Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

A Traditional "Easter" Timeline

2011-04-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

I was surprised when I recently heard that Jesus really entered Jerusalem on Monday! At that was coming from the pulpit of a pretty conservative church. One of the arguments in support of that was, if Jesus entered Jerusalem on Monday, then there are no “silent” days, traditionally Wednesday, during the passion week. Really!?

I thought the only question was how to fit three days and three nights between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. Really, it can’t be done. That is unless one looks at the details, a few of which will be covered below. And that is the point, look at the details. Use the Bible to define what you believe, not just to defend what you believe. The Bible can be used to defend a multiple of different beliefs and practices, but it really only defines one. For example, the Trinity. A core doctrine of Christianity. Where does the Bible define the Trinity as three who are one? Can’t find it, then why do you believe it? Because that is what the church teaches and because of the “evidence”? Hmmm, how about this, do you believe in a young earth or old earth? Ah, time to get back to the issue at hand...

Some ground rules...

Let’s say that God is the one who preserves the Bible, that the Bible can be read with clarity and certainty, and that the Bible is the final authority regarding doctrine, not perceived historical practice. For example there is no Biblical precedent for two Passover meals on back to back days. Let’s also assume that the days of the week are Sunday-Saturday numbered 1-7 respectively. And Saturday, the seventh day of the week, is the Sabbath. Named week days are needed for conversation sake since the Bible does not use named weekdays.

Let’s start on Sunday, the day Jesus rose, the first day of the week.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some definitive statement about Jesus rising the first day of the week so we wouldn’t have to rely on tradition and Christian practice?
How about...
“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” Mark 16:9
That seems pretty clear and there are no statements regarding Jesus rising at any other time. In addition, the first witnesses to His resurrection saw Him for the first time after his burial on Sunday, the first day of the week.
Two of the witnesses that saw Jesus on the first day of the week were the disciples on the road to Emmaus. The conversation that they had with Jesus helps with the time line of events. In Luke 24:21 they made the following statement:
“...to day is the third day since these things were done.”
Friday would be the first day, Saturday would be the second day, and Sunday would be the third day. But one might ask, “What things?” Jesus asked that question a couple of verses earlier and here is the response:
“...And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.” Luke 24:19-21
The third day, three days and three nights, after three days did not start at the burial, but at the betrayal. Why did they believe that? Because that is what Jesus taught:
“And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31
Jesus was betrayed on Friday, right after He ate the Passover feast with His disciples. And yes, that means that the passover was killed Thursday at the going down of the sun as it is supposed to be. Deut 16:6. “...there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun,...” The passover was killed on the 14th day of the Jewish calendar at evening. And that means at the end of the 14th day of the month, not the beginning. There was not a whole day of preparing the meal. Exodus 12 is pretty clear about the timing of the events.

“And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month:
and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night,
roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning;
and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover.” Exodus 12:6-11
Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.” Exodus 12:29-39

The meal, the passover, and the people leaving of Egypt were done in haste.

Back to the event at hand. The Bible is pretty clear that Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples.

"Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed." Luke 22:7 (That would be the 14th day of the month)

"And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat." Luke 22:8
"And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?" Luke 22:11
"And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover." Luke 22:13

"And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:" Luke 22:15

There is an interesting bit of information that can be found about the trials that Jesus faced Friday before the sunrise. John 18:28 says the following:
“Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.”
The passage from Exodus clearly states that the passover must be eaten before morning. Anything that was left was to be burnt by morning. Think, think, think.... If the passover was killed on Friday and the meal followed, which would be after sunset, the leaders could have been made clean in the evening, but they wanted to eat the passover at the correct time, which would have been Friday before the morning.

We are almost done. Friday is the Passover. Now look at John 12:1:
“Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.”
The math for this one is not too hard. Six days before Friday would be Saturday.
Then skip to John 12:12-13
“On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
The next day following Saturday would be Sunday. Please read verses 2-11. I do not see any more days mentioned. It is curious then that a “silent” day must be added here to make Monday the day Jesus entered Jerusalem.
So what about Wednesday? Matthew 26:1-16 and Mark 14:1-11. Both mention “after two days is the feast of the passover” which was Friday. That would put these events on Wednesday. Where did I learn to count days? Look here...
2 Chronicles is dealing with a complaint of the people against King Rehoboam. After voicing their grievance, Rehoboam says to them, “...Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.” 2 Chronicles 10:5. Rehoboam gets counsel from some old men that stood before Solomon and also from his contemporaries, not surprisingly Rehoboam sided with his cronies. What is interesting is what follows that section in verse 12 of 2 Chronicles 10:
“So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day.”
"After three days = the third day. Have we come full circle yet? After two days then would be the second day. So here is the timeline that many are familiar with...

Saturday - John 12:1 Six days before the passover Jesus comes to Bethany.
“Palm” Sunday - John 12:12-13; Mark 11:1-11 The next day Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Monday - Mark 11: 12-19 On the morrow...fig tree without fruit
Tuesday - Mark 11:20 And in the morning...fig tree dried up
Wednesday - Mark 14:1 After two days was the feast of the Passover
Thursday - Mark 14:12 The first day of unleavened bread
“Good” Friday - Mark 14:17-15:47
Saturday - the sabbath
“Resurrection” Sunday - Mark 16:9 ...and when He had risen the first day of the week...

It’s more than a tradition...

Fill or “refill” the earth? What’s a man to do?

2011-01-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

Genesis 1:29 “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” KJV

There are many who question the use of “replenish” in Genesis 1:29, especially those who believe in a literal interpretation of the creation story and also believe in a young, approximately 6000 year old, earth. Those in support are those who believe in the Gap Theory of creation. That theory is one of many that supports an old earth. An old earth which matches “scientific” dating of the earth.

Those who claim to have a knowledge of the original languages say that replenish simply means to fill and that this is a mistranslation of the word used for fill. Simple enough. If you want more explanation use a search engine on the internet.

But what if you really believe that the Bible is the Word of God and is without error as delivered to us in the English language? Well, just go find an English version that uses the word fill instead of replenish. Done. Of course, other versions have their own issues. So learn Greek and Hebrew. But then which Greek/Hebrew version should be used? And, if we can’t even understand classical English, what chance is there of being fluent in Greek and Hebrew? Okay, use the earliest manuscripts. But earliest doesn’t mean correct either, they are not written in English, and the “originals” do not exist. One argument against the “earliest manuscripts” is that they were well preserved because no one used them due to errors or editing. So, what’s a man to do? Think...

Did the translators who wrote the KJV have the word “fill” at their disposal? Obviously yes since it was used in Genesis 1:22.

Genesis 1:22 “And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.”

Why not use “replenish” here if this were a recreation? Were there no fish in the sea? Maybe that is why the first creation failed and God had to start over again? Note also that the fowl were only to “multiply” and not “fill” the earth.

What is incredible is that the ocean is literally filled with life. From the surface to the deepest depths, that can be explored with high tech equipment. And from what we would consider “normal” temperatures at the surface to hydrothermal vents that can reach temperatures of over 300Degrees Centigrade (water boils at 100 Degrees Centigrade). Consider the following example.

"This super-heated water then re-ascends to the center of the mid-ocean ridge and emerges as a fast jet at about 350°C. As this hot jet mixes with cold (34–36°F [1–2°C]) ocean water, hydrogen sulfide conveyed in solution from the deep rocks precipitates instantly, often coloring the jet black. Such jets are termed "black smokers." Hydrogen sulfide is usually poisonous to life, but the specialized communities around black smokers could not live without it. A vibrant community of bacteria, tubeworms that are unique to the geothermal vent environment, and other creatures exists around hydrothermal vents."
http://www.enotes.com/earth-science/geothermal-deep-ocean-vents

The seas are filled, not so much the earth. Land creatures are much more temperamental. So maybe multiply is the right word to use for the fowl.

But now the sixth day...

Not only was man created on this day, but also all the cattle, creeping things and beasts. None of those were commanded to fill or multiply in the earth, but then comes man...

Genesis 1:26-28 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."

Why not fill? Maybe because man was never meant to fill the earth as fish fill the sea. If you live in a city, it may seem like man has filled the earth, but there are many places that are not inhabited. Why not refill? I think that assumes that something was once filled. I think the best definition for replenish is to restore to a previous state. Maybe filled, but maybe not. And that is why it may be the best word to use here.

But doesn’t that support a recreation or the Gap Theory of creation? Not necessarily. What is to be replenished? God gave man dominion over all the earth. Man is it tend to it, not just consume it or destroy it. That’s why God gave some as farmers and some as hunters. A good farmer and a good hunter manage their resources so that there will be a harvest in the future. They act as if their resources are in fact limited and a blessing. In this sense, replenish is the best word to use. If a field is cleared for food, plant it again for another harvest. replenish it. After the fall, if a beast is taken for food, make sure that there are enough left to reproduce so that they may be replenished.

I think the same principle applies after the flood. Take care of what there is Noah.

Genesis 9:1 "And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth."

Replenish is not a mistranslation of the word for fill. In fact, It seems to be the most appropriate word to use for the responsibility that God gave to man as one who has dominion over all the earth.

Does anyone use the word replenish in the sense described above as applying to resources rather than to man?

I found the following during an internet search for replenish.

"Replenishing the Earth LLC (RTE) helps corporations, schools, restaurants, and institutions save money, significantly reduce waste, and replenish the earth. What’s good for the earth is virtually always good for people. By thinking with the end in mind, a product's lifecycle "end" can be a "new beginning" . Applying cradle-to-cradle concepts to waste management and the product choices we make, enable our precious resources to live on for generations to come."
http://www.replenishingtheearth.com/home_page.html

Is the Bible really your authority? Search for yourselves whether these things are so...

Beginning the year with end of the year tidbits...

2011-01-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

Since this is the beginning of the year, here are some thoughts from the end of last year...

Many people know that the last thing recorded in the Bible that Jesus said before He died was, “It is finished.” Do you know what was the first thing he said that was recorded? And no, it was not, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” It was, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” He finished the work that He was do to on earth. Of course that is not where the story ends, since He did rise again the third day according to the Scriptures and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Yes, the story is still unfolding...

Christmas traditions....

First of all, Mary and Joseph were married, not just engaged, when Mary was found to be with child of the Holy Ghost. Here is the passage from Matthew...

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”

“Joseph her husband” is a pretty clear statement.
“Put here away” is also clear for those who have read other portions of the Bible, like...

Matthew 1:19 “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”
Matthew 19:7 “They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?”
Mark 10:4 “And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.”

“...before they came together...”

Yes, Mary was a virgin as prophesied. A miracle!

There is no mention of three kings. Yes, three gifts, but not three kings. And why do people think that magi is a better/simpler term than “wise men?” Isn’t an argument for newer versions of the Bible to get rid of archaic language that modern men cannot understand. I don’t know, I think wise men is much clearer than magi. I also think it is simply wise men who seek Jesus, not necessarily magi (magicians, astronomers, scientists, etc...)

The Star...

It was a star. Not a comet, not a meteor, not an overlapping of celestial bodies. And there is no mention that the star led the wise men to Jerusalem. Here is something interesting though. The wise men came from the east...

“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Where was the star when the wise men saw it? Could it have been in the east, as the wise men may have said? What is the significance of that? Revelation 22:16 reads...

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

Where would you expect a “bright and morning star to appear?” In the east where the sun rises. Back to the comment about the star not leading them to Jerusalem...

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”

The star led the wise men from Jerusalem to the Bethlehem. Bethlehem is south of Jerusalem. The star went before them, or led them to where the young child was. The star stopped over where the young child was. This was not a normal star, or supernova, or conjunction. It was a miraculous star. And it did not stop over the manger...

“And when they were come into the house...”

This was a time later, not the night that Christ was born...

Miracles

Have they ceased? I witnessed a miracle recently. 25 gallon sized bags of popcorn returned $500! How is that for a return on investment? But wait I can explain it...
The people buying the popcorn were just generous because it was going to a good cause. Right, and the feeding of the five thousand or four thousand... There were probably many in the crowd that had some food and just put some in rather than taking it out. The crossing of the Red Sea on dry land, shallow water crossing on reeds...

God is still at work... Watch and Pray

Happy New Year!

Can women be elders in the church?

2010-08-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Absolutely! I must be crazy right? Haven’t I read the Bible? Well, yes I have and that is why I believe what I believe. Especially from the view point of having the Bible define my beliefs, rather than just taking what I believe and using the Bible just to defend it. There is a big difference between those two, but I will leave that to the diligent student.

So let’s take a look at why I believe what I have stated, and then the challenge is to search the scriptures to prove these things. Individuals, not organizations, need to be convinced of what is true or not, and then take responsibility for the truths. Yes, “the truth will set you free” and I believe can radically change the church to make it more Christlike.

Of ants and elders...

What do ants have to do with elders? Let's take a look...

Proverbs 6:6-8 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

Nothing, right? In the contemporary church, the elders are viewed as the leaders of the church. And the pastor is commonly the head elder, even though many might say he is just one of the elders. The elder who does the teaching is usually called the pastor/teacher. If one asks what the qualifications for an elder are, he would be referred to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. We are good so far. Elders are also called overseers. Do you see it?

The pastor/teacher elder would be like a guide, elders are called overseers, and elders are leaders or rulers.

Seems straight forward, but when I read the passage in Proverbs, I thought why the list? Is a guide the same thing as an overseer, is a guide the same thing as a ruler, is an overseer the same thing as a ruler or a guide? Well, maybe, but then again maybe not.

When I think of the three, I think the following...

Guide = knows the way

Overseer = makes sure everyone is moving along

Ruler = manages, protects

Who knows the way, pastors.

Pastors (Guide)

Ephesians 4:11 is the only NT reference with the term “pastor.”

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

It's significance is that God “gave some” they are not “ordained” or appointed. To be a pastor is a gift from God and it is not related to elder/bishop/overseer. Yes an elder could be a pastor, but a pastor does not need to be an elder or a bishop. And what do apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers do...

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Jeremiah is the other place in the bible that the term “pastor” is used. Interesting that even in Jeremiah God “give[s] pastors… .” In this passage it also provides the responsibility of the pastor.

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Also in Jeremiah, it seems as though pastors bear a huge responsibility in the eyes of God for the flock.

Jer 23:1-2 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

Pastors are given, and gifted, by God. Those who are called to be pastors need to exercise that gift properly. As with all spiritual gifts, others should recognize the giftedness and give heed. But that is a whole other topic...

Elders (Overseer)

Never called an office in scripture. If “elder” in the new testament refers to an office, then we might have a slight problem with…

1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Of course, in this case we say it refers to older. But why, because it refers to younger in the same sentence? What would be the basis for changing from older to office in any of the cases where elder/elders appear?

Maybe Titus 1:5 comes to mind?

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:..."

See "elder" it is an office. No, this means select from the elders available those that are qualified to be in the position that Paul is referring to, which in this case is the same as 1 Timothy or that of bishop.

It seems that the term elder refers to those that are older. Whether they are just physically older or are the spiritually older can be debated. In either case, those who are younger are to treat their elders as fathers and mothers. And the passages that describe an elder also contain responsibility...

Elders in Acts 20:17,28 are “overseers”

17 "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."

28 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

1 Peter 5:1-5 “oversight” and age

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

Bishops (Ruler)

Ordained elders (elders that are appointed to an office, put in order) are bishops. Bishop is an office, specifically called that in I Tim 3:1 and implied by Acts 1:20 and Psalm 109:8.

1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Ac 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Ps 109:8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.

Ps 69:25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.

Ps 109:10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.

And they are chosen by qualities that men can measure as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. What is their purpose?

I Timothy 3:4-5 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Taking care of, or ruling over, the church of God as he would his own family.

Summary

I believe a distinction can be made between pastors, elders, and bishops (ordained elders). How might that help the church in general? Older men who are spiritually mature are, and should be, respected as elders, but they might not qualify for the office of bishop. That is reserved for those that can rule and take care of the flock. Those elders with certain specific qualifications are ordained as bishops. The head of a household does not necessarily have to be a bishop, but he is by default the elder for his family and responsible for his family. Pastors, on the other hand, can be young or older and are gifted/given by God for a specific purpose, but are not called specifically to oversee or to rule. They are to provide direction and guidance.

Perhaps another way to look at this is…

Elders deal directly with the flock of God to ensure growth (overseers). Elders become elders by the passing of time, which is given by the grace of God. Bishops keep the flock on track and protect the flock from outside influences (rulers). Bishops are elders that are ordained by men based on criteria given in the word of God. Pastors provide the knowledge and understanding for the elders to perform their function (guides). Pastors are given by God and recognized by the elders, and others, as spiritually gifted men.

Qualification for an elder is one who is physically and spiritually mature.

Qualification for a pastor is one who is called by God.

Qualification for the office of bishop…

Titus 1:5-9

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (not money/riches unjust gain, bribery See Simon Acts 8:18-23)

8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

I Tim 3

3:1 ¶ This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

By the way. Deacon is an office also. And by the qualifications it seems as if it should be filled by elders also and not just by young men who show promise… I would even guess that Deacons could be Bishops…

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

It seems as though the deacons are the ones who reach outside the flock to minister. Terms like pure conscience, blameless, and boldness are applied to deacons. Whereas elders tend to those in the flock.

So what's the point? Change the church? Yes, but not the organization that we call "the church," but the body of Christ. This is a call to father's and mother's and those who are elder to step up and become examples to those who are younger. They are "elders." And to those who are today called "elders" to serve in the office as bishop or deacon as described in the Bible by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion…

Pastors are gifted by God and may or may not be elders, bishops, deacons.

Elders are the more mature believers amd are responsible for oversight of those that are younger.

Bishop is an office, a bishop is an elder who is appointed by men to the office based on qualifications given in God’s word. They are to rule and manage the church.

Deacon is an office, a deacon may not be an elder, but interesting enough has nearly the same qualifications. They appear to reach outside the church.

Each position comes with great responsibility. Individuals need to grasp hold of what those responsibilities are and live accordingly by the grace of God. The end goal being to fear God, give glory to God, and worship Him...

God is not like an egg?

2010-06-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

One of my first posts was titled "Defining Beliefs" and the topic I mentioned was the Trinity. So maybe it is about time that I closed that loop?

One of the most perplexing things to me is that Christians would agree that the doctrine of the Trinity is a foundational doctrine of the true church, but at the same time will argue that there is no clear statement in the Bible that claims that God is triune in nature. I agree that the word Trinity is not used in the Bible, but it simply means three-in-one. Without a clear definition most scholars will point to the evidence as presented in the Bible and come to a conclusion. But since there is no clear Biblical statement, they are assuming what they are attempting to prove, which is also known as a circular argument. One can certainly say there is more evidence for one belief about the Trinity than another; however, which is right? And when does a teaching become a "tradition of men" rather than sound Biblical teaching.

As a side note, look at the young earth vs old earth argument. If one were just to rely on the secular "scientific" interpretation of the evidence, he may be compelled to believe in an old earth. Then scripture would have to be interpreted to fit the evidence. This results in theories like the Gap theory, Progressive theory, Day-Age theory, Framework theory, etc... But some held fast to a literal reading of the Bible and, after close review of the evidence, found that there were incorrect assumptions and errors in the "scientific" interpretation and that the evidence actually does point to a young earth. For further information see www.icr.org or www.answersingenesis.org. Without a clear Biblical statement the "evidence" can be misleading.

So is the Trinity defined in the Bible? I think so, but again, many "scholars" will disagree. Why? Because of "manuscript evidence." I am not a scholar and the only information that I can get on any manuscripts is online. Even if I could see the manuscripts it wouldn't help since I do not read Greek or Hebrew or Latin, and okay, I probably struggle with English also. So does that qualify me as a plow boy? From what I can tell the manuscript evidence is controversial. There are probably as many different manuscript versions as there are English versions of the Bible and scholars argue back and forth which are valid and which are not. So I am just going to stick with the English.

Let's say the Trinity is defined by 1 John 5:7 which reads:

"There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one"

Now ask yourself, why would anyone want to remove this verse from the Bible or from an early manuscript? Is it because it is all too clear? And if not this verse to make the claim, then what other verse. And if there are no other verses, then what makes this such an important foundational doctrine? And how would you deal with other verses like Rev 4:5 and Rev 5:6 which mention "the seven Spirits of God?" Does that mean that God is really eight in one. An eight is like a three with a mirror image....

There are two English versions of the Bible, currently in print, that have the above verse as stated above. They are the KJV and the NKJV. Of these, only the KJV is consistent in how it addresses God. What does that mean? Both the KJV and NKJV and some other versions use Thee's and Thou's and you's and ye's. There is a difference between the two, it is not just to give a reading a more "majestic" or "old english" feel. In simple terms, the difference is that the "Thee" and its derivatives are singular, and "you" and its derivatives are plural. Texans would say, "it is the difference between you and y'all." But I haven't seen any versions with y'alls in it. In the KJV, God is always referred to as Thee, Thou, Thy... One God.

With 1 John 5:7 in hand, the claim, one can look at all the evidence in the Bible and conclude that the Bible clearly supports that there is one God that exists as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

But is God like an egg, or water, or a three leaf clover. Maybe, after all Romans 1:20 reads:

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

Of course the Bible never says that God is an egg, or water, or a three leaf clover. Is there any other created thing that you can think of that God might be like? How about light? God created light on day 1 and 1 John 1:5 says...

"God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all"

Time to get a little technical. Ever hear the term RGB? That would be Red, Green, and Blue. Monitors have red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels. From these three colors of light all the different colors can be made. In fact, to get white, "no darkness at all," all three are set to their maximum intensity. So when you see white, you are actually seeing red, green, and blue light combined. Don't believe me (that is a statement not a question) prove it to yourself. Get a magnifying glass and look at a monitor that is showing white. Or find a paint program and go to where you can select or make colors.

Light does seem to clearly demonstrate the triune nature of God.

What is also interesting are the colors of the rainbow. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. How many? Seven. Like the seven Spirits of God?

The Bible defines the triune nature of God. The Bible provides lots of evidence for the triune nature of God. And light, a thing that was made, helps us to see and understand the triune nature of God.

You can decide which color belongs to which part of the Godhead. But I like blue for the Father, green for the Holy Ghost, and red for the Son. The Father is in heaven above (blue sky above), the Holy Ghost enables us to grow (green), and the Son shed his blood (red) for us. Also, don't red things cause us to stop and think... Red lights (well most of us), brilliant red sunsets, etc....

Be a Berean...

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11

Hidden Messages and Secret Codes

2010-06-05T08:39:00.001-07:00

Someone asked me recently what Isaiah 40:12 meant. Also implied was that there was a hidden message in the text since the question also included the statement that most pastors don't know. I did not give an answer right away. Instead, I stalled and said that I would like to read the passage in context. I'm glad I did, because that gave me time to do some searching. So where to start?
Almighty Google?
A commentary or many different commetaries?
A study Bible or mmay different study Bibles?
Google?
How about putting the letters into a computer program and performing a word seacrch or converting the letters to numbers and looking for special patterns.

How about this... Read it in context. Study, meditate on it, and pray over it?
Like the Bereans in Acts who, according to Acts 17:11, “ ... were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so...”
How would I answer the question regarding Isaiah 40:12 now?

"Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?"

"God IS bigger than the boogie man...." Thanks to Veggie tales for that one.
Here are other verses in this same chapter of Isaiah that seemingly ask the same question as above, but rhetorically:

vs18 “To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?” vs21-22a “Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth,...”
v25 “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.”
vs28-31 “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding...".

Kind of sounds like Job38-41. And then comes the grace of God:

vs 29-31 "...He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

I've always liked that verse, but so much more now in context.

Do we get so enamored with finding hidden meanings and secret codes in the bible that we miss the bigger picture of who God is and what he requires from us or miss out on God's word altogether?
Who is God? Creator and Judge.
What does He require from us? Fear Him and give glory to Him and worship Him.
Is that a hidden message? If it helps it could be. Here is the code to find it. "Revelation 14:7" It can also be found in previous blogs.

I like the following quote from William Tyndale...
'If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause that a boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the Scriptures than thou dost.' Yes, the plough boy did receive the Word.

People will find hidden messages and secret codes, but it also seems that most are retrospective and based on tradgedy. If they result in fearing, glorifying, and worshipping our Creator and Judge, great! But even without secret messages and hidden codes God still speaks to us through His word in the present using past examples to build our hope for the future.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1

Final notes on the timeline for the death and resurrection of Jesus

2010-03-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

A Couple Loose Ends

John 19:14 uses the phrase “the preparation of the Passover.” This has been taken to mean that the day was used to prepare for the Passover, rather than for the Sabbath. Other bible verses, Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, state that the preparation day was the day before the Sabbath. The only other use of the phrase “the preparation of the…” is in Eph 6;

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

In this case the gospel is complete. Could it be that “the preparation of the Passover” is not preparation for the Passover, but a preparation day that occurs after the Passover meal, on the day that the Passover is completed, and is used to prepare for a weekly Sabbath that happens to be contained during the feast of unleavened bread? That would better align it with the other gospels and Eph 6:15.

Another verse that was not addressed is ICor15:3-4

I Cor 15: 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

This also supports the Friday to Sunday “traditional” view. He “died” the first day, the second day was the Sabbath, and the third day he rose again!

Did Christ die for our sins? Absolutely. Was He buried? Absolutely. Did He rise the third day? Absolutely. And according to the Scriptures...

Bottom line, once again…

Acts 16:31…”Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

A Time Line for the Death and Ressurection of Christ

2010-03-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Let’s look at what the Gospel accounts say regarding the time frame. Days will be considered to start at night…

The Passover
Matt 26:17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7 Cleary indicates that Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover meal. It was the “first day” of unleavened bread. John 13:1 does not contradict this, but adds commentary on Jesus’ love for His own and also adds a time frame for when Jesus knew that His hour had come.

Day1 Night
John 13:31 indicates that “it was night” when Judas went out to betray Jesus.

Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26 Following the feast they proceeded to the Mount of Olives…

Matt 26:47; Mark 14:32; Luke 22:47; John 18:3 Garden arrest. Note that this may have been the point where Jesus took our sins. His prayer in the Garden. But He still was God. Able to heal the soldiers ear.

John 18:28 indicates that some have not eaten the Passover yet. At this point there is no indication of time other than early. We will see that John’s time frame is midnight to 6am is the first part of the day. Whereas in Matt, Mark, and Luke, 6am appears to be the morning. Also remember from Exodus, the Passover meal needed to be finished by morning. From Exodus 12:10
10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
Perhaps those who haven’t partaken of the Passover yet were waiting.

Day1 Morning
Matt 27:1; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; John 18:33 Now it is “morning” and Jesus is delivered to Pilate. The first time Pilate is mentioned in John, he is just addressing the people. Now he comes into the judgment hall to address Jesus. The gospels now present specific times of events…

Day1 6:00am

John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

Day1 9:00am

Mark 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Day1 12:00pm

Matthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Day1 3:00pm

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Day1 Before the sabbath

John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

Matt 27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Luke 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

From these passages it can be seen that Jesus was buried before the Sabbath day. Yet Matthew and Mark use the phrase “when the even was come.” “The even” did not start the next day. There was still time to request the body, take the body off the cross, wrap it up, lay the body in the sepulcher, and roll a stone to the door. Also of interest is that Nicodemus brought quite a large quantity of myrrh and aloes for the burial.

John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

So it is not hard to imagine that the women could have prepared their spices and ointments prior to the Sabbath.

Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

This verse does is not contrary to the passage in Mark. The passage in Mark could be read either way, either spices bought prior to or following the Sabbath, but to be consistent with the rest of scripture the proper interpretation could be…the women had bought sweet spices prior to the Sabbath, that they might come and anoint him after the Sabbath.

Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Day2 The Sabbath

Something actually was recorded as occurring on the Sabbath.

Matt 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

This passage was mentioned before. The request was to secure the sepulcher until the third day so that the disciples would not come by night and steal the body. From what we have seen, if they meant the third day from Wednesday that would be Friday, and the third day from Thursday would be Saturday. Either way, the tomb would be unguarded Saturday night (Sunday), the critical night!

Day3 The Resurrection

Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

The other passages all deal with events that happened the first day of the week.

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

Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
Conclusion
Reviewing the days in reverse order…
Day3 is Sunday, the first day of the week, Jesus is risen from the dead and is alive. It follows Day2 which would be Saturday, or the Sabbath. Day1 is Friday, the day Jesus was crucified. Based on what has been mentioned about the events, Friday was a pretty full day.

The traditional Friday/Sunday death and resurrection view holds and has been shown to be a biblical view. But more importantly it is necessary to know that Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sins, and as the scripture says…“Whosover believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!”

Time Study (Continued...)

2010-03-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

When Did Jesus Rise?
One of the key questions in the debate is, "When did Jesus rise?"
Mark 16:9 appears to be the only direct reference to when Jesus rose.

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week,…”

Although this is the only scripture reference that gives the day of the week, nowhere in scripture does it say that Jesus rose on any other day of the week. Other scriptures imply the first day of the week as being the third day, but this one clearly states it.

A Study in Time…
Let us go back now and determine what the Bible says about the events that took place. This may further help explain the “third day.” The assumption appears to be that the “three days and three nights,” “after three days,” and “third day” counting starts when Jesus is entombed to when He rises again. That is the basis for the Wednesday/Thursday scenarios (48-72 hours) and the difficulty for the Friday scenario (24-36 hours).
What is the biblical basis for that? Does scripture perhaps present a different picture?
Let’s start in Luke 24, paying special attention to v21…

7 …The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

“…to day is the third day since these things were done.” “To day” would be the first day of the week. In fact, it is late in the day not early in the morning. It is the “third day.” What are “these things?” Note the passage does not say, “since He was buried.” These things include being delivered, condemned, and crucified. Vs7 and vs46 also support that. In fact, all the verses dealing with the three-day time frame deal with all these events, and that is what Jesus taught His disciples.

Mt 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Mr 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mr 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Luke 18:31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

Also see Matt 17:22-23; Mt 20:19; Mr 10:34; Lu 9:22.

For those of you who are keeping track, you know that Mt 12:40 is missing.

Mt 12:40 "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

What does “in the heart of the earth” mean? Unfortunately, perhaps, that phrase is only used once in the bible. Is a tomb on the surface of the earth, the same as the heart of the earth? Could “in the heart of the earth” mean separated from the Father and fully engulfed by what is in/on the earth? When Eve took a bite of the fruit, she didn’t physically die, she spiritually died (separated from God). Jesus took on the sins of the world and needed to be separate from God the Father. That would fit what happened to Jonah. He was separated from normal human living conditions, and was totally engulfed by the whale. It seems from Jesus’ teaching that everything from being betrayed to being put to death and buried is encompassed by the phrase “in the heart of the earth.” Scripture does not contradict itself. This explanation seems plausible.

More on three days...

2010-03-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

After Three Days

Another difficult phrase that generates a lot of discussion is found in Mark 8:31

“And he [Jesus] began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”

Reading through the Bible, one will come across 7 other references that contain the phrase “after three days.” Of these, two are very helpful in establishing the time frame. 2Chron10:5 and Matt27:63. In 2Chron10:5 the king asks the people to return after three days. In 2 Chron10:12 the people return and here is how the passages read…

5 “And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.”
12 “So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day.”

In Matthew 27 the religious leaders make a request to secure the tomb…

63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day,…

From these passages, it appears that “after three days” is the same as on the third day. It is not the second day or the forth day.

The Third Day

Which day is the third day? It is pretty clear that the third is one part of three. Here are two references to demonstrate this.

1 Samuel 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;

Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

“Three day and three nights,” “after three days,” and “the third day” all point to the same time period. It is a time period that starts on day one and ends on day three.

Three Days and Three Nights

2010-03-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Let’s address one of the "difficult" passages first. Jesus said in Matthew 12:40
"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
The question is how long is "three days and three nights?" Is it 72 hours, as some would propose? Where is that supported in scripture? There are two other references in the Bible that use the term "three days and three nights." They are I Sam 30:12 and Jonah 1:17. A cursory reading of both of these references would give no better indication of how long three days and three nights are either. And it would seem that now would be a good time to jump to a commentary or marginal notes, but let’s look around the passage and see if the context reveals anything new…

Finding anything related to the use of “three days and three nights” in Jonah requires a little more than looking at the context immediately surrounding the verse. Reading to Jonah chapter 3 one finds:

Jonah 3:3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.

What does three days’ journey mean? It probably means that it takes three days to cross Nineveh, not necessarily 72 hours, but three normal travel days. In those days, probably in daylight and probably walking. So what? Maybe not much, but it could be that the time that God had Jonah in the whale was to parallel the journey through Nineveh. He could not go in during the day and spend the night outside. But he could start his journey the first day, and exit the third day, three days journey…three days and three nights.

There is another verse in I Sam 30 that discusses a time frame.

ISam30:12-13 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.
13 "And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick."

“Agone” is only used once in the Bible. What does “agone” mean? It is probably some variant of ago, most every source available simply says, “it means ago.” It is not clear if substituting “ago” for “agone” violates any grammatical rules, or if “agone” actually mean something a little different, or if perhaps it was used to draw attention to this verse. [Agone is an adjective, Ago is a adverb] There are 13 uses of “ago” in the bible, so that word was available. In fact, one of the uses is in ISam9 with the same time frame.

1 Samuel 9:20 And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found.

Another use is in the book of Acts.

Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

This passage is revealing, here are the events…
Cornelius has a vision and sends for Peter. Day 1
The next day, they travel to get Peter. Day 2

Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey

The men stay with Peter and leave the next day back to see Cornelius. Day 3

Acts 10:23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them…

The day after they are back in the city, they see Cornelius. Day 4

Acts 10:24-25 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea…. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, …

That same day Cornelius says, “…four days ago…”, albeit partial days, is the forth day from when he had his visions.

From this “three days ago” would be the day before yesterday, and would give the time frame for three days and three nights.

Three Days...

2010-03-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

There is an ongoing debate as to when Jesus was buried and rose again due to the "time" that we suppose that the Bible says elapsed between the two events. The following was written to present a biblical explanation of the time frame. An attempt will be made to address each of the various time references found in the Bible, and to demonstrate how they agree.

Most will agree that Jesus was not crucified on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. That leaves Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as the most likely days. Most will also agree that on whatever day Jesus was crucified he was buried before sunset due to the next day being a Sabbath day.

Those who believe that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday also believe that he rose again Saturday before sunset. This argument is based on the belief that the phrase "three days and three nights" indicate a full 72 hour period. Those who believe that Jesus was crucified on Thursday believe that Jesus rose on Sunday, the first day of the week. This would allow for a significant part of the three day time period and would seem to be supported by other scripture references regarding the "third" day. The Friday crucifixion/Sunday rising scenario is supported by mention of the preparation day before the Sabbath, the events preceding the Sabbath, and a Sunday resurrection. The three days are defined as individual days that events took place on, no matter how partial.

These all seem plausible to some extent. But many arguments seem to rely on extrabiblical texts and information while ignoring or minimizing what the Bible actually says. The approach that follows assumes that the Bible, in English, is really complete and can stand alone regarding all matters of faith and practice. No commentaries, no Greek/Hebrew, God has preserved His word for us. That can be debated elsewhere if needed.

Let's dive in. In case you plan to search the scriptures to prove to yourselves whether these things were so…all references are taken from the Authorized King James Version (AKJV).

Do you need to believe the Bible is the Word of God to be saved?

2010-02-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

That is a good question and I would guess most would say, "yes." That was my answer and a quick poll I did at home seemed to support that. The more general question is, "What does one need to believe to be saved?"

How about...
A literal seven day creation?
A global flood?
The virgin birth?
That Jesus is the Son of God?
That God is three in one?
That God is one?

James 2:19 says, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

That is a very telling verse. The devils know the truth, but are not saved. I would venture to say that Satan even knows that the Word of God has been delivered to us in written form, the Bible, but that does not mean he or the devils are saved, even if they appear to be ministers of righteousness.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 "...Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

The last part of that verse "whose end shall be according to their works" is key.

James 2:14 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

And about now you may be thinking, "Look at all the Bible verses you are using. You must believe that the Bible is the Word of God." Yes, I do. But I believe that because I am saved. One of the works of faith, is believing that the Bible is the Word of God.

James 2:17-18 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

And how are we saved?

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.."

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

We are saved by faith, which is a gift of God. And what are we saved for the good works that God has ordained.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Perhaps the question that should ask is not, "What do we need to believe to be saved?" but as the jail keeper asked...

Acts 16:30 "...Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

And the response to that question was...

Acts 16:31 "And they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.'"

And now we are back to belief. Maybe, but notice that the question was "...what must I do..." not "...what must I believe..." Perhaps, vs31 is acting on the faith that was given by God as a gift. As John says...

1 John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

And what did John write about in 1 John. The works that those who are saved do...

1 John 1:5-7 "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

But what about the Bible? Yes, if one is saved he will come to believe that the Bible is the Word of God, but I do not think that one "needs to believe the Bible is the Word of God to be saved."

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

What we believe is important, but what we do with what we believe demonstrates our faith. And we are to be "...perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

The Perfect Excuse

2009-12-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is hard to post a blog, because of the thought, “it has to be perfect.” Which of course is followed by the following phrases:
“Nobody’s perfect...” and
“Christian’s aren’t perfect, just forgiven...”
So, please do not expect this to be a perfect blog. But wait!
Let’s ask some more questions...
Are those two statements true?
Does is justify aiming for a lower standard?
What does it mean to be perfect?
Is perfection something to be sought after?
This blog was originally set up to use the Bible to define what we believe. So it only seems right to ask, “What does the Bible say about being perfect?”
Matthew 5:48 reads “Be ye therefore perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Yes, that is in the Bible. Yes, that is a high standard. So, where to start? How about with “as your Father in heaven is perfect?” Let’s see what the Bible has to say about God and perfection.
Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
2Samuel 22:31 “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
Psalm 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Hebrews 5:8- 9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
God’s works, way, law (word), gifts, and Son are perfect. And according to Matthew 5:48 we are to be perfect as He is. But wait, only God is perfect, right? Well, let’s take a look at some passages in the old testament.
Deuteronomy 18:13 A command to God’s chosen “Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.”
Genesis 6:9 Noah “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”
1 Kings 11:4 David “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.”
1 Kings 15:11-14 Asa “And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father. And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.”
1 Chronicles 12:38 Men of war “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.”
1 Chronicles 29:9 people “Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.”
Are you seeing a pattern or getting some insight? God commanded his chosen to be perfect in the Old Testament, just like in the New Testament. There were singular cases, like Noah, and communal cases, like the people in 1 Chronicles 29. Notice that wisdom and wealth, Solomon, do not necessarily lead to being perfect. And the heart is made reference to in most of the passages selected.
How about examples in the New Testament...
Matthew 19:21 potentially the rich young ruler “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
2 Corinthians 13:9 Paul’s desire for the Corinthians “For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 the purpose for gifts “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”
Colossians 1:28 Paul to the Colossians “Whom we preach [Christ], warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
James 1:2-4 Christians are to be “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Revelation 3:2 Works “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.”
The goal for Christians is perfection and these verses seem to say that perfection is expected, not an option. One could say, “when we die and go to heaven, then we will be perfect,” but that does not seem to be what the passages are pointing to, albeit that statement is correct. For example, if the rich young ruler did as Jesus said, would he have died on the spot? And then the passage in Revelation is directed at the church in Sardis. Work still needs to be done.
The goal is perfection and there are people who are identified as being perfect. But what makes them perfect?
Not the works we do in the flesh...
Galatians 3:3 “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
Not the law...
Hebrews 7:19 “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”
But the God of all grace...
1 Peter 5:10 “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
God is the one who does the work and some of the passages above give us an indication of the methods God uses to perfect us.
But what does it mean to be perfect?
God is the one who makes us perfect and He has given us His perfect Word. There is a passage in 2 Timothy that helps define what it means to be perfect in this fallen world.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
This verse indicates that to be perfect it to be ready and willing to do good works. Works that are biblically based.

Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
James gives an example of a good work, and that is being careful what we say.
James 3:2 “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”
Think back to the context of Matthew 5:48. Matthew 5 certainly presents a high standard. Blessing those who persecute us, judgment of thoughts, and even a warning about the words we use. Matthew 5 is not written to show how far short we fall from God’s standard, the law does that also, but describes those who are being perfected by God.
There are those who are perfect. Past, present, and future.
Christians are forgiven and therefore have the means to be perfect.
It is convenient to use the phrase “I’m not perfect” as an excuse for not measuring up to God’s standards. The statement may be true for the moment, but what happens is that once that phrase is used over and over again, it becomes a truth in itself. And what follows is lower standards. Why? Because using the “perfect excuse” indicates that the standard cannot be met. If a standard cannot be met, why try? But the standard is God’s, the command to be perfect is from God, and the provision to be made perfect is from God.
God is the creator and judge. We are to fear Him, give glory to Him, and worship Him.
“Be ye therefore perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

Christmas and Easter...

2009-12-16T21:50:00.001-08:00

Two events are celebrated by the church more than any others. They are the birth of Christ, aka Christmas, and the resurrection of Christ, aka Easter. I was one of the many who only attended church during those two times of the year, and sometimes not even that. One would think that with so much significance the events and facts surrounding those two events would be uniform and clear.
Let's start with the events surrounding the birth of Christ. The events surrounding the resurrection of Christ will have to wait for a few months.
The word Christmas is not mentioned in the Bible, unlike the word Easter. Also, the day that Christ was born is not mentioned in the Bible, unlike the time of year that Christ was crucified and resurrected. The word Christmas comes from Christ's mass. I am not even going to pretend to be qualified to discuss the details of a mass, but from what I gather the term comes from the Roman Catholic church practice. There is also the term Xmas, which some, including myself, have taken offense to. Isn't that taking Christ out of Christmas. Well yes, and no. Apparently X, which would not be pronounce "ex," is the first letter of Christ in the Greek. One would not say "X"mas, but it is okay to write. And there is historical usage of X in the place of Christ. So for those who know their Greek, Xmas is suitable. Another explanation that I heard was that X was a symbol for the manger that Jesus was laid in since there was no room at the inn. Still nothing Biblical to mention here regarding the word Christmas.
The Biblical accounts...
Matthew 1, the genealogy and birth of Christ.
Matthew 2, the wise men visit.
Luke 1, the conception of Jesus
Luke 2, the birth of Jesus
Luke 3, the genealogy of Christ
That's it. Maybe that is why there is so much tradition mixed in. So here are some questions to answer about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.
Who is Jesus' Father? God. Ah, the perfect Sunday School question. It is not Joseph. That is somewhat clear from the genealogies presented also...
In Matthew, after fourteen verses of "father begat son," comes verse 16
"And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." Note that Joseph did not begat "...Jesus, who is called the Christ." But that Joseph is called "the husband of Mary."
The genealogy in Luke 3 is even more interesting in that is starts at the end, and is introduced by verse 22
"And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." The next verse "And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,"
I could only find one instance where Joseph is mentioned as Jesus' father and that is in Luke 2:48 after Jesus remains at the temple, and his parents panic, like all good parents would.
"And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." Note that his mother is speaking. The next verse clears up any misconceptions...
49 "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?" Jesus is clearly referring to God.

Was Mary a virgin or just a young woman?
It is pretty clear that she was a virgin and a young woman.
Matt 1:22-23 "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." This is from Isaiah 7:14.
Luke 1:26-27 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary."

Were Joseph and Mary married before the conception of Jesus Christ? According to many, no. They were simply engaged. So why does anybody get upset if couples become pregnant out of wedlock? The Bible makes it clear that they were married, or considered to be husband and wife. In Luke 1:27, included above, it says Mary was "...espoused to a man whose name was Joseph..." To be espoused is to be legally declared a husband and wife. It is much different than being engaged in today's western culture. Matthew 1:18 makes it clear that although they were legally married, they had not yet come together, so Mary should not have been pregnant by a man, but she was by the Holy Ghost. "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. For more on espoused, look also at 2 Samuel 3:14 "And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines." This payment was actually Saul's idea on how to potentially get rid of David, but by the grace of God David prevailed. 1 Samuel 18:27 "Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife." Another place where espoused is used is 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." The sense from here is being committed. Verse 3 is interesting because the example is Eve. She was Adam's wife, no question there. More evidence, Matthew 1:19 "Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily." The phrase "put her away" is used six other times in the Bible and always refers to an action between a husband and a wife. And lastly Matthew 1:20 "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Note the phrase "fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:" This is the best translation because it is consistent with all the events surrounding the birth of Christ, and with the rest of the Bible. God works by the book.

Who were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar? I heard this question at a Christmas party for children. The children were then separated into groups based on these three names. Who were they? They were the three kings who visited Jesus at the time of his birth, as most nativity scenes depict. Leave it at that? No. Biblically speaking there is no mention of the number of kings that visited Jesus. In fact, they are not even called kings. Also, they didn't visit Jesus and see Him lying in a manger, but came to a house. Let's look at the account starting in Matthew 2:1-2 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Wise men from the east came to find Jesus with the question, "Where is he that is born...?" Not will be born, but has been born. Also, there is no mention of how many wise men came. They are called wise men, not kings, and they are not called Magi (in this version). By the way, what are Magi? You could say, "wise men or kings" but what usually follows the term Magi, in an effort to define it, are astrologers, "magi"cians, and scientists. That could be, but in general it makes more sense to say, "wise men seek Jesus." One does not have to be knowledgeable in the sciences or occult to seek Jesus, but those who do seek Jesus are considered by God to be wise, no matter how simple. The traditional view of there being three kings, comes from the gifts that were presented when they met the Christ child. Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." The gifts indicate wealth of kings and noblemen, right? Not necessarily, maybe some of the wise men gave out of their wealth, but maybe some gave all that they had. Like the widow in Luke 21:2-4 "And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had." Wise men seek Jesus, period.

What about "the star?" Isn't there documentation of some astronomical event, like the aligning of planets or a supernova around the time of the birth of Christ that could explain the star? Even if there was there are some things that we know about stars (including planets). They follow a normal path from East to West. They do not stand still in the sky. Most everyone can see them. Now "the star." Matthew 2:2 says, "...we have seen His star in the east..." Where was the star that the wise men saw? Did they see it while they were in the east, or did they see it in the east. It seems redundant to say that the wise men were from the east and saw the star while they were in the east; however, there is significance to seeing a star in the east. Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." Where would you look to see a "bright and morning star?" East, because anywhere else you probably could have seen the star already since stars appear to move east to west across the sky. So maybe the wise men, who were seeking Jesus, received a supernatural sign from God, the bright and morning star, that was their signal to travel to Jerusalem. Am I giving the wise men too much credit? They received at least one other vision from God and obeyed. Matthew 2:12 "And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." Most normal people would not be looking for a star in the morning, other than the sun. Perhaps the wise men had another dream in which God revealed a star to be seen by them, and them alone. Note that there is no indication that the star led the wise men to Jerusalem. In fact, if they saw it in the east, and they came from the east the star would not have led them to the east. And if it was a normal astronomical event it would have led them in circles, rising in the east and setting in the west. It could be that the wise men said they saw his star in the east, because after they saw it, it went away. That would explain Matthew 2:7 where Herod inquires when the star appeared. The next mention of the star comes a few verses later. Matthew 2:9-10 "When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." To travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem one needs to go south. This passage says, "the star...went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was." The movement of the star was in a southerly direction, the star then stopped over where the young child was. Not a normal things for stars to do. It also appears that only the wise men saw the star. All this is miraculous and consistent with the nature of God. He leads those that seek Him, and hides truth from those who have hardened their hearts. It appears that the star was a supernatural sign for the wise men to confirm the birth and identity of the Messiah.

Why does it matter if we get the details right or not?
Because as Jesus says in Mark 7:13 "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." When tradition trumps what the Bible teaches, the Bible becomes just another tradition or a collection of stories.

Should we celebrate the birth of Christ?
Is there anything in the Bible that suggests a celebration of the birth of Christ? Does "a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God" count (Luke 2:13)? How about the shepherd's coming in haste to see the babe lying the manger (Luke 2:16)? Or how about Simeon's and Anna's reaction later in Luke 2? And what about the wise men who came from the east to worship Him. Yes, there is plenty of reason to celebrate the birth of Christ. But is that what Christmas is all about? That is what Christmas should be all about. But through the years the meaning has changed to be more of a secular event, even for many of the Christians who "celebrate" Christmas. Could it be because through the telling of stories it has become more of a myth and the events have taken a life of their own, rather than the focus being on the event of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us? The reactions of the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the wise men were acts of worship and giving glory to God. Setting apart a day a year to celebrate God becoming flesh and dwelling among us is not a bad thing. No the exact day of Christ' birth is not known, but we can rejoice, remember, and celebrate this special event throughout the year with the focus on December 25th.

Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Miranda Rights, Tiger Woods, and You

2009-12-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Now that the US is considering trying enemy combatants, or terrorists, in civilian courts, the question is being asked is "if a terrorist is captured would that person need to be read their Miranda rights by their US captors?"
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense..."
Shouldn't that "right" be reserved for US citizens and be applied to those fighting against the US?
Or is that a God given right that should be applied to all people?
Wouldn't you like to know what happened to Tiger Woods? His name is probably at the top for recent internet searches. Some people say he needs to make a clear statement explaining and defending himself against all the accusations that are flying about. Mike Gallagher asked on his morning talk show something to the effect of (the following is paraphrased), "What about you? Should you have to reveal all the details about the latest fight that you had with someone close to you, or should you have to explain every detail about the last time you got into an accident?" Good point by Mr. Gallagher. Tiger woods has asked for privacy and that seems reasonable, but more and more people seem to be coming out of the wood work with stories. Seems to fit the following verse. Prov 16:20 "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." No puns intended. People will keep on talking as long as there is fuel for the fire. That seems to suggest that something should be said to put the fire out. On the other hand, things said most often just add fuel to the fire. Accusers are not happy just knowing that something happened, they want to know exactly what happened and with who, and when, and where, and why, and how, and what you were thinking, and ... the list goes on.
Let's look at someone who didn't do anything wrong. That would be Jesus.
Luke 22:66-71 "And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth."
But wasn't Jesus silent before His accusers in fulfillment of prophecy Isaiah 53:7? Yes, Luke 23:9-10 "Then he [Herod] questioned with him [Jesus] in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him."
The point being that we are fallen and need to be discerning who we share with and what we share. There are those who want to help, and those that do not. Perhaps a question to ask, before we ask a question is, "Why do I want/need to know?" Is it so I can get the scoop or protect myself, or so that I can minister to the person? I think one leads to gossip and the other potentially leads to life.
Things we say and do can get us into "trouble," even if what we are doing is right. In fact, it is not only what we verbally communicate, it can be things we write, type., email, blog, video etc. I am sure you can think of some recent events that reputations have been ruined because of things written or videos made that were intended to be private, but end up being revealed. And now, with the internet, things can published world wide in an instant. That seems to fit Luke 12:2-3 "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."
In the above context, that seems to be somewhat terrifying, and maybe it should be. Here is what Google CEO said about privacy, "If you have something you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it." Problem is, I think that most people, including the Google CEO, have things that they would rather not be known. But according to Luke 12, everything will be known and it is impossible to take back words spoken. So, "Be afraid, be very afraid."
The parallel passage in Matthew 10 provided a different view point for me. Matthew 10:25-28 "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
The difference is verse 27 "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." Remember this is Jesus speaking. So it is his words that will be preached upon the housetops. Comforting?
Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." It is not just what we do that will be judged, but our thoughts and intent also." God's word judges not only our actions, but our "thoughts and intents." Read Matt 5:19-48 for a little more elaboration on this.
So you can remain silent, although in God's eyes nothing is hidden. In God's court, God is the judge, and if you accept Him, Christ is your attorney to defend you. And yes, Christ paid the price for you.
The good news is that God is the judge and not man. And that through His Son's works, He has provided the way of escape for His creation. That is why He is worthy of fear, glory, and worship.
Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Questioning Faith

2009-11-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

What kind of questions cross your mind when you are struggling to understand what God is doing? Especially, if you are in the midst of circumstances that are not so pleasant. Maybe questions like the following have crossed your mind...
"Art thou (Jesus) he that should come? or look we for another?" Luke 7:20
"How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?" Psalm 13:1
"LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?" Ps 94:3
"...Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?... neither hast thou delivered thy people at all." Ex 5:22-23
How could John the Baptist, David, or Moses ask questions like that? Did they lack faith? Isn't that what we think or hear when we are struggling? You need to have faith... I submit that only those who believe and are seeking God ask questions like those above. Why? Because they come from expectation of God acting.
Statements like, "...There is no God..." or "...Why couldn't we (fill in the blank)..." would come from those who do not believe that God is or are reliant on themselves and their works rather than God's grace.
Asking questions or feeling far from God because of circumstances might not be due to lack of faith. Maybe it is not even a question of faith. In other words, circumstances do not define faith. It is what you do in the midst of circumstances that demonstrates faith.

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Then after establishing himself as a responsible trustworthy servant, he is falsely accused by his master's wife and sent to prison. He establishes himself in the prison, but is forgotten. Many years later, things work out for Joseph, and as he had dreamed a long time before, he now rules over his brothers. And what is his attitude toward his brothers? "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." Genesis 50:20 If that were me, I would probably be saying, "I told you so..." Joseph continues to say... Genesis 50:25 "And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence." Hebrews 11:22 "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones." Assurance of things hoped for...
Or how about Job. "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil." Job 1:1 Now that is a nice intro. But then, Job lost everything, except his wife and his life. His condition after his loss "....his grief was very great..." Job 2:13. After much misplaced counsel from a few of his contemporaries, God answers Job starting in Job 38. Here are two interesting verses in God's answer that summarizes God's reponse....
Job 38:4 "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?..."
Job 40:8 "Wilt thou also disannul my judgment?..." Sound familiar?
Remember, Revelation 14:7 "...for the hour of His judgment..." and "...who created..."
Or how about Jesus... Hebrews 12:2-3 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." What question did He ask.... "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46
Yes, trials are hard and may cause some to ask questions, but do not confuse trials with lack of faith. James 1:2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Interesting that the passage in James does not say that the result will be more faith, but the result will be patience. This passage also mentions asking for wisdom, not more faith. Perhaps the wisdom is to understand the trials, and God's work, so that the result will be "..., that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing..." James 1:4.
Why not ask for faith? Faith is a gift from God and as James writes later in chapter 1 verse 17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
How much faith has God given?
1Cor 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
The answer is enough, but we are responsible to use what he has given us for His glory.
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Mustard Seed Faith

2009-10-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

"O ye of little faith..." Is that a compliment?

Matthew 17:20 "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Luke 17:6 "And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."

Is mustard seed faith equivalent to little or small faith?

In the above verses, Jesus does not say, "faith as small as a mustard seed." He says, "faith as a grain of mustard seed" which can be read as "like a grain of mustard seed." Just to backtrack a little, The above verses follow passages that suggest the disciples are struggling with their faith; therefore, they cannot accomplish the work that they are asked to do. It is important to note that Jesus never uses the phrase "o ye of little faith" in a complementary tone, so does it make sense for Him to say, "if you had faith as small as a mustard seed." Second if faith is a gift of God, then claiming little or small faith seems to be making little of that gift which leads to salvation. Third, unlike wisdom, which the bible says you can ask for if you are lacking, you need faith to even ask for faith. Why? Because one aspect of faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the act of asking God for faith is an indication that one has faith.
So what about faith as a mustard seed? The Bible teaches that the mustard seed is the smallest in the field, but it also grows to be the largest herb in the field.
Matt 13:31-32 "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." Therein lies the faith of a mustard seed.
The faith/hope of a mustard seed is that it will grow to be the largest of the herbs in the fields and provide shelter for some of God's creation. It's assurance comes from the fact that that is what God created mustard seeds to do. What have you been created to do?
Eph 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Mustard seed faith is trusting God to keep the promises that He has revealed in His word. God has prepared good works for us, and works in us to accomplish them. God is the one who will move "this mountain," which may be referring to casting out demons, or "pluck up this sycamine tree," which may be referring to forgiving a trespasser seven times a day.
The mustard seed, from the least to the greatest, that topic has come up before and it is the story of Jesus.

Heb 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Faith is ... the assurance of things hoped for...

Faith...

2009-10-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

What is faith? How would you describe it?
Here are a few things that I have gleaned from Scripture...

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" and I Corinthians 21:9 "To another faith by the same Spirit..."
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him".
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen."

Faith is a gift, without it we cannot please God, and it provides substance to our hope and conviction regarding things that are not seen.
One might ask, "if faith is a gift from God, how then can God judge those who have little or no faith? Isn't the amount of faith someone has God's fault?" Well, that is a good question. And since I am not God, maybe this should be the end of this blog, but I also do not give up that easy...
May I suggest the following. God gives everyone the gift of faith. It is our responsibility to exercise the gift that God has given us. For example, God revealed Himself to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ. Did everyone accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour? No.... the conclusions that people came to varied from a servant of Satan to the Son of God. In a similar way, we can guess how people may deal with the gift of faith. Some will toss it aside (no faith), others may marvel at the packaging but never delve in to see the contents (little faith), and others will use the gift to varying degrees.
How might an individual know where he stands with regard to his faith? Or, how would you like to put your faith to the test, or grow in it? Where would you start? A good place to start would be in the beginning. "Really?" But of course...
In Hebrews 11 what is the first example of faith given?
Hebrews 11:3 "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
What do you believe about the origin of life? What the Bible says or something else? I could not write, "or what science says," because there is a body of science that supports what the Bible plainly says. I write "plainly says, " because there are those who would add to what is in the text to match what they think they see. The Bible plainly states that the heaven, and earth, and the seas and everything in them were created in six days with the seventh day being the day that God rested from the work that He had done. The six days of work and one day of rest was cited later as an example to the nation of Israel for observing the Sabbath. Exodus 20:11
"For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." There is plenty of evidence, both in scripture and in science, for a young earth. If you are interested in further study see.
www.icr.org
www.answersingenesis.org
Romans 1:20 indicates why it is important to understand and acknowledge God's hand in creation...
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
Can you think of any examples that would support Romans 1:20? Something about the nature of God that can be understood by the things that are made? How about the Trinity? Or God being three in one? You may have heard the Trinity compared to an egg. The shell, the yolk, and the white. Or maybe even water. Ice, liquid, and steam. Does the Bible ever say, "God is an egg?" or "God is water?" How about this..."God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all" 1 John 1:5. What did God say on day 1? "Let there be light"
What do we know about light?
Well if you are sitting in front of a computer at the moment, you are seeing light. That is if the computer is on and the monitor is not in a sleep mode. If there is a white patch and you have a very good magnifying glass you will see that the white is not white, but a combination of red, blue, and green. In fact, if you have a paint program, those three colors can be combined in different quantities to produce all the colors that can be seen. All three are required for white light, the absence of all three is darkness. Each one of the three is light. The sky is blue, the grass is green, and sunsets that cause us to gaze in awe are different shades of red. Our Father is in heaven (blue), the Spirit enables us to grow (green), and we are saved by the precious blood of Christ (red).

Faith is ... the evidence of things not seen.

The Everlasting Gospel

2009-10-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

Rev 14:7 "...Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
In previous postings, I have worked through this verse and tried to explain each of the concepts using the Bible as a guide. To me this verse sums up the Bible and, as I have stated before, clearly defines who God is and what He requires from us. A question might be, "but what about Jesus?" If this is the gospel message as defined in the Bible, where is He mentioned? Shouldn't Jesus be at the center of any gospel message? I can answer, "...all things were created by him, and for him:..." Colossians 1:19, and Jesus is God, but that might be missing the point. In fact, as I was searching for different "gospel" presentations, and as some came to my mind that I have been exposed to in the past, I began myself to wonder if I hadn't missed the point. What is that point?
I am to be a witness, or you are to be a witness. And I just don't mean a witness that just relays a story, but a witness that has actually lived through the story being told.
Isn't it more convincing to actually hear and see someone who has lived through some event, than to just hear about it second hand. There is a big difference to me saying something like, "I've heard that ride is a lot of fun, apparently there is a point where the chair flips over and you end up looking at the ground" compared to, "...it's amazing when the chair flips over and all you can see is the ground rushing toward you..." First hand experience! There is nothing like it. So maybe the question becomes, how do you know if you are living according to the gospel? or how do you know if what you are doing is right or wrong?
It may be as simple as asking questions according to Rev 14:7
1. Does it cause you or others to hate evil and love God? (Fear God)
2 Does it cause you or others to acknowledge God's works? (Give glory to Him)
3. Does it make it clear how good God's judgments are? (for the hour of His judgment is come)
4. Does it lead to being consumed with thoughts about God? (and worship Him)
5. Does it cause you to remember that God is the creator and also the giver and sustainer of life, and life eternal? (that made heaven, and earth, and the seas, and the fountains of water)
Revelation 14:7 summarizes how we are to live in light of the truth of who God is. Living according to that truth will provide us with a powerful testimony and witness for God. Then what others see in our lives will make them want to hear our message. But in order to know God and live according to what we know, we need faith. And Jesus is "...the author and finisher of our faith..." according to Hebrews 12:2. Simply put, it is all about Jesus.

The Gospel: Creator

2009-10-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

God "...made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
Gen 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Check. But it was not until the second day that God called heaven "Heaven." And it was not until the third day that God called the dry land "Earth" and the waters "Seas." And what about the fountains of waters?
Fountains of waters usually refers to fresh water, as opposed to sea water that is salty. God has turned "...the flint into a fountain of waters." Psalm 144:8. Jeremiah 17:13 refers to the LORD as "...the fountain of living waters." And in the new heaven God "...will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Rev 21:6.
What that says to me is that God is not only the creator of what we can see, but also of life and He is the sustainer of life for eternity. In other words, He is worthy of our worship.

The Gospel: Worship Him

2009-10-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

Worship is another one of those words that seems to be thrown around without much thought. In fact, I would venture to guess that because there is not much thought put into worship that it has been turned into something more about man than about God. Whether it be the music, the message, or the ministry, could it be that we are more interested in how it makes us feel, than what it says about God?
By the way, worship is pronounced "wership" not "war ship"... Like the worst worm in the world may worry that he is not worthy to hear the word.
The Bible actually does have a lot to say about worship. A study can be done to look at true worship, false worship, positions of worship, and actions of worship. There is even a passage that may help us understand what worship is. Luke 14:7-11
"And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Did you see it? "...then shalt thou have worship..." Put yourself in the position of someone seated in the room watching all the events taking place. Not knowing what is about to unfold, but seeing it as it takes place. What would you think of that person that sat in the lowest place and was asked to go up higher? Would you be envious? Would you wonder what that person did? Would you like to know that person better? Whatever the case, your thoughts would probably be consumed with that person that was moved higher.
That is worship. Being consumed with thinking about God.
Think about Christ for just a minute. Didn't He take a place in the lowest room, being born in a stable, but now is seated at the right hand of God. He is worthy of our undivided worship.
True worship will cause us to bring an offering, to sing, to acknowledge God's work, to confess, to bow down before the Lord our God. That is different that trying to generate worship or a feeling by activity.
Psalm 95:6-7 says, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For His is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

The Gospel: Judgment

2009-10-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Rev14:7 "Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come..."
The gospel is also known as the good news, or good tidings. (Compare Luke 4:18 and Isaiah 61:1). But what is so good about judgment?
It seems like whenever judgment is spoken of, it is in a negative context. Christians are reminded frequently, "the Bible says 'don't judge'." Even in an earlier post it was noted that God judged his creation by sending a flood. I guess a conclusion that can be made is that in order to share the good news, you have to share the bad news. But it also might be that there exists a misunderstanding of God's judgment.
First, just as the Bible does say, "judge not," (albiet often used out of context) there is a verse that tells us how to judge.
John 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment"
Who judges righteously. God does. Jesus says this in John 5:30
"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."
So what about God's judgment? It is interesting to consider that those who do not know God cannot know His judgments.
Ps 147:19 "He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD."
Ps 10:5b "...thy (God's) judgments are far above out of his (the wicked's) sight:"
But for those who are known by God...
Deut 4:8 "And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
And what about God, the judge?
Deut 32:4 "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."
Here is another way to look at God's judgment...
Ps 19:9-11 "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."
1. God's judgments are true and righteous
2. God's judgments are more desirable than much fine gold.
3. God's judgments are sweeter than honey
4. God's judgments can lead to great reward
How is that for good news!

There's water on mars and the moon, oh my!

2009-10-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

Should it bother Christians that scientists have found water on Mars and on the moon? Or perhaps, maybe scientists are once again unwittingly proving the Bible to be true.  Genesis says that God separated the waters above from the waters below.
Genesis 1:6-7 "And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so."
That would mean that there is water out there.
How did Moses know that comets would be ice balls, that there was water on Mars, the Moon, and some of Saturn's moons.  Lucky guess, I think not!  
Thank God for His word and for showing us that it is true.
By the way, I heard this Sunday that there are 300 prophecies in the Old Testament dealing with Jesus' first coming, and they were all fulfilled by Him. Guess what? Apparently there are over 2100 prophecies in the Old and New Testaments concerning His second coming.
Fear God and give glory to Him....

The Gospel: Give Glory to Him

2009-10-06T17:30:00.001-07:00

How does one give glory to God. Or do we eat and drink to the glory of God as 1 Corinthians 10:31 says?

Some verses dealing with glorifying God...
Psalm 50:23 “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God”
Luke 23:47 “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying Certainly this was a righteous man.”
Matt 27:54 “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”
John 15:8 "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit..."
Acts 11:18 “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

Verses dealing with God's glory...
1 Chronicles 16:29 “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; Bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
Isaiah 43:8 “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”

Something to think about. Who gets the thanks/praise for a nice cold glass of water on a hot day? Your self for a job well done, the person who brought you the water for being so thoughtful, or perhaps the One who gave us the sense to appreciate a cold glass of water in the first place. The glory belongs to God.

What is God's glory?
It is something visible...
Deut 5:24...Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness..."
It filled the tabernacle, the temple, and it will fill the whole earth...
Isaiah 6:3 "...the whole earth is full of his glory."
It is declared by creation...
Ps 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God, ..."
It will endure forever...
Ps 104:32 "The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever..."
But it has not been fully revealed...
2 Cor 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord..."
It will light the new heaven and earth...
Rev 21:23 "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."

It seems that God's glory is the visible manifestation of God Himself, and we glorify God by revealing to others who He is and what He has done. Giving glory to God is outwardly giving to Him that which He is due.

The Gospel: Fear God

2009-10-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to fear God? Or, to fear the Lord? Or, the fear of the Lord?
Does it mean to be afraid of God, like "fear and trembling?" Does it mean respect, like, "yes sir!?" Does it mean to be in awe, like, "wow!?"

In Psalms and Proverbs there are many verses that tell us what the fear of the Lord is...
Ps 19:9 it is clean
Ps 111:10 it is the beginning of wisdom
Prov 1:7 it is the beginning of knowledge
Prov 14:26 it is strong confidence
Prov 14:27 it is a fountain of life
All helpful, but do they help to define what to do to "fear God?"

Perhaps another question to ask is "what do people do with things they are afraid of?" Maybe this is too simplified, but it seems that they either try to run from it, or they try to conquer it. It is like children who are afraid of the dark. They want to run from it, but their parents try to convince them that there is nothing to be afraid of. What is it about a dark room that is so frightening? Not knowing what is there. The unknown. The same may be true for how people handle God if they do not know him. They run from him, or they try to conquer him. Ps 14:1 and 53:1 say, "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." or Ps 10:11 "He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it." The interesting thing here is that God can be known...
Romans 1:20 says, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" And yet we are to fear God...
Rev 14:7 "Fear God and give glory to him,...."
1 Peter 2:17 "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."
Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
So what does it mean to fear God?
Maybe the following verse will help...
Proverbs 8:13 "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil..."
The difference between this verse and the ones listed earlier is the word "to" after "is."
To "fear God," is to "hate evil." But to avoid filling our hearts with hate, look at it this way. The opposite of evil is righteousness. Then to "fear God," is to love righteousness. Or as Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "...keep his commandments..."

"Fear God ...(hate evil and keep his commandments)... for the hour of his judgment is come"

The Gospel and the Bible

2009-10-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

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

In the previous post I mentioned that this definition for the gospel covered the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I will agree that the term "gospel" is only used in the new testament, but look at how this one verse seems to summarize both the old and new testaments.

God as creator. Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" and later in Genesis 1 the seas. And at the end of chapter one, God says about his creation,

"...it was very good."

God as judge. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve decide not to fear God and give glory to him, but instead listen to the serpent and disobey God. As a result, God has to remove them from the garden and the blessing of being in close fellowship with him.

It does not take too much more reading to find the next judgment. That would start in Genesis 6. Genesis 6:5 says, "And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth...." God also found a man named Noah who "found grace in the eyes of the LORD." God judged his creation by sending the flood. But also note in Genesis 7, in the account of the flood, the "fountains" are mentioned.

Next is the tower of Babel, another judgment and another creation. The judgment, confusing the languages, the creation the languages. Then throughout the rest of the old testament cycles of blessings and cursings. When people wholeheartedly call upon God, he blesses. When they don't, God allows them to suffer the consequences, but he remains faithful.

His faithfulness is clearly demonstrated the sending of his Son. The first time the word gospel is used is in Matthew 4. Matthew 4:23 says, "Jesus....preaching the gospel..." If Jesus preached the gospel, what did he preach? Look back a few verses to Matthew 4:17 "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." To me that sounds like "Fear God and give glory to him" (repent) "for the hour of his judgment is come..." (for the kingdom of heaven is at hand). Of course, Jesus taught more than that, but in general it seems that what he taught reflects what Revelation 14:7 says.

The ultimate judgment is Jesus dying on the cross to pay for our sins, "and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" I Corinthians 15:4.

For those that believe we become new creatures.

Ultimately God will "...create new heavens and a new earth..." Isa 65:17. Or Revelation 21:1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth..." Not quite close enough to the end of the Bible for you? How about this...

Revelation 22:20 "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

What is the gospel?

2009-09-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

The "gospel" is a term that is used a lot. Gospel music, preach the gospel, share the gospel, the gospel books, etc.... Such a term as this must be defined in the Bible, right? But how would you define the gospel? Again, there is a difference between being able to defend a position and being able to define it. Wouldn’t it be nice it there were a chapter and verse that could be pointed to rather than relying on memorizing a canned presentation?
I submit that the gospel is defined in Bible and the definition clearly states who God is and what He requires from us. Ready...

Revelation 14:7 “...Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

Why do I think that is a good definition for the gospel? Well, look at Revelation 14:6. That verse reads “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," and then the beginning of verse 7, “Saying with a loud voice....” Verse 7 is the message that the angel is delivering which is identified in verse 6 as being the everlasting gospel.
Whatever is shared as the "gospel" can use this verse as its framework. People need to know who God is and what he requires from us.
Who is God? He is the creator and the judge.
What does he require from us? To fear him, to give glory to him, and to worship him.
That also covers the Bible from Genesis through Revelation.

Give that some thought, there is more to come...

Defining beliefs

2009-09-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Most of us can defend what we believe using the Bible, but can we define what we believe using the Bible? Sounds like a strange question, but what I have noticed is that there are many differing beliefs being presented and defended, but very few being clearly defined by the Bible. For example, and this is just an example with the discussion to be saved for a later blog, is there a clear definition for the Trinity in the Bible? Note, I am not asking for the evidence to support the concept of a Trinity. I am asking for a definition.
I have found some interesting discussions in support of and against the Trinity. Both sides use the Bible to defend their position. Can two opposing views be right?
Another example, creation and evolution. Young earth vs old earth. This is a little harder, since the evidence is not only found in the Bible, but there is also physical evidence available to be examined. Aside from the evidence, what would cause someone to believe in creation vs evolution or a young earth vs and old earth.
Okay, okay, now I am getting into issues of faith, yet another future blog topic...

In the beginning...

2009-09-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start a blog to share some thoughts about what I believe and hopefully in doing so cause you to study and search for truth. My purpose is not to tell you what to believe, but to share what I have found that has helped me in my walk with God.

My hope is that you will be encouraged and challenged and that your walk with God will be enhanced. So hold on to your Bible and get ready to search...