The entire account can be read in Josephus' Jewish Wars. Jerusalem fell in the year 70AD. The Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem. Only a small percentage of Jews inside the city survived the siege, and they were sold into slavery. No one was left in the city, and it was only later refounded as a Roman colony. Maybe not in a literal sense, but certainly in a figurative sense, not one stone was left upon another. Jerusalem was completely destroyed.
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. -Jesus in Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)
The part where He says "shall not prevail against it" might sound like a successful defense. But gates are not offensive weapons. So the gates of hell cannot be going out against Christ's church. Gates are defensive, so if the gates of hell do not prevail against the church, then the church must prevail against the gates of hell. However you want to slice it, Jesus is basically saying that He will build His church and it will be a success. That might not seem like much of a prophecy. You might assume that anyone who founds a religion would very well prophesy success of it. But it does need to be remembered that this prophecy has been fulfilled. If we consider it to mean prevailing against the gates of hell, the church has very much done that. The church has prevailed, even when it seemed like the gates of hell might prevail.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. -Jesus in Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)
So has the gospel been preached in every nation? I guess some would say it has, some would say it hasn't. I'm not going to try to prove that this prophecy has been fulfilled. But I think its common sense to assume that it soon will be fulfilled. Maybe the gospel has not been preached in ALL the world, but it won't be long until it has.
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. -Jesus in Mark 14:9 (NKJV)
This is about the woman that anointed Jesus with expensive perform. This is one of only a few stories, other than the events of the Passion, that is mentioned in all four of the gospel accounts. As it is today, the four gospel accounts usually accompany each other, although sometimes only a single gospel is translated into an obscure language. In the early days of Christianity the gospel accounts were distributed mostly by themselves. But whether a person reads the gospel in all four accounts, or a person reads the gospel in only one account, that person will read of what this woman did. Indeed, wherever the gospel goes, her story goes with it.
There are other things that Jesus predicted which came to pass, like His death and resurrection, or the fact that Peter denied Him three times. The reason I mentioned these five examples and not the others, is because these examples have their fulfillment after the words were penned. How could Jesus or the apostles have known that a day would come when no one would worship God at Mount Gerizim or in Jerusalem? How could they have known that the church would continuously prevail? How could they have known that the gospel would go out into the whole world? Yes, if there was only one of these predictions, we might be able to say coincidence. But we have more than one fulfilled prophecy. Is it really coincidence?
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father..." John 4:21 (NKJV)
This is when Jesus was talking with the Samaritan woman at the well. She wanted to know which was the proper place to worship. The mountain where Samaritans worshiped was Mount Gerizim. But Jesus essentially tells her that its all irrelevant, because soon the Samaritans will not worship at Mount Gerizim and the Jews will not worship at Jerusalem. Jerusalem was destroyed in 70AD, and after the emperor Hadrian, Jews were forbidden from entering Jerusalem (which was given a different name as a Roman colony). And at some point during Roman rule the Samaritans were forbidden to worship at Mount Gerizim.
Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation." Luke 19:41-44 (NKJV)
The Jews revolted against the Romans starting in the year 66AD. This culminated in a Roman siege of Jerusalem. Vespasian led an army against the Jews and besieged Jerusalem. He left the siege when he was named "imperator" (emperor) by the legion. He left command to his son Titus, and Titus finished the job. The entire account can be read in Josephus' Jewish Wars. Jerusalem fell in the year 70AD. The Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem. Only a small percentage of Jews inside the city survived the siege, and they were sold into slavery. No one was left in the city, and it was only later refounded as a Roman colony. Maybe not in a literal sense, but certainly in a figurative sense, not one stone was left upon another. Jerusalem was completely destroyed.
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. -Jesus in Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)
The part where He says "shall not prevail against it" might sound like a successful defense. But gates are not offensive weapons. So the gates of hell cannot be going out against Christ's church. Gates are defensive, so if the gates of hell do not prevail against the church, then the church must prevail against the gates of hell. However you want to slice it, Jesus is basically saying that He will build His church and it will be a success. That might not seem like much of a prophecy. You might assume that anyone who founds a religion would very well prophesy success of it. But it does need to be remembered that this prophecy has been fulfilled. If we consider it to mean prevailing against the gates of hell, the church has very much done that. The church has prevailed, even when it seemed like the gates of hell might prevail.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. -Jesus in Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)
So has the gospel been preached in every nation? I guess some would say it has, some would say it hasn't. I'm not going to try to prove that this prophecy has been fulfilled. But I think its common sense to assume that it soon will be fulfilled. Maybe the gospel has not been preached in ALL the world, but it won't be long until it has.
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. -Jesus in Mark 14:9 (NKJV)
This is about the woman that anointed Jesus with expensive perform. This is one of only a few stories, other than the events of the Passion, that is mentioned in all four of the gospel accounts. As it is today, the four gospel accounts usually accompany each other, although sometimes only a single gospel is translated into an obscure language. In the early days of Christianity the gospel accounts were distributed mostly by themselves. But whether a person reads the gospel in all four accounts, or a person reads the gospel in only one account, that person will read of what this woman did. Indeed, wherever the gospel goes, her story goes with it.
There are other things that Jesus predicted which came to pass, like His death and resurrection, or the fact that Peter denied Him three times. The reason I mentioned these five examples and not the others, is because these examples have their fulfillment after the words were penned. How could Jesus or the apostles have known that a day would come when no one would worship God at Mount Gerizim or in Jerusalem? How could they have known that the church would continuously prevail? How could they have known that the gospel would go out into the whole world? Yes, if there was only one of these predictions, we might be able to say coincidence. But we have more than one fulfilled prophecy. Is it really coincidence?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Defining Love
Love is something that most people cherish. Without a doubt,
its a word that we throw around a lot. So it should be something that
we have a good understanding of. It should be well defined in our
minds.
There is more than one type of love. There is the love between friends. There is the love between family. There is the love between man and wife. There is the love shown to strangers. And finally, most importantly, there is the love of God. Every kind of good love comes from God. But there are other things that some people call love, which would more accurately be called lust. The want of sex, money and prestige is certainly not love; if it is love, its a bad kind of love.
Love is not a feeling. I'm sure you've seen it before in romance movies, someone is so overcome with love they can't help it. There's the words "I think I'm in love with you," and "I've fallen in love." The idea of being "in love" or "falling in love" is very far from biblical. Its the idea of Cupid and his arrows, as if love just mysteriously happens to a person. Love is a decision and a commitment, not a feeling. Feelings accompany love, but love is not based on feelings. Why? Think of how often your feelings change. Feelings are fickle. Rather, love is a choice. Its much like choosing to brush your teeth. Nobody ever says "I am suddenly overcome with the urge to brush my teeth," as if Colgate Cupid shot him with his arrow. But when you choose to brush your teeth, the sensation comes afterwards. After a person brushes his teeth, he might say, "My mouth feels fresh and clean." So the basis of the act of love is a person choosing love, not feeling love. The feelings come later. They are not necessary for the love to exist.
Love is a verb. Its something we do. Its an act of love to give. Its an act of love to care for someone. Its an act of love to sacrifice for someone. Its an act of love to worship God. Love is motion.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. -Jesus in John 15:13
Love cares for the ultimate good of someone. We tend to think of being kind as being loving, and its true that love involves kindness, but love also involves rebuke, correction and sometimes punishment. If a parent really loves his children, he will punish their misbehavior, because he doesn't want his children to develop bad habits. That's because he cares for the ultimate good of his children. In the same way, if someone loves their friend, and sees their friend living sinfully, he will warn him. Rebuke and punishment are not always seen as love in our society because they're unpleasant things, but it is love to care for the ultimate good of someone, even if it means some temporary pain. All that ends well is well.
There is more than one type of love. There is the love between friends. There is the love between family. There is the love between man and wife. There is the love shown to strangers. And finally, most importantly, there is the love of God. Every kind of good love comes from God. But there are other things that some people call love, which would more accurately be called lust. The want of sex, money and prestige is certainly not love; if it is love, its a bad kind of love.
Love is not a feeling. I'm sure you've seen it before in romance movies, someone is so overcome with love they can't help it. There's the words "I think I'm in love with you," and "I've fallen in love." The idea of being "in love" or "falling in love" is very far from biblical. Its the idea of Cupid and his arrows, as if love just mysteriously happens to a person. Love is a decision and a commitment, not a feeling. Feelings accompany love, but love is not based on feelings. Why? Think of how often your feelings change. Feelings are fickle. Rather, love is a choice. Its much like choosing to brush your teeth. Nobody ever says "I am suddenly overcome with the urge to brush my teeth," as if Colgate Cupid shot him with his arrow. But when you choose to brush your teeth, the sensation comes afterwards. After a person brushes his teeth, he might say, "My mouth feels fresh and clean." So the basis of the act of love is a person choosing love, not feeling love. The feelings come later. They are not necessary for the love to exist.
Love is a verb. Its something we do. Its an act of love to give. Its an act of love to care for someone. Its an act of love to sacrifice for someone. Its an act of love to worship God. Love is motion.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. -Jesus in John 15:13
Love cares for the ultimate good of someone. We tend to think of being kind as being loving, and its true that love involves kindness, but love also involves rebuke, correction and sometimes punishment. If a parent really loves his children, he will punish their misbehavior, because he doesn't want his children to develop bad habits. That's because he cares for the ultimate good of his children. In the same way, if someone loves their friend, and sees their friend living sinfully, he will warn him. Rebuke and punishment are not always seen as love in our society because they're unpleasant things, but it is love to care for the ultimate good of someone, even if it means some temporary pain. All that ends well is well.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
About God Pt 3: The Soft Side
In my previous note I pointed out that God is not a big teddy
bear. He is not always sweet and nice and soft and kind. Yet at the
same time, there is a side of Him that is genuinely soft. I mentioned a
couple of the instances where God punished Israel. The fact is, Israel
was constantly rebelling against God. This is where God's incredible
forgiveness shines. In Joshua God gives the Israelites repeated
victories so they could possess the promised land. In Judges we read
how the Israelites fell into sin several times. Each time God punished
them, and each time God saved them from their plight. Even though
Israel was not supposed to have a king, because Yahweh was their king,
they asked for a king. God gave it to them. God even gave Israel a
couple good kings in David and Solomon. When Israel rebelled against
God, He sent prophets to warn them. His love and forgiveness is so
evident in how He dealt with Israel; how Israel sinned again and again,
and God still kept His promise to bless them. And we see His love
extend outside of Israel in OT times. He sent the prophet Jonah to the
Ninevites. This is what He said to Jonah:
And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle? Jonah 4:11
God loves people and has much compassion for people. To truly realize it we must first understand how much that sin has made a chasm between God and man. Men are not supposed to sin. We were not made to sin, and if it weren't for Adam's sin, sin would not be natural for us. I can imagine how hard it is to show love and kindness to a sinful creature made out of dirt. I honestly do not think we deserve to be loved. But God has loved us. He proved it when He suffered and died on the cross. This was His way of mending a broken relationship. It was an act that covered our sins and gave us a way back into communion with God. Jesus said that there is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his friends, and that's exactly what Jesus did.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30
God gives grace to the humble. He comforts those who mourn. He gives strength to the weak. In Genesis 21, when Hagar and her son were cast out into the desert and the boy was about to die, God sent an angel to comfort her and a well to save them. When Hannah could not have a child, but she wanted one desperately, and she prayed to God with tears, God answered her prayer. She bore Samuel, and gave him to serve the Lord, and she had three other sons and two daughters. God chose David, the youngest and least impressive of Jesse's sons, to be the greatest king Israel ever had. And when Jesus was traveling through Samaria, He revealed an amazing truth to a Samaritan woman. A Jew would not normally talk to a Samaritan woman, and this woman had five previous husbands while living with a man that wasn't her husband. Despite her being in the lowest place in society, Jesus shared great things with her. Jesus chose men to be His disciples who were just common fishermen. Repeatedly God has shown much grace to people in the hardest situations.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17
God is a giver. He doesn't withhold good things from His people. Its one the secrets that we Christians have discovered. Its something that goes largely unnoticed. But if you seek God, and you seek the most wonderful gifts that He gives, He will give you them. I'm talking about spiritual gifts. God gives His people wisdom, courage, fortitude, patience, inner peace, love and grace. He provides His people with the skills they need to accomplish His will on earth. And the storehouse of His gifts is infinitely large. We come to Him as broken people, bleeding people, sometimes just wanting to touch the end of His garment, and we find healing. He says, "go in peace," and throughout our lives He gives us even more. That's the grace of God. Yes, it involves forgiveness, but people mistakenly think that forgiveness is the end of grace. No, grace is way more than forgiveness. Its the gift of the Holy Spirit. Its the abundant blessings that God bestows on His people, and the hope of eternal life. A God who gives earthly creatures the chance at eternal paradise is, in my estimation, a most loving and gracious God.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to whose who ask him! -Jesus in Matthew 7:7-11
And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle? Jonah 4:11
God loves people and has much compassion for people. To truly realize it we must first understand how much that sin has made a chasm between God and man. Men are not supposed to sin. We were not made to sin, and if it weren't for Adam's sin, sin would not be natural for us. I can imagine how hard it is to show love and kindness to a sinful creature made out of dirt. I honestly do not think we deserve to be loved. But God has loved us. He proved it when He suffered and died on the cross. This was His way of mending a broken relationship. It was an act that covered our sins and gave us a way back into communion with God. Jesus said that there is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his friends, and that's exactly what Jesus did.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30
God gives grace to the humble. He comforts those who mourn. He gives strength to the weak. In Genesis 21, when Hagar and her son were cast out into the desert and the boy was about to die, God sent an angel to comfort her and a well to save them. When Hannah could not have a child, but she wanted one desperately, and she prayed to God with tears, God answered her prayer. She bore Samuel, and gave him to serve the Lord, and she had three other sons and two daughters. God chose David, the youngest and least impressive of Jesse's sons, to be the greatest king Israel ever had. And when Jesus was traveling through Samaria, He revealed an amazing truth to a Samaritan woman. A Jew would not normally talk to a Samaritan woman, and this woman had five previous husbands while living with a man that wasn't her husband. Despite her being in the lowest place in society, Jesus shared great things with her. Jesus chose men to be His disciples who were just common fishermen. Repeatedly God has shown much grace to people in the hardest situations.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17
God is a giver. He doesn't withhold good things from His people. Its one the secrets that we Christians have discovered. Its something that goes largely unnoticed. But if you seek God, and you seek the most wonderful gifts that He gives, He will give you them. I'm talking about spiritual gifts. God gives His people wisdom, courage, fortitude, patience, inner peace, love and grace. He provides His people with the skills they need to accomplish His will on earth. And the storehouse of His gifts is infinitely large. We come to Him as broken people, bleeding people, sometimes just wanting to touch the end of His garment, and we find healing. He says, "go in peace," and throughout our lives He gives us even more. That's the grace of God. Yes, it involves forgiveness, but people mistakenly think that forgiveness is the end of grace. No, grace is way more than forgiveness. Its the gift of the Holy Spirit. Its the abundant blessings that God bestows on His people, and the hope of eternal life. A God who gives earthly creatures the chance at eternal paradise is, in my estimation, a most loving and gracious God.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to whose who ask him! -Jesus in Matthew 7:7-11
Monday, September 3, 2012
About God Pt 2: The Hard Side
Its common to hear people talk about the love of God. People
often quote John 3:16. And this has led to an impression among most
that God is a sort of teddy bear; that He's there to just be loving and
nice. Its unfortunate because this perception of God is contrary to
what Scripture says.
God does not let sin go unpunished. A story I'm sure you'll remember is Noah and his ark. Its a pleasant warm-fuzzy kind of story, a big boat and all kinds of animals, until you get to the part about God killing almost all the people on earth. The world population at that time had grown incredibly sinful. The Bible says that God even regretted making man (Genesis 6:6). That has to be one of the saddest verses in the Bible, if not the saddest.
When God was giving the Israelites regulations during the exodus, on sacrificing and worshiping, it was a very serious business. God Himself was there at the Tabernacle. And at one time the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, were caught up in excitement and offered unauthorized incense. Fire immediately came from the presence of God and destroyed them. Not only that, but Aaron did not mourn for his sons because of the fear of God. To be frank, the regulations concerning Tabernacle offerings were more important than Nadab and Abihu. The commands were holy; they came directly from God. The sons of Aaron broke the command directly in front of God. You can read it in Leviticus chapter ten.
On another occasion during the exodus a Levite, Korah, led a rebellion against God's authority, that is, Moses. God had established Moses as an authority over Israel; to rebel against Moses was to rebel against God. Read it in Numbers chapter sixteen. You can even see a sense of panic in Moses when he finds out that Korah and his followers are rebelling, because he knows what God will do to them. Moses even begs the LORD to spare the followers. But as for Korah and those who remained with him, the earth literally opened up and swallowed them. If not for Moses begging for God's mercy, even more people would have been destroyed.
I could go through example after example, particularly in the Old Testament, but even in the New Testament too, of God's wrath and judgement. There is a very good reason Jesus tells us to fear God (Luke 12:5).
We find in Jesus the perfect manifestation of God. Jesus tells us, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). And we can see that Jesus has a hard side. Read Matthew 23, and that should give you an idea. Consider Jesus driving the traders out of the temple; the Scripture says of Him, "Zeal for your house will consume me." The traders who were driven out by a whip probably felt some of that zeal.
People need to read the Bible. God is not there to serve man; man is here to serve God, even though He needs nothing from us. God's job is not to make sure your life is easy or pleasant or any of that. God is God, simply put. He does not tolerate disobedience. And why should He? He made everything there is, including every person that ever lived. That's why He has total dominion over all life. So when He makes a law or establishes a certain order, it is the fool that rebels against Him. And the rebellious soul is destroyed. That's why we read it over and over again, "fear God."
God does not let sin go unpunished. A story I'm sure you'll remember is Noah and his ark. Its a pleasant warm-fuzzy kind of story, a big boat and all kinds of animals, until you get to the part about God killing almost all the people on earth. The world population at that time had grown incredibly sinful. The Bible says that God even regretted making man (Genesis 6:6). That has to be one of the saddest verses in the Bible, if not the saddest.
When God was giving the Israelites regulations during the exodus, on sacrificing and worshiping, it was a very serious business. God Himself was there at the Tabernacle. And at one time the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, were caught up in excitement and offered unauthorized incense. Fire immediately came from the presence of God and destroyed them. Not only that, but Aaron did not mourn for his sons because of the fear of God. To be frank, the regulations concerning Tabernacle offerings were more important than Nadab and Abihu. The commands were holy; they came directly from God. The sons of Aaron broke the command directly in front of God. You can read it in Leviticus chapter ten.
On another occasion during the exodus a Levite, Korah, led a rebellion against God's authority, that is, Moses. God had established Moses as an authority over Israel; to rebel against Moses was to rebel against God. Read it in Numbers chapter sixteen. You can even see a sense of panic in Moses when he finds out that Korah and his followers are rebelling, because he knows what God will do to them. Moses even begs the LORD to spare the followers. But as for Korah and those who remained with him, the earth literally opened up and swallowed them. If not for Moses begging for God's mercy, even more people would have been destroyed.
I could go through example after example, particularly in the Old Testament, but even in the New Testament too, of God's wrath and judgement. There is a very good reason Jesus tells us to fear God (Luke 12:5).
We find in Jesus the perfect manifestation of God. Jesus tells us, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). And we can see that Jesus has a hard side. Read Matthew 23, and that should give you an idea. Consider Jesus driving the traders out of the temple; the Scripture says of Him, "Zeal for your house will consume me." The traders who were driven out by a whip probably felt some of that zeal.
People need to read the Bible. God is not there to serve man; man is here to serve God, even though He needs nothing from us. God's job is not to make sure your life is easy or pleasant or any of that. God is God, simply put. He does not tolerate disobedience. And why should He? He made everything there is, including every person that ever lived. That's why He has total dominion over all life. So when He makes a law or establishes a certain order, it is the fool that rebels against Him. And the rebellious soul is destroyed. That's why we read it over and over again, "fear God."
Saturday, September 1, 2012
About God
Let me start with the first and I suppose the greatest thing
God has done: He created the universe. He spoke it into existence. If
that doesn't show the ultimate greatness in power, I don't know what
does. In addition to making a universe that is beyond big - beyond our
ability to measure - He created an Earth that is full of diversity.
There's even a whole bunch of interesting things that go on at the
microscopic level. The world shows us the remarkable creativity of our
LORD.
Its pretty obvious, I'm writing a note about God. This is the greatest subject that I can possibly write on. And its the most sensitive subject for me, because I sincerely fear God. I must be very careful of what I write and how I write it. But its also a pleasure to write about God.
So I opened the note by speaking of His act of creation. He created the universe, which makes Him the universal God - the one and only God. Yet He has revealed Himself to us in particular ways. This makes Him a particular God. He is not a vague concept or some God of all religions. He has called Himself the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He revealed His name to Moses. In English we call Him Yahweh or Jehovah. He led the Israelites out of Egypt, out of slavery, and into the promised land. So it is said that He is the God of Israel. He did not choose to reveal Himself through the stars. He did not reveal Himself in a vague way through the imaginations of people all over the world. He revealed Himself in specific ways, through a chosen nation, because He is a personal God. As the Scripture says of Abraham, "through you I will bless the nations." God chose a nation, that nation is Israel. And He has revealed Himself through Israel, by deeds, by prophets, by Scripture, and most of all by the Christ. But never did He go around Israel; He blesses the nations through Israel.
There is way too much to write about God that I could possibly include in this note. A good way to learn about God is to read the Bible. He has not left us on our own. He is not distant or unknown. He is near to the person that does His will. His Spirit dwells with him. Even though He needs nothing from man, for some reason He loves man. He was willing to suffer and die on a cross the reconcile man unto Himself. And so He stands at the door waiting for you to knock. He abundantly reveals Himself to the person that seeks to know Him.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. -Jesus in Matthew 7:7
I've decided that I will continue this in another note, because there is so much to say.
Its pretty obvious, I'm writing a note about God. This is the greatest subject that I can possibly write on. And its the most sensitive subject for me, because I sincerely fear God. I must be very careful of what I write and how I write it. But its also a pleasure to write about God.
So I opened the note by speaking of His act of creation. He created the universe, which makes Him the universal God - the one and only God. Yet He has revealed Himself to us in particular ways. This makes Him a particular God. He is not a vague concept or some God of all religions. He has called Himself the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He revealed His name to Moses. In English we call Him Yahweh or Jehovah. He led the Israelites out of Egypt, out of slavery, and into the promised land. So it is said that He is the God of Israel. He did not choose to reveal Himself through the stars. He did not reveal Himself in a vague way through the imaginations of people all over the world. He revealed Himself in specific ways, through a chosen nation, because He is a personal God. As the Scripture says of Abraham, "through you I will bless the nations." God chose a nation, that nation is Israel. And He has revealed Himself through Israel, by deeds, by prophets, by Scripture, and most of all by the Christ. But never did He go around Israel; He blesses the nations through Israel.
There is way too much to write about God that I could possibly include in this note. A good way to learn about God is to read the Bible. He has not left us on our own. He is not distant or unknown. He is near to the person that does His will. His Spirit dwells with him. Even though He needs nothing from man, for some reason He loves man. He was willing to suffer and die on a cross the reconcile man unto Himself. And so He stands at the door waiting for you to knock. He abundantly reveals Himself to the person that seeks to know Him.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. -Jesus in Matthew 7:7
I've decided that I will continue this in another note, because there is so much to say.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Connecting Israel and Biblical Prophecy
Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and
will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called
the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy
mountain. Zechariah 8:3
What has happened, and continues to happen, in our lifetime is no ordinary thing. Jerusalem is not populated for no reason. Israel does not defend herself for no reason. I'll go through many of the prophecies concerning Israel, mostly what is in the Old Testament, and relate them to the present day. Not every prophecy concerning Israel will be covered, but a number will. And some of the things I'll say are speculation. Other things are more certain. But you be the judge of that.
There's three main parts to this:
1) Israel leading up to the war
2) Israel during the war
3) Israel after the war
Israel leading up to the war
The final chapters of Ezekiel provide us with a sort of timeline. At least from chapter 36 on the order of events is chronological.
"And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord. Ezekiel 36:1
The prophecy is addressed to the mountains of Israel...
"But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they will soon come home. Ezekiel 36:8
The mountains of Israel shall prosper, and the people of Israel shall return to them...
"And I will multiply people on you, the whole house of Israel, all of it. The cities shall be inhabited and the waste places rebuilt. Ezekiel 36:10
Their numbers shall increase in the land of Israel...
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26
Israel is given a new heart and a new spirit...
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live." So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. Ezekiel 37:9-10
The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is a representation of Israel. The bones coming to life at the command of Ezekiel are the Israeli People. It is in essence another way of showing that the heart of stone is taken away and a heart of flesh is given. This is a prophecy of the spiritual condition of Israel. Ezekiel gives us the most thorough description of what has happened over the last 60 years. The Jews have returned to their homeland. The land of Israel is prosperous. And more and more we see a new heart and new spirit in the Israeli People.
"I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them," says the Lord your God. Amos 9:14-15
And behold, the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him and said to him, "Run, say to that young man, 'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.'" Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north, declares the Lord. For I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, declares the Lord. Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon. For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: "Behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall become plunder for those who served them. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And the Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem. Zechariah 2:3-12
I always loved the sense of urgency and excitement in that prophecy. God establishing Israel again is an exciting thing. He is doing marvelous things, and He shall do even more marvelous things. Consider also the fact that He says many nations will join themselves to Israel in "that day". Exactly what "that day" is, I'm not sure, but I think we can be certain that this prophecy, as well as the ones in Ezekiel and Amos, are not referring to the first resettlement of Israel. The language simply does not match; the language speaks of "never again be uprooted" (the Jews were uprooted by the Romans), and the glorious triumph of Zechariah's prophecy does not match Israel's first resettlement. It is possible, at least in part, that these prophecies speak of the final resettlement of Israel, which will happen at the return of Christ (see Revelation 20:1-6). I'll let you be the judge of that, but we can be certain that these prophecies are not speaking about the first resettlement and the second temple.
The war
When we move into Ezekiel 38 and 39 there is a sudden shift. No longer does Ezekiel prophesy Israel returning, but now he speaks of a great war. Gog and many nations with him come against the resettled Israel.
The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes— many peoples are with you. Ezekiel 38:1-6
And what happens...
"But on that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord God, my wrath will be roused in my anger. For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord God. Every man's sword will be against his brother. With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur. So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 38:18-23
Do I need to add anything to that? I won't add anything, except to say that Gog represents Turkey. Now there are other prophecies that make perfect sense in light of this one from Ezekiel.
"Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. On that day, declares the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Zechariah 12:2-4
Do you see the similarity? Look at what else is written:
As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things. The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall lay their hands on their mouths; their ears shall be deaf; they shall lick the dust like a serpent, like the crawling things of the earth; they shall come trembling out of their strongholds; they shall turn in dread to the Lord our God, and they shall be in fear of you. Micah 7:15-17
Does that not sound exactly like Ezekiel 38? Does it not sound exactly like "and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence"? Doesn't it sound exactly like "I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord"?
Israel after the war
This war has a profound impact on Israel. What is prophesied to happen in Ezekiel 38 and 39 - what will happen, I believe, before this decade is over - first causes Israel to mourn.
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. Zechariah 12:10-11
Who is the firstborn son that they mourn for? It is Jesus. This is the day that the Jews realize they were wrong for nearly 2,000 years. In some way, I'm not exactly sure how, God will reveal that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God, and Israel will know it. And they will mourn bitterly. Following that...
"And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God." Zechariah 6:15
The third temple is built! It will be built by Jews and Christians together, by those living in Israel and by those that are far off. And look, what do we find in Ezekiel chapters 40 and on? A description of a temple that has never before been built! And as for the Dome of the Rock, that will not be an issue; remember what happens in the great war of Gog? There is an earthquake that brings down every wall in Israel, which will include the Dome of the Rock. So the Temple Mount will be bare and prepared for its third temple. Following that...
"For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:6-9
Riches will come from all over the world. The third temple will at the very least rival Solomon's Temple, if not surpass it.
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. Zechariah 8:23
All of the nations will know that God is with Israel. There will be a temple in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be the capital of all Christendom. And people will come from all the nations to seek God in Israel.
There might be some that will say that these prophecies apply to the millennial reign. And they might be right. I've found that it is difficult to distinguish between the descriptions of the second resettlement and subsequent events and the resettlement that happens at the second coming of Christ and subsequent millennial reign. I could be confusing the two, at least in part. It also could be that things which are about to happen are a foreshadowing of things that will happen at the second coming of Christ. If that's the case, it would explain why they have such similar descriptions. I'll let you be the judge of that.
A couple other prophecies
Here are a couple more prophecies that certainly relate, though they might not exactly fit into any of the three main parts I mentioned. You can place them in the timeline however you think they fit. But I do think they relate, and it should be fun to cover them.
"Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. Isaiah 55:5
Is it possible that this nation is the United States of America? Not only is it possible, for a number of reasons, its highly likely.
1) The United States has run to Israel. By anyone's estimation the US and Israel have an ironclad bond.
2) The US is a nation that Israel has not known. For one thing, the US has only existed for the last 240 years. And the US is no where near the land of Israel. All of the nations that Israel has historically known are middle-eastern, European or African.
3) But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. Revelation 12:14
^^The woman in Revelation 12 is Israel, which is clear from verse one. I shouldn't have to tell you what I think the wings of a great eagle represent.
4) Find a one dollar bill. Look at the back of it. Look at the great eagle. What is directly above its head? This is, by the way, the Great Seal of the United States of America.
Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. "They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. Malachi 3:16-18
I included this last prophecy because its possible that it relates to us. Who are the God-fearing people that speak to one another? Unlike a number of people, I hate to give general meanings to passages like this. I believe that these God-fearing people are a specific people at a specific time, and not some general reference to God-fearing people who speak to each other. And here's what I wonder: could it be referring to our time? I don't know. But I do think that its possible. And what's cool is that we, who do fear God, are speaking to each other. We are speaking to each other over the internet; really, to an extent that Christians have never communicated before. I think this is a wonderful thing. Just think, maybe - its quite possible - a book of remembrance is being written about all the things that we say to each other. In other words, its like God is taking notes. And isn't that so cool? God would actually care that He would pay attention to the things that we are saying, as if what we say matters? We can't say for sure if this prophecy is speaking of our own time, but it is possible and we should keep that in mind. Speak well, my friends. And keeping speaking to each other. It is crucial that we share with one another our thoughts and feelings. We are one body, one church, and of one Spirit.
I pray that this at least causes some interest. I pray that it helps in some way. May God bless you.
What has happened, and continues to happen, in our lifetime is no ordinary thing. Jerusalem is not populated for no reason. Israel does not defend herself for no reason. I'll go through many of the prophecies concerning Israel, mostly what is in the Old Testament, and relate them to the present day. Not every prophecy concerning Israel will be covered, but a number will. And some of the things I'll say are speculation. Other things are more certain. But you be the judge of that.
There's three main parts to this:
1) Israel leading up to the war
2) Israel during the war
3) Israel after the war
Israel leading up to the war
The final chapters of Ezekiel provide us with a sort of timeline. At least from chapter 36 on the order of events is chronological.
"And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord. Ezekiel 36:1
The prophecy is addressed to the mountains of Israel...
"But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they will soon come home. Ezekiel 36:8
The mountains of Israel shall prosper, and the people of Israel shall return to them...
"And I will multiply people on you, the whole house of Israel, all of it. The cities shall be inhabited and the waste places rebuilt. Ezekiel 36:10
Their numbers shall increase in the land of Israel...
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26
Israel is given a new heart and a new spirit...
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live." So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. Ezekiel 37:9-10
The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is a representation of Israel. The bones coming to life at the command of Ezekiel are the Israeli People. It is in essence another way of showing that the heart of stone is taken away and a heart of flesh is given. This is a prophecy of the spiritual condition of Israel. Ezekiel gives us the most thorough description of what has happened over the last 60 years. The Jews have returned to their homeland. The land of Israel is prosperous. And more and more we see a new heart and new spirit in the Israeli People.
"I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them," says the Lord your God. Amos 9:14-15
And behold, the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him and said to him, "Run, say to that young man, 'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.'" Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north, declares the Lord. For I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, declares the Lord. Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon. For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: "Behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall become plunder for those who served them. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And the Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem. Zechariah 2:3-12
I always loved the sense of urgency and excitement in that prophecy. God establishing Israel again is an exciting thing. He is doing marvelous things, and He shall do even more marvelous things. Consider also the fact that He says many nations will join themselves to Israel in "that day". Exactly what "that day" is, I'm not sure, but I think we can be certain that this prophecy, as well as the ones in Ezekiel and Amos, are not referring to the first resettlement of Israel. The language simply does not match; the language speaks of "never again be uprooted" (the Jews were uprooted by the Romans), and the glorious triumph of Zechariah's prophecy does not match Israel's first resettlement. It is possible, at least in part, that these prophecies speak of the final resettlement of Israel, which will happen at the return of Christ (see Revelation 20:1-6). I'll let you be the judge of that, but we can be certain that these prophecies are not speaking about the first resettlement and the second temple.
The war
When we move into Ezekiel 38 and 39 there is a sudden shift. No longer does Ezekiel prophesy Israel returning, but now he speaks of a great war. Gog and many nations with him come against the resettled Israel.
The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes— many peoples are with you. Ezekiel 38:1-6
And what happens...
"But on that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord God, my wrath will be roused in my anger. For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord God. Every man's sword will be against his brother. With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur. So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 38:18-23
Do I need to add anything to that? I won't add anything, except to say that Gog represents Turkey. Now there are other prophecies that make perfect sense in light of this one from Ezekiel.
"Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. On that day, declares the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Zechariah 12:2-4
Do you see the similarity? Look at what else is written:
As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things. The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall lay their hands on their mouths; their ears shall be deaf; they shall lick the dust like a serpent, like the crawling things of the earth; they shall come trembling out of their strongholds; they shall turn in dread to the Lord our God, and they shall be in fear of you. Micah 7:15-17
Does that not sound exactly like Ezekiel 38? Does it not sound exactly like "and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence"? Doesn't it sound exactly like "I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord"?
Israel after the war
This war has a profound impact on Israel. What is prophesied to happen in Ezekiel 38 and 39 - what will happen, I believe, before this decade is over - first causes Israel to mourn.
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. Zechariah 12:10-11
Who is the firstborn son that they mourn for? It is Jesus. This is the day that the Jews realize they were wrong for nearly 2,000 years. In some way, I'm not exactly sure how, God will reveal that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God, and Israel will know it. And they will mourn bitterly. Following that...
"And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God." Zechariah 6:15
The third temple is built! It will be built by Jews and Christians together, by those living in Israel and by those that are far off. And look, what do we find in Ezekiel chapters 40 and on? A description of a temple that has never before been built! And as for the Dome of the Rock, that will not be an issue; remember what happens in the great war of Gog? There is an earthquake that brings down every wall in Israel, which will include the Dome of the Rock. So the Temple Mount will be bare and prepared for its third temple. Following that...
"For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:6-9
Riches will come from all over the world. The third temple will at the very least rival Solomon's Temple, if not surpass it.
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. Zechariah 8:23
All of the nations will know that God is with Israel. There will be a temple in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be the capital of all Christendom. And people will come from all the nations to seek God in Israel.
There might be some that will say that these prophecies apply to the millennial reign. And they might be right. I've found that it is difficult to distinguish between the descriptions of the second resettlement and subsequent events and the resettlement that happens at the second coming of Christ and subsequent millennial reign. I could be confusing the two, at least in part. It also could be that things which are about to happen are a foreshadowing of things that will happen at the second coming of Christ. If that's the case, it would explain why they have such similar descriptions. I'll let you be the judge of that.
A couple other prophecies
Here are a couple more prophecies that certainly relate, though they might not exactly fit into any of the three main parts I mentioned. You can place them in the timeline however you think they fit. But I do think they relate, and it should be fun to cover them.
"Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. Isaiah 55:5
Is it possible that this nation is the United States of America? Not only is it possible, for a number of reasons, its highly likely.
1) The United States has run to Israel. By anyone's estimation the US and Israel have an ironclad bond.
2) The US is a nation that Israel has not known. For one thing, the US has only existed for the last 240 years. And the US is no where near the land of Israel. All of the nations that Israel has historically known are middle-eastern, European or African.
3) But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. Revelation 12:14
^^The woman in Revelation 12 is Israel, which is clear from verse one. I shouldn't have to tell you what I think the wings of a great eagle represent.
4) Find a one dollar bill. Look at the back of it. Look at the great eagle. What is directly above its head? This is, by the way, the Great Seal of the United States of America.
Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. "They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. Malachi 3:16-18
I included this last prophecy because its possible that it relates to us. Who are the God-fearing people that speak to one another? Unlike a number of people, I hate to give general meanings to passages like this. I believe that these God-fearing people are a specific people at a specific time, and not some general reference to God-fearing people who speak to each other. And here's what I wonder: could it be referring to our time? I don't know. But I do think that its possible. And what's cool is that we, who do fear God, are speaking to each other. We are speaking to each other over the internet; really, to an extent that Christians have never communicated before. I think this is a wonderful thing. Just think, maybe - its quite possible - a book of remembrance is being written about all the things that we say to each other. In other words, its like God is taking notes. And isn't that so cool? God would actually care that He would pay attention to the things that we are saying, as if what we say matters? We can't say for sure if this prophecy is speaking of our own time, but it is possible and we should keep that in mind. Speak well, my friends. And keeping speaking to each other. It is crucial that we share with one another our thoughts and feelings. We are one body, one church, and of one Spirit.
I pray that this at least causes some interest. I pray that it helps in some way. May God bless you.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Ezekiel 33
I read through
Ezekiel 33 and there were 3 major themes that stood out to me (fitting, 3
for chapter 33). I just wanted to share a few of the passages in that
chapter, because I think these are important and relevant messages for
Christians today:
Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 33:7-9
See, we are our brothers' keepers. If we see sin - the kind of sin that leads to death (1John 5:16-17) - we must warn the person who sins. And why warn him? To dissuade him from the sinful lifestyle. The truth of the Bible is common sense. Brothers and sisters, it is not love to sit back and say nothing when you see someone living in sin. That is not love at all. Some people have mistakenly got the idea that its mean and harsh to point out someone's sin, but in fact it is a very loving thing to do. Do you want that person to go to hell? If not, then speak up, and try to dissuade him from the sinful lifestyle. Furthermore, God may hold you responsible if you do not say anything. In this chapter God is telling Ezekiel that he will be held accountable if he does not warn the people of their sin and the result of their sin.
Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, 'The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him when he disobeys, and the wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns from it. The righteous man, if he sins, will not be allowed to live because of his former righteousness.' If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done. And if I say to the wicked man, 'You will surely die,' but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right - if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live. Ezekiel 33:12-16
This is both a word of encouragement and a word of warning. Its encouragement for the sinner: if he turns from his sinful lifestyle, repents and seeks God, he will be saved. He does not have to think that his situation is hopeless. There is hope. But its a word of warning to those who trust in their past righteousness. Its also a word of warning to those who believe 'once saved, always saved,' also known as the doctrine of Eternal Security. This passage shoots all kinds of holes in this false doctrine. And the danger for those who believe this doctrine is that they trust in some past righteousness. Once they think they are saved, they believe they will always be saved. And so they have no reason to check themselves. And they let themselves slip into a sinful lifestyle. Its a very dangerous false doctrine, my brothers and sisters. Never become too confident in past deeds. You can lose your salvation.
As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.' My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:30-32
Wow. It sounds like people who go to church every Sunday, hear the message, say "what wonderful music." It sounds like people who tune into the Christian radio station. It sounds like people who even read the Bible. But its only love songs and an instrument played well. Because they do not do what the word says. They are hearers of the word, but not doers of the word (James 1:22). So all of their hearing, all of their speaking well of Ezekiel, means nothing. It is no good for them, because they keep on disobeying the word.
Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 33:7-9
See, we are our brothers' keepers. If we see sin - the kind of sin that leads to death (1John 5:16-17) - we must warn the person who sins. And why warn him? To dissuade him from the sinful lifestyle. The truth of the Bible is common sense. Brothers and sisters, it is not love to sit back and say nothing when you see someone living in sin. That is not love at all. Some people have mistakenly got the idea that its mean and harsh to point out someone's sin, but in fact it is a very loving thing to do. Do you want that person to go to hell? If not, then speak up, and try to dissuade him from the sinful lifestyle. Furthermore, God may hold you responsible if you do not say anything. In this chapter God is telling Ezekiel that he will be held accountable if he does not warn the people of their sin and the result of their sin.
Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, 'The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him when he disobeys, and the wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns from it. The righteous man, if he sins, will not be allowed to live because of his former righteousness.' If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done. And if I say to the wicked man, 'You will surely die,' but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right - if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live. Ezekiel 33:12-16
This is both a word of encouragement and a word of warning. Its encouragement for the sinner: if he turns from his sinful lifestyle, repents and seeks God, he will be saved. He does not have to think that his situation is hopeless. There is hope. But its a word of warning to those who trust in their past righteousness. Its also a word of warning to those who believe 'once saved, always saved,' also known as the doctrine of Eternal Security. This passage shoots all kinds of holes in this false doctrine. And the danger for those who believe this doctrine is that they trust in some past righteousness. Once they think they are saved, they believe they will always be saved. And so they have no reason to check themselves. And they let themselves slip into a sinful lifestyle. Its a very dangerous false doctrine, my brothers and sisters. Never become too confident in past deeds. You can lose your salvation.
As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.' My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:30-32
Wow. It sounds like people who go to church every Sunday, hear the message, say "what wonderful music." It sounds like people who tune into the Christian radio station. It sounds like people who even read the Bible. But its only love songs and an instrument played well. Because they do not do what the word says. They are hearers of the word, but not doers of the word (James 1:22). So all of their hearing, all of their speaking well of Ezekiel, means nothing. It is no good for them, because they keep on disobeying the word.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Worldly or Godly
I've often heard people describe something as good or bad, like it
falls into this or that category. For example, some might
think love is good. And some might think fear is bad. But for a better
understanding, it helps to be more specific. Throughout the Bible,
particularly in the New Testament, you'll find that there are two types
of fear and two types of love. One is good and the other bad; and fear
all by itself is neither good or bad, but the object of the fear must be
identified. Think about worship: Is it good or bad? Worship can be
either good or bad, it entirely depends on what is being worshiped.
Wisdom is another example of this. There is worldly wisdom and there is godly wisdom. The two are very different. Worldly wisdom puffs a person up; makes him think he is smarter than he really is. Godly wisdom humbles a person, because he knows how little He is in the grand scheme of things. Worldly wisdom usually involves knowledge of schemes to make money or gain notoriety. But godly wisdom is concerned with how to serve God and bring glory to God. Worldly wisdom only sees the physical things directly ahead, but godly wisdom sees the big picture, which is eternity. Worldly wisdom is an obstacle to knowing God, because it deceives a man into thinking that he doesn't need God. But godly wisdom begins with the fear of God, and all throughout acknowledges the need for God. The man who has godly wisdom is focused on immortality. The man who has worldly wisdom is focused on temporal pleasure.
If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 1Corinthians 3:18
Now lets consider trust. Is trust good? That depends: Trusting in what? Again, there are two kinds of trust (faith). There is a worldly trust, and there is a godly trust. Trust in God is obviously godly trust. But a wise man will be slow to put his trust in something other than God. We may trust a person for small tasks, but no one should trust a person, or an institution, in the place of God. This is where Catholics err. They trust in the Vatican, and this is a worldly trust because they trust the Vatican in place of God.
We can extend the principle to worship just as well. There is a good kind of worship, that which is focused on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And there is a bad kind of worship, which is focused on created things. Worship itself is neither bad nor good, but can be bad or good. It simply depends on what is being worshiped.
Now how about love? Love is good, right? Not always. In 1John, in the same book where John wrote "God is love," John writes:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:15
So there are two kinds of love. There is godly love, and there is worldly love. Godly love is concerned with the soul and the ultimate well-being of the person. But worldly love is concerned with the flesh. Worldly love is full of deceit and lust. Godly love begins with God. Worldly love comes in the absence of God.
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4
But fear is always a bad thing, right? Wrong. The Bible consistently teaches the fear of God. This is both in the Old Testament and in the New. There is a messianic prophecy in Isaiah 11, which gives us some valuable insight into Jesus.
and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:3
Where in the New Testament do we see Jesus delighting in the fear of God?
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. -Jesus in Luke 12:5
Jesus repeats it to emphasize the point. He also warns the Pharisees and teachers of the law with a number of woes (Matthew 23). Jesus certainly did not shy away from the fear of God; He delighted in it. But someone might wonder, why is that the "cowardly" are among the evildoers (Revelation 21:8)? Because a man that fears God will be afraid of nothing else. It is just like worship. Just as worshiping God is good, so fearing God is good. And just as worshiping created beings is evil, so fearing created beings is evil. Its not that fear itself is bad or good; its the object of the fear that matters.
Just remember, there can be two different sides of the same coin. With the things I mentioned, one side is godly, and the other side is worldly. We should seek godly fear, godly love, godly wisdom, godly faith and godly worship. And we should avoid worldly fear, worldly love, worldly wisdom, worldly faith and worldly worship. None of these things by themselves are either good or bad. Its the source and the purpose of the fear, love, wisdom, faith and worship that really matters.
Wisdom is another example of this. There is worldly wisdom and there is godly wisdom. The two are very different. Worldly wisdom puffs a person up; makes him think he is smarter than he really is. Godly wisdom humbles a person, because he knows how little He is in the grand scheme of things. Worldly wisdom usually involves knowledge of schemes to make money or gain notoriety. But godly wisdom is concerned with how to serve God and bring glory to God. Worldly wisdom only sees the physical things directly ahead, but godly wisdom sees the big picture, which is eternity. Worldly wisdom is an obstacle to knowing God, because it deceives a man into thinking that he doesn't need God. But godly wisdom begins with the fear of God, and all throughout acknowledges the need for God. The man who has godly wisdom is focused on immortality. The man who has worldly wisdom is focused on temporal pleasure.
If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 1Corinthians 3:18
Now lets consider trust. Is trust good? That depends: Trusting in what? Again, there are two kinds of trust (faith). There is a worldly trust, and there is a godly trust. Trust in God is obviously godly trust. But a wise man will be slow to put his trust in something other than God. We may trust a person for small tasks, but no one should trust a person, or an institution, in the place of God. This is where Catholics err. They trust in the Vatican, and this is a worldly trust because they trust the Vatican in place of God.
We can extend the principle to worship just as well. There is a good kind of worship, that which is focused on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And there is a bad kind of worship, which is focused on created things. Worship itself is neither bad nor good, but can be bad or good. It simply depends on what is being worshiped.
Now how about love? Love is good, right? Not always. In 1John, in the same book where John wrote "God is love," John writes:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:15
So there are two kinds of love. There is godly love, and there is worldly love. Godly love is concerned with the soul and the ultimate well-being of the person. But worldly love is concerned with the flesh. Worldly love is full of deceit and lust. Godly love begins with God. Worldly love comes in the absence of God.
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4
But fear is always a bad thing, right? Wrong. The Bible consistently teaches the fear of God. This is both in the Old Testament and in the New. There is a messianic prophecy in Isaiah 11, which gives us some valuable insight into Jesus.
and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:3
Where in the New Testament do we see Jesus delighting in the fear of God?
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. -Jesus in Luke 12:5
Jesus repeats it to emphasize the point. He also warns the Pharisees and teachers of the law with a number of woes (Matthew 23). Jesus certainly did not shy away from the fear of God; He delighted in it. But someone might wonder, why is that the "cowardly" are among the evildoers (Revelation 21:8)? Because a man that fears God will be afraid of nothing else. It is just like worship. Just as worshiping God is good, so fearing God is good. And just as worshiping created beings is evil, so fearing created beings is evil. Its not that fear itself is bad or good; its the object of the fear that matters.
Just remember, there can be two different sides of the same coin. With the things I mentioned, one side is godly, and the other side is worldly. We should seek godly fear, godly love, godly wisdom, godly faith and godly worship. And we should avoid worldly fear, worldly love, worldly wisdom, worldly faith and worldly worship. None of these things by themselves are either good or bad. Its the source and the purpose of the fear, love, wisdom, faith and worship that really matters.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Holy War Arsenal
I thought maybe I would go through some of the spiritual weapons that
we as Christians possess, and liken them to modern weapons of war.
Why? Because it might surprise you just how much we (Christians) have
to work with. And because its going to be fun.
Christian missionaries are like aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers move into foreign territory, and they extend the influence of their home country. As aircraft carriers carry aircraft, so missionaries carry Bibles. As aircraft carriers have many trained pilots and staff, so missionaries are trained by the Holy Spirit.
Christian apologists are like fighter pilots. And the arguments they use are like fighter jets. The over 5,000 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament are like a fleet of F18 Super Hornets. Each fulfilled prophecy is like a F117 Nighthawk. The 24,000 archaeological digs relating to the Bible are like 24,000 F20 Tigersharks. Internal details are like F22 Raptors. And external sources are like F35 Lightning IIs.
Testimonies are like cruise missiles. They cause serious disruption to our enemy. Some testimonies are like bunker-busters, in that they break through the hard heart of an unbeliever.
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are like Navy Seals. They will accomplish their mission with precision, and there's no force on earth more elite.
The blood of the martyrs is like a fleet of nuclear submarines. Seemingly out of nowhere comes a game-changer that turns each battle on its head.
The Bible is like a great stockpile of nuclear weapons. Just set it loose. Game over.
Christian missionaries are like aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers move into foreign territory, and they extend the influence of their home country. As aircraft carriers carry aircraft, so missionaries carry Bibles. As aircraft carriers have many trained pilots and staff, so missionaries are trained by the Holy Spirit.
Christian apologists are like fighter pilots. And the arguments they use are like fighter jets. The over 5,000 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament are like a fleet of F18 Super Hornets. Each fulfilled prophecy is like a F117 Nighthawk. The 24,000 archaeological digs relating to the Bible are like 24,000 F20 Tigersharks. Internal details are like F22 Raptors. And external sources are like F35 Lightning IIs.
Testimonies are like cruise missiles. They cause serious disruption to our enemy. Some testimonies are like bunker-busters, in that they break through the hard heart of an unbeliever.
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are like Navy Seals. They will accomplish their mission with precision, and there's no force on earth more elite.
The blood of the martyrs is like a fleet of nuclear submarines. Seemingly out of nowhere comes a game-changer that turns each battle on its head.
The Bible is like a great stockpile of nuclear weapons. Just set it loose. Game over.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Not a List of Don'ts
The kingdom of God is full of life and color. Its full of stories,
parables, riddles, proverbs, commands, rewards, questions. Christianity
is a philosophy and a religion. Its also a lifestyle. Its full of
ritual and tradition. It gazes at the cosmos and asks unanswerable
questions. Christianity is more than a movement; it is several
movements in one. It is constant variable movements. In one century it
is the force that frees the slave, and in another the force that saves
the unborn life. It is a church ready to make war. It is Quadratus and
Origen, Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. It is a rich history. It is the
teenage Joan of Arc, who saved her country. It is the regal Justinian I
and Theodora I. It is the eccentric Francis of Assisi. Christianity
is a book of wild and wonderful stories. It is Balaam's talking
donkey. A prophet that divides the Red Sea, and the Son of God who
walks on water.
The kingdom of God is so rich and vibrant. There is so much for a Christian to fill himself with; its a shame that people generally associate Christianity with a list of don'ts. Its much more a list of dos. Its also a list of examples, missionaries, teachers, encouragers (Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement"). Christianity is a myriad of artwork. Have you seen the stained glass windows that depict all the major parts of the life of Christ? Have you read Dante? Have you listened to Bach? And a mountain of literature I could only begin to describe. The kingdom of God is medieval monks, who go weeks without eating, or endure grueling exercises. Even cooler, Monks who set up schools, clinics, wrote expositions on almost everything, made art, built architecture.
Christianity is prophecies and the interpretation of prophecies. Its wondering what God's plan is and deciphering the code, so to speak. Its dragons and beasts, horses and riders, angels, flying scrolls, and flesh eating disease. Its some of the craziest stuff you'll ever read. The kingdom is also wisdom. Its the practical wisdom of Proverbs. Its the thoughtful wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Its the eternal wisdom of Jesus. Its the bread and the wine. Its washing each others' feet, and being servants to all. Christianity is comfort to those who mourn. Its a Messiah that wept. Its a weeping prophet and a book dedicated to lamentations. Its also a word of encouragement. Its the force that keeps married couples together. Its the foundational words, "and the two become one flesh." Its the command, "what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Christianity is the religion of millions of testimonies. Its people willing to die for what they believe. Its the moment of conversion, and the water grave. Its Amazing Grace, and more hymns than you can count. Its the study of Hebrew, the study of Greek, and the pursuit to translate the Bible into every language on earth. Its the state of Israel planted and protected in the middle of the middle-east. Its a messianic movement; its a zionist movement. Its the anticipation of a returning King. Its the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the many fruits of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God is Daniel saved from the lions, and early Christians fed to the lions. Its the cross and the fish carved into the ancient catacombs of Rome. Its a road to Damascus. Its a rock crucified upside-down. The kingdom of God is more than you can shake a stick at. Its not just a mystical idea, though there is the occasional touch of mysticism. The kingdom of God is very real, very diverse and colorful. The kingdom of God is so full of life.
The kingdom of God is so rich and vibrant. There is so much for a Christian to fill himself with; its a shame that people generally associate Christianity with a list of don'ts. Its much more a list of dos. Its also a list of examples, missionaries, teachers, encouragers (Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement"). Christianity is a myriad of artwork. Have you seen the stained glass windows that depict all the major parts of the life of Christ? Have you read Dante? Have you listened to Bach? And a mountain of literature I could only begin to describe. The kingdom of God is medieval monks, who go weeks without eating, or endure grueling exercises. Even cooler, Monks who set up schools, clinics, wrote expositions on almost everything, made art, built architecture.
Christianity is prophecies and the interpretation of prophecies. Its wondering what God's plan is and deciphering the code, so to speak. Its dragons and beasts, horses and riders, angels, flying scrolls, and flesh eating disease. Its some of the craziest stuff you'll ever read. The kingdom is also wisdom. Its the practical wisdom of Proverbs. Its the thoughtful wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Its the eternal wisdom of Jesus. Its the bread and the wine. Its washing each others' feet, and being servants to all. Christianity is comfort to those who mourn. Its a Messiah that wept. Its a weeping prophet and a book dedicated to lamentations. Its also a word of encouragement. Its the force that keeps married couples together. Its the foundational words, "and the two become one flesh." Its the command, "what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Christianity is the religion of millions of testimonies. Its people willing to die for what they believe. Its the moment of conversion, and the water grave. Its Amazing Grace, and more hymns than you can count. Its the study of Hebrew, the study of Greek, and the pursuit to translate the Bible into every language on earth. Its the state of Israel planted and protected in the middle of the middle-east. Its a messianic movement; its a zionist movement. Its the anticipation of a returning King. Its the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the many fruits of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God is Daniel saved from the lions, and early Christians fed to the lions. Its the cross and the fish carved into the ancient catacombs of Rome. Its a road to Damascus. Its a rock crucified upside-down. The kingdom of God is more than you can shake a stick at. Its not just a mystical idea, though there is the occasional touch of mysticism. The kingdom of God is very real, very diverse and colorful. The kingdom of God is so full of life.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Accuracy of Acts
Here is a list of 84 details in the last 16 chapters of Acts, which have been confirmed through archaeology or other historical sources. These were put together by Colin Hemer, and you can find them in his book The Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History.
10) The place of a conspicuous sailors' landmark, Samothrace (16:11)
11) The proper description of Philippi as a Roman colony (16:12)
12) The right location for the river (Gangites) near Philippi (16:13)
13) The proper association of Thyatira as a center of dyeing (16:14)
14) Correct designations for the magistrates of the colony (16:22)
15) The proper locations (Amphipolis and Apollonia) where travelers would spend successive nights on this journey (17:1)
16) The presence of a synagogue in Thessalonica (17:1)
17) The proper term ("politarchs") used of the magistrates there (17:6)
18) The correct implication that sea travel is the most convenient way of reaching Athens, with the favoring east winds of summer sailing (17:14-15)
19) The abundant presence of images in Athens (17:16)
20) The reference to a synagogue in Athens (17:17)
21) The depiction of the Athenian life of philosophical debate in the Agora (17:17)
22) The use of the correct Athenian slang word for Paul (spermologos, 17:18) as well as for the court (Areios pagos, 17:19)
23) The proper characterization of the Athenian character (17:21)
24) An altar to an "unknown god" (17:23)
25) The proper reaction of Greek philosophers, who denied the bodily resurrection (17:32)
26) Areopagites as the correct title for a member of the court (17:34)
27) A Corinthian synagogue (18:4)
28) The correct designation of Gallio as proconsul, resident in Corinth (18:12)
29) The bema (judgment seat), which overlooks Corinth's forum (18:16)
30) The name Tyrannus as attested from Ephesus in first-century inscriptions (19:9)
31) Well-known shrines and images of Artemis (19:24)
32) The well-attested "great goddess Artemis" (19:27)
33) That the Ephesian theater was the meeting place of the city (19:29)
34) The correct title grammateus for the chief executive magistrate in Ephesus (19:35)
35) The proper title of honor neokoros, authorized by the Romans (19:35)
36) The correct name to designate the goddess (19:37)
37) The proper term for those holding court (19:38)
38) Use of plural anthupatoi, perhaps a remarkable reference to the fact that two men were conjointly exercising the functions of proconsul at this time (19:38)
39) The "regular" assembly, as the precise phrase is attested elsewhere (19:39)
40) Use of precise ethnic designation, beroiaios (20:4)
41) Employment of the ethnic term Asianos (20:4)
42) The implied recognition of the strategic importance assigned to this city of Troas (20:7)
43) The danger of the coastal trip in this location (20:13)
44) The correct sequence of places (20:14-15)
45) The correct name of the city as a neuter plural (Patara) (21:1)
46) The appropriate route passing across the open sea south of Cyprus favored by persistent northwest winds (21:3)
47) The suitable distance between these cities (21:8)
48) A characteristically Jewish act of piety (21:24)
49) The Jewish law regarding Gentile use of the temple area (21:28) (Archaeological discoveries and quotations from Josephus confirm that Gentiles could be executed for entering the temple area. One inscription reads: "Let no Gentile enter within the balustrade and enclosure surrounding the sanctuary. Whoever is caught will be personally responsible for his consequent death.")
50) The permanent stationing of a Roman cohort (cliliarch) at Antonia to suppress any disturbance at festival times (21:31)
51) The flight of steps used by the guards (21:31,35)
52) The common way to obtain Roman citizenship at this time (22:28)
53) The tribune being impressed with Roman rather than Tarsian citizenship (22:29)
54) Ananias being high priest at this time (23:2)
55) Felix being governor at this time (23:34)
56) The natural stopping point on the way to Caesarea (23:31)
57) Whose jurisdiction Cilicia was in at the time (23:34)
58) The provincial penal procedure of the time (24:1-9)
59) The name Porcius Festus, which agrees precisely with that given by Josephus (24:27)
60) The right of appeal for Roman citizens (25:11)
61) The correct legal formula (25:18)
62) The characteristic form of reference to the emperor at the time (25:26)
63) The best shipping lanes at the time (27:5)
64) The common bonding of Cilicia and Pamphylia (27:4)
65) The principal port to find a ship sailing to Italy (27:5-6)
66) The slow passage to Cnidus, in the face of the typical northwest wind (27:7)
67) The right route to sail, in view of the winds (27:7)
68) The locations of Fair Havens and the neighboring site of Lasea (27:8)
69) Fair Havens as a poorly sheltered roadstead (27:12)
70) A noted tendency of a south wind in these climes to back suddenly to a violent northeaster, the well-known gregale (27:13)
71) The nature of a square-rigged ancient ship, having no option but to be driven before a gale (27:15)
72) The precise place and name of this island (27:16)
73) The appropriate maneuvers for the safety of the ship in its particular plight (27:16)
74) The fourteenth night - a remarkable calculation, based inevitably on a compounding of estimates and probabilities, confirmed in the judgment of experienced Mediterranean navigators (27:27)
75) The proper term of the time for the Adriatic (27:27)
76) The precise term (Bolisantes) for taking soundings, and the correct depth of the water near Malta (27:28)
77) A position that suits the probable line of approach of a ship released to run before an easterly wind (27:39)
78) The severe liability on guards who permitted a prisoner to escape (27:42)
79) The local people and superstitions of the day (28:4-6)
80) The proper title protos tes nesou (28:7)
81) Rhegium as a refuge to await a southerly wind to carry them through the strait (28:13)
82) Appii Forum and Tres Tabernae as correctly placed stopping places on the Appian Way (28:15)
83) Appropriate means of custody with Roman soldiers (28:16)
84) The conditions of imprisonment, living "at his own expense" (28:30-31
1) The natural crossing between correctly named ports (Acts 13:4-5)
2) The proper port (Perga) along the direct destination of a ship crossing from Cyprus (13:13)
3) The proper location of Lycaonia (14:6)
4) The unusual but correct declension of the name Lystra (14:6)
5) The correct language spoken in Lystra - Lycaonian (14:11)
6) Two gods known to be associated - Zeus and Hermes (14:12)
7) The proper port, Attalia, which returning travelers would use (14:25)
8) The correct order of approach to Derbe and then Lystra from the Cilician Gates (15:41, 16:1)
9) The proper form of the name Troas (16:8)10) The place of a conspicuous sailors' landmark, Samothrace (16:11)
11) The proper description of Philippi as a Roman colony (16:12)
12) The right location for the river (Gangites) near Philippi (16:13)
13) The proper association of Thyatira as a center of dyeing (16:14)
14) Correct designations for the magistrates of the colony (16:22)
15) The proper locations (Amphipolis and Apollonia) where travelers would spend successive nights on this journey (17:1)
16) The presence of a synagogue in Thessalonica (17:1)
17) The proper term ("politarchs") used of the magistrates there (17:6)
18) The correct implication that sea travel is the most convenient way of reaching Athens, with the favoring east winds of summer sailing (17:14-15)
19) The abundant presence of images in Athens (17:16)
20) The reference to a synagogue in Athens (17:17)
21) The depiction of the Athenian life of philosophical debate in the Agora (17:17)
22) The use of the correct Athenian slang word for Paul (spermologos, 17:18) as well as for the court (Areios pagos, 17:19)
23) The proper characterization of the Athenian character (17:21)
24) An altar to an "unknown god" (17:23)
25) The proper reaction of Greek philosophers, who denied the bodily resurrection (17:32)
26) Areopagites as the correct title for a member of the court (17:34)
27) A Corinthian synagogue (18:4)
28) The correct designation of Gallio as proconsul, resident in Corinth (18:12)
29) The bema (judgment seat), which overlooks Corinth's forum (18:16)
30) The name Tyrannus as attested from Ephesus in first-century inscriptions (19:9)
31) Well-known shrines and images of Artemis (19:24)
32) The well-attested "great goddess Artemis" (19:27)
33) That the Ephesian theater was the meeting place of the city (19:29)
34) The correct title grammateus for the chief executive magistrate in Ephesus (19:35)
35) The proper title of honor neokoros, authorized by the Romans (19:35)
36) The correct name to designate the goddess (19:37)
37) The proper term for those holding court (19:38)
38) Use of plural anthupatoi, perhaps a remarkable reference to the fact that two men were conjointly exercising the functions of proconsul at this time (19:38)
39) The "regular" assembly, as the precise phrase is attested elsewhere (19:39)
40) Use of precise ethnic designation, beroiaios (20:4)
41) Employment of the ethnic term Asianos (20:4)
42) The implied recognition of the strategic importance assigned to this city of Troas (20:7)
43) The danger of the coastal trip in this location (20:13)
44) The correct sequence of places (20:14-15)
45) The correct name of the city as a neuter plural (Patara) (21:1)
46) The appropriate route passing across the open sea south of Cyprus favored by persistent northwest winds (21:3)
47) The suitable distance between these cities (21:8)
48) A characteristically Jewish act of piety (21:24)
49) The Jewish law regarding Gentile use of the temple area (21:28) (Archaeological discoveries and quotations from Josephus confirm that Gentiles could be executed for entering the temple area. One inscription reads: "Let no Gentile enter within the balustrade and enclosure surrounding the sanctuary. Whoever is caught will be personally responsible for his consequent death.")
50) The permanent stationing of a Roman cohort (cliliarch) at Antonia to suppress any disturbance at festival times (21:31)
51) The flight of steps used by the guards (21:31,35)
52) The common way to obtain Roman citizenship at this time (22:28)
53) The tribune being impressed with Roman rather than Tarsian citizenship (22:29)
54) Ananias being high priest at this time (23:2)
55) Felix being governor at this time (23:34)
56) The natural stopping point on the way to Caesarea (23:31)
57) Whose jurisdiction Cilicia was in at the time (23:34)
58) The provincial penal procedure of the time (24:1-9)
59) The name Porcius Festus, which agrees precisely with that given by Josephus (24:27)
60) The right of appeal for Roman citizens (25:11)
61) The correct legal formula (25:18)
62) The characteristic form of reference to the emperor at the time (25:26)
63) The best shipping lanes at the time (27:5)
64) The common bonding of Cilicia and Pamphylia (27:4)
65) The principal port to find a ship sailing to Italy (27:5-6)
66) The slow passage to Cnidus, in the face of the typical northwest wind (27:7)
67) The right route to sail, in view of the winds (27:7)
68) The locations of Fair Havens and the neighboring site of Lasea (27:8)
69) Fair Havens as a poorly sheltered roadstead (27:12)
70) A noted tendency of a south wind in these climes to back suddenly to a violent northeaster, the well-known gregale (27:13)
71) The nature of a square-rigged ancient ship, having no option but to be driven before a gale (27:15)
72) The precise place and name of this island (27:16)
73) The appropriate maneuvers for the safety of the ship in its particular plight (27:16)
74) The fourteenth night - a remarkable calculation, based inevitably on a compounding of estimates and probabilities, confirmed in the judgment of experienced Mediterranean navigators (27:27)
75) The proper term of the time for the Adriatic (27:27)
76) The precise term (Bolisantes) for taking soundings, and the correct depth of the water near Malta (27:28)
77) A position that suits the probable line of approach of a ship released to run before an easterly wind (27:39)
78) The severe liability on guards who permitted a prisoner to escape (27:42)
79) The local people and superstitions of the day (28:4-6)
80) The proper title protos tes nesou (28:7)
81) Rhegium as a refuge to await a southerly wind to carry them through the strait (28:13)
82) Appii Forum and Tres Tabernae as correctly placed stopping places on the Appian Way (28:15)
83) Appropriate means of custody with Roman soldiers (28:16)
84) The conditions of imprisonment, living "at his own expense" (28:30-31
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