Month: May 2007

God’s All-Knowledge

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The prophet, at least about to be, is sharing his call from God with us as we look at the rest of chapter one. Our verses today will just be verses four and five. I want to keep these articles relatively short. They are usually the ones which will be read, if most people are like me in that respect.

“Then the word of the LORD came to me saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NKJV).

While Jeremiah was serving as a priest with his family it surely grieved his heart to see the wickedness in the land. Many times this is the way God moves and works in calling men to serve as pastors, preachers, teachers, and other works. He places a burden upon the heart, and you go and grow in that as you hear the Lord and see Him work you just find yourself enjoying what He has called you to do.
The Lord had this planned for the prophet from the time the world was established. One of the things that the man of God needs to know and realize about God is that He is Omniscient, and that simply means that He is AllKnowing. There is nothing that God, the Creator of all that is, does not know. Someone has asked the question, “Is there anything God can learn?” Well the answer to that, if God is AllKnowing, is NO! Because He already knows everything there is to know.
That means He is never surprised by events, “accidents”, incidents, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, car wrecks, bombs exploding, or wars. You could put just about anything in there that you could think of.
God knew Jeremiah before he was conceived in the womb, and you could say, it was God who gave the seed that caused Jeremiah to be. There is a good thing we can see from this and that is that none of us are an accident. God made us to be.
These verses are often used by those who are pro-life, which I am, to show that there is human life in the womb of the mother, concerning the baby. It is not just a blob of tissue, a mass which has invaded the body of the woman. It is a special, ordained by God, individual whom He has plans for; whether the woman does or not. I guess her plans; the woman getting an abortion; are extinction.
The prophet is “Sanctified” which is set apart to be clean, appointed, prepared to do a task, and that task as we shall see is to proclaim the word of the LORD to God’s people of Judah, and to the nations.
He is “Ordained” by God to proclaim the message God puts in his mouth, and upon his lips. He is to speak what God tells him to speak, and not withhold one word. That is the work of the prophet of God. Speak the word of God and do it with all one’s strength, and then the strength of God.
God knows you. He knew you before you were conceived. Yield your life to Him.

Enos, the “Mortal Man”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continues…

“And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan: And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.” Genesis 5:9-11 (KJV).

Enos, the son of Seth in the LORD God’s plan of redemption, is the mortal man. That is the meaning of his name – “Mortal man”. It could be that at the time of the birth of Enos Adam and Eve and all those living were just beginning to see the results of sins curse, ie., death. Continue to notice that Enos, was having sons and daughters, helping populate the earth. These sons and daughters of Adam, Seth, and Enos all needed redemption. Death would have surely been noticed by this time;  by the stillborn death of children, and of adults; by murder and disease. It could be also that young children would have died to sickness, and some forms of diseases brought into the world because of sin.

No matter what the cause Enos is seen as “Mortal”. The MIRRIAM/WEBSTER Dictionary states that ‘mortal’ means ‘Subject to death’. Whether we like to admit it or not, one day we will die. This old human body wrinkles, decays, and aches. Aging is a painful progress, and as someone has said, “Growing old is not for cowards”. There are many people today who do not take growing old very well. They go to their “Plastic surgeon” and have work done on their face. They follow the latest fad to try and preserve their body until some cure is found for the disease which got them down. We are all mortal. We will all one day die.

There are people who are still searching for that FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, and to no avail. The only hope of living forever is by trusting who you are to the care of our loving, gracious, merciful Creator. He made the way to live forever, and that is through faith in the Son Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a Substitute for all our judgment of sin. If we are to live with our Creator for all eternity, then, we must yield to His way.

God Will Rise

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Can you imagine being born into a family of priests. Can you imagine even more, that after you have grown to be a man, that you receive a call from God to be His prophet. You are told that you will be a prophet to the people of God, that you will be a prophet to the nations. You are also told that you will speak whatever God puts in your mouth.

“The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month” Jeremiah 1:1-3 (NKJV).

The name Jeremiah means, “Jah will rise” and “Jah” is short for “Jehovah”. That name is given to us in one of the Psalms. In Psalm 68:4 it is written, “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH [Jah], and rejoice before Him.” The use of the name Jeremiah and of JAH seems to be that even though the Nation has fallen into ill will with God, that He is raised, He is exalted, and He will be praised by His people.

Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry takes place during some of the roughest of times, especially for a prophet. The people were so secure in their beliefs, that they were living under falsehood. They were thinking that because the temple was present in Jerusalem, then they would never fall.
The task of a true prophet of God would have been quite difficult for Jeremiah, as he was also a priest, and being from a family of priests, that would mean confronting some of the sins and discrepancies of the priesthood. Because of this he would not be very popular. But then, no prophet is ever popular, or well thought of while they are living.
Jeremiah probably prophesied during the latter years of king Josiah’s rule in Judah. Josiah was a good king, who brought reform that could even be called a revival to the nation. It is said of king Josiah, “He did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD” 2 Chronicles 34:2; but it was only shortlived so it was only temporary reform, which grieved the heart of this prophet of God.
When the people only put on a temporary change, because it has been legislated, rather than having a personal relationship with God, and a change of heart, it should grieve the hearts of those who know God.
This heart for God from this prophet would bring much sorrow, pain, and persecution from his family, friends, and the people. There seems to be only one who is faithful to Jeremiah and the Lord throughout this prophecy, and his name is Baruch (Chapter 45). We are each called, as a child of God, to be faithful to God, and support all those who are also faithful to God in proclaiming His Word.
God will rise and be exalted.

Seth the “Appointed”

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Genesis 5:6-8 continues…

“And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos: And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.” Genesis 5:6-8 (KJV).

The third son of Adam and Eve according to the record of God’s Word. This would definitely be the lineage of the LORD God’s plan of redemption. In this genealogy we have one of the clearest proclamations of hope and salvation for mankind.

Seth. He was surely a son of promise following the murder of Abel by Cain, and Cain’s desertion to the absence of the presence of God. Seth’s name means “Appointed”. With the death of Abel and the godless Cain the hopes of Adam and Eve may have been darkened, however, God gives them an “Appointment” through their son Seth. He will be an appointment with hope, salvation, redemption, and the presence of God.

Seth is a substitute. A godly seed in the place of Abel. It should be noted that Seth has sons and daughters and they are also populating the earth. All through the Old Testament we see the hope given by the “Substitute”. We have previously saw the animals which died in Adam’s and Eve’s stead, and provided them a covering. Here we have Seth as a “Substitute” filling in for Abel. A wonderful living substitute.

Run Through the Streets

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This blog is based on the idea of Jeremiah 5:1 which says, “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it”
There is a need for true judgment and for the seeking and knowing of truth in our land and around the world.
Most of the articles of this blog will probably be based from the Prophet Jeremiah’s writings. There is a need for men of God to take a stand; to speak out, and be strong.

Light of the World

/ Tim A. / 6 Comments

Matthew 5:13-16 concluded…

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV).

Now we turn to the action of Light. In particular the Light of Jesus Christ. Let’s think first of all what the action of light is. Light dispels darkness. It casts shadows. It shows the way in the dark. Darkness cannot overcome light. We can also see by the above verses that light can be hid. It might even be put out or grow dim, due to lack of being tended. Look at these things from a spiritual perspective.

Light and darkness cannot co-exist; they cannot be together in the same place – light always overcomes the darkness. Jesus is the Light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). In the Gospel of John it is written, “The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not” – “Comprehend” means overcome or conquered, thus the light shining. Darkness is merely the absence of light. It is basically nothing. Jesus cast out the nothingness of our lives by the shining of His light into our hearts. In our hearts before Jesus came is the absence of light – His Light. Shadows are the result of light not passing through an object which stands in its way. Is there anything in our lives which cast a solid shadow of obstinance, disobedience, which will be where those who watch us will be standing. Because of this shadow they will not see the Light. Light shows us the way in the dark.

There is an amazing thing about light. You can see light from miles and miles away, and still be in the dark. Light will do you no good until you get into its illuminating power; within its area of lighting. If you are out at night and the only light you have is a flashlight you can use that to find your way. With that flashlight there is no darkness where you walk. Every obstacle in your path, every hole before each step can be seen with that light. With the light that is far away you may; by tripping and stumbling; make your way toward it while you are in the dark. You will stumble, even fall at times, and if you keep walking toward that light – if you do not fall into a hole, over a cliff, or something else happens – you might eventually get to the luminance of that light. When you get into the graces of that light you will most likely find scratches, bruises, tears in your clothing, and your eyes will take a little time to adjust to the glow, but now you can see. If you have been walking the hills out in the country of the Ozarks that would be especially true. You will probably even find burrs, and ticks on you. When you get into this light you will see what you look like. When we get into the Light of Jesus we will see what we are, and what we look like. We will see that we need some cleaning up, and He can do that.

When we are the light of Christ we will work the same way that Jesus works. We do not cover the Light in order to be unthreatening to the people in darkness. We let that Light shine, letting them see clearly who we are, and most of all who Jesus is. We can hide the light, and it can go out or grow dim due to our being ashamed of it, or due to allowing sin to dominate our lives.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. It just seems to me that we hide that light when we put ourselves on the level of the bars, bunny mansions, and rock shows. It looks to me like we hide the Light when we have it covered with the garb and gear that is worn by the world. Let your light shine. Let the world see Jesus in you.

Family With a Message

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Genesis 5:1-32…

As we saw in chapter four Cain killed Abel due to jealousy, and probably bitterness due to God’s acceptance of Abel’s offering and not his. It would seem that, Cain had offered to God an improper attitude. He had offered to God an improper offering. He had offered to God an offering of the flesh, rather than an offering of blood. God had given Cain opportunity to repent, but he refused. He ended up murdering Abel, then trying to hide it from the Lord. Because of this deed; Cain goes out from the presence of the LORD God.

In several ways Cain’s family counterfeits the godly line. We mentioned those in the study of the last chapter and I will not do it again here.

“This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died” Genesis 5:1-5 (KJV).

It would have been a very sad day for Adam and Eve when they had found out Cain had killed Abel. Then, it became sad when they knew that Cain was out of the presence of the LORD God. We are retold about the creation of the man and woman in the ‘Likeness of God’. How their hopes for redemption must have flown away. They were sinners in need of a redeemer, and now their sons were gone. Tragedy in the first family, but God was not finished yet.

There are times in all our lives, just like with Adam and Eve, when we have feelings of God’s desertion. He never deserts us. We have His promise on that. Why would Adam and Eve feel that way now. By the naming of Cain they could have had an idea that this was their source of redemption. His name in Hebrew ‘Kahyin’ can be fixed upon or a play on another Hebrew word ‘kawnaw’ for redemption. I am not trying to be a Hebrew scholar. I know nothing of the Hebrew language. The words are taken from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Mine is without the Hebrew rendering of the word. I am only saying this is a possibility. It does seem that the name Cain was given as a hope for them in having a soon coming redeemer. With Cain away and out of the presence of the LORD God, and Abel dead they needed more hope.

When Adam was one hundred and thirty years old God gave them another son, which they named “Seth”, which started a godly line. There is a Family Message given in these names. I will not point it out except just to give you the meaning of their names. Remember in the times of Scripture peoples names had meaning. They were given the name they had for a reason. Notice too, that, Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters. This is important to remember because they all had spouses.

The godly line was to continue through Seth. His name means “Appointed”. God desires a godly line to bring a perfect salvation for mankind. You will notice that in chapter four verse twenty six Seth has a son named “Enos” whose name means “Mortal man”. This, “then began men to call upon the name of the LORD”. By placing them here before the genealogy of Adam seems to be saying to us that this was when they really began to see they were only mortal beings. They had seen death.

God desires mankind to be trustful and worshipful of Him, certainly not in self.

This third son mentioned, is said to be “a son in his [Adam’s} own likeness”. This may certainly mean in form, but it must most assuredly mean in the likeness of his spirit and attitude toward God as well. Although, Adam now had a sinful nature, his heart was turned toward the LORD for his salvation. It would appear that the following genealogy shows each ‘in his likeness’ in physical form as well as in spirit.

There are some who wonder where Cain got his wife (4:17), and where these other sons got their wives. The answer is that Adam and Eve had sons and daughters. There were others other than Cain and Abel and Seth, and the only conclusion one can reach, if we are to believe the Bible to be true, and I do; is to believe that in the beginning of the human God had brothers and sisters joining together in marriage.

There is no way of knowing how many sons and daughters Adam and Eve had, but there were many. Look at the ages of these people when they finally died. Adam was nine hundred and thirty [930]. That is not a misprint. There are some who doubt the ages of these men before the flood. But then, most of those doubt the flood ever happened too. If we begin to doubt these ages we would be casting doubt on the whole of the Word of God. If it is fallible and errant in its ages of men, it could certainly be unreliable in spiritual matters as well. Why is it so difficult to believe that a perfect earth, unpolluted, and unspoiled would allow men to live for centuries, rather than decades? Adam lived less than one thousand years. He did not live out one day in God’s sight; “For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:4); and it is also written, “But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). This just simply shows us that time is of no consequence to God. He is over it and has control of it as far as we are concerned.

Adam died at the age of 930 years, and that is far short of the eternal life which God created man to experience. Let me assure you that you will live eternally somewhere. Will it be God’s ordained place in His presence, or in the place He prepared for the devil and his angels?

Our Saltiness

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Matthew 5:13-16 —

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matthew 5:13 (KJV).

Let’s see if we can learn a little more about the salt and its action. One of the main purposes of salt is flavor and seasoning for foods. If you do not add salt to even hot cereal it comes off the stove tasting a little flat; or as my Dad has always said, “Slick”. It just taste better with a dash of salt. These days you can purchase salts with different flavors, such as garlic salt for putting on bread when you have spaghetti or any Italian dish. There is also seasoning salt for putting on meat when you cook it. Foods taste better with some salt. People with high blood pressure are told to cut back on their salt, or cut it all together. Some foods just are not the same without it though. When it comes to Christians being salt to our society we can add a lot of flavor to life by pointing people to Jesus Christ letting others see and know what He has done for us. Life just comes around a lot better when the salt is strong, and doing its task in life.

Salt can also be used as a Preservative. Years ago, and still in some places, there was/is a special salt for preserving meat. I can remember it being used after butchering a hog, and the half side of the pork laying in our cellar covered with this preserving salt. Any time Mom needed bacon or ham or porkchop; she would take a knife and go cut off a piece. Then, she would put it in the old cast iron skillet, and we had a mighty fine meal. That side of pork was down in that cellar most of the Winter. There is a judgment hanging over this world of ours. Many people will not admit to that; little lone what I am about to say here; but the only reason God has not destroyed this nation is because of those who are in Christ Jesus. I call that a preserving action. It is because of His mercy and grace toward all of us.

Someone once said, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink”. That may be true, but you can give him salt and make him thirsty. That is another work of salt. If we Christians were the salt in our world that we ought to be; there might just be a lot of thirsty people looking for the Well from which our Water of Life comes.

Have you ever put salt into an open sore or wound? It stings like the dickens. Salt works like a cleansing and healing agent. Just imagine what would happen if every one who names Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior started living like they knew Jesus. The very life we live would work like salt in an open wound, stinging, burning, and aggitating some people. For some reason many who profess Christ have come to the conclusion that fitting into the world is the way to bring them to Christ. I beg to differ from that. Living for Jesus as a holy, sold out vessel of Jesus will not win friends and influence people, but it will cause others to come under conviction, because they see Jesus in you. They may not like you, or the way you live, but they will be convicted of their sin, and by the power of the Spirit of God, and God’s drawing them, they will be saved. That is the healing the world needs. The salt needs to work in us for healing before we can expect it to work in the world.

The final thing I want us to consider about salt is that it melts ice. Think of the flavoring, seasoning, preserving, thirst causing, healing affect of salt, then add to that;  it melts the cold frozen ice of hardened hearts.

Let’s be the salt which Jesus Himself has ordained that we be. Let’s not become the unsavory salt that becomes trampled under foot of men becoming of no use, but that of a path to walk on. That is not the best use of salt. Make the best use of your salt.

Will be continued…

Salt of the Earth?????

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Matthew 5:13-16 continuing…

So far in looking at the Sermon On the Mount we have looked only at the “Beatitudes”, and concerning our attitudes. Happiness in Christ is possible as we yield our all and all to Him. I have called these “Beatitudes” “A DISTINCTIVE SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE”, because attitudes are important. “Attitude” meaning ‘the position of something in relation to something else’, and in the case of the Beatitudes would be the position of our attitude in relation to “poverty”; in relation to “mourning”; in relation to “meekness”; etc… Our attitude should be that that will bring glory to our Savior and His Father.

These distinctive spiritual attitudes will then lead us to “A DECISIVE SPIRITUAL ACTION”. What is the work of the Christian? How are we to live? We just learned in the previous studies that we are to be HAPPY, ie. fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Will our attitude determine our action, or at least have an impact on our actions? I certainly believe so.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matthew 5:13 (KJV).

Does one’s attitude have any affect on their actions or behavior? I would think that there are many lives that bear witness to the truth of the statement, “Yes one’s attitude has an affect on their actions and/or behavior”. I know of myself, if I have a bad attitude about something my actions or/and behavior is usually bad. Several years ago I was going to our Associational Children’s Camp at Baptist Hill. I was going so that I could help in the kitchen. That is what I was told they needed me for, and that is what I went for. I had a good attitude about that. However, when we arrived at the Hill, they were short of Counselors; and the counselors had to sleep with the children, play with the children, teach the children, keep the children under control. They then told me they had plenty of kitchen help, “Would you mind being a counselor?” I was there. I was handy. I was sure disappointed.

Please do not misunderstand me. I had purposely gone at other times to be a counselor for children, for a total of about 10 years, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and one year had the privelege of leading about five boys in my room to faith in Jesus. When they asked, I said, “Okay. I will”, but I said it with a whole lot of reservations. None named; only in my attitude. I want you to know, that, I had a long miserable week; and I probably made the boys lives miserable too.

That attitude affected my being salt to those boys. It affected my bright and shining, smiling personality :). I am dreadfully afraid that my salt that week was trampled under foot and some of those boys went home, never to return to any camp again.

Along toward the end of the week I did realize how I had been. I asked God’s forgiveness and I began to have the right attitude, but I still fear that those first two days were torture to some at camp.

A few years later, I volunteered to go back to camp as a counselor. I had the right attitude. I had the love for those boys that I should have had. I enjoyed telling them about Jesus. The week went by so swiftly, it was as though I had never left home. I learned a lot about attitude and behavior or actions that one long week. I am still learning, however.

Worshippers of the LORD God

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Genesis 4:1-26 conclusion…

“And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD” Genesis 4:25-26 (KJV).

I do not know about you, but I am sure thankful for these final two verses of chapter four. Without them there would be no need to continue. The LORD God blessed Eve with another son. Seth, ‘The appointed’, the substitute who takes the place of Abel.

Since the Cainites (which must include the majority of all the other sons and daughters of Adam and Eve) are in gross rebellion against the LORD God He raises up a new line who will offer Him true worship. The Cainites gradually wander away while the Sethites begin to establish worship to the LORD God once again.

Keep your heart and mind right with God. Follow the path of Seth whose heart was for the worship of the LORD. Through Seth the lineage continues. Through you and your faith the lineage of Jesus continues today. It continues by sharing with others the glorious Gospel message that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

A Tribute to Jerry Falwell

/ Tim A. / 5 Comments

The man who has been heard and hated around the world.  He has impacted the lives of everyone in the United States of America.  Some see the impact as being good and others not so good.  To me Jerry Falwell was a heroic man of faith.

The faith of Jesus Christ was never shunned by Dr. Falwell.  He never stuttered when it came to presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When he spoke you knew what he was saying.  He would not anyone to worship him, for he preached that we should worship Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.

I only had one opportunity to hear him preach in person, and that was at a Bible conference in Arnold, Missouri.  First Baptist Church of Arnold had an annual Bible/Evangelism Conference sponsored by Bailey Smith’s evangelistic organization and the church there.  It was a blessing to hear him speak in person.  I enjoyed many of his messages as he proclaimed them on the Old Time Gospel Hour as well.

Let’s be sure we pray for his family – his wife, and their children.  The sons will have their hands full taking on all the responsibilities that are at hand.

You may disagree with me about Jerry Falwell, but I believe all would agree, that he always believed in whom he preached.

The Way of Cain

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Genesis 4:1-26 continued…

“And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah. And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold” Genesis 4:17-24 (KJV).

Now, who would be Cain’s wife? Is there another race of people out there? Was there another Adam and Eve, maybe with different names, and Cain and all Adam’s sons married into those families? Cain married a wayward sister is the only probable answer. The reason I say “Wayward” is because she would of had to have hated God too in order to wed Cain. Unless, she would have been like so many “Christian” girls today who think they can marry a lost man and with prayer and living right before him win him to Christ. Most times girls; that just does not happen. Be warned to do so puts you on the wrong side of God, and if He chooses to save that lost man of yours, it is solely His doing not yours.

Adam and Eve have had many other sons and daughters by this time (See chapter 3:20 and 5:4). We must remember that the human race was purer genetically at that time, than what it is now, and it was God’s way of propagating humanity. It was not till the time of Moses that the practice of marrying one’s sister was forbidden.

There are amazing similarities and contrasts between the lineage of Cain and Seth – Cain’s genealogy is seen in the above verses 17-24; and Seth’s we find in chapter 5:1-32 – NOTE THESE SIMILARITIES:

  • Each had a son named Enoch;
  • Each had a son named Lamech;
  • Each had a son named Methusael or Methuselah.

The devil has always been a good counterfieter. He often mocks what ever God does. Unlike in Seth’s genealogy Cain’s offers no hope only wrath and condemnation, because they are away from the presence of the Lord.

Although Cain builds a city, it is a perilous place. They have agriculture, arts, industry, but they also have religion without God. Are there any Cainites today? In like faith and practice there are more of these than of the godly.

Cain’s city was destroyed. No Cainites survived the flood which came years later. Just as surely as the Cainite civilization was destroyed so too will be the godless civilizations of our day.

Cain’s Lamech was a proud and arrogant defier of marriage, and bragged of killing a man. “Lamech was the seventh from Adam on Cain’s side and displeased God; while Enoch was the seventh from Adam on Seth’s side (5:21-27) and walked with God and pleased God (Heb. 11:5).” WARREN WIERSBE. NOTE: Tubal-cain was a metal worker. He probably made weapons of warfare. It is possible that Lamech took one of these weapons, killed a man, then boasted of his power, and the need of God for his protection, no longer. If so, this would be one of the worst expressions of pride and arrogant defiance and warfare in Scripture. It is the first.

In giving this genealogy and the Seth lineage following it maybe that God, inspiring the writing of scripture, gives us the contrast between the good and the evil. This lineage which we have just looked at has separated themselves from God, His presence, and will for their lives, and went after their own will. O, what a dreadful path they tread. O, what a dreadful, wicked, life and death. The best way will be shown us, and it is God’s presence, God’s sacrifice, God’s way.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

I want everyone who visits Fire and Hammer to know how much I appreciate your visits, and thank you for the comments you leave.

However, today I want to especially show appreciation to all those mothers who visit here.  You are a blessing to your family.  You are especially a blessing to your children.  Love them and cherish them, give them to the Lord, and you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

God bless you all this Mother’s Day.

Their’s Is the Kingdom

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Matthew 5:1-12 conclusion…

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV).

These two have the tendency and practicality of standing together, so I will include them together. What is your position in relation to persecution? If you are a normal, red blooded American, then you probably don’t like it, won’t tolerate it, and would despise wherever it came from. Nobody likes persecution, and most people would seek means of staying away from it. There are however, reasons to stand your ground, and face the trials of persecution. The best reason of all is for the person of Jesus Christ. When you are living by faith in Christ you will suffer persecution; “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV).

Anyone who has heard of “The Voice of the Martyrs” knows that there are many cases of persecution going on in the world today. There are many instances of Christians suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Many of them have turned from Islam to face angry parents, employers, city leaders, and supposed defenders of peace and placed on trial, rejected by their families, fired from their jobs, and treated ruthlessly by the police. Let me be clear that it is not only Islam which persecutes those who turn to Christ. It is also Hindus, and various other religions of men. Stand firm in the faith; stand firm.

The “Blessed(s)” in these two statements are not just toward anyone who stands firm in what they believe. The object of their belief is of utmost importance. If one is to receive these “Blessed”, then it will be because of their stand for “Righteousness” and that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness – simply put; means being right with God. No one – man, woman, boy or girl; and no matter what the color of their skin – is right with God except through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If you are being persecuted because of your faith in Jesus, then, be assured that there will be a day of reward in Heaven. You are in good company. They also persecuted the prophets. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit; he was beaten and mocked by his own people. It is said by tradition that it was Isaiah the prophet who is mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews as being “Sawn asunder”, and some say it was while he was stuffed into a hollowed out tree. When it comes to Jesus Christ; in Him alone you have reason to “Rejoice and be exceeding glad”, but also in knowing that you are in a great company of others who suffered for righteousness sake through Jesus.

After looking at these “Beatitudes” can you see that this is not a thing attainable by human desire? There is deffinitely fulfillment in the lives of those who live the life of the “Beatitudes”, but it is only possible by grace through faith in Jesus.

Out of the Presence

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” Genesis 4:13-16 (KJV).

Some things to note concerning the curse of Cain:

  • He is marked by God;
  • He becomes a fugitive;
  • He is out of God’s presence – this does not, however, mean that God does not know what Cain is doing – Cain cannot come into God’s favor;
  • He can no longer harvest food from the ground – anything he would sow would not serve any purpose. It would amount to nothing.

It seems that Cain was more overwhelmed by the loss of his crops, than he was not being in God’s presence any longer. First John 2:15 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him”, he is therefore “out from the presence of God”. What a sad estate for a man, woman, boy or girl to find themselves. To become so hung up on the world and its “Pleasures” to forget about God and be “Out of the presence of the LORD”.

You will notice that it was Cain who went out from the presence of the LORD. When we find ourselves out of God’s presence it is not because He has moved; but we have. All it takes to get back into His presence is to go back to where we got out. Not necessarily a place, but an heart attitude.

Your Brother’s Blood

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

 Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth” Genesis 4:8-12 (KJV).

It would be great if we knew what Cain talked about with Abel, but we do not. It almost seems that by his talking he lures Abel out into the field. Cain is identified in 1 John 3:12 as a child of the devil and the devil is a liar – “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous” 1 John 3:11-12 (KJV); he is also a thief and a murderer. Jude 11 says, “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core” (KJV). There is almost no doubt that Cain murdered Abel in premeditation – meaning he had planned it, then, attempted to cover it.

The question asked Cain by God is similar to the one He asked Adam. We have a distinct picture of being given personal responsibilities. God is concerned that we care for our spiritual, personal relation to Him, and that we have concern for our fellow man.

“Am I by brother’s keeper?” was Cain’s denial to God that he had done anything, or knew anything about Abel. I guess Cain did not hear it. The blood of Abel was crying out. God already knew Abel was dead the ground was weeping for the blood shed of Abel. The blood is the life of the flesh (Lev. 17:11). It was Abel’s blood, his life, his testimony that cried out to God. When an innocent life is taken the murderer may escape the justice systems of man, but none can escape God’s justice, because “The blood is the life of the flesh.” God knows every drop of blood – especially the blood of man that is shed.

Because of the murder Cain is cursed by God. He will no longer be able to reap a crop. God seems to be saying, “I will not give you any increase”, as a matter of fact; that is what He is saying to Cain. He is to be a wanderer, having no roots, no basic area of his own. He is a fugitive from God.

The death penalty is given later on by God, for human government to carry out upon murderers. It could be asked, ‘Why didn’t God take Cain’s life?’ We cannot be certain. It could be because there had been no law given concerning the taking of human life. However, his continuing to live may be a reminder to us of God’s grace and mercy. The type of life Cain lived also reminds us of God’s judgment upon sin.

A Saturday in May

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

I believe it has been some time since I posted anything on Fire and Hammer on a Saturday, and this will not be a very lengthy one.

Just wanted everyone to know that my wife and I are grandparents once again.  Our son Philip and his wife Sarah J., on Friday May 4, 2007 gave birth to Natalie Joyce.  She weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces, and is 21 and one quarter inches in length.

There is a possibility that I will not have a post here on Monday 7th of  May as I usually do.  If I do it will be posted much later in the day than usual. 

If you come here and I have no new post then feel free to click on any one of the links which are listed here, and I am sure you will be blessed, or informed, and possibly both.

God bless you all, and have a great weekend.

Children of God

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“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9 (KJV).

Many use this Beatitude to lavish praises on those who work for world peace, or peace from a certain war going on at that given time. Let’s think again of ‘Attitude’ – ‘the position of something in relation to something else’.

John MacArthur writes concerning this verse in THE MACARTHUR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY on Matthew Vol. I, pg. 211; “The essential fact to comprehend is that the peace about which Jesus speaks is more than the absence of conflict and strife; it is the presence of righteousness”. It seems that a very deffinite verse of Scripture could be Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Peace in the world would be a wonderful thing. Peace with God is an even greater thing. As long as men are at war with God; not believing Him or in Him; not believing His Word; not trusting in His truths; there will never be peace with God. No peace with God. No peace with men; and to complete a phrase I have seen; Know peace with God. Know peace with men. “Men can stop fighting without righteousness, but they cannot live peaceably without righteousness” IBID. Having peace with God makes one righteous. Some where, some time in days to come there will be peace on earth. That will be when Jesus Christ the King of all kings sets up His kingdom on earth.

How do we help people have peace with God? By taking the Word of truth to them. Preaching God’s love through the cross of Jesus Christ. Letting the Holy Spirit take the Word and convict of sin and convince them that Jesus is the Christ; the Son of God who died for our sins, was buried and He rose again, and ever lives to intercede for us.

Though it is the Spirit of God who uses us to lead a soul to peace with God we have this verse in Proverbs 11:30; “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise”. Those are the “Peacemakers” who shall be called ‘the children of God’. When your position with God is right; you will have peace with God, and you too will be a “Peacemaker”.

The Holy Threat of God

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Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” Genesis 4:6-7 (KJV).

When God is approached by us, and we attempt to worship Him our own way it soon becomes evident. Cain certainly was not pleased that God had rejected his offering. Had Cain been ignorant of the form required, or the attitude of his heart, yet been willing to learn and yield he would have submitted to God’s correction. He would have confessed his sin, repented, and maintained fellowship with God, and his brother Abel.

Cain may have been somewhat concerned of his rights as the elder brother (NOTE v. 7b). God reasons with Cain, and warns him of the “lion” of sin which lies at the door waiting to pounce on and devour him (1 Peter 5:8). Sin, thus, enslaved Cain because he refused to heed God’s warning. The holy threat of God must needs be carried out to the finishing of sin.