Day: September 22, 2015

Author Interview: Robert Hefner, Author of “The Filling”

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

I want to share this from an online friend, and pastor who has interviewed the author of the book mentioned; “The Filling”. Hope you will read this, and maybe purchase the book too, at the link provided.

Nephos

It is not often that I encounter a book utilizing sound exegesis to explain an easily-misunderstood subject in a clear, concise manner.  The Filling: Answers from Ephesians on How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit is a welcome exception.  The author, Dr. Robert Hefner, is a long-time friend and graciously consented to discuss his new book.

1robertIf you would, Robert, begin by sharing a bit about yourself.

My name is Robert Hefner.  I am 35 years old.  I have been married since June 21, 2003, to Diana, and we have one child, Joseph, who is 5.  I have been in full-time ministry as an assistant pastor at Mud Creek Baptist Church since the summer of 2003 as well. My primary ministry responsibilities include adult education and pastoral research, but like any pastor, I have a number of other regular and irregular ministry duties.  I have been teaching theology at Fruitland Baptist…

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The Land is GOD’S to Give as He Pleases

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“God hath spoken in His holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the strength of Mine head; Judah is My lawgiver; Moab is My washpot; over Edom will I cast out My shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of Me.” Psalm 60:6-8 (KJV)

One of the things people and nations need to understand is that God is the owner of all lands, and distributes those lands as He sees fit.

The land of Canaan was promised to Abraham, and His children through Isaac the promised son. He gave the land of Canaan plus land on the east side of Jordan to the people of promise.

Down through the ages there is still contention over that land. It is simply because the people will not submit to God’s ownership and division of that land. If the people would submit to God’s ownership, division of that land, and realize we are all only stewards of where we dwell; then there could be peace.

The Psalmist speaking the words of God notes this division. Shechem and Succoth are land on the east side of Jordan, and were given to two and one half tribes of Israel, because of their request for it (Numbers 32:1-5). Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah are God’s people. God says, “Gilead is Mine.” He also says, “Manasseh is Mine”; and “Ephraim is the helmet for My head” (NKJV), and “Judah is My lawgiver”.

To think about “Moab is My washpot” we are the surrounding enemy nations; along with Edom, and Philistia. We might consider Moab as the “washpot” in that when Israel strayed God uses them to discipline, chastise Israel for their waywardness.

Do we as Christians today understand that all God has given in our hand, under our feet, even on our back are His; and we are uniquely His stewards to care, and work it for His glory? The land is His and everything on it.

When we know God through His Son Jesus Christ we will understand this and will direct our lives accordingly. We will love the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We will love the Word of God, we will hear it and do what He says. When we fail, or fall we will trust Him to pick us back up; and we will continue on the path of holiness.